Finance Minister Nicola Willis (left) has challenged her predecessor Ruth Richardson. Photo: RNZ/Reece Baker/Supplied
The Taxpayers' Union (TPU) has launched a campaign targeting Finance Minister Nicola Willis and calling out what it says is the government's "growing habit of sugar-coating fiscal truths".
The organisation released packaged fudge from the 'Nicola Fudge Co.', branded with an image of Willis with the slogan, 'A treat today - A tax tomorrow'.
TPU chairperson Ruth Richardson said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had condemned the previous government's 'sugar-rush economics', but that this government had "reached for the same lolly jar".
"Rather than cutting back on sugar, Nicola Willis has poured more into the mix.
"Government spending has actually increased - both in real terms and as a proportion of the economy - since Grant Robertson left office. That's a fiscal recipe for trouble, no matter how thickly the fudge is poured."
She said the campaign was about calling out the "fiscal elements in the room".
In anticipation of the campaign, Willis threw down the gauntlet on Tuesday, challenging Richardson to "come out of the shadows" and debate the substance of the issue.
Richardson initially laughed it off. But the Taxpayers' Union later issued a media release, saying Richardson was "more than happy" to debate.
On Wednesday, Willis said she was proud of her government's record of reprioritising spending.
"I really want the chance to defend our government."
TPU head of communications Tory Relf told RNZ the organisation is all about "good policy" and did not mind which party it came from.
"We will work with whoever it is to deliver that good policy, and right now Minister Willis is not delivering it."
Relf said it was not about attacking Willis as a person.
"She is Minister of Finance, the same way they did 'Robbo's Removals' when he was Minister of Finance.
"Whoever was in that role, there would be a play on words or a gimmick to draw attention to the issue."
In response to the campaign, Willis told RNZ the government was putting the books back in order.
"I'm not going to comment on silly stunts. I want a debate on the substantive policy issues."
The TPU would not disclose how much the campaign cost, but said it had been done internally.
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