Taxpayer Talk
Taxpayer Talk is the voice for Kiwi taxpayers, advocating for lower taxes, less waste, and more accountability in government. The podcast is produced by the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc., an organization with over 200,000 subscribed members and supporters. Each episode discusses issues related to government spending and transparency in New Zealand.
Episodes
Taxpayer Talk: Craig Stobo on NZ First's Plans to Shake Up Banks, Supermarkets and Power
Should the Government buy back the BNZ, break up the supermarket giants, and overhaul New Zealand's electricity market? Former Financial Markets Authority chair and New Zealand First candidate Craig Stobo joins Peter Williams to put some of the party's biggest economic promises under the microscope.With decades of experience in financial markets, Stobo faces tough questions on whether Ne
Taxpayer Talk: Michael Laws on NZ First's Comeback and National's Election Troubles
Is National about to throw away the election? Former MP and New Zealand First candidate Michael Laws joins Peter Williams for a fiery discussion on why he believes National's refusal to embrace tactical voting could hand power to Labour and its allies.But there's plenty more on the table. From the case for buying back the BNZ and taking on Australia's banking giants to breaking up t
Taxpayer Talk: Andrew Bayly on Superannuation, Spending, and Life After Politics
As he prepares to leave Parliament after 12 years, former Minister Andrew Bayly joins Peter Williams for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of New Zealand’s finances, the future of superannuation, and the reforms he believes the Government still needs to tackle.From cutting government waste and tackling soaring debt costs to raising the retirement age and protecting KiwiSaver, Bayly isn&apos
Taxpayer Talk: Oliver Hartwich on Germany’s Political Meltdown and What NZ Can Learn
Germany’s politics are fracturing, its economy is stalling, and once-dominant parties are being squeezed by populist challengers on both the left and right.Jordan is joined by Oliver Hartwich from the New Zealand Initiative for a special look at what is going wrong in Germany, from the rise of the AfD and pro-Russian populism to migration, energy policy, debt, and the collapse of old political cer
Taxpayer Talk: “You’re not special!” - Simon Watts on the local government reforms failing ratepayers
Jordan Williams sits down with Simon Watts, Minister of Local Government, for a frank conversation on the Government’s local government reforms.From scrapping Three Waters and introducing rates caps to co-governance in water entities, councillor access to information, unelected committee members, and council amalgamations, this episode puts the Minister under pressure on whether National has reall
Taxpayer Talk: Grover Norquist on No New Taxes and holding politicians to it
This week, Jordan is joined by Grover Norquist, founder of Americans for Tax Reform and the man behind the original Taxpayer Protection Pledge, to talk about how a simple promise not to raise taxes became one of the most powerful forces in American conservative politics.With both National and ACT campaigning on no new taxes, Grover explains how voters can turn a slogan into a commitment politician
Taxpayer Talk: Jordan Williams and Oliver Hartwich on MMP Gaming and Overhang Chaos
Te Pāti Māori’s call for supporters to split their votes has put one of MMP’s strangest quirks back in the spotlight: overhang seats, strategic voting, and whether parties can game the system to change who forms the next government.Jordan Williams is joined by Oliver Hartwich from the New Zealand Initiative to unpack what it all means, why the strategy could backfire, and whether New Zealand’s ele
Taxpayer Talk: Paul Henry on ACT, Tax Cuts, and Taking an Axe to Wellington
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by broadcaster-turned-ACT candidate Paul Henry for a lively, wide-ranging conversation on the campaign, the state of the centre-right, and why he thinks this election is too important to sit out.From ACT’s push for smaller government and lower taxes to superannuation reform, Treaty politics, immigration, and the future of taxpayer-funded m
Taxpayer Talk: Simon Court on the RMA shakedown holding New Zealand hostage
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by ACT’s infrastructure and resource management spokesman Simon Court to take aim at the planning rules he says are stopping New Zealand from building the homes, roads, ports, quarries, power lines, and infrastructure we desperately need.From eye-watering consent costs and “cultural shakedowns” to lizard surveys, gold-plated planning rules
Taxpayer Talk: Deputy PM David Seymour on woke regulators, KiwiSaver, and ACT’s election fight
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by ACT Leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour for a wide-ranging pre-election interview on coalition tensions, regulatory overreach, free speech, KiwiSaver, Treaty politics, and ACT’s record in Government.From “political neutrality” rules for regulators and the Ministry of Regulation’s war on red tape, to compulsory savings, bond m
Taxpayer Talk: Jordan Williams and economist Cam Bagrie on Budget 2026
Jordan is fresh out of the Budget 2026 lockup and joined by economist Cam Bagrie to unpack whether the Government’s numbers really stack up.They warn the Budget is heavy on promises, light on proof, and may rely too much on inflation, backloaded savings, and heroic assumptions to get back to surplus. From rising borrowing costs and “promise-enomics” to the demographic time bomb of superannuation a
Taxpayer Talk: Nick Clark and Jordan Williams on why council amalgamation could make town halls even worse
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by Nick Clark from the New Zealand Initiative and Jordan Williams (Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director) to break down the Government’s plan to slash New Zealand’s 78 local authorities down to as few as 15.They explain why bigger councils do not necessarily mean lower rates, better services, or fewer bureaucrats — and why amalgamation could
Taxpayer Talk: Ruth Richardson on New Zealand’s fiscal reckoning
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by former Finance Minister and Taxpayers’ Union Chair Ruth Richardson for a no-holds-barred warning about New Zealand’s worsening fiscal mess.From exploding debt and runaway interest costs to bloated bureaucracy, superannuation reform, and a Government that still hasn’t found its “brave pills”, Ruth lays out why the country may be sleepwal
Taxpayer Talk: Professor Elizabeth Rata on the decline of education in New Zealand
Why did New Zealand’s education system "turn to custard" in 1971? In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, host Peter Williams sits down with Professor Elizabeth Rata to explore how the nation moved from a world-class, knowledge-rich curriculum to one dominated by "social constructivism" and "learnification”.Elizabeth also lifts the lid on how the rejection of liberalism and nati
Taxpayer Talk: Oliver Hartwich on restoring democratic control of the Public Service
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, to discuss why he believes the country’s public service is "fundamentally broken" and incompatible with implementing good policy.Oliver explains how the 1988 reforms inadvertently created a state where department heads are more beholden to the Public Service
Taxpayer Talk: Marian Tupy on why the world Is better than you think
What if the world is actually getting better — and we just can't see it? In this episode, host Jordan Williams sits down with Marian Tupy, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and founder of HumanProgress.org, to challenge the doom and gloom dominating today's headlines. Drawing on his books Super Abundance and 10 Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know, Tupy makes a data-driven case
Taxpayer Talk: David Farrar on the methodology and influence of political polling
Our latest Taxpayers’ Union–Curia poll sent Wellington into a frenzy at the beginning of March. But in this week’s Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Curia founder - and Taxpayers’ Union co-founder - David Farrar to separate the signal from the spin.Are polls actually driving political decisions, or just measuring them? And why do politicians pay attention, even when they ignore the resu
Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on selling public assets to build better infrastructure
The New Zealand Initiative Chair Roger Partridge joins Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams to discuss a new report arguing New Zealand could unlock more than $24 billion for essential infrastructure by recycling mature Crown-owned commercial assets.Roger explains how redirecting capital tied up in government-owned companies such as Air New Zealand, Kiwibank and the mixed ownership electricity genera
Taxpayer Talk: Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper on the Flawed Replacements of the Resource Management Act
Federated Farmers National Board member Mark Hooper joins Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams to critique the government’s "deeply flawed" replacement of the Resource Management Act with the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill.Mark walks Peter through why the new framework fails to deliver a faster, cheaper, better system, arguing that a predicted 46% reduction in consents is in
Taxpayer Talk: The Colourful Life of Cartoonist Garrick Tremain
In November 2025, Garrick Tremain joined Peter Williams to discuss his colourful life as one of New Zealand’s finest and most influential political cartoonists of the contemporary eraSupport the show
Taxpayer Talk: David Cohen, author of Jacinda: The Untold Story
Author David Cohen joins Jordan Williams for a no-holds-barred chat about his new book, Jacinda: The Untold Story. Billed as a refreshingly un-mushy take on Jacinda Ardern’s premiership, David drew on hundreds of interviews to cut through the PR gloss and media fawning. His verdict? Ardern was a talented brand manager, powered by what he calls a “missionary zeal” — but that communications-first st
Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system
Entrepreneur and Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton joins Taxpayer Talk to discuss his extensive academic career, including his 11 degrees, and to offer a strong policy critique advocating for replacing the NCEA high school qualification with a more rigorous, globally standardized system.Support the show
Taxpayer Talk: Rowan Pike on NZ's and Aussie's illicit tobacco boom
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Jordan is joined by international consultant Rowan Pike, a former Australian Federal Police officer and Customs and Border Force expert, to unpack the explosive rise of illicit tobacco in Australia.With around half of all cigarettes now sourced from the black market, Rowan reveals how sky-high excise taxes have fuelled organised crime, gang violence, and a thriving unde
Taxpayer Talk: Cameron Luxton on the Gene Technology Bill
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by ACT MP Cameron Luxton for a wide-ranging discussion on the Government’s new Gene Technology Bill and what it means for innovation and regulation in New Zealand.Cameron shares his perspective on the Bill’s Māori advisory committee and how ACT approached its position.Peter and Cameron also discuss the Bill he has drafted to improve transparency
Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on Unscrambling the Ministerial Maze
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by Roger Partridge from the New Zealand Initiative to unpack his new report: Unscrambling Government: Less Confusion, More Efficiency.Right now, New Zealand has 81 ministerial portfolios, 28 ministers, and 43 departments. That’s three times as many portfolios and nearly twice as many departments as comparable countries. No wonder things feel mes
Taxpayer Talk: Nick Stewart on Rates Driving Inflation
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with financial advisor and Stewart Group founder Nick Stewart to tackle a question too many councils would rather avoid: are skyrocketing rates making inflation worse?Nick explains how council spending flows through to households and businesses, pushing up the cost of living just as families are already struggling. Rates might look like a local
Taxpayer Talk: John O'Connell on Rates Caps, Death Tax and the MPs' Expenses Scandal
This week on Taxpayer Talk, James sits down with John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the UK TaxPayers' Alliance. John and James dig into some big issues, to see what New Zealand can learn from the UK's (many) mistakes.Rates caps, death tax, and John's role in exposing the infamous MPs' expenses scandal, which forced every British MP to open their expense reports to public s
Taxpayer Talk: Nick Leggett on Infrastructure and Local Government
Building anything in New Zealand has no shortage of challenges. Whether it be soaring costs, reels of red tape, or problems with supplying labour, our choked infrastructure pipeline deeply affects this country's economy and quality of life. CEO for Infrastructure New Zealand, Nick Leggett, joins Peter Williams for a deep dive into how can overcome these challenges so we can build faster, more
Taxpayer Talk: Mayor Andrew Tripe on the Lowest Average Rates Increases in the Country
Rates across the country have soared, many into the double-digits. But while most councils point fingers and find excuses, Mayor for Whanganui Andrew Tripe has kept his average rates increase as low 2.2 percent – the lowest in the country this year.Mayor Tripe joins Peter Williams for a discussion on how this was achieved, and the work behind getting his Council focused on the basics, while keepin
Taxpayer Talk: Sir Bill English on the Future of Superannuation and the Public Service
It’s seven years since Sir Bill English left politics but the former Prime Minister and long serving Finance Minister is still a keen follower of the political landscape and how the economic outlook for the country can be improved.In conversation with Peter Williams for the latest Taxpayer Talk podcast, Sir Bill maintains that the political battle over National Superannuation has been won and gove
Taxpayer Talk: Casey Costello on her first 18 months in Parliament
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Jordan sat down with former Chair of the Taxpayers' Union and now Minister Casey Costello, to talk through the highs and lows of her first 18 months in Parliament.In the podcast, we unpack her ministerial briefs, including cracking down on organised crime, the Government’s approach to anti-smoking measures, and her priorities in health – plus why she thinks New Zea
Taxpayer Talk: The Taxpayers’ Union's Levi Gibbs on a Path to Surplus
“The rainy day has come. We believe it is crucial that the Government cut debt now.” Those words from Taxpayer’s Union researcher Levi Gibbs talking about his new paper “A Path to Surplus” released just a few days before Budget 2025.Levi Gibbs joined host Peter Williams on a special edition of the Taxpayer Talk podcast to discuss the in-depth paper which analyses both the debt and the annual budge
Taxpayer Talk: David Baker on Exposing Inefficiencies in our Building Sector
This week Peter Williams is joined by social media sensation, David Baker, from Rapid QS. David is a quantity surveyor by trade, specialising in pricing residential buildings—and has spent the last year blowing the whistle on why so many public housing and infrastructure projects cost so much.But price is just the start—David also raising growing concern with agencies being unable to explain why t
Taxpayer Talk: Hon Ruth Richardson on Budget 2025
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter sat down with Ruth Richardson, Minister of Finance during the National-Bolger Government, and catalyst of major economic reforms during the 90s.One of New Zealand's most respected Ministers of Finance, Ruth remains a deep thinker on the country’s dangerous fiscal position and how we can extract ourselves from it.With this year’s Budget only a few weeks away,
Taxpayer Talk: The Taxpayers’ Union’s Levi Gibbs on New Zealand’s climate costs and the pathway back to surplus
The Taxpayer’s Union popular podcast Taxpayer Talk returns with host Peter Williams and the Taxpayer’s Union Climate and Fiscal Policy analyst Levi Gibbs talking about New Zealand’s commitments (or lack of them) under the Paris Accord and how the Government can close the forecast 17 billion dollar budget deficit.Hear Levi explain why the Treasury forecast of New Zealand’s $20 billion plus commitme
Taxpayer Talk: Eric Crampton on the Government’s Supermarket Shakeups
This week on Taxpayer Talk Jordan sat down with the NZ Initiative's Chief Economist, Dr Eric Crampton on Nicola Willis' announcement on Sunday about possible splitting up of the super market industry.In the podcast, we unpack what's on the table, the risks, and what Dr Crampton argues is the real reason New Zealand lacks competition at the checkout. Support the show
Taxpayer Talk : Nick Smith joins Jordan Williams to talk local government
On this week's episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan sat down to talk with current Nelson Mayor and former National Party Minister, Nick Smith.First elected as a Member of Parliament in 1990, Nick Smith would remain an MP for over three decades. Nick would serve across a number of portfolios, including as Minister of Education, Local Government, and Housing. He was elected as Nelson's Mayor i
Taxpayer Talk : Simon Court joins Jordan Williams to talk RMA reform
On this week's Taxpayer Talk, ACT MP Simon Court - Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for RMA reform - joins Jordan Williams to talk about the Government's plans for RMA reform.If you like what we do, sign up for updates at taxpayers.org.nzSupport the show
Taxpayer Talk: Ewen McQueen on Treaty Issues
Ewen McQueen, author of One Sun in the Sky, joins us on Taxpayer Talk to discuss the Treaty of Waitangi, including questions around the ceding of sovereignty by Maori, interpretations of the treaty, and the politics now surrounding the treaty today. To support Taxpayer Talk, click here.If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, feel free to email podcast@taxpayers.org.nz Support the show
MPs in Depth: Suze Redmayne
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, Suze Redmayne.Suze was elected as the MP for Rangitikei at the 2023 General Election. Suze and her husband run an award winning farm and sell their lamb under their own brands. Suze shares her life story, what drew her
Taxpayer Talk: David Buckingham on IRD's leak of private taxpayer data
David Buckingham is a Queenstown-based employment relations consultant. He was the supporter who first uncovered the extraordinary behaviour of IRD leaking personal information to social media companies. Jordan sat down with him to talk about what he found, how, and what it means for your data.To support Taxpayer Talk, click here.If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, feel free to em
MPs in Depth: David MacLeod
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, David MacLeod.David is the MP for New Plymouth and was elected at the 2023 general election. He spent 22 years on Taranaki Regional Council, including 15 years as the Chair. He has also been a director on some signific
MPs in Depth: Jamie Arbuckle
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with New Zealand First MP, Jamie Arbuckle.Jamie was elected on the New Zealand First List at the 2023 General Election. Jamie also remains a current Marlborough district councillor, a role he has held for fourteen years. Jamie has a horti
MPs in Depth: Rima Nakhle
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, Rima Nakhle.Rima was elected as the MP for Takanini at the 2023 Election. She was born in Australia where she graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to practice in New Zealand
MPs in Depth: Grant McCallum
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Grant McCallum.Grant was elected as the MP for Northland at the 2023 General Election. Grant is a farmer and has been involved with the National Party's environmental group, the Blue Greens, and also with Fede
MPs in Depth: Parmjeet Parmar
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with ACT Party MP, Dr Parmjeet Parmar.Parmjeet has a PHD in Biological Sciences, is a businesswoman and former broadcaster and was also formerly a National Party MP from 2014 to 2020. In 2023 she ran for ACT at the general election and was su
MPs in Depth: Katie Nimon
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Katie Nimon.Katie was elected as the MP for Napier at the 2023 General Election. Born and raised in Hawke's Bay, Katie has had experience working in, and eventually running, the iconic family bus company Nimon
MPs in Depth: Andy Foster
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with New Zealand First MP, Andy Foster.Andy is a former mayor of Wellington and also served nine terms as councillor making him one of New Zealand's most experienced local government politicians. In 2023 he was elected to Parliament
MPs in Depth: Dana Kirkpatrick
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Dana Kirkpatrick.Dana defines herself as staunchly East Coast, having been born and raised in Gisborne, and has been the MP for the East Coast since the 2023 General Election. She comes from a farming family, has w
MPs in Depth: Tanya Unkovich
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with New Zealand First MP, Tanya Unkovich.Tanya was elected on the New Zealand First Party list at the 2023 General Election. Tanya is a seasoned public speaker, is a published author, life and business coach, and started her career as an
MPs in Depth: Carlos Cheung
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Carlos Cheung. Carlos caused one of the greatest upsets at the 2023 Election when he unseated Michael Wood, winning the Mount Roskill seat off the Labour Party for the first time since it was created. Carlos was bo
MPs in Depth: Ryan Hamilton
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Ryan Hamilton. Prior to entering Parliament, Ryan was a Hamilton City Councillor, small business owner and had involvement in a number of community organisations. Ryan gives us an insight into his upbringing, the s
MPs in Depth: Nancy Lu
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Nancy Lu. Nancy was National’s highest ranking candidate who wasn’t already in Parliament and was elected on the list in unusual circumstances following the death of a candidate in the Port Waikato electorate durin
MPs in Depth: Hamish Campbell
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Jordan sat down with National Party MP, Dr Hamish Campbell. Hamish reclaimed the previously safe National seat of Ilam at the 2023 election, following it turning red for the first time in 2020. Prior to entering Parliament, Hamish has been a medical rese
Taxpayer Talk: Economist Dr Eric Crampton gives his post-Budget analysis
This week on our podcast is a special post-Budget analysis with New Zealand Initiative Chief Economist, Eric Crampton.To support Taxpayer Talk, click hereIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, feel free to email podcast@taxpayers.org.nz Support the show
Taxpayer Talk: Economist Cameron Bagrie gives his post-Budget analysis
This week on our podcast is a special post-Budget analysis with Bagrie Economics Lead Economist, Cameron Bagrie.To support Taxpayer Talk, click hereIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, feel free to email podcast@taxpayers.org.nz Support the show
Taxpayer Talk: Eric Crampton on the growth in Government and Structural Deficit
This week on our podcast is a special Budget edition with our friend from the New Zealand Initiative, Eric Crampton.Eric is the Initiative’s Chief Economist and provides a much welcome voice of reason to counter some the economic illiteracy often espoused by politicians. In this episode, Eric and Jordan discuss what they think the Government should focus on in the budget and what they need to do t
MPs in Depth: Tom Rutherford
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Tom Rutherford. Tom was elected as the MP for the Bay of Plenty at the 2023 General Election. Prior to entering Parliament, Tom had worked for the National Party, in local government and also had volunteered as a f
MPs in Depth: James Meager
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, James Meager. James was elected as the MP for Rangitata at the 2023 General Election, reclaiming the seat from Labour with a significant majority. James is a Lawyer and also has a Bachelor of Arts. James made natio
MPs in Depth: Mike Butterick
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Mike Butterick. Mike, a farmer and farming advocate, was elected as the MP for Wairarapa in the 2023 General Election. He has previously been involved with Federated Farmers and was the spokesperson for 50 Shades o
MPs in Depth: Andrew Hoggard
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with ACT Party MP, Andrew Hoggard. Andrew is a Manawatu farmer, has an Agricultural Economics degree and, prior to entering Parliament, was the President of Federated Farmers. Andrew has stepped straight into the role as Minister for both
MPs in Depth: Carl Bates
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Jordan sat down with National Party MP for Whanganui, Carl Bates. Carl joined the Young Nats aged just 12 and less than 30 years later was elected to Parliament as a National MP. Prior to entering politics, Carl had an interesting and successful career f
MPs in Depth: Cameron Luxton
This week's Taxpayer Talk presents another installment of our "MPs in Depth" podcast series, delving into the backgrounds of Parliament's newest members. In this episode, Jordan sits down with Cameron Luxton, the recently elected ACT Party MP.Cameron Luxton is unique in that he is New Zealand's only Licensed Building Practitioner ever elected to Parliament. Prior to his po
MPs in Depth: Catherine Wedd
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Ollie sat down with National Party MP for Tukituki, Catherine Wedd. Catherine speaks about as a kid wanting to be a lawyer, journalist and a politician, something she now describes as "perhaps the three most unpopular professions of this century&quo
MPs in Depth: Laura Trask
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Ollie sat down with ACT Party MP Laura Trask. Laura is one of eleven ACT MPs elected at the 2023 General Election. Prior to entering Parliament, Laura worked as a pharmacy technician and in the health and safety industry. Trask discusses her career in he
MPs In Depth: Dr Vanessa Weenink
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Ollie sat down with newly elected National Party MP, Dr Vanessa Weenink. Vanessa details her life before politics including her time working as a doctor, being in the Army for more than 20 years, and even previously being a Labour Party member and helpin
MPs In Depth: Dan Bidois
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Jordan sat down with newly re-elected National Party MP, Dan Bidois. Dan first became an MP after winning the 2018 Northcote by-election before losing the seat to the red tide of 2020. Now Dan is back in Parliament after reclaiming his seat and speaks wi
MPs In Depth: Greg Fleming
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Jordan sat down with newly elected National Party MP, Greg Fleming. Greg tells us about his journey into politics and how he formed his political ideology, starting with an egg business at age nine and eventually leading to his founding of the Maxim Inst
Lord Hannan Speaks About Equality, the Treaty and 10 Years of the Taxpayers' Union
This episode of Taxpayer Talk is slightly different as it is a recording of a fantastic speech given by Lord Hannan at the Taxpayers' Union's 10th Birthday at Gibbs Farm.Lord Hannan is a member of the House of Lords and former member of the European Parliament. He is an advisor to the UK Board of Trade and is President of the Institute for Free Trade.In his speech, Lord Hannan discusses
MPs in Depth: Todd Stephenson
This week marks the return of our MPs in Depth series where we get to know some of Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Taxpayers' Union Investigations Co-ordinator, Oliver Bryan, sits down with newly elected ACT Party MP, Todd Stephenson. Todd grew up in the South Island and obtained a law degree from the University of Otago. Prior to becoming an MP, Todd worked in the pharmaceutical
Stephen Franks provides an update on the Three Waters legal challenge
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with lawyer Stephen Franks to provide an update on the Three Waters legal challenge. Stephen is a founding director of the commercial and public law firm Franks Ogilvie, a former member of Parliament and spokesperson for the Water Users' Group.Franks Ogilvie has been leading the legal challenge ag
Dr Oliver Hartwich on how the incoming Government should reform the public service
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with the Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative, Dr Oliver Hartwich, to discuss how the incoming Government should reform the public service. Despite a mandate for change and a desire to unwind many of the policies of the previous Government, the new National-led government may face challenge
Michael Reddell on the declining standards in New Zealand public life
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with economist Michael Reddell. Michael is a former Head of Financial Markets at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, has worked for central banks of a number of other countries and has been an Alternate Executive Director on the Board of the International Monetary Fund.Michael has recently been raising co
Don Brash on why taking GST off fruit and vegetables is a bad idea
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Dr Don Brash to discuss Labour’s proposal to remove GST from fruit and vegetables.Dr Brash chaired the advisory committee that designed New Zealand’s GST system back in 1985 and has a strong understanding of what makes a simple, efficient tax system. Don has also been Governor of the Reserve Bank
Phil Barry on the real cost of the coming crackdown on smokers
A radical set of new anti-smoking measures is set to bring New Zealand close to a de facto prohibition on smoking. But with the black market rearing its head, what is the real cost of this crackdown for taxpayers, businesses and the economy?A major new analysis of Ayesha Verrall's Smoked Tobacco Amendment outlines $1.3 billion in new costs, and argues the legislation is "largely, if not
Casey Costello on being a part of the Taxpayers' Union and standing for Parliament
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Casey Costello, a former chair and board member of the Taxpayers’ Union who recently resigned in order to stand as a candidate for New Zealand First in this year's election. Casey has had a successful career in the police force, running her own business and as the spokesperson for Hobson’s Pl
Mark Mitchell on crime, police and National's ideas for making the country safer
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with National Party Police Spokesperson, Mark Mitchell, to discuss National’s plan for law and order if they are successful in the election later this year. Prior to entering Parliament, Mark was a police officer and was a member of the Dog Section and Armed Offender’s Squad. He has also had an interna
The Local Water Infrastructure Infrastructure Bill - the Taxpayers' Union alternative to Three Waters
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Malcolm Alexander and Stephen Franks to discuss the bill that the Taxpayers' Union commissioned to repeal and replace the Government’s Three Waters scheme.The development of the bill, along with detailed drafting of key provisions, has been a months-long project carried out by the law firm Fr
David Farrar on polling and why he is leaving the Taxpayers' Union
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Taxpayers’ Union co-founder, pollster and blogger, David Farrar to discuss how polling works along with his time at the Taxpayers’ Union and why he is stepping down. David founded Curia Market Research, a polling company, in 2004 and has had decades of experience organising, conducting and analysi
National MP Chris Bishop on the RMA replacement and National's alternative
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with National Party MP, Chris Bishop, to discuss the Government's proposed replacement to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and what National would do with resource management if elected. Chris Bishop is National's spokesperson for RMA reform, Infrastructure and Housing and has been leading N
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