Taxpayer Update: RATEPAYER VICTORY 🎉 | Woke banking 2.0 🏦 | Froggy hide and seek 🐸 – NZ Political Email Archive

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Taxpayer Update: RATEPAYER VICTORY 🎉 | Woke banking 2.0 🏦 | Froggy hide and seek 🐸

Party: Taxpayers’ Union

Sender: Tory Relf <[email protected]>

Date Received: 2025-07-19 14:36

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Hi [Name],

Friend, you may have seen we took a little trip to the Local Government NZ conference this week…

RATEPAYER VICTORY on Rates Capping 🥳

Our Big Beautiful Cap Rates Now truck certainly got heads turning at the LGNZ conference, and outside we had Local Government Minister Simon Watts confirm that yes, rates capping would be sorted “by Christmas”.

That means, Friend, the legislation will be in before councils can pre-emptively increase rates to give themselves a higher starting position. We’d call that a resounding victory.

But the fight isn’t over yet 😤

The work isn’t done. New Zealand First said they wouldn’t get involved in local government matters (interestingly, this came after Shane Jones threatened to dissolve all regional councils…), and ACT have said that spending needs to be under control before we can think about rates caps.

That’s all well and good but there’s simply no incentive to get spending under control if you don’t have the limit on revenue to force councils to cut their cloth to fit the economic reality of ratepayers.

Deputy PM comes out against councils having "general competence" 😘

David Seymour is on our wavelength on most local government-related issues though, including the removal of the power of general competence from councils.

The power of general competence means local councils can do pretty much anything a person can do — as long as it’s not against the law.

Prior to 2002 (before the change) councils could only do things if a law specifically said councils were empowered to. By definition, removing the power of general competence would legally limited councils to 'core services' and not, say giving $128,352 to a Māori circus school (classic Auckland Council...).

Right now, Christopher Luxon and Simon Watts are talking the talk about councils needing to 'focus on core services' but the jury is out on whether they're just jawboning, or will actually make this change to force it.

So what comes next? 🤨

We’ll continue keeping the pressure on the government to improve and pass this legislation. And we’ll be monitoring the local elections closely, launching our ratepayer pledge and voting guides (contingent on funding! 😬) in the next few weeks – so you can see exactly which candidates are on your side.

And if you want to show that we have support right across the country, we still have Cap Rates Now banners available for our supporters.

Woke banking regulatory taxes are bck on the menu 💳🤢

Hot on the heels of yet more food price inflation, the Ministry for the Environment is cooking up a new recipe to harpoon rural finance.

Enter the so-called Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, a soon-to-be-mandatory framework so disconnected from the realities of farming that it could see banks slap higher interest rates on every commercial farmer in New Zealand. Incredibly, the group designing it didn’t include a single farmer.

If it comes into force, farmers wanting a bank loan will have to choose either hitting impossible environmental targets (like cutting emissions-per-hectare by 86 percent for dairy farms) to stay financially viable. It’s just not going to work - unless their goal is solely to drive up prices.

Worse still, this is landing right as Parliament is debating whether to scrap previous ideological banking rules — through both the Banking Inquiry and not one, but two Members’ Bills.

Where’s the democratic accountability if bureaucrats can just sneak in new rules behind Parliament’s back? We say: scrap the taxonomy, and let farmers farm. Read James’ submission here.

New Plymouth councillors caught skipping work 🫵🐕

Our latest investigation has uncovered a worrying trend in New Plymouth: several district councillors are missing official meetings, sometimes without even bothering to send their apologies.

We obtained the council’s dismal attendance records, and the findings are clear: ratepayers are footing the bill for representatives who often don't turn up and in some cases, don’t even acknowledge their absence.

Try skipping work without notice in the private sector – you wouldn’t last a week! We say Councillors should be held to the same standard. If you’re being paid to represent your community, you're paid to, well, show up.

Local government shouldn’t be treated as a part-time gig with full-time perks. Ratepayers deserve accountability and that starts with attendance. If a councillor can’t commit to the job, they shouldn’t collect the pay.

It’s time to raise expectations. Ratepayers need for recall elections, so communities aren’t stuck with absentee councillors for three years. If you don’t do the job, you should be replaceable.

Are the Public Service too ungrateful? 🥸

The latest Public Service Census is out and it paints a pretty grim picture of who your taxpayer dollars are paying, Friend.

On average, the Public Service is paid 30 percent more than the private sector (the average salary is $101,700). But public servants still aren’t happy.

Only 34 percent are satisfied with their pay. Just 30 percent think it reflects their performance.

And fewer than half – only 44 percent – believe jobs are handed out based on merit.

It’s time for taxpayers to demand accountability. And the solutions aren't hard: Tie performance to pay, cut the bloat, and remind the public service who they’re here to serve.

Slimy hide and seek: NZTA frog hunt costs $74,000 in Brynderwyns 🐸🔍

Next time you’re stuck in traffic near the Brynderwyns, spare a thought not for the potholes, but for the frogs.

Yes, frogs.

NZTA has confirmed it spent a whopping $74,000 paying ecologists to rummage through the bushes looking for Hochstetter’s frogs.

The frog hunt included spotlighting, morning patrols, and even machine-assisted "salvage" (aka digging for frogs with an excavator!).

Tragically, two frogs were found dead, which kicked off even more protocols and added $10,000 in costs to make culverts more frog-friendly. Yes, really.

No word yet on whether the frogs were grateful.

Meanwhile, you’re still dodging potholes and waiting for roads to reopen.

Thanks for all of your support. It's been a massive week with some great wins, and none of it would have happened without you.

Have a great weekend.

Tory Relf
New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union

ps. If you haven't seen it, watch Simon Watts' blazing speech to our supporters outside the LGNZ conference. A Ratepayer Hero? ❤️

In the Media:

Greymouth Star Coast mayors splashed across rates wall of shame

RNZ Local democracy under threat? Officials warn against removing council 'four wellbeings'

The Country The Country Full Show: Friday July 18 2025

The Platform Jordan Williams on why Local Government is out of control

The Spinoff The tension between central and local government bubbles to the surface

Newstalk ZB Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive: Full Show Podcast 17 July 2025

RNZ Rate capping: 'You've got to be able to control the costs first' - ACT leader David Seymour

The Country The Country 17/07/25: Chris Hipkins talks to Jamie Mackay

NZ Herald Inside Politics with Audrey Young

Cambridge News Merger Calls Grow

Wanaka App QLDC rates increases among highest in country

Waikato Times National tiptoes on the tightrope while coalition partners dance a jig

Greymouth Star Councils face rates capping ‘by Christmas’ – minister

Newstalk ZB The Huddle 16 July 2025

The Platform Tina Porou: Why Is Te Mana o te Wai Causing So Much Controversy?

Newstalk ZB Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive: Full Show Podcast 16 July 2025

Chris Lynch Media Taxpayers’ Union criticises LGNZ vote and targets Selwyn over steep rates increases

The Country The Country 16/07/25: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

The Post The case for capping local government rates is simple and urgent

Whakatane Beacon Rates rises ranked across the country

Chris Lynch Media Charity ‘FACT Aotearoa’ accused of partisan election interference faces official scrutiny

RNZ West Coast Regional Council chair defends rate rises

The Post South Wairarapa mayoral hopefuls at odds over rates cap

Central App Mayor defends rate hikes amid national scrutiny

The Westport News Row erupts over regional council rate rise figure

Greymouth Star Westland rates among highest in South Island

Greymouth Star Birchfield campaign: Abolish regional council

RNZ What’s behind the surge in support for our minor parties?

Newstalk ZB Nicola Willis: Finance Minister addresses claims she wanted to keep Budget lock-up numbers restricted

Newstalk ZB News Fix: Afternoon Edition 14 July 2025

RNZ Council rate increases of up to 65% too much, Taxpayers' Union says

Not PC Rocketing rates rises rightly reviled

RNZ Morning Report Essentials for Monday 14 July 2025

RNZ Taxpayers' Union releases rankings of local councils rate rises

Interest.co.nz Conservative New Zealand is still waiting for the Coalition to keep its promises – and NZ First’s surging poll numbers may be registering their impatience

Otago Daily Times Majority of southern ratepayers hit hard

NZ Herald Finance Minister Nicola Willis wanted tighter Budget lock-up, documents reveal

The Westport News Regional council rate rise tops NZ

Greymouth Star 657% rate rise ‘worst in NZ’

Newstalk ZB The Weekend Collective: Winston Peters: We can't get trade without security

Newstalk ZB The Panel with Brigitte Morten and Luke Dallow: Nurses strike to boost staffing, Lotto’s Powerball ad

RNZ ACT rally to focus on supermarkets, free speech, economy

Otago Daily Times ‘Angst’ from cap potential

Otago Daily Times Positively polarising

Otago Daily Times The ins and outs of what is in, and out, of the Standards Bill

Northern Advocate ‘Big decision’: Tepania yet to decide

RNZ Regulatory Standards Bill gets its week of scrutiny

RNZ Oranga Tamariki paying nearly $2m a year to communications staff

The Platform Stuart Nash on NZ First’s rise in the Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll

Newstalk ZB THE RE-WRAP: Gold vs. Lizards

Chris Lynch Media Local MPs weigh in on Christchurch mayoralty, asset sales, rates, and bringing back the moa

Newstalk ZB Heather du Plessis-Allan: My winner of the week

The Spinoff Winston Peters finds his sweet spot as NZ First enjoys polling surge

The Kākā by Bernard Hickey Young workers leaving in their droves

Newstalk ZB Andrew Dickens: Another poll, same discontent, Winston still standing

RNZ The Panel with Ed Amon and Nalini Baruch Part 1

Newstalk ZB Perspective with Ryan Bridge: Winston just keeps going

Interest.co.nz Winston Peters’ campaign for reelection in 2026 has a running start as new polls show growing support for the New Zealand First Party

RNZ NZ First now third most popular party - Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll

Newstalk ZB NZ First surges past ACT in new political poll

NZ Herald NZ First surges past Act in new Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll

The Post NZ First edges ahead of ACT, Greens in new poll

Stuff New poll sees NZ First surge to become third most popular party

Eastern Times National overtakes Labour in new political poll

RNZ Far North Mayor Moko Tepania undecided on future as Parliament calls grow

Otago Daily Times Praise for keeping consultant fees low

New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc. · 117 Lambton Quay, Level 4, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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Hi [Name],
Friend, you may have seen we took a little trip to the Local Government NZ conference this week…
RATEPAYER VICTORY on Rates Capping 🥳
Our Big Beautiful Cap Rates Now truck certainly got heads turning at the LGNZ conference, and outside we had Local Government Minister Simon Watts confirm that yes, rates capping would be sorted “by Christmas”.
That means, Friend, the legislation will be in before councils can pre-emptively increase rates to give themselves a higher starting position. We’d call that a resounding victory.
But the fight isn’t over yet 😤
The work isn’t done. New Zealand First said they wouldn’t get involved in local government matters (interestingly, this came after Shane Jones threatened to dissolve all regional councils…), and ACT have said that spending needs to be under control before we can think about rates caps.
That’s all well and good but there’s simply no incentive to get spending under control if you don’t have the limit on revenue to force councils to cut their cloth to fit the economic reality of ratepayers.
Deputy PM comes out against councils having "general competence" 😘
David Seymour is on our wavelength on most local government-related issues though, including the removal of the power of general competence from councils. <https://youtu.be/tOUnlfnjrRk>
The power of general competence means local councils can do pretty much anything a person can do — as long as it’s not against the law.
Prior to 2002 (before the change) councils could only do things if a law specifically said councils were empowered to. By definition, removing the power of general competence would legally limited councils to 'core services' and not, saygiving $128,352 to a Māori circus school <https://www.ratepayers.nz/circus_school> (classic Auckland Council...).
Right now, Christopher Luxon and Simon Watts are talking the talk about councils needing to 'focus on core services' but the jury is out on whether they're just jawboning, or will actually make this change to force it.
So what comes next? 🤨
We’ll continue keeping the pressure on the government to improve and pass this legislation. And we’ll be monitoring the local elections closely, launching our ratepayer pledge and voting guides (contingent on funding <http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate_local_government>! 😬) in the next few weeks – so you can see exactly which candidates are on your side.
And if you want to show that we have support right across the country, we still have Cap Rates Now banners available for our supporters <https://www.taxpayers.org.nz/shop>.
Woke banking regulatory taxes are bck on the menu 💳🤢
Hot on the heels of yet more food price inflation <https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/food-shock-prices-soar-in-june-as-fruit-and-veges-follow-butter-and-cheese-spike/NWT4XMYRM5DORPJUCIF7AA2JRA/>, the Ministry for the Environment is cooking up a new recipe to harpoon rural finance.
Enter the so-called Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, a soon-to-be-mandatory framework so disconnected from the realities of farming that it could see banks slap higher interest rates on every commercial farmer in New Zealand. Incredibly, the group designing it didn’t include a single farmer.
If it comes into force, farmers wanting a bank loan will have to choose either hitting impossible environmental targets (like cutting emissions-per-hectare by 86 percent for dairy farms) to stay financially viable. It’s just not going to work - unless their goal is solely to drive up prices.
Worse still, this is landing right as Parliament is debating whether to scrap previous ideological banking rules — through both the Banking Inquiry and not one, but two Members’ Bills.
Where’s the democratic accountability if bureaucrats can just sneak in new rules behind Parliament’s back? We say: scrap the taxonomy, and let farmers farm. Read James’ submission here. <https://assets.nationbuilder.com/taxpayers/pages/13/attachments/original/1752799866/NZTU_SFT_250713.pdf
New Plymouth councillors caught skipping work 🫵🐕
Our latest investigation has uncovered a worrying trend in New Plymouth: several district councillors are missing official meetings, sometimes without even bothering to send their apologies.
We obtained the council’s dismal attendance records, and the findings are clear <https://assets.nationbuilder.com/taxpayers/pages/13/attachments/original/1752801056/New_Plymouth-combined.pdf ratepayers are footing the bill for representatives who often don't turn up and in some cases, don’t even acknowledge their absence.
Try skipping work without notice in the private sector – you wouldn’t last a week! We say Councillors should be held to the same standard. If you’re being paid to represent your community, you're paid to, well, show up.
Local government shouldn’t be treated as a part-time gig with full-time perks. Ratepayers deserve accountability and that starts with attendance. If a councillor can’t commit to the job, they shouldn’t collect the pay.
It’s time to raise expectations. Ratepayers need for recall elections, so communities aren’t stuck with absentee councillors for three years. If you don’t do the job, you should be replaceable.
Are the Public Service too ungrateful? 🥸
The latest Public Service Census is out and it paints a pretty grim picture of who your taxpayer dollars are paying, Friend.
On average, the Public Service is paid 30 percent more than the private sector (the average salary is $101,700). But public servants still aren’t happy.
Only 34 percent are satisfied with their pay. Just 30 percent think it reflects their performance.
And fewer than half – only 44 percent – believe jobs are handed out based on merit.
It’s time for taxpayers to demand accountability. And the solutions aren't hard: Tie performance to pay, cut the bloat, and remind the public service who they’re here to serve.
Slimy hide and seek: NZTA frog hunt costs $74,000 in Brynderwyns 🐸🔍
Next time you’re stuck in traffic near the Brynderwyns, spare a thought not for the potholes, but for the frogs.
Yes, frogs.
NZTA has confirmed it spent a whopping $74,000 paying ecologists to rummage through the bushes looking for Hochstetter’s frogs <https://assets.nationbuilder.com/taxpayers/pages/13/attachments/original/1752807324/OIA-16768_-_Phoenix_Dingle_-_response.pdf
The frog hunt included spotlighting, morning patrols, and even machine-assisted "salvage" (aka digging for frogs with an excavator!).
Tragically, two frogs were found dead, which kicked off even more protocols and added $10,000 in costs to make culverts more frog-friendly. Yes, really.
No word yet on whether the frogs were grateful.
Meanwhile, you’re still dodging potholes and waiting for roads to reopen.
Thanks for all of your support. It's been a massive week with some great wins, and none of it would have happened without you.
<https://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate
Have a great weekend.
Tory Relf
New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union
ps. If you haven't seen it, watch Simon Watts' blazing speech to our supporters outside the LGNZ  <https://youtu.be/uXftN7XM4lA>conference <https://youtu.be/uXftN7XM4lA>. A Ratepayer Hero? ❤️
In the Media:
Greymouth Star Coast mayors splashed across rates wall of shame
RNZLocal democracy under threat? Officials warn against removing council 'four wellbeings' <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567339/local-democracy-under-threat-officials-warn-against-removing-council-four-wellbeings>
The CountryThe Country Full Show: Friday July 18 2025 <https://omny.fm/shows/the-country/the-country-full-show-friday-july-18-2025>
The PlatformJordan Williams on why Local Government is out of control <https://www.youtube.com/watch
The SpinoffThe tension between central and local government bubbles to the surface <https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-07-2025/the-tension-between-central-and-local-government-bubbles-to-the-surface>
Newstalk ZBHeather du Plessis-Allan Drive: Full Show Podcast 17 July 2025 <https://omny.fm/shows/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/full-show-podcast-17-july-2025>
RNZRate capping: 'You've got to be able to control the costs first' - ACT leader David Seymour <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567210/rate-capping-you-ve-got-to-be-able-to-control-the-costs-first-act-leader-david-seymour>
The CountryThe Country 17/07/25: Chris Hipkins talks to Jamie Mackay <https://omny.fm/shows/the-country/the-country-17-07-25-chris-hipkins-talks-to-jamie-mackay>
NZ HeraldInside Politics with Audrey Young <https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/luck-on-camilla-belichs-side-again-over-pay-secrecy-chris-bishop-puts-boot-into-councils-audrey-young/C6BT6UQSXRDENLBY54RFJSII6Y/>
Cambridge NewsMerger Calls Grow <https://www.cambridgenews.nz/2025/07/merger-calls-grow/>
Wanaka AppQLDC rates increases among highest in country <https://wanakaapp.nz/NewsStory/qldc-rates-increases-among-highest-in-country/687727dded826c002df93542>
Waikato TimesNational tiptoes on the tightrope while coalition partners dance a jig <https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360758991/national-tiptoes-tightrope-while-coalition-partners-dance-jig>
Greymouth Star Councils face rates capping ‘by Christmas’ – minister
Newstalk ZBThe Huddle 16 July 2025 <https://omny.fm/shows/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/the-huddle-do-we-need-a-harsher-crackdown-on-vaping>
The PlatformTina Porou: Why Is Te Mana o te Wai Causing So Much Controversy? <https://www.youtube.com/watch
Newstalk ZBHeather du Plessis-Allan Drive: Full Show Podcast 16 July 2025 <https://omny.fm/shows/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/full-show-podcast-16-july-2025>
Chris Lynch MediaTaxpayers’ Union criticises LGNZ vote and targets Selwyn over steep rates increases <https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/taxpayers-union-criticises-lgnz-vote-and-targets-selwyn-over-steep-rates-increases/>
The CountryThe Country 16/07/25: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay <https://omny.fm/shows/the-country/the-country-16-07-25-christopher-luxon-talks-to-jamie-mackay>
The PostThe case for capping local government rates is simple and urgent <https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360757990/case-capping-local-government-rates-simple-and-urgent>
Whakatane Beacon Rates rises ranked across the country
Chris Lynch MediaCharity ‘FACT Aotearoa’ accused of partisan election interference faces official scrutiny <https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/charity-fact-aotearoa-accused-of-partisan-election-interference-faces-official-scrutiny-2/>
RNZWest Coast Regional Council chair defends rate rises <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/566952/west-coast-regional-council-chair-defends-rate-rises>
The PostSouth Wairarapa mayoral hopefuls at odds over rates cap <https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360757998/south-wairarapa-mayoral-hopefuls-odds-over-rates-cap>
Central AppMayor defends rate hikes amid national scrutiny <https://centralapp.nz/NewsStory/mayor-defends-rate-hikes-amid-national-scrutiny/6874b4e48801da002e78e6ac#top>
The Westport News Row erupts over regional council rate rise figure
Greymouth Star Westland rates among highest in South Island
Greymouth Star Birchfield campaign: Abolish regional council
RNZWhat’s behind the surge in support for our minor parties? <https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights/audio/2018995533/what-s-behind-the-surge-in-support-for-our-minor-parties>
Newstalk ZBNicola Willis: Finance Minister addresses claims she wanted to keep Budget lock-up numbers restricted <https://omny.fm/shows/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/nicola-willis-finance-minister-addresses-claims-she-wanted-to-keep-budget-lock-up-numbers-restricted>
Newstalk ZBNews Fix: Afternoon Edition 14 July 2025 <https://omny.fm/shows/news-fix/midday-edition-14-july-2025-1-1>
RNZCouncil rate increases of up to 65% too much, Taxpayers' Union says <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/566837/council-rate-increases-of-up-to-65-percent-too-much-taxpayers-union-says>
Not PCRocketing rates rises rightly reviled <http://pc.blogspot.com/2025/07/rocketing-rates-rises-recorded-and.html>
RNZMorning Report Essentials for Monday 14 July 2025 <https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018995481/morning-report-essentials-for-monday-14-july-2025>
RNZTaxpayers' Union releases rankings of local councils rate rises <https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018995470/taxpayers-union-releases-rankings-of-local-councils-rate-rises>
Interest.co.nzConservative New Zealand is still waiting for the Coalition to keep its promises – and NZ First’s surging poll numbers may be registering their impatience <https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/134189/conservative-new-zealand-still-waiting-coalition-keep-its-promises-%E2%80%93-and-nz>
Otago Daily TimesMajority of southern ratepayers hit hard <https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/majority-southern-ratepayers-hit-hard>
NZ HeraldFinance Minister Nicola Willis wanted tighter Budget lock-up, documents reveal <https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/finance-minister-nicola-willis-wanted-tighter-budget-lockup-documents-reveal/YPZKNCSYZVEZRMNTKO4VLZOBGI/>
The Westport News Regional council rate rise tops NZ
Greymouth Star 657% rate rise ‘worst in NZ’
Newstalk ZBThe Weekend Collective: Winston Peters: We can't get trade without security <https://omny.fm/shows/the-weekend-collective/winston-peters-we-cant-get-trade-without-security>
Newstalk ZBThe Panel with Brigitte Morten and Luke Dallow: Nurses strike to boost staffing, Lotto’s Powerball ad <https://omny.fm/shows/the-weekend-collective/the-panel-with-brigitte-morten-and-luke-dallow-nurses-strike-to-boost-staffing-lottos-powerball-ad>
RNZACT rally to focus on supermarkets, free speech, economy <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/566736/act-rally-to-focus-on-supermarkets-free-speech-economy>
Otago Daily Times‘Angst’ from cap potential <https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/north-otago/%E2%80%98angst%E2%80%99-cap-potential>
Otago Daily TimesPositively polarising <https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/positively-polarising>
Otago Daily Times The ins and outs of what is in, and out, of the Standards Bill <https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/ins-and-outs-what-and-out-standards-bill>
Northern Advocate ‘Big decision’: Tepania yet to decide
RNZRegulatory Standards Bill gets its week of scrutiny <https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/focusonpolitics/audio/2018995121/regulatory-standards-bill-gets-its-week-of-scrutiny>
RNZOranga Tamariki paying nearly $2m a year to communications staff <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/566664/oranga-tamariki-paying-nearly-2m-a-year-to-communications-staff>
The PlatformStuart Nash on NZ First’s rise in the Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll <https://www.youtube.com/watch
Newstalk ZBTHE RE-WRAP: Gold vs. Lizards <https://omny.fm/shows/the-re-wrap/the-re-wrap-gold-vs-lizards>
Chris Lynch MediaLocal MPs weigh in on Christchurch mayoralty, asset sales, rates, and bringing back the moa <https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/local-mps-weigh-in-on-christchurch-mayoralty-asset-sales-rates-and-bringing-back-the-moa/>
Newstalk ZBHeather du Plessis-Allan: My winner of the week <https://omny.fm/shows/the-mike-hosking-breakfast/heather-du-plessis-allan-my-winner-of-the-week>
The SpinoffWinston Peters finds his sweet spot as NZ First enjoys polling surge <https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/11-07-2025/winston-peters-finds-his-sweet-spot-as-nz-first-enjoys-polling-surge>
The Kākā by Bernard HickeyYoung workers leaving in their droves <https://thekaka.substack.com/p/young-workers-leaving-in-their-droves>
Newstalk ZBAndrew Dickens: Another poll, same discontent, Winston still standing <https://omny.fm/shows/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/andrew-dickens-another-poll-same-discontent-winston-still-standing>
RNZThe Panel with Ed Amon and Nalini Baruch Part 1 <https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/thepanel/audio/2018995083/the-panel-with-ed-amon-and-nalini-baruch-part-1>
Newstalk ZBPerspective with Ryan Bridge: Winston just keeps going <https://omny.fm/shows/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/perspective-with-ryan-bridge-winston-just-keeps-going>
Interest.co.nzWinston Peters’ campaign for reelection in 2026 has a running start as new polls show growing support for the New Zealand First Party <https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/134155/winston-peters%E2%80%99-campaign-reelection-2026-has-running-start-new-polls-show>
RNZNZ First now third most popular party - Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/566547/nz-first-now-third-most-popular-party-taxpayers-union-curia-poll>
Newstalk ZBNZ First surges past ACT in new political poll <https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/nz-first-surges-past-act-in-new-taxpayers-union-curia-poll/>
NZ HeraldNZ First surges past Act in new Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll <https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nz-first-surges-past-act-in-new-taxpayers-union-curia-poll/VPWQ63X3XFDV7OWL54MK4J2M2I/>
The PostNZ First edges ahead of ACT, Greens in new poll <https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360753154/nz-first-edges-ahead-act-greens-new-poll>
StuffNew poll sees NZ First surge to become third most popular party <https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360753155/new-poll-sees-nz-first-surge-become-third-most-popular-party>
Eastern TimesNational overtakes Labour in new political poll <https://www.times.co.nz/business/national-overtakes-labour-in-new-political-poll/>
RNZFar North Mayor Moko Tepania undecided on future as Parliament calls grow <https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/566519/far-north-mayor-moko-tepania-undecided-on-future-as-parliament-calls-grow>
Otago Daily TimesPraise for keeping consultant fees low <https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/southland-express/praise-keeping-consultant-fees-low>
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