Full Breakdown
Nicky Hager’s “Dirty Work” probes the Taxpayers’ Union’s political shift
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In late September 2026 investigative journalist Nicky Hager released *Dirty Work*, alleging the Taxpayers’ Union (TPU) redirected its focus toward Maori-related co-governance politics after the 2023 “Stop Three Waters” campaign boosted supporters and donations. The book says the TPU weaponised anti-Maori rhetoric, altered its slogan, and cultivated ties with corporate donors, including the tobacco industry, to influence right-wing parties ahead of the 2026 election.
Background & Context
The TPU was founded in 2013 by Jordan Williams and David Farrar as a low-tax advocacy group. Its most visible campaign opposed Labour’s “Three Waters” reform, which would have transferred water-service responsibilities from 67 councils to four regional bodies. Hager argues the campaign’s success prompted the TPU to adopt a “spider’s web” of allied groups and pivot toward race-related issues. Hager’s earlier titles—*The Hollow Men* (2006) and *Dirty Politics* (2014)—also examined right-leaning networks in New Zealand politics.
Data & Statistics
- TPU spokesperson Jordan Williams states that less than 3 percent of the organisation’s revenue comes from industry donors, including alcohol, sugar and nicotine.
- An internal TPU email released after the book’s launch says roughly two-thirds of donations are from grassroots supporters, with the remainder from “industry memberships and donations.”
Official Statements & Responses
- “Instead, he released his accusations at a carefully choreographed media event, in the middle of an election campaign, knowing that the headlines would be written before we could even obtain a copy of the book,” — Jordan Williams, TPU spokesman
- New chair Laurence Kubiak, who succeeded Ashley Church, said “Co-governance has been huge for us.” — Laurence Kubiak, TPU chair
- Co-founder David Farrar rejected allegations that he used a National Party election database to target wealthy voters, describing the claim as “categorically wrong.” — David Farrar
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Hager alleges British American Tobacco paid the TPU, which then funded Williams’ campaign company for anti-smokefree messaging. The TPU maintains industry funding is under 3 percent and says no donor dictated its positions.
- Hager claims the TPU board paid out money to settle several employment disputes, including at least one sexual-harassment case against Williams.
- Farrar’s denial of using a National Party database conflicts with Hager’s assertion that the TPU sent targeted mailers to “wealthy National and ACT voters” in the 2020 election.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Co-governance has been huge for us.” — Laurence Kubiak, TPU chair
- “Instead, he released his accusations at a carefully choreographed media event, in the middle of an election campaign, knowing that the headlines would be written before we could even obtain a copy of the book,” — Jordan Williams, TPU spokesman
- “I think that if the Taxpayers’ Union and its key members were looked at critically a lot of their power would disappear.” — Nicky Hager, investigative journalist
What’s Next
Following the launch at Unity Books in Wellington, the TPU announced it would review the book’s contents before deciding on a formal response. The timing places the allegations in the run-up to the 2026 general election, where Hager argues the TPU’s influence could affect voter perceptions of right-wing parties.