‘Nothing to hide’: Taxpayers’ Union boss speaks out on Nicky Hager book ‘rumours’

Taxpayers’ Union boss Jordan Williams says “rumours” suggest his organisation will feature in investigative journalist Nicky Hager’s new book.

Details of Hager’s latest book remain a mystery ahead of today’s launch event at Unity Books in central Wellington at 6pm.

Hager’s previous books, including 2014’s Dirty Politics and 2002’s Seeds of Distrust, have upended election campaigns.

Williams, co-founder and chief executive of the Taxpayers’ Union, said on X that “rumour has it” the taxpayer group “may feature” in Hager’s upcoming book.

“In 2023, he said we weren’t worth a book – so I’m flattered we may have finally made the cut,” Williams said.

“Nothing to hide and no need to speculate.”

Williams also pointed to a 2023 press release on “what’ll be in the book”.

In the press release on July 26, 2023, the Taxpayers’ Union said it “heard from sources that Nicky Hager is working on a book which is focused on the Taxpayers’ Union”.

“We are aware of him approaching former members of staff asking them to breach confidences.”

The press release outlined “extended topics to be included in the book”, including allegations of connections with other groups, donor secrecy, foreign influence and funding.

Taxpayers’ Union chair Laurie Kubiak also claimed in 2023 that Hager had “personal animosity” towards Williams.

“Nicky Hager has previously accused groups and individuals of having a secret agenda. The Taxpayers’ Union has an agenda, but it isn’t secret! We stand for lower taxes, less waste and more accountability.

“It is no surprise the Taxpayers’ Union is Mr Hager’s latest target. He is coming for us because we are successful. We are successful because we have hundreds of thousands of subscribed supporters, and more than 23,000 donors.”

Hager’s investigative work has had a profound impact on election campaigns and politics.

In 2018, police apologised and paid “substantial damages” to Hager after unlawfully searching his home during the investigation into hacking that led to the Dirty Politics book.

The settlement came almost four years after the publication of Dirty Politics, which alleged former Prime Minister Sir John Key’s office ran a dirty tricks campaign through right-wing bloggers.