The Taxpayers Union wants the Government to remove all additional leave entitlements for public servants.

It comes as fresh data has revealed Kiwis are shelling out more than $75 million per year on additional days of paid leave for Government workers, excluding the four entitled weeks off and public holidays.

The Union says the worst offenders are the Social Development Ministry and MBIE, who spent more than $14 million and $12 million dollars respectively.

Taxpayers Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says the money should be spent bolstering up health care workers instead.

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The Taxpayers Union wants the Government to remove all additional leave entitlements for public servants.
It comes as fresh data has revealed Kiwis are shelling out more than $75 million per year on additional days of paid leave for Government workers, excluding the four entitled weeks off and public holidays.
The Union says the worst offenders are the Social Development Ministry and MBIE, who spent more than $14 million and $12 million dollars respectively.
Taxpayers Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says the money should be spent bolstering up health care workers instead.
LISTEN ABOVE

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Tim Dower and Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast.

Holiday Breakfast

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Tim Dower and Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. Tim delivers the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Jordan Williams: Taxpayers Union Executive Director wants the Government to remove additional leave entitlements for public servants

One of Newstalk ZB's most familiar voices has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, two decades after first being sounded out.

Barry Soper's been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to journalism, recognising 43 years in the parliamentary press gallery.

He says he considered the honour 20 years ago while serving as political editor, on the advice of senior colleagues.

"And asked their opinion on whether it would be seen, or I could be seen as politically biased - and I think the conclusion was: that was a possibility. So I didn't want to compromise my independence." 

LISTEN ABOVE

One of Newstalk ZB's most familiar voices has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, two decades after first being sounded out.
Barry Soper's been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to journalism, recognising 43 years in the parliamentary press gallery.
He says he considered the honour 20 years ago while serving as political editor, on the advice of senior colleagues.
"And asked their opinion on whether it would be seen, or I could be seen as politically biased - and I think the conclusion was: that was a possibility. So I didn't want to compromise my independence."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on being recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0a214604-b3a4-4c6b-99ec-b45b017e310f/transcript

More people are wanting to give up vaping, for a variety of reasons. 

Almost 16,000 people reached out to Quitline last year, with a quarter enrolled in the Quit Vaping programme. 

Māori make up 23 percent of those seeking support.

Auckland University Public Health Professor Chris Bullen says vaping is less harmful than smoking, but also has negative impacts.

He explained people are considering costs, potential long-term health effects and if they want to be addicted to something. 

LISTEN ABOVE

More people are wanting to give up vaping, for a variety of reasons.&nbsp;
Almost 16,000 people reached out to Quitline last year, with a quarter enrolled in the Quit Vaping programme.&nbsp;
Māori make up 23 percent of those seeking support.
Auckland University Public Health Professor Chris Bullen says vaping is less harmful than smoking, but also has negative impacts.
He explained people are considering costs, potential long-term health effects and if they want to be addicted to something.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Bullen: Auckland University Public Health Professor on the increase in people wanting to quit vaping

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/01f1a6e1-0a31-4dd3-9ad7-b45b017bc389/transcript

Suzie Bates intends to distance herself from the White Ferns once she retires from the international game following the upcoming women's T20 Cricket World Cup in England.

Bates has been awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to cricket and basketball, following a two-decade career where she also played for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Olympics.

The 38-year-old Bates has ruled out staying on with the White Ferns in a coaching or advisory role.

She says this award has taken her by surprise, but she's thrilled to be acknowledged. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Suzie Bates intends to distance herself from the White Ferns once she retires from the international game following the upcoming women's T20 Cricket World Cup in England.
Bates has been awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to cricket and basketball, following a two-decade career where she also played for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Olympics.
The 38-year-old Bates has ruled out staying on with the White Ferns in a coaching or advisory role.
She says this award has taken her by surprise, but she's thrilled to be acknowledged.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Suzie Bates: former White Fern on being awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f9c168e6-01df-4e56-863d-b45b0177c754/transcript

Jordan Williams: Taxpayers Union Executive Director wants the Government to remove additional leave entitlements for public servants

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