Government Does U-Turn on Passports

MIL OSI – Source: Taxpayers Union – Government Does U-Turn on Passports The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming reports that New Zealanders are soon to get their 10-year passports back, but says that a 10-year passport does not justify the hike in fees being hinted at by the Prime Minister. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:  “If the validity of Kiwi passports is doubled to 10 years, our report on the cost of New Zealand passports shows that a price hike is still unjustified.” “Even at the current price, New Zealanders would still pay more for a 10-year passport than the average citizen in our trading partners.” “Last year we exposed the Government for sitting on a whopping surplus from passport fees. Passport fees should be set to recover the cost and not a dollar more. If Mr Key is being advised that a price hike is needed, clearly New Zealand officials are doing a much poorer job than our trading partners in running an efficient operation that allows citizens the basic ability to travel.” NOTES TO EDITORS: The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is an independent activist group, dedicated to being the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. It’s here to fight government waste and make sure New Zealanders get value for money from their tax dollar. –]]>