Louis Houlbrooke Podcasts

Jordan is joined by Damien Grant for a concerning discussion on the implications of the recent 'Moana' case that was the subject of Damien's recent column published in Stuff. They talk about ideology within Oranga Tamariki, judicial interference by a chief executive and the concerning silence from legal watchdogs. Support the show (http://www.taxpa…

A Parliamentary select committee has unanimously recommend a charge on motorists entering central Auckland at peak hours. Louis is joined by National MP Christopher Luxon to discuss whether the revenues will be used to cut fuel tax, or if they will be raided by greedy councils. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

As part of our continuing discussion on the subject, Jordan and Bruce sit down for a chat about the now infamous Three Waters reforms. Topics include that patronising television ad, the government's reasoning for why reform is needed and the growing groundswell among Mayors and ratepayers in opposition to the reforms. Support the show (http://www.t…

What could be the downside to centralising our water infrastructure and allocating 50% ownership to Iwi? Today on Taxpayer Talk Jordan is joined by ACT MP Simon Court for a discussion about the consequences of the 'Three Waters' proposal and what ACT would do differently. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

Jordan Williams is joined by the New Zealand Initiative director Oliver Hartwich for this episode of Taxpayer Talk. They discuss the impact lockdown is having on New Zealand, the similarities and lessons to be drawn from history and what the likely effects will be on our country's future. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

Louis is joined by Professor Robert MacCulloch of Auckland University to discuss the rapid growth of 'Wellbeing Economics'. The pair discuss who is pushing the agenda, what it gets right, what it gets wrong and what it means for Kiwis moving forwards. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

Max is joined by National MP Nicola Willis for a discussion on Labour's failures in this housing crisis, what National thinks ought to be done and the benefits of debating the big issues. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Max is joined by Simeon Brown to address exactly why the donation of 2.75 million to the gang-run Kahukura program was a poor decision by this government, and to rebut some of the points that have been brought up in support of it. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan is joined first by Mayor Lianne Dalziel and then by Councillor James Gough for two contrary accounts of Christchurch City's LTP, rates and debt. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

In this episode of our “MPs in Depth” series, our Researcher Max Salmon interviews newbie ACT Party MP Karen Chhour to discuss the switch to working in parliament, why the Government isn’t walking its talk in regards to child poverty reduction, and the role of ACT in opposition. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

Jordan Williams is joined by Councillor John Watson for a discussion about what's gone so wrong with the supercity. From steep rates rises to overflowing sewerage and problems with the Mayor's office, this brief but ranging discussion is must-listen for those interested in the future of the super city. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/…

The Climate Change Commission’s final advice to the Government was released today. Our Executive Director Jordan Williams speaks again to Matt Burgess from the NZ Initiative to discuss the implications. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By Matt Burgess

Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams and consulting economist Joe Ascroft both attended the Budget 2021 lock up. Louis asks why they've described it as a major shift in the economic dial to the left. And what's this about another new tax? Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

Former opposition leader and National party MP Simon Bridges joins Max on the podcast for a chat about his time in politics, worrying tendencies towards intolerance, and of course tax bracket creep. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Entering parliament as an MP was not how Tangi Utikere imagined 2020 would end at the beginning of that year. However circumstance conspired and Utikere is now the MP for Palmerston North and a member of the Labour Party. In this episode of MPs in Depth, Tangi and Louis discuss politics, running for office, and of course, Tax. Support the show (htt…

Barbara Edmonds is the MP for Mana and a homegrown Kiwi success story. In this episode, Max and Barbara discuss working for Judith and Jacinda, her attitude to tax, and what she wants to get done in parliament. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Brooke van Velden is the deputy leader of the ACT party and was a critical part of the End of Life Choice campaign. In this episode of MPs in Depth Max and Brooke have a ranging discussion about motivations, euthanasia, and the housing crisis. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Taxpayers' Union researcher Max Salmon is joined by Senior Economist Brad Olsen for a discussion about the concerning prospect of rent controls under this Labour government. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

At $50,000 per dwelling, is a big taxpayer handout to Councils the right medicine for a housing shortage? Jordan sits down with the Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, Oliver Hartwich for a friendly natter on the merits of National's latest housing policy. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

Mark Cameron is one of ACT's nine new MPs, in this episode of MPs in Depth Louis sits down with Mark for an educational and energetic conversation on the plight of farming, the urban and rural divide, and why he chose ACT. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Louis sits down with new Act MP Nicole McKee for a ranging discussion from her passion for firearms and hunting, to dealing with the public spotlight, and the spirit of the new ACT party. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

From cleaning up Agent Orange, to being deported from Fiji, new ACT MP and self-described 'radical environmentalist' Simon Court shares his background on our MPs in Depth podcast series. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

As part of our MP's in Depth series, Louis sits down with new Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds for a wide-ranging discussion on her career and electorate. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Louis sits down with Damien Grant for a discussion about the growth in size and role of the government, such as new tax changes on housing and the potential for rent control. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Louis sits down with Kathryn Marshall of Williams Corporation, a residential property developer, to find out whether an extended bright line test and the removal of interest deductibility will lead to more affordable housing. Kathryn makes the case that the real solution is in tackling consenting processes at local councils. Support the show (http:…

Jordan Williams gets 30 minutes with the Climate Change Commission's Chair, Dr Roderick Carr at their offices. He is joined by Matt Burguss, the Senior Economist at the New Zealand Initiative think tank to put to Dr Curr many of the criticisms of the report. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

Jordan is joined by Ian Harrison, Principal at Tailrisk Economics for a discussion on the Climate Change Commission, the benefits of an ETS and why the commission is wrong about Electric Vehicles. Read Ian's submission here: http://www.tailrisk.co.nz/documents/ClimateChangeCommission-13march.pdf Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

The Climate Change Commission plans to up-end our economy with a highly political, centrally-planned regulatory agenda. Jordan is joined by Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director at the New Zealand Initiative, to untangle this mess. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

In preparation for 2021 the Taxpayers' Union is sitting down with new kids on the block, and getting to know the fresh faces of the 53rd Parliament of New Zealand. In this episode, Taxpayers' Union Analyst Neil Miller talks to National MP Simon Watts. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

In preparation for 2021 the Taxpayers' Union is sitting down with new kids on the block, and getting to know the fresh faces of the 53rd Parliament of New Zealand. A second addition to David Seymour's merry band, Damien Smith became acquainted with the ACT party in a Belgium bar in Auckland, and things moved fast from there. With a background in fi…

In preparation for 2021 the Taxpayers' Union is sitting down with new kids on the block, and getting to know the fresh faces of the 53rd Parliament of New Zealand. Dr. James McDowall is one of the nine new ACT MPs who will be joining David Seymour in Parliament for the next three years. An ACT supporter since 2005 (a year before he could vote) Dr. …

Tim Hazledine, Professor of Economics at the University of Auckland, sits down with Islay to discuss his ideas for a viable path to economic recovery – including a temporary reduction in GST. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

In this episode, Islay Aitchison talks to ACT leader David Seymour about his party's proposed tax cuts, public debt and cutting red tape. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By David Seymour

In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Research Officer Islay Aitchison interviews Tauranga City Councillor Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections. They discuss the COVID-19 Government assistance Tauranga Council is hoping to receive for future infrastructure projects. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.o…

This week's Pre-election Fiscal Update revealed a dire projection of increasing Government debt. Islay is joined by economist Joe Ascroft to discuss the looming Debt Monster. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Immediately after Labour announced its policy for a new higher tax rate on income over $180,000, Louis sat down with Islay and Joe to record a podcast examining the politics and economics of the tax in more detail. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Despite our closed borders, Tourism NZ is spending $10 million on a new campaign meant to bring overseas travellers to New Zealand. The campaign is supposed to bolster New Zealand’s international brand of “kaitiaki, manaakitanga, and integrity”. In the latest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Louis questions Tourism NZ CEO Stephen England-Hall on whether t…

In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Research Officer Islay Aitchison interviews economist Michael Reddell on monetary and fiscal policy. Michael Reddell's blog, Croaking Cassandra, can be found here. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Auckland’s water crisis has been in the media over recent weeks, and the 2020 drought reminds us a lot of the water restrictions in 1994. Auckland’s population is now 50% larger than 1994, has water infrastructure kept up? Just how vulnerable are we to dry years? Is the Waikato river the solution? Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, and Auckland R…

Taxpayers’ Union’s Jordan Williams, and Neil Miller, sit down with political commentator and Stuff columnist Damian Grant discuss the runners and riders of the sudden National Party leadership race. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

In our newest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan sits down (in-person!) with Helensville MP Chris Penk who has written a book investigating the claim that the Government had "gone early and hard" in its fight against COVID-19. Flattening the Country is available at https://chrispenk.national.org.nz/flattening_the_country. Support the show (http://www…

We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Melissa Lee MP. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

By many measures, socialist ideas are more popular than ever, with academics and increasingly hip activists unashamedly promoting the collective ownership of wealth and centralised government-led decision making. Louis has a discussion with Dr Kristian Niemietz from the Institute of Economic Affairs, who has written a book named 'Socialism: The Fai…

The Taxpayers' Union sat down with Todd Muller for a podcast interview just a few days before he announced his leadership bid. He described himself as "broadly socially conservative, and from an economic perspective reasonably liberal", and discussed his upbringing, career, and the political challenges of bridging the urban-rural divide. Support th…

We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Simon O'Connor MP. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

The Taxpayers' Union's Consulting Economist Joe Ascroft, and former Treasury (now Taxpayers' Union) Analyst Neil Miller, sits down with Jordan Williams to discuss Budget 2020, the economic and political risks, and what it says about the Government's election strategy. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)…

On this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan Williams interviews Tim Hazeldine and Eric Crampton. They discuss Auckland's CBD Rail Loop, incentives for infrastructure spending and Thursday's Budget. Prof Hazledine’s opinion pieces referred to are here: https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/2020/05/11/1162413/tank-the-tunnel https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bu…

Should Parliament step in to enforce a nationwide rates freeze, what's happening in Botany and should our relationship with China change? Islay Aitchison interviews Jami-Lee Ross. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Paul Goldmith MP. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.

Taxpayer Talk is back. This week Jordan and Joe interview Act MP David Seymour on the worrying signs of the politicisation of the Reserve Bank, and Grant Robertson's suggestion of monetising the Government's debt. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)By New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc.