Release the Data

Preserving Autonomy, Free Speech and Privacy

In recent years, Governments and lawmakers have pushed a series of decisions that are threatening the privacy and freedom of New Zealanders. Listed below are some of those government actions, their claims as to why they’re doing those actions, how those actions potentially threaten our privacy and freedom, and what we can do to fight back 

As of Friday 8 August, 2025…

DECIDED GOVERNMENT ACTIONS

1. Electronic system for road user charges (eRUC) to replace Fuel Tax

The “e” stands for “electronic” and RUC stands for “Road User Charge”.

It is a proposed system in New Zealand that would use digital technology to manage and pay for vehicle road user charges. eRUC systems typically involve devices installed in vehicles that record distance travelled.  Modern vehicles have this capability already built into their computer system but older vehicles would need to be modified.

Proposed Benefits of eRUC:
 
  • Improved Efficiency: eRUC claims to streamline the road user charge process, saving time and reducing administrative burden for fee collection
     
  • Reduced Escape Risk: Automatic RUC purchases and digital records minimize the risk of people not paying road charges.
     
  • Improved Cash Flow: eRUC allows for more ways to charge the road user, and increase revenue
 

The proposed system would be run by a private for-profit company.

Are there any advantages to E-RUC?

While replacing petrol tax with the RUC system would be fairer for many vehicle users, the surveillance component breaches basic freedoms and is unnecessary.

All diesel road vehicles currently use the RUC system on a prepaid basis without any tracking.

This isn’t just NZ:

The Massachusetts state legislature is in the process of passing a Bill enabling this as a test case for the USA.

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ACTIONS BEING CONSIDERED

1. Online protection for youth using age verification

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Consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.