Ruth Richardson offers new terms for debate with Nicola Willis

Friday 12 December 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Sat 13 Dec 2025, 5:00am

In this story Nicola Willis, Taxpayers' Union, Ruth Richardson

Taxpayers’ Union chair Ruth Richardson remains willing to debate Finance Minister Nicola Willis following a dispute over the venue. Richardson has dropped her demand for a talkback radio setting and suggested economist Cameron Bagrie as a moderator. Labour MP Willie Jackson has criticised the proposed discussion, calling it a sham.

How they headlined it

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Fri 8:26am4:58pm5:43pmSat 5am

1. StuffFri 12 Dec 2025, 8:26am

   Labour MP calls proposed debate between Nicola Willis and Ruth Richardson a ‘sham’ debate between ‘two arsonists’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldFri 12 Dec 2025, 4:58pm

   Nicola Willis vs Ruth Richardson: Taxpayers’ Union backs down, requests economist moderator (opens in new tab)

   • Ruth Richardson v Nicola Willis – the facts behind the argument (opens in new tab) Sat 13 Dec 2025, 5:00am
3. The Press via The PostFri 12 Dec 2025, 5:43pm

   Ruth Richardson backs down on demand Nicola Willis debate be on talkback (opens in new tab)

4. RNZFri 12 Dec 2025, 5:53pm

   Ruth Richardson still willing to debate Nicola Willis after dispute over venue (opens in new tab)