Taxpayers' Union chief hints at possible mention in Nicky Hager's new book

Ahead of tonight's launch at Unity Books in central Wellington, Jordan Williams, co-founder and chief executive of the Taxpayers' Union, noted on X that rumours indicate the organisation may be included in Nicky Hager's forthcoming investigative book. He pointed to a July 2023 press release in which the union said it had learned Hager was working on a book centred on the group and that he had contacted former employees to obtain confidential details.

The release also listed topics such as alleged links with other groups, donor secrecy, foreign influence and funding. Chair Laurie Kubiak has previously claimed that Hager holds personal animosity toward Williams. In defending the union, Williams emphasized its transparent agenda of lower taxes, reduced waste and greater accountability, citing its sizable supporter base and over 23,000 donors. Hager's past works have notably impacted New Zealand politics, including the 2018 police settlement over an unlawful search related to his earlier book.