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Taxpayer Update: 30,000 now Cap Rates Now đ | Nicola Willis *grows* the public service đ | StatsNZ take âswagâ to the next level đŚšââď¸
| From | Tory Relf <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Taxpayer Update: 30,000 now Cap Rates Now đ | Nicola Willis *grows* the public service đ | StatsNZ take âswagâ to the next level đŚšââď¸ |
| Date | August 4, 2025 9:37 PM |
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Hi Friend,
Good morning! Some good news:Â our Cap Rates now petition has hit 30,000 signatures! Massive thanks to everyone who has supported this campaign.
Also this week, DIA can't keep track of its results (what else is new?), StatsNZ accidentally built a reward scheme for being difficult, and some changes at the top here at the Taxpayers' Union (hint: a former LabourMinister of Revenue joins our board...).
30,000 sign up to Cap Rates Now campaign đ
In just five weeks, we went from launching the campaign at Fieldays to having Simon Watts, Minister for Local Government, standing on a ute outside the LGNZ conference promising to have rates caps in place by Christmas.
If that doesnât show you the power of your support, I donât know what will. Thank you.
But the job isnât done yet. We must keep the pressure on Watts and co to stick to their word.
Friend, we've won the politics, but now have to win the policy â on these things, the devil is always in the details.
Next step is to show that our campaign has backing and down the country: If you live on a busy road, get your banner here and let's ensure the politicians get the message loud and clear for the local body elections <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
And if you missed out on one of our snazzy "Cap Rates Now" trucker caps at Fieldays â get yours now! <[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
WTF?! Nicola Willis delivers... more bureaucrats đ
The National Party talks a lot about 'delivering' for New Zealanders. And Nicola Willis is doing so. But not the value for money promised, apparently.Â
New numbers quietly released by the Public Service Commission last week show public service numbers are STILL higher than at the 2023 election.
Job losses in Wellington? Yeah, Right! đŤ¨
There have been piddly little announcements from various departments about so-called âcutsâ (Friend, thatâs usually just code for not hiring replacement staff).
From the 'I thought we voted Labour out' file comes the news that, despite being tasked with âgoing for growthâ, so far the only thing Nicola Willis has managed to grow is the size of the public service.
Quite literally, there are more bureaucrats currently employed in Wellington than when National took office 18 months ago.
You can read the (very small) amount of media coverage on the issue here. [need link!!!]
With a structural deficit still baked into the Governmentâs books, taxpayers canât afford a bloated bureaucracy and empty promises.
And with the official New Zealand Government Debt Clock ticking faster and faster steadily towards $300 billion <[link removed]> (thatâs more than $137,500 per household), we simply cannot keep going like this. Tick, tock, Mrs Willis...
StatsNZ rewards non-compliance with goody bags đ
Have you ever been a good, community-minded citizen and complied immediately with StatsNZâs requests for information? Well, legally you have to.
Having to occasionally answer petty questions from a stats agency is a bit like jury service, or the legal requirement to enrol to vote. A pain, but part the parcel of being a citizen.
But, it turns out you may be better off ignoring Stats NZ's requests â at least for the first couple of goes.
The Taxpayersâ Union has revealed that StatsNZ are spending hundreds of thousands on 'gifts' and a reward scheme for those who break the law and don't complete Stats questionnaire, such as the household economic surveys <[link removed]>.
Friend, if you had needed a little tempting into responding, you could have been in with a chance of receiving as part of the $338,000 spent in the last three years:
- 7,149 gift cards (worth $20 each, for a total of $143,000)
- 5,179 coffee mug packs (totalling $52,261)
- Or notepads, pens, or fridge magnets, adding up to $93,533
This isnât Stats NZâs first time playing Santa with taxpayer money. Remember the Warriors tickets, fuel vouchers, and food cards in the line-up for the 2023 census? <[link removed]> Seems Stats NZ officials like to reward un-civic behaviour rather than ensure the law is complied with.
Millions Spent, Zero Proof: The Campaign That Could Be Anything đł
Our investigations team have also revealed that the Department of Internal Affairsâ Keep It Real Online campaign has cost taxpayers more than $4.3 million since 2020 <[link removed]>.
But thatâs not all, Friend. Because do you know what they admitted to?
They have no idea of the impact of the campaign.
Yes. More than four million dollars, and no measurable outcomes were even assessed.
Weâre told the ads reached âtwo-thirds of parentsâ, but reach means nothing without results.
Here at the Taxpayers' Union, we say Government advertising campaigns need to have a clearly defined objective, targets and measurable outcomes before launch (and millions spent).
But yet again, officials are ok with vague 'vibes' and video views.Â
When departments have millions for ad men, but canât show results, maybe Ministers should be taking the hint that too much money is sloshing around public sector budgets...
Wellington Ratepayersâ Alliance goes live đş
Our friends and colleagues at the Wellington Ratepayersâ Alliance are out the door with their first appearance on live TVđ
James talked earthquake strengthening (clearly his Mastermind specialist subject, call me impressed) and council mismanagement (also his expertise!).
If youâre a Wellington local, head over to Wellington Ratepayersâ Alliance to join the movement fighting to improve Wellington's local councils <[link removed]>. [needs to be single click sign up!]
Wellington cannot afford a second Tory Whanau or a Campbell Barry lookalike.
Gen Screwed goes wild (for democracy) đŻđłď¸
Speaking of Wellington local government, the Taxpayers' Union's on-campus wing, Generation Screwed are kicking off Wellington's mayoral debate series this Wednesday.
This Wednesday, Generation Screwed is throwing down with a mayoral debate at Vic Uniâs Pipitea campus, just a stoneâs throw from the Beehive.
Alex Barker, Ray Chung, Andrew Little and the other contenders will be taking the stage. Weâre putting real questions to real candidates, no spin, no fluff.
You donât need to be a student to attend, just sign up here to grab a seat. <[link removed]> Show up, speak up, and back the next generation of Taxpayersâ Union supporters.
Medical doctor and former Labour Party Cabinet Minister, join the Union đ
Former Minister of Revenue Stuart Nash and breast surgeon-turned property developer Dr John Harman have joined the Board of the Taxpayers' Union.
With increased polarisation in politics (which makes the job of the Taxpayers' Union much harder!) and the matters of politicisation of the IRD - Stu brings a valuable perspective to the team. Despite his Labour Party background, Stu was an early supporter of the Taxpayers' Union, writing a foreword to our first of many reports on corporate welfare under the John Key Government back in 2014. <[link removed]>
Surgeon John Harman is best known for performing the first breast reconstruction surgery in New Zealand and setting up the country's first breast clinic. In more recent years, he has been a business leader and healthcare expert, and owns one of the major New Zealand residential solar companies.
You can read our Chair, Hon Ruth Richardson's comments to the media about the appointments here. <[link removed]>
As ever, thanks for your support Friend,
<[link removed]>
Have a great week.
Tory Relf
New Zealand Taxpayersâ Union
Ps. The Cap Rates Now campaign is the first full campaign Iâve been involved in since I started at the Taxpayersâ Union just after Easter. I can hardly believe how impactful itâs been â except I can, because we have supporters like you. Thanks to you, we can continue to keep the governmentâs feet to the fire and get this legislation over the line. <[link removed]> Thank you.
Pps. Keep an eye on your inbox towards the end of this week. Poll incoming... đŹ
In the Media:
Bassett, Brash & HideGRAHAM ADAMS: Peters and Seymour tussle over âMaorificationâ <[link removed]>
Greymouth Star Westland rates rise fourth highest in benchmarking release
KiwiBlogFormer Labour Minister joins Taxpayersâ Union Board <[link removed]>
Northern Advocate NZ, Argentina take different economic paths
Gisbourne Herald Call to pull NZ out of Paris accord
RNZLocal body elections with Jonathan Milne <[link removed]>
1NewsTransit ticketing project review: Wide-ranging recommendations <[link removed]>
Otago Daily TimesReining in rates <[link removed]>
Greymouth Star Two Mayoral Fights
Whakatane Beacon A mature conversation about unaffordable rates
RNZThe Pre-Panel for 31 July 2025 <[link removed]>
One News Breakfast Bill for Wellington earthquake-prone building
StuffLuxon pooh-poohed them but âfancy toiletsâ game-changing for disabled New Zealanders <[link removed]>
Greymouth Star DOC called to abandon parking trial
Newstalk ZBHeather du Plessis-Allan Drive: Full Show Podcast 30 July 2025 <[link removed]>
StuffFormer Labour Minister joins Taxpayersâ Union lobby group <[link removed]>
NZ HeraldTreasury releases minutes of meeting Adrian Orr had with Nicola Willis before he resigned as Reserve Bank governor <[link removed]>
The PlatformCraig Stobo On Electricity Markets, Power Prices, Rates Capping <[link removed]>
NZ HeraldLuxon vs Milei: Contrasting economic reforms in NZ and Argentina - Richard Prebble <[link removed]>
Newstalk ZBThe Huddle: Do pharmacies need more regulations in place? <[link removed]>
The PlatformThe Integrity Institute On Lobbying, And Why They Are Wrong <[link removed]>
The SpinoffWindbag: Why the Taxpayersâ Union endorsed this Green Party policy <[link removed]>
The PostRating change could give city a boost <[link removed]>
RNZPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Ben Thomas <[link removed]>
RNZ Around the motu: Tim Brown in Christchurch
PolitikDirty politics and the Integrity Institute and the media <[link removed]>
New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc. ¡ 117 Lambton Quay, Level 4, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
This email was sent to [email protected]. To change your email preferences, click here <[link removed]>.
Authorised by the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union, Level 4, 117 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011.
Hi Friend,
Good morning! Some good news:Â our Cap Rates now petition has hit 30,000 signatures! Massive thanks to everyone who has supported this campaign.
Also this week, DIA can't keep track of its results (what else is new?), StatsNZ accidentally built a reward scheme for being difficult, and some changes at the top here at the Taxpayers' Union (hint: a former LabourMinister of Revenue joins our board...).
30,000 sign up to Cap Rates Now campaign đ
In just five weeks, we went from launching the campaign at Fieldays to having Simon Watts, Minister for Local Government, standing on a ute outside the LGNZ conference promising to have rates caps in place by Christmas.
If that doesnât show you the power of your support, I donât know what will. Thank you.
But the job isnât done yet. We must keep the pressure on Watts and co to stick to their word.
Friend, we've won the politics, but now have to win the policy â on these things, the devil is always in the details.
Next step is to show that our campaign has backing and down the country: If you live on a busy road, get your banner here and let's ensure the politicians get the message loud and clear for the local body elections <[link removed]>.
<[link removed]>
And if you missed out on one of our snazzy "Cap Rates Now" trucker caps at Fieldays â get yours now! <[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
WTF?! Nicola Willis delivers... more bureaucrats đ
The National Party talks a lot about 'delivering' for New Zealanders. And Nicola Willis is doing so. But not the value for money promised, apparently.Â
New numbers quietly released by the Public Service Commission last week show public service numbers are STILL higher than at the 2023 election.
Job losses in Wellington? Yeah, Right! đŤ¨
There have been piddly little announcements from various departments about so-called âcutsâ (Friend, thatâs usually just code for not hiring replacement staff).
From the 'I thought we voted Labour out' file comes the news that, despite being tasked with âgoing for growthâ, so far the only thing Nicola Willis has managed to grow is the size of the public service.
Quite literally, there are more bureaucrats currently employed in Wellington than when National took office 18 months ago.
You can read the (very small) amount of media coverage on the issue here. [need link!!!]
With a structural deficit still baked into the Governmentâs books, taxpayers canât afford a bloated bureaucracy and empty promises.
And with the official New Zealand Government Debt Clock ticking faster and faster steadily towards $300 billion <[link removed]> (thatâs more than $137,500 per household), we simply cannot keep going like this. Tick, tock, Mrs Willis...
StatsNZ rewards non-compliance with goody bags đ
Have you ever been a good, community-minded citizen and complied immediately with StatsNZâs requests for information? Well, legally you have to.
Having to occasionally answer petty questions from a stats agency is a bit like jury service, or the legal requirement to enrol to vote. A pain, but part the parcel of being a citizen.
But, it turns out you may be better off ignoring Stats NZ's requests â at least for the first couple of goes.
The Taxpayersâ Union has revealed that StatsNZ are spending hundreds of thousands on 'gifts' and a reward scheme for those who break the law and don't complete Stats questionnaire, such as the household economic surveys <[link removed]>.
Friend, if you had needed a little tempting into responding, you could have been in with a chance of receiving as part of the $338,000 spent in the last three years:
- 7,149 gift cards (worth $20 each, for a total of $143,000)
- 5,179 coffee mug packs (totalling $52,261)
- Or notepads, pens, or fridge magnets, adding up to $93,533
This isnât Stats NZâs first time playing Santa with taxpayer money. Remember the Warriors tickets, fuel vouchers, and food cards in the line-up for the 2023 census? <[link removed]> Seems Stats NZ officials like to reward un-civic behaviour rather than ensure the law is complied with.
Millions Spent, Zero Proof: The Campaign That Could Be Anything đł
Our investigations team have also revealed that the Department of Internal Affairsâ Keep It Real Online campaign has cost taxpayers more than $4.3 million since 2020 <[link removed]>.
But thatâs not all, Friend. Because do you know what they admitted to?
They have no idea of the impact of the campaign.
Yes. More than four million dollars, and no measurable outcomes were even assessed.
Weâre told the ads reached âtwo-thirds of parentsâ, but reach means nothing without results.
Here at the Taxpayers' Union, we say Government advertising campaigns need to have a clearly defined objective, targets and measurable outcomes before launch (and millions spent).
But yet again, officials are ok with vague 'vibes' and video views.Â
When departments have millions for ad men, but canât show results, maybe Ministers should be taking the hint that too much money is sloshing around public sector budgets...
Wellington Ratepayersâ Alliance goes live đş
Our friends and colleagues at the Wellington Ratepayersâ Alliance are out the door with their first appearance on live TVđ
James talked earthquake strengthening (clearly his Mastermind specialist subject, call me impressed) and council mismanagement (also his expertise!).
If youâre a Wellington local, head over to Wellington Ratepayersâ Alliance to join the movement fighting to improve Wellington's local councils <[link removed]>. [needs to be single click sign up!]
Wellington cannot afford a second Tory Whanau or a Campbell Barry lookalike.
Gen Screwed goes wild (for democracy) đŻđłď¸
Speaking of Wellington local government, the Taxpayers' Union's on-campus wing, Generation Screwed are kicking off Wellington's mayoral debate series this Wednesday.
This Wednesday, Generation Screwed is throwing down with a mayoral debate at Vic Uniâs Pipitea campus, just a stoneâs throw from the Beehive.
Alex Barker, Ray Chung, Andrew Little and the other contenders will be taking the stage. Weâre putting real questions to real candidates, no spin, no fluff.
You donât need to be a student to attend, just sign up here to grab a seat. <[link removed]> Show up, speak up, and back the next generation of Taxpayersâ Union supporters.
Medical doctor and former Labour Party Cabinet Minister, join the Union đ
Former Minister of Revenue Stuart Nash and breast surgeon-turned property developer Dr John Harman have joined the Board of the Taxpayers' Union.
With increased polarisation in politics (which makes the job of the Taxpayers' Union much harder!) and the matters of politicisation of the IRD - Stu brings a valuable perspective to the team. Despite his Labour Party background, Stu was an early supporter of the Taxpayers' Union, writing a foreword to our first of many reports on corporate welfare under the John Key Government back in 2014. <[link removed]>
Surgeon John Harman is best known for performing the first breast reconstruction surgery in New Zealand and setting up the country's first breast clinic. In more recent years, he has been a business leader and healthcare expert, and owns one of the major New Zealand residential solar companies.
You can read our Chair, Hon Ruth Richardson's comments to the media about the appointments here. <[link removed]>
As ever, thanks for your support Friend,
<[link removed]>
Have a great week.
Tory Relf
New Zealand Taxpayersâ Union
Ps. The Cap Rates Now campaign is the first full campaign Iâve been involved in since I started at the Taxpayersâ Union just after Easter. I can hardly believe how impactful itâs been â except I can, because we have supporters like you. Thanks to you, we can continue to keep the governmentâs feet to the fire and get this legislation over the line. <[link removed]> Thank you.
Pps. Keep an eye on your inbox towards the end of this week. Poll incoming... đŹ
In the Media:
Bassett, Brash & HideGRAHAM ADAMS: Peters and Seymour tussle over âMaorificationâ <[link removed]>
Greymouth Star Westland rates rise fourth highest in benchmarking release
KiwiBlogFormer Labour Minister joins Taxpayersâ Union Board <[link removed]>
Northern Advocate NZ, Argentina take different economic paths
Gisbourne Herald Call to pull NZ out of Paris accord
RNZLocal body elections with Jonathan Milne <[link removed]>
1NewsTransit ticketing project review: Wide-ranging recommendations <[link removed]>
Otago Daily TimesReining in rates <[link removed]>
Greymouth Star Two Mayoral Fights
Whakatane Beacon A mature conversation about unaffordable rates
RNZThe Pre-Panel for 31 July 2025 <[link removed]>
One News Breakfast Bill for Wellington earthquake-prone building
StuffLuxon pooh-poohed them but âfancy toiletsâ game-changing for disabled New Zealanders <[link removed]>
Greymouth Star DOC called to abandon parking trial
Newstalk ZBHeather du Plessis-Allan Drive: Full Show Podcast 30 July 2025 <[link removed]>
StuffFormer Labour Minister joins Taxpayersâ Union lobby group <[link removed]>
NZ HeraldTreasury releases minutes of meeting Adrian Orr had with Nicola Willis before he resigned as Reserve Bank governor <[link removed]>
The PlatformCraig Stobo On Electricity Markets, Power Prices, Rates Capping <[link removed]>
NZ HeraldLuxon vs Milei: Contrasting economic reforms in NZ and Argentina - Richard Prebble <[link removed]>
Newstalk ZBThe Huddle: Do pharmacies need more regulations in place? <[link removed]>
The PlatformThe Integrity Institute On Lobbying, And Why They Are Wrong <[link removed]>
The SpinoffWindbag: Why the Taxpayersâ Union endorsed this Green Party policy <[link removed]>
The PostRating change could give city a boost <[link removed]>
RNZPolitical commentators Dale Husband and Ben Thomas <[link removed]>
RNZ Around the motu: Tim Brown in Christchurch
PolitikDirty politics and the Integrity Institute and the media <[link removed]>
New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc. ¡ 117 Lambton Quay, Level 4, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
This email was sent to [email protected]. To change your email preferences, click here <[link removed]>.
Authorised by the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union, Level 4, 117 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011.
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