Dear Friend,

Ten years ago Jordan and I approached a group of likeminded New Zealanders to set up a Taxpayers’ Union.

Until then, while there were hundreds of groups constantly calling for more and more money for special interests, hand-outs, and favours from Government, there wasn’t a voice for taxpayers. Our message was simple: before politicians reach deeper and deeper into our pockets, how about they do a better job of not wasting our money?!

We never imagined that within ten years the Taxpayers’ Union would have the success or the popularity it has had to date. With hundreds of thousands of registered supporters – or, put another way, an email list representing 1 in 15 voters at the last election – we are now the largest per capita taxpayer group in the English-speaking.  Given the challenging media environment, COVID, and a budget only a fraction of the size of many of the groups we take on (which are often government funded!) our Union punches above its weight.

The success has been due to the support of New Zealanders like you. You enable there to be voice standing up to the special interests for more democratic accountability, less waste, and lower taxes.  Had it not been for the Taxpayers’ Union leading the opposition to Three Waters, I don’t believe New Zealanders would be having the debates – as hard as they are – on democracy and co-governance.

It is usual for the Taxpayers’ Union to be the David in our battles against Goliath. In hindsight, I don’t think we’d have it any other way.

If you are a parent, you know that one of the greatest joys of parenting is seeing your children grow up and become more independent and less reliant on you.

The Taxpayers’ Union has been my political baby, and I am so proud we now have a strong organisation with a great Board (who, like me, are all volunteers), passionate staff, and so many loyal supporters. 

But I also have two non-political babies (my two sons). They are six and three. Being a parent to young kids as well as running a market research company, publishing Kiwiblog, and being Treasurer of the Taxpayers’ Union has been challenging, to say the least. But with the Taxpayers’ Union in a strong position it is with a heavy heart I am writing to let you know that in prioritising time with family, I am stepping down as of today.

I am retiring from the Board, full with confidence that Taxpayers’ Union will continue to prosper as a strong voice for for common sense, democracy, and continue to hold every town hall and Government to account for their spending. I will, of course, remain an active supporter.

It’s now just 100 days until the election, and it is the most important I can remember in terms of what path New Zealand takes.  Even if we get a change of Government (and the poll of polls says it is very close and within the margin of error) New Zealand needs a strong Taxpayers’ Union to ensure there is a change of direction.  With a captured public service, media, and momentum against democratic accountability, local decision making, and (frankly) living within our means, a new Government whatever its makeup is going to need to be held to account by taxpayers.

Today I have set up a monthly donation to the Taxpayers’ Union.

I’ve witnessed Jordan and the team grow in both number and capability over the years. They live and breathe the organisation – the staff are phenomenally loyal – even though many of them do not necessarily share the politics of myself, Jordan, or the others on the Board.  

As my last official duty as Taxpayers’ Union Treasurer I’m asking you to join me as monthly donor – so Jordan, Callum, Connor, Sara and the Taxpayers’ Union team to carry on the important work – particularly in the vital months ahead.

But safe in knowing the organisation is well governed and firing on all cylinders, from me it’s a thank you for the support, and making everything the Taxpayers’ Union does possible.

David Farrar Treasurer / Co-founder New Zealand Taxpayers' Union