Dear Friend,

You’ve probably seen the full scale attack on Christopher Luxon this morning across print, billboards, and online media by the Council of Trade Unions (CTU). We understand an American-style, personal, TV attack ad is set to be launched tonight too.

This feels a lot like the dirty tactics of 2005

Friend, six weeks out from the 2005 election Don Brash looked set to become Prime Minister. But a similar union-led personal smear campaign scare campaign saw Helen Clark win. 

Back then, Labour and the unions even sent letters to Housing NZ tenants on National Party letterheads telling tenants that they’d be evicted if Don Brash became Prime Minister.

On Saturday, Helen Clark told the Labour faithful that they have won from behind before. It is clear that they are going to use the same smear tactics all over again.

Labour, Greens, and the Māori Party will stop at nothing to ensure there isn't a change of Government.

National has called out these dirty tricks for what they are. But incredibly, Chris Hipkins cited the Taxpayers’ Union (and held up some of our ads to the press pack) to justify the CTU’s ad hominem attacks!

Unlike this effort by Labour/the CTU, the Taxpayers’ Union campaigns on policy – not personal attacks.

Here's the front page of this morning's NZ Herald:

And here are the advertisements Chris Hipkins literally held up at his press conference trying to justify the CTU's attack ads. 

Our advertisement on Grant Robertson’s tax hikes:

And our advert on the Labour Government’s bills to introduce 'Central Planning Committees':

Or this Three Waters advert that Chris Hipkins described as is a ‘pretty nasty, despicable personal attack’ on Nanaia Mahuta:

Friend, we make no apology for working hard to hold Chris Hipkins and his Government to account. But we will continue to lead with policy, not ad hominem personal attacks.

And unlike the Labour Party affiliate unions, the Taxpayers’ Union does not work with the National Party (or any other party!) in planning our campaigns.

Chris Hipkins doesn't like you holding him to account

Friend, our national debt figures are alarming, the economy is tanking, our current account deficit has hit crisis levels, and our projected growth figures are literally the worst in the developed world. That's why the CTU/Labour are trying to distract voters.

Friend, now we have no option but to go toe-to-toe with Labour's well funded unions.

>> Stand up to Labour’s desperate negative and personal politics <<

With your help, we can hold Chris Hipkins to account on policy and his Government's actions –and not let them distract voters with personalised smear campaigns.

Unlike the CTU, our record speaks for itself. Under the National Key/English Government, we were just as principled in fighting for our mission. If the Government changes, you can count on us to hold a National/ACT Government to account just as vigorously. The CTU certainly can't say they hold Labour to account!

Our work is made possible by those like you who choose to support our campaigns – whereas the CTU is picking the pockets of union members who have to pay union dues but don't necessarily dislike Mr Luxon.

Unlike the CTU, the facts are on our side. We don’t need to, and won’t rely on, ad hominem attacks.

Click here to make a confidential donation.

I hope we can count on your support.

Jordan Williams Executive Director New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

P.S. Labour's mates are trying to distract from the real issue this election: Out-of-control spending, a cost-of-living crisis driven by rampant Government spending, and borrowing that robs the next generation. Will you chip-in to help us to ensure that New Zealanders aren't fooled by union advertising designed to distract voters with personal politics?