Atlas Network's Influence on New Zealand's Political Landscape: The Taxpayers' Union and ACT Party Connection

In the intricate labyrinth of New Zealand's political landscape, an influential force has been quietly pulling the strings, particularly on the right-wing. This powerhouse is none other than the Atlas Network, a global network of over 500 right-wing think tanks and lobby groups. One of its key players in New Zealand is the Taxpayers' Union (TPU), headed by the ambitious Jordan Williams.

The Atlas Network's MBA Training and Fellowship

Jordan Williams, the face of the TPU, has undergone the Atlas Network's MBA training and received a fellowship. This connection, however, is not something he openly shares. The Atlas Network's MBA program, the Think Tank MBA, aims to equip leaders with the tools necessary to influence public policy and promote free-market principles.

The Taxpayers' Union: A Vehicle for Misinformation and Disinformation

The TPU, under Williams' leadership, has been responsible for spreading misinformation and disinformation, often adopted by conspiracy theorists and perceived as grassroots movements. One such campaign is the Stop Three Waters and Stop Central Planning Committees, which managed to gain significant traction.

The TPU's Criticism of Double-Digit Rates Hikes

Currently, the TPU is criticizing councils for proposing double-digit rates hikes to fund infrastructure projects initially covered by the Three Waters proposal. This move has raised eyebrows, as it seems to be a strategic attempt to exploit public sentiment and further the TPU's agenda.

The TPU's connection to the Atlas Network, and by extension, its influence on New Zealand's political landscape, is a cause for concern. The lack of transparency surrounding these connections is alarming, and it raises questions about the motivations behind the TPU's campaigns.

David Seymour, the leader of the ACT Party, initially denied any connections to the Atlas Network. However, evidence suggests otherwise. Seymour worked for two Atlas Network member think tanks in Canada between 2007 and 2014. Louis Houlbrooke, who currently supports ACT's vision at Parliament, worked for the Taxpayers' Union and attended multiple Atlas Network events.

Seymour's 2021 Waitangi Day State of the Nation speech further debunks his denial. In his speech, he lauded the Atlas Network's work and its commitment to promoting free-market principles. This revelation has raised questions about the extent of the Atlas Network's influence on the ACT Party and New Zealand's political landscape.

Debbi Gibbs, the chair of the Atlas Network, also has connections to New Zealand. She is the daughter of Alan Gibbs, a long-time member of the Business Roundtable and a founding member of the ACT Party. This connection further solidifies the link between the Atlas Network and New Zealand's political landscape.

The need for transparency and scrutiny of Atlas Network-connected lobby groups and think tanks is more critical than ever. The TPU's influence on New Zealand's political landscape, particularly on the right-wing, is undeniable. The spread of misinformation and disinformation, coupled with the lack of transparency, poses a significant threat to New Zealand's democracy.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to scrutinize the motivations and connections of influential players. The Atlas Network and its connections to the Taxpayers' Union and the ACT Party are a prime example of this. Only through transparency and scrutiny can the integrity of New Zealand's democracy be preserved.

In the dance of power and politics, the Atlas Network has emerged as a significant player in New Zealand's political landscape. Its influence on the Taxpayers' Union and the ACT Party, coupled with the spread of misinformation and disinformation, raises concerns about the integrity of New Zealand's democracy. The need for transparency and scrutiny is imperative, and only through this can the true motivations of these influential players be revealed.