133 episodes

We're the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. With our 190,000 subscribed members and supporters we fight for Lower Taxes, Less Waste, and More Accountability across all levels of government. Join or support the Taxpayers' Union at www.taxpayers.org.nz

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We're the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. With our 190,000 subscribed members and supporters we fight for Lower Taxes, Less Waste, and More Accountability across all levels of government. Join or support the Taxpayers' Union at www.taxpayers.org.nz

    MPs in Depth: Cameron Luxton

    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 political career, Luxton worked as both a builder and a dairy farmer. He shares with Jordan his personal journey, recounting his challenges in school and eventual breakthrough, spurred by a teacher and environment that diverged from the traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to education.

    It's evident that Luxton's passions lie in advocating for charter schools and addressing the housing crisis. He articulates how the closure of charter schools served as a catalyst for his entry into politics, highlighting his commitment to tackling pressing issues facing New Zealand.

    Cameron's maiden speech can be watched here. Follow Cameron on Facebook here.

    To support Taxpayer Talk, click here

    If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, feel free to email podcast@taxpayers.org.nz 
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    • 40 min
    MPs in Depth: Catherine Wedd

    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" – but at the election last year was able to fill the third leg of that dream. Catherine has also worked in horticulture and been a director on the New Zealand Apples and Pears Board. Along with discussing her career before politics, Ollie and Catherine discuss her political ideology, the Public Interest Journalism Fund and which Labour Party policy she secretly admires.

    Catherine's maiden speech can be watched here. Follow Catherine on Facebook here.

    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

    • 27 min
    MPs in Depth: Laura Trask

    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 helping people navigate bureaucratic red tape and her desire to make it easier for people to live their lives and do business. She also highlights the often 'unintended winners' from regulation, namely big businesses who benefit from higher costs and barriers to entry leading to reduced competition from smaller players.

    Laura's maiden speech can be watched here. Follow Laura on Facebook here.

    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

    • 25 min
    MPs In Depth: Dr Vanessa Weenink

    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 helping with a local campaign.

    Vanessa's maiden speech can be watched here. Follow Vanessa on Facebook here.

    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

    • 33 min
    MPs In Depth: Dan Bidois

    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 with Jordan about his life before politics being a school dropout, a butcher and fighting cancer before deciding to study economics. Dan has had an interesting life and it is clear the challenges he has faced have shaped him into the person he is today.

    Dan's maiden speech can be watched here. Follow Dan on Facebook here.

    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

    • 33 min
    MPs In Depth: Greg Fleming

    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 Institute think tank.

    This podcast gives a fascinating insight into what makes Greg tick and is well worth a listen.

    Greg's maiden speech can be watched here. Follow Greg on Facebook here.

    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

    • 43 min

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