Dear Friend,

Three years ago, I arrived at the Taxpayers' Union as a fresh-faced 20-year-old student intern. 

Today's my last day, and looking back, boy have I had some fun! Before I head off I am reaching out, Friend, to say thank you. 

I have been given a fantastic opportunity to step into the next stage of my career working in Parliament, but will never forget the experiences I gained from working at the Taxpayers' Union or the policy victories along the way – all made possible by you.  

As a student intern, my first full day at the Taxpayers' Union saw me heading to Auckland to participate in a 'fuel tax honesty day' where we literally refunded motorists' fuel tax – at the time fuel taxes were around 50 percent of the price of a tank of gas at the pump. 

The streets filled up with cars queuing, every major news outlet covered the story (even 1News and Radio NZ!) and, less than a month later, Jacinda Ardern cut fuel taxes. I couldn't believe it.

But it shows the power of an organisation like the Taxpayers' Union. With people-power and good old-fashioned grassroots campaigning, we can force taxpayer issues to the top of the agenda.

Since then, I worked my way up to eventually be leading our Wellington-based Campaigns team and have organised and campaigned on countless policies that further our shared mission of lower taxes, less waste and more accountability. 

I even managed to get on TV a couple of times! (I won't read too much into the fact that Newshub went under not long after putting me on screen 😉)

Of course along the way, the team and I have exposed countless examples of Government waste, topped off by co-hosting the annual Jonesies Waste Awards at Parliament.

And there was that time I got in trouble with the Speaker for (wait for it) being filmed building an art installation in the Beehive...

And that time I had a day off in Queenstown, but still managed to sneak a Stop 3 Waters sign up the luge just for the photo op 😂

Although, the best part of it all was heading all around the country on two roadshows, multiple 'debt clock' tours, Fieldays and other A&P shows meeting and speaking to our fantastic supporters.

So, thank you, Friend.

Most people complain about governments and bureaucrats for free. I got to make it a full time job. And for that I am very grateful.

It would also be remiss of me to not mention the great team we have at the Taxpayers' Union. Those who have left have gone on to do amazing things and I have no doubt in my mind that those who are picking up the reins will be relentless campaigners for hardworking taxpayers against an ever-growing tidal wave of activists calling for more tax and spending. 

Friend, the Taxpayers' Union has given this kid from Hawke's Bay the best possible start to his career. If you value the work we do, and want to help grow the next generation of political leaders, please consider supporting the work of the Taxpayers' Union with a monthly donation.

I look forward to following the work of the Taxpayers' Union to see what comes next.

Thanks again for the opportunity.

Connor Molloy Campaigns Manager (now former)  New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union

Ps. The Taxpayers' Union are recruiting! Do you know someone with a passion for holding the politicians and bureaucrats to account? Send them here (or here for student internships).