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As you'll see, it has been a busy week. We can't cover everything in this newsletter, but scroll to the bottom of this email to see all our recent media appearances.

Government adopts our idea for independent election policy costing agency

It's not often that we praise new spending initiatives, but this one's a goodie: the Government is setting up an independent watchdog that will cost political parties' election policies.

We've been pushing for this since 2014, ever since we launched our election "Bribe-o-meter" which tracks the cost of pre-election promises. Politicians are less likely to commit to wasteful spending when the effect on taxpayers is laid bare.

Crucially, unlike an earlier Green Party proposal, the unit will be housed outside of Treasury, as an independent Officer of Parliament, meaning it cannot be biased by the Government of the day.

In Parliament, Finance Minister Grant Robertson and his colleague Phil Twyford even highlighted our support for the policy.

Comrade Robertson did have fun though, calling us a "well-known bunch of socialists"!

Government rails against fuel prices; forgets to look in the mirror

It's no secret that petrol companies charge as much as they think they can get away with, but their margin is a tiny sliver compared to the Government's 47 percent tax take.

Jacinda Ardern's complaint that fuel companies are 'fleecing' motorists has rightly been met with ridicule. We think this meme sums up the situation:

Revealed: The flawed advice behind the "clean car" policy

Our economist, Joe Ascroft, this week submitted on our behalf against the Government's plan to introduce new standards for clean cars and tax 'inefficient' vehicles.

In the submission he uncovers serious flaws in Ministry of Transport advice used by the Government to justify the policy.

The most material flaw is that instead of using current fuel prices (in the modelling the main benefits of the electric car incentive scheme are the savings consumers get from not having to buy gasoline), the Ministry used forecast fuel prices from back in 2011 (fuel was expected to be much more expensive that what it actually is). We understand the difference would fundamentally change the resulting net effects of the policy.

Joe also found studies showing that people already take potential fuel savings into account when choosing their vehicles. In other words, if they're choosing to drive a less efficient vehicle, it's because they rationally decided that it's the best vehicle to suit their needs. The Ministry completely ignored this evidence.

"Low emissions" fund helps burn bunker oil

Continuing on the theme of dodgy green-transport policies: the Government has announced another round of corporate welfare handouts (totaling $4.5 million) for companies to buy electric vehicles and charging stations.

One example: Interislander received $65,000 to put electric vehicle chargers on its ferries – but where does the 'green' power come from? The ferry's bunker oil engine! It would be funny if it wasn't our taxpayer money.

Revealed: The cost of DHBs' botched prescriptions

The NZ Herald is reporting on our latest paper on healthcare productivity, which reveals that errors in the prescription or use of medication have cost taxpayers the equivalent of 10 flag referendums (or $150 per household) in just three years.

DHBs often escape scrutiny from politicians and the media, which is why our research team has been working hard to expose inefficiencies that are blowing out costs.

Taxpayer TV: Ratepayer-funded deals at Invercargill City Council

I'm not sure how to describe our latest episode of Taxpayer TV. Let's just say we give our interns creative freedom!

You can read more on our discoveries about Tim Shadbolt and his Council's spending here and here.

Art? Or a crime against ratepayers?

After Christchurch ratepayers forked out $90,000 for the terrifying statue named 'Quasi', it's now Wellington's turn. $74,000 has been spent installing the giant hand on the roof of the city gallery.

We've asked the Council for a breakdown of costs, but so far the response has been that we should 'talk to the hand'. Of course, our researchers will do more than just crossing their fingers.

"Ratepayer Protection Pledge" launched in Auckland

Finally this week, our sister group the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance has launched the “Ratepayer Protection Pledge”, which commits Mayoral and Council candidates to no more than 2% annual rate and tax hikes over the next Council term.

While countless special interest groups lobby candidates to make new spending commitments, the Pledge provides balance, ensuring candidates explain how their promises affect the ratepayers funding their salaries.

If you live in Auckland and don't already follow the Alliance, send a blank email to [email protected] and they'll pop you straight onto the list.