Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
A fresh political storm has erupted following the release of investigative author Nicky Hager’s latest book, with the Taxpayers’ Union strongly rejecting allegations surrounding its executive director, Jordan Williams.
The new book, Dirty Work: The Taxpayers’ Union and New Zealand’s Hard Right, was launched in Wellington this week and examines the Taxpayers’ Union’s rise to prominence and growing influence in New Zealand politics. Hager argues the organisation has played a significant role in pushing political debate further to the right, while presenting itself as an independent voice for taxpayers.
One of the book’s most controversial claims alleges the organisation paid a settlement related to a sexual harassment complaint involving Williams.
Hager writes that the Taxpayers’ Union board had paid money to resolve a number of employment disputes over recent years, including what he describes as at least one sexual harassment case involving its long-serving executive director.
The allegation has been met with an immediate and forceful denial from the organisation.
Taxpayers’ Union chair Ruth Richardson said there had never been any payment to settle a sexual harassment complaint against Williams and dismissed the claims outright.
“There have been no claims, let alone settlements,” Richardson said, adding that she had consulted former chairs and board members who were equally adamant the allegation was false.
Williams also rejected the claims, describing them as entirely untrue and accusing Hager of attempting to undermine the organisation ahead of next year’s election campaign.
The clash has quickly become a battle of competing credibility.
While the Taxpayers’ Union insists the allegations are baseless, Hager says he stands firmly behind the material published in the book. He has publicly stated that the claims are supported by multiple sources and information he considers reliable enough to withstand scrutiny.
Hager stressed the allegation relates to what he described as “textbook sexual harassment” rather than any criminal offending. He has also argued that the public has a right to know about the conduct and culture of organisations seeking to influence national politics.
The dispute marks the latest chapter in a long-running contest between Hager and organisations on the political right. As election season approaches, Dirty Work appears likely to generate intense debate over transparency, political influence and accountability.
Whether the competing claims can be independently verified remains to be seen, but the book has already ensured the Taxpayers’ Union will remain firmly in the political spotlight.
