Glib words and false hope aren’t going to cut it

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 7:02 am, May 19th, 2016 - 151 comments
Categories: accountability, election 2017, housing, national, quality of life - Tags: false hope, glib words, homelessness, housing, housing crisis

Glib words:

Speaking to Morning Report today, Prime Minister John Key said it was not acceptable that people were living in cars or under bridges. Mr Key said people in those circumstances should seek help from Work and Income.

False hope:

Emergency housing beds gave ‘false hope’

Confirmation that 3000 emergency housing places to be funded by the Government are mostly already provided shows New Zealanders have been misled, the Green Party says.
…
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said Ms Bennett’s comments about the new emergency housing funding had given “false hope” to desperate people.

Not cutting it:

Hundreds tell WINZ they’re homeless

But Labour finance spokesperson Grant Robertson said if Mr Key was spending any time on the ground he would know there was a long waiting list for social housing.

“There are huge problems with access to emergency housing and the reality of life for those people living in cars and garages is appaling, and the prime minister should be more in touch and know what’s going on.”

Not cutting it:

Latest figures from WINZ show 428 people across the country were recorded as saying they were homeless in the month of March.

However that figure is far too conservative, according to chief executive of advocacy group Lifewise, Moira Lawler. She said there was a tidal wave of homelessness in Auckland that was too big for Work and Income, which was desperately under-resourced.

The reality was there were not enough places to shelter people and many would give up after waiting months or years for housing or for benefits to be approved. “What is the point of putting yourself through that bureaucracy, the constant reporting, the constant turn-up, when if you’re in Auckland you know they have nowhere to put you anyway?”

Ms Lawler said Work and Income staff could only put vulnerable people on lists and did not have the mandate to make sure they did not end up on the street.

Not cutting it:

Laughter at PM’s suggestion Auckland homeless should try Work and Income

Married Auckland couple ‘Chris’ and ‘Dee’ aren’t celebrating their latest anniversary. The couple are going on one year homeless and laugh bitterly when asked about seeking help from Work and Income New Zealand – as Prime Minister John Key suggested to homeless people.
…
For nearly a year Chris and Dee have made a late model Nissan people mover van their home because they say they cannot afford a place to live. In their fifties, the couple, who don’t want to use their real names, said they had given up on trying to deal with welfare agencies.

Not cutting it:

Homeless mum: ‘It’s pretty scary at night’
…
Julie, a homeless woman in Christchurch who has five children aged between 3 and 16, moved out of her ex-partner’s home six weeks ago because of domestic violence and says she has been forced to spend many nights sleeping alone in her car.

“It’s pretty scary at night, down dark roads, hoping that nobody is going to come in the car. I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat so any little bit of noise is quite frightening. A lot of thoughts go through your head, like ‘what if?’, and ‘why am I even in this position?’. It’s not nice.”

With no family to help out, Julie has approached government agencies for assistance. She said she had been on the Housing New Zealand waiting list for five months, but was kicked off when she refused a house around the corner from her ex-partner’s mother’s home.
…
An Auckland advocate for the homeless said Work and Income was overwhelmed by the problem, and unable to address a growing social disaster.

Corie Haddock has worked with the homeless for nearly a decade, and said in that time the problem had grown to such a level that social agencies could not cope, despite their best intentions. He said it was now beyond the capability of government agencies to fix.

“The staff at WINZ are amazing, but they don’t have the systems and processes in place to address homelessness.

“They do what they can, but the reality is that the majority of people that would go to WINZ continue to be living on the street. And when you’re talking to Housing New Zealand, they’re telling people they have to wait for 18 months. Well, if you’re living on the street or in the car, you need support now.”

Not cutting it:

Homeless borrow thousands for motels

Earlier this week, when asked what people living in cars or garages should do, Prime Minister John Key had a simple reply.

“My really strong advice is to go and see Work and Income,” he said, “and we’ll see what we can do, because I think people very often don’t understand what’s available to them. “My experience with Work and Income is they do their very best to support people in those situations, especially when children are involved.”

He was talking to people like Nicole. Her stay cost $2200 – money loaned to her by Winz. But today, Nicole’s booking ran out. This afternoon she was at Winz, begging them to loan her more money, so the family could stay there. But she said Winz had no other options for her and so tonight, bed looked likely to be her car. “That makes me terrified for my kids especially, because the first time that this happened to me… They couldn’t sleep there.” She said she just wanted somewhere for her family to sleep.

And Nicole is not alone. …

This is a massive market and moral failure, and it’s obvious that the Nats haven’t a clue what to do. The problem isn’t going to go away, it’s going to get worse, and the media are going to stay on the case. Time for National to borrow some more Labour / Green policy thinking.

151 comments on “Glib words and false hope aren’t going to cut it ”

Comments are now closed

Whateva next? 1

19 May 2016 at 7:30 am

The irony overwhelms me, and the arrogance Sickens me .
Key actually seduced “mum and dad” kiwi’s with his “local boy makes good” back story, being brought up in a state house…..in ChCh.(whether he got an inheritance later or not)

He has created a situation where his own family would have been split, and his own mother could end up living in a car, or a garage etc

Decent people learn and appreciate lessons from life, Key shows contempt.

Great post, so good that we are seeing it everyday and the story cannot get smothered. I hope this is to Key what the poll tax was to Thatcher, a step too far.
- linda 1.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 12:25 pm
  
  What is really sickening is the natioals governments. Lies denial. Sneering. At valid questions sof nearly every issue
  These prick have had 8 years where is the planning now we will. Get some half cocked 11th hour
  Solutions from these incopetent dicks
- Johan 1.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 3:52 pm
  
  John Key is well on his way as being the most hated Prime Minister New Zealand has had.
- AsleepWhileWalking 1.3
  
  19 May 2016 at 6:10 pm
  
  At the time he would have been in the State house the government treated state housing very differently from what it does now.
  
  In the past State housing was a reward, not because you were in “poverty”. Sorry but from what I understand Key’s mother was independently wealthy.
  
  To keep suggesting he completed some kind of major life turn around is an insult to all those who struggle at the bottom.
  - whateva next? 1.3.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 8:15 pm
    
    from another poster yesterday, and maybe Key’s mother didn’t actually need a state house (and therefore was it fraudulent to be taking a resource from someone else?), but he certainly implied he was just one of us in order to get the vote, it has will come back to bite him on the bum.
    “There will always be a social welfare system in New Zealand because you can measure a society by how it looks after its most vulnerable. Once I was one of them. I will never turn my back on that.”
    
    http://tvnz.co.nz/content/903605/2556418.xhtml
Ad 2

19 May 2016 at 7:31 am

+1000
Well put together there Bill
- One Anonymous Bloke 2.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 8:23 am
  
  Don’t you mean R0b? 🙂
- ianmac 2.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 9:49 am
  
  +1 Rob. I wonder if those huge house properties in Auckland could be infilled with Social housing. Mr Key could donate a chunk of his place?
  - dukeofurl 2.2.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 10:13 am
    
    3 houses had to demolished or moved for his rich prick palazzo, so that would be a no way!
    - Gangnam Style 2.2.1.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 10:40 am
      
      Thanks Anthony, very good post
One Anonymous Bloke 3

19 May 2016 at 7:56 am

The rhetoric this morning is to demand more urban sprawl. Not immediate emergency funding before winter sets in, oh no. Tories eh: apparently calling them what they are “puts people off”.
- weka 3.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 8:17 am
  
  We couldn’t even provide proper shelter and emergency housing after the Chch quake, why would we steep so low as to help out benes who by the state’s definition are responsible for their own situation?
Peter 4

19 May 2016 at 8:11 am

…. “moral and market failure” is what they do best!
weka 5

19 May 2016 at 8:13 am

A couple of points re WINZ. One is that to get a benefit you have to have a residential address. There are ways around that, but if I was homeless and applying for a benefit I’d think very carefully before I told WINZ that I had nowhere to live. This is hugely problematic because to get full entitlements they are theoretically supposed to take your overall situation into account.

The other is that there are limits on how much you can borrow from WINZ. Once you have borrowed 3 times you then have to start going to budget advice and proving that you can manage your money. If WINZ are routinely giving repayable grants instead of non-repayable ones, they themselves are increasing debt on people who by their own rules don’t have enough money to live on. It’s a complete and utter mindfuck.

Marama Davidson points out that the people she knows who are homeless have already exhausted all avenues of support via WINZ,

https://blog.greens.org.nz/2016/05/17/homelessness-national-has-failed-all-of-us/

It’s a bloody good post, full of a social intelligence we see rarely from politicians. I hope I live to see Davidson as a Minister in a NZ govt.

This mess has not happened overnight; wages and benefits have not kept up with the cost of living and rising rents, there has been an aggressive drive to cut and remove people’s benefits. For eight years the National Government has denied opportunity to those with the most to gain from it, scapegoating society’s problems on the most marginalised in society. I am embarrassed by what New Zealand has become.

Real political leadership would put families first. Real leadership would discourage the buying up of houses as a speculative business; homes are for people to live in, not for profit at the expense of all else. Real leadership would actually invest in building more state homes. Real leadership would be to go and see for yourself what exactly is going on with our families, our children, and our elderly – our New Zealanders.

Real leadership would acknowledge the absolutely vital role of government in implementing a whole of system approach to end homelessness; ensuring that government agencies, local government and the community sector are offering a coordinated response to the complex structural issue that is homelessness.
- weka 5.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 8:21 am
  
  Another thing about WINZ. Generally emergency grants are by definition for things that are unforseeable. If they are ongoing there comes a point where they refuse to pay them because by that stage you have had time to understand what the problem is and do something about it. I’d be interested to know how WINZ are treating the housing crisis.
  
  Anyone know if there is a (valid) reason why WINZ can’t pay motel fees via accommodation supplement? Esp where someone is able to negotiate a weekly rather than nightly rate?
vto 6

19 May 2016 at 8:25 am

The free market failed Pike River miners – the free market doesn’t work there

The free market failed finance company investors – the free market doesn’t work there

The free market fails low income housing – the free market doesn’t work there

The free market wasn’t even attempted in Chch’s CBD by this government – they know the free market doesn’t work there.

..

Does anybody know whereabouts the free market actually works??

edit: oh, and don’t forget that this government want to turn heavy trucking regulation over to the free market and self-regulation too – you know, those monster 50-ton mega-wheeled trucks that thunder past and almost annihilate you with their dust and wind alone…. ffs idiots supreme
- Sabine 6.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 8:38 am
  
  i think the ‘free’ market worked well for Paula Bennett and John Key…….:)
  - Jenny Kirk 6.1.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 8:55 am
    
    Ha ! when they were younger people, Sabine, the “free market” was not idolised as it is today – so they both had “state intervention” at the beginning of lives. State intervention : that odd phenomenon that we used to pay our taxes for. Don’t know what we pay our taxes for these days !
    - Pat 6.1.1.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 9:09 am
      
      we used to pay tax to redistribute wealth to provide for the needs of greater society…..now we redistribute to provide the wants of a minority of society
    - save nz 6.1.1.2
      
      19 May 2016 at 9:18 am
      
      Don’t know what we pay our taxes for these days !
      
      Sky City, Saudi sheep farms, oil speculation welfare, the TPPA roadshow….
      
      In a nutshell, corporate welfare…
      - Draco T Bastard 6.1.1.2.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 11:30 am
        
        In a nutshell, corporate welfare…
        
        QFT
        
        Our government over the last three decades have come to believe that supporting corporations and rich people are the real reason for the existence of society.
    - Sabine 6.1.1.3
      
      19 May 2016 at 9:53 am
      
      we pay taxes to support the ‘free’ market.
      see that was not so hard 🙂
  - WILD KATIPO 6.1.2
    
    19 May 2016 at 9:08 am
    
    And the Mont Pelerins, and Freidman ,and the Rothshilds and the Bilderbergers …etc etc etc etc…
    
    As for the rest of the cattle… ?
    
    ‘ Whats this big building they’re herding us into now ?….funny… I don’t see any of us coming out the other side ‘…
  - Olwyn 6.1.3
    
    19 May 2016 at 9:11 am
    
    Paula, in common with free-marketeer Donald Brash, seems to have been paid by the state for most of her life. Pushing the free market idea from a political platform is what has actually worked for both of them.
    - jcuknz 6.1.3.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 9:16 am
      
      Olwyn That is what they write at kiwiblog about all the profesional polys in the Labour Party … that none have any work experience in the outside world.
      - Olwyn 6.1.3.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 10:08 am
        
        My point is not that they lack experience in the outside world. It is that they take the side of the free-market against the state from a state-funded platform, while depending on the state to pay their salaries, along with their various other perks. And it is not as if they have just stepped in from busy market-based jobs to fight their team’s corner for a couple of years. Both Brash up until his retirement and Bennett are long term public employees.
        
        Colonial Viper 6.1.3.1.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 10:23 am
        
        English.
        
        Olwyn …
        
        19 May 2016 at 10:45 am
        
        Yes he’s another one. And I would not be surprised to learn that many of Key’s new upwardly mobile, celebrity-imitating bourgeoisie have gained their first step on the rentier ladder through well-paid government contracts.
- save nz 6.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 9:16 am
  
  I think the free market works if you have an offshore tax haven there VTO….
  
  At last a winner for the system!
- Observer (Tokoroa) 6.3
  
  19 May 2016 at 9:57 am
  
  .
  . VTO
  
  You are so correct ! The woefully impotent free market designed by John Key and Billy English will go down in history as the most colossal stuff up ever by an NZ Government.
  
  The Tories – have created the most evil Tornado – and given the gluttonous rich goodies and goodies and goodies.
  
  They have not only given NZ wealthy more than they could possibly need, but they have given foreign investors land and housing by the $billions. (often on receipt of a contribution to Tory vile coffers).
  
  No amount of slurred speech will ever redeem Key and English.
  - TC 6.3.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 11:00 am
    
    Its not a stuff up, they knew exactly what they were doing and its impacts.
    
    Wilful and deliberate escalation of house prices to hoodwink folks about that equating to economic growth.
    
    English was dissected by beatson over the fact they did no analysis on the impact of gst rise to 15% in 2009 on middle/lower earners.
    
    Nats responded by engineering the removal of stratos, dumbing down freeview and that pesky journalism.
    - Heather Grimwood 6.3.1.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 1:10 pm
      
      Indeed TC ( 6.3.1.) indeed they did know…no-one in their position could have got us into our present position by being dumb ( unless dumb enough to take orders from MUCH more clever advocates/manipulators).
    - Molly 6.3.1.2
      
      19 May 2016 at 2:22 pm
      
      +100
      - seeker 6.3.1.2.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 4:57 pm
        
        Have got a horrible feeling that you are correct TC@11.00am.
        If so, what hideous people.
        
        tc 6.3.1.2.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 8:01 pm
        
        Understanding market forces and their impacts on price is what made key his millions as a dealer.
    - Stuart Munro 6.3.1.3
      
      19 May 2016 at 4:32 pm
      
      Yes – quite right – but stupid is a safe consistent critique of their actions.
      
      “Bill English is so stupid he lost us a $120 billion for nothing.”
      
      It will hurt his feelings, and he’s demonstrably done nothing constructive with the money. But he’s not about to say “No, I’m not stupid, I’m fiendishly clever, it’s just that I’m corrupt.” Stupid it is then. The evidence supports it.
      - tc 6.3.1.3.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 8:06 pm
        
        Screw safe, time to go for the jugular and serve it back at them.
        
        Nice guys finish last is what’s happened last 2 elections up against the owned msm and CT/DP.
- Nessalt 6.4
  
  19 May 2016 at 5:49 pm
  
  Oh god. this exercise in onanism is so weak. “the free-market doesn’t work because of these specific instances”
  
  1) the directors of pike river failed the miners. not the free market. it was malfeasance. not the invisible hand coming in and dooming those poor souls
  
  2) finance company investors got greedy, the ROI was over 13% when the banks were offering 5.5-6.5%. then they got done in the downturn. no sympathy.
  
  3) the housing market is hardly free, a monopolistic building supplies behemoth controlling the domestic market via a duopoly distribution channel, with set limits imposed by both local and national government as to what, where and how.
  
  where the free market works, everywhere all around you. you’ve just picked rubbish examples. look harder. or try and understand what the word free actually means. bit difficult for a lefty of course
  - Colonial Viper 6.4.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 5:53 pm
    
    The “free market” is a false god.
    
    In reality it has always been an exercise of the powerful over the less powerful.
    
    Those in power don’t want a “level playing field”. They never have. They always want it tilted in their direction.
    
    And when it suits them, the free marketeers love getting socialist government bail outs.
    
    That’s how sincere they are to their free market religion i.e. not at all. The real religion they adhere to is personal financial success ahead of all other values.
    
    Another note – no large corporation wants real competition. A monopoly is preferable, but a duopoly or oligopoly is tolerable.
  - One Anonymous Bloke 6.4.2
    
    19 May 2016 at 6:04 pm
    
    The “free” “market” only works when it’s regulated.
    - UncookedSelachimorpha 6.4.2.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 9:06 pm
      
      +1
      
      Assuming that the free market will automatically give the desired outcome is the mistake.
      
      It is like expecting the same from evolution. Evolution is real and a powerful force in nature – and you are best to take account of it. But it has no inherent tendency to produce an outcome that humans desire. Markets are the same in my view. It is up to us to choose what we can with the reality around us.
      
      If the best outcome comes from regulating markets while at the same time understanding that market forces are real and need consideration, then let’s do that.
  - Foreign waka 6.4.3
    
    19 May 2016 at 7:53 pm
    
    Nothing really is ever for free. Unless someone prints money in clandestine, every dollar that makes a rich person richer makes a poor or middle class person poorer. All that wealth has to come from somewhere – it sure cannot be “produced” by sitting behind a desk, going for the obligatory 2 hour lunch and various events at all times. And even if someone is an eager beaver working very hard there is no justification for getting 100x or more the average income. This is very anti social and psychopathic behavior really.
  - gnomic 6.4.4
    
    20 May 2016 at 12:35 am
    
    Sad and pathetic bilge. Has your brain (if any) been rotted by over indulgence in Ayn Rand? You should stay off that stuff. Clear off to Fail Boil where they will enjoy the smell of your rot.
jcuknz 7

19 May 2016 at 9:11 am

What happened to all those rental vans that were lined up for CHCH folk dispossessed by the earthquake which nobody seemed to want?
Trouble is … where would they park?

If there are all those empty state houses in New Plymouth why don’t WINZ pay folk to move there? Rather than lending them blocks of $2T which will burden them for years to repay .. but show as black entries for Bill English.

I am starting to think that this is a clusterf$ck on the part of public servants as well as the politicians … by the way not the hard working lower grades but the bosses judging from the MBIE person waffling on Morning Report today about fishing.
- Pat 7.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 9:32 am
  
  “What happened to all those rental vans that were lined up for CHCH folk dispossessed by the earthquake which nobody seemed to want?”
  
  that was a gov sponsored private initiative….and like most gov responses to the quakes failed spectacularly….mainly because they wanted approaching $400 a week rental from memory.
- One Anonymous Bloke 7.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 9:36 am
  
  Can you suggest a way for civil servants to prevent the National Party’s human rights violations?
  - Sabine 7.2.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 9:54 am
    
    whistleblower unite.
    
    at some stage they could and should speak up.
- One Anonymous Bloke 7.3
  
  20 May 2016 at 9:23 am
  
  Hard to blame the public servants when they told Bennett about the issue at least a year ago.
ankerawshark 8

19 May 2016 at 9:16 am

I have been thinking about this. We hear about people land banking in Auckland. Sabine I remember you mentioning empty houses in your area. Gareth Morgan admitted to have 6 empty rental properties (tenants just dirty the carpet). These houses need to be liberated for the homeless. NOW. Political parties can’t do that, its the role of activists. Might it be possible to find out the addresses and owners of such houses and then have “open homes” . Media invited and homeless people (if they are willing) and stand outside the house and name and shame these parasites.

Just an idea. I don’t live in Auckland, but would be willing to donate and help with the campaign. …………………………..
- srylands 8.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 9:57 am
  
  Your view is abhorrent in a society that relies on markets and property rights to deliver prosperity.
  
  I own a flat in central Wellington. I stay in it 4 or 5 days per month. For the rest of the time it is unused. Do you think you should be able to liberate my property from me?
  - framu 8.1.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 9:59 am
    
    yeah – thats TOTALLY the same thing as buying a house an leaving it empty till you sell it
  - ankerawshark 8.1.2
    
    19 May 2016 at 10:40 am
    
    Actually I didn’t propose taking people’s property off them, although things are so desperate I could understand if people started a campaign to sqat in these empty houses. I meant to name and shame people who are landbanking, by having the media turn up with families who need homes and naming and shaming the owners.
    
    It is abhorrent to me that there are empty houses in Ak that are being kept empty because speculators what to make capital gains, while people with kids sleep in cars. Do you find that abhorrent syrlands or are you o.k. with that.
  - Draco T Bastard 8.1.3
    
    19 May 2016 at 11:34 am
    
    The markets and property rights are only delivering prosperity to the top 10%, the rest are in increasing poverty.
    - Chuck 8.1.3.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 3:54 pm
      
      NZ home ownership as of 2013 was 64.8%
      
      Which is a lot more than 10% referenced above.
      - Draco T Bastard 8.1.3.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 5:36 pm
        
        But who’s actually benefiting? Home ownership doesn’t automatically become a benefit for the home owner.
        
        And then there’s the fact that home ownership is declining:
        
        Data showed this number rose during the 1920s but fell during the Great Depression, hitting an all-time low in 1936 at around 50 per cent, before rising steadily during the 1950s.
        
        It peaked in 1986 and 1991 at 73.5 per cent.
        
        Figures from the 2013 census showed a downward trend in home ownership, with a decline seen across the board from people in their 20s and 70s.
        
        So, yeah, back to what I said.
      - UncookedSelachimorpha 8.1.3.1.2
        
        19 May 2016 at 8:57 pm
        
        …being the lowest home ownership rate since 1951.
        
        Must mean we are on the cusp of a special brighter future.
      - UncookedSelachimorpha 8.1.3.1.3
        
        19 May 2016 at 9:10 pm
        
        Having said that, home ownership isn’t always a great indicator. Germany has low home ownership but strong tenancy rights – people can live very stable lives in homes they don’t own.
        
        Thailand and India have much higher home ownership than NZ.
  - AB 8.1.4
    
    19 May 2016 at 1:44 pm
    
    “in a society that relies on markets and property rights to deliver prosperity.”
    Should be:
    “in a society that relies on markets and property rights to deliver inequality.”
    - maninthemiddle 8.1.4.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 8:55 pm
      
      Markets and property rights do deliver prosperity. Inequality is a fact of life in all political/economic systems. The richest person in venezuela is the daughter of hugo chavez. In cuba, fidel castro lives in opulence while his citizens live in poverty. I’m not even going to start on soviet russia.
      - One Anonymous Bloke 8.1.4.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 9:10 pm
        
        Gosh, you’re well informed! 🙄
        
        You forgot to mention that inequality, while present in every society, is highest in right wing shit-holes.
        
        In New Zealand, for example, which is not Cuba nor the Soviet Union nor Venezuela, corrupt right wing trash have spent the last thirty years or so pretending that their incompetence and greed are virtues, despite the human cost.
        
        That’s why people say they’re scum: rotten, low-life scum, creating homelessness and misery and yelling “but but but Venezuela” whenever anyone mentions it.
        
        maninthemiddle 8.1.4.1.1.1
        
        20 May 2016 at 12:24 pm
        
        “You forgot to mention that inequality, while present in every society, is highest in right wing shit-holes.”
        
        The term ‘right wing’ is somewhat lazy. And so is the term ‘inequality’. As I said, all systems produce inequality, and I challenge you to a> demonstrate socialist system do any better than capitalist one, and b> that the overall economic well being of the citizens of socialist countries are any better than those in capitalist ones.
        
        You might find this article helpful http://capx.co/capitalism-and-inequality-on-incomes/, that shows how capitalism is lifting the wellbeing of all of a nations citizenry, and this http://www.businessinsider.com.au/why-socialist-scandinavia-has-some-of-the-highest-inequality-in-europe-2014-10?r=US&IR=T which illustrates the high level of wealth inequality in Scandanavia.
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        20 May 2016 at 3:05 pm
        
        I challenge you to drop the drivel, and acknowledge that I am arguing in support of social democracy, which is the actual force lifting nations out of poverty. Capitalism existed for 60,000 years; the increases in standards of living over the last 100 years are a consequence of basic Social Democratic principles like “one person one vote” (you will recall the right’s opposition to universal suffrage) and Human Rights (I note that right wing employment law promotes slavery even today).
        
        As for “Capitalism”, it’s a somewhat lazy term. I presume you are referring to eg: NZ government policies over the last thirty years, including all the extra homeless people and increased incidence of “third world” diseases.
        
        I wonder that you aren’t a little bit ashamed of it.
        
        PS: when I use the term ‘inequality’ I mean “that which is measured in GINIs” – so no, not a lazy term at all.
        
        maninthemiddle …
        
        22 May 2016 at 9:38 am
        
        What is lazy about the use of the term ‘inequality’ is that it is meaningless as a measure of wellbeing. Inequality can increase yet the status of all citizens improve.
        
        You continue this by your use of the term ‘social democracy’. This is a political term, not an economic one. We live in a social democracy, just as we live in a mixed market economy. I encourage you to look these terms up.
      - joe90 8.1.4.1.2
        
        20 May 2016 at 3:24 pm
        
        The richest person in venezuela is the daughter of hugo chavez
        
        I tried to find a source to back up the claim – turns out the idiots over at RWNJ sites brietbart and the daily heil etc are all citing an anti-Chavez rag’s unsubstantiated propaganda.
        
        https://translate.google.co.nz/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.diariolasamericas.com/4848_venezuela/3265811_maria-gabriela-chavez-podria-mujer-rica-venezuela.html&prev=search
        
        maninthemiddle 8.1.4.1.2.1
        
        22 May 2016 at 9:45 am
        
        Then you didn’t look hard enough. Google ‘Hugo Chavez daughter’. There are many mainstream media reports, quoting Venezuelan media reports.
        
        joe90 …
        
        22 May 2016 at 10:42 am
        
        Then you didn’t look hard enough.
        
        Show me one, just one, of these many mainstream media reports, quoting Venezuelan media reports citing something other than the same unsubstantiated source I linked to.
        
        maninthemiddle …
        
        22 May 2016 at 2:16 pm
        
        http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3192933/Hugo-Chavez-s-ambassador-daughter-Venezuela-s-richest-woman-according-new-report.html
        
        http://www.diariolasamericas.com/4848_venezuela/3265811_maria-gabriela-chavez-podria-ser-mujer-mas-ricae-venezuela.html
        
        http://www.latinpost.com/articles/71424/20150812/maria-gabriela-ch%C3%A1vez-net-worth-hugo-ch%C3%A1vezs-daughter-richest-woman-in-venezuela-worth-4-2-billion.htm
        
        I can quote more if you like.
        
        Colonial Viper …
        
        22 May 2016 at 2:31 pm
        
        Typical elite smear campaign against Chavez and the remnants of his socialist government via the corporate lame stream media.
        
        Venezuela has been under continuous economic attack by the west for well over a decade now for daring to have an independent economic and foreign policy.
        
        The western corporates want full and free access to Venezuela’s massive heavy oil reserves.
        
        They’ll burn the entire country down to get it, with the help of the local Venezuelan 1%.
        
        maninthemiddle …
        
        22 May 2016 at 7:00 pm
        
        You can call it what you like. I’m sure you are happy to believe such reports when they suit you’re narrative. I have found no reosn to doubt the figures.
        
        Colonial Viper …
        
        22 May 2016 at 7:03 pm
        
        The US does not permit central and south american countries to have independent economic and foreign policies. It hasn’t for a century.
        
        joe90 …
        
        22 May 2016 at 2:48 pm
        
        I can quote more if you like.
        
        You’re not very fucking bright, are you, but anyhoo, the daily heil cites the second, I posted the translated version above, which makes the unsubstantiated claim, and your third link cites the same unsubstantiated claim made in the second link.
        
        maninthemiddle …
        
        22 May 2016 at 7:07 pm
        
        Another one having a bad day! What is it with you people and personal abuse? The posts I gave you are all from the mainstream media. Are they all wrong? Is thishttps://panampost.com/editor/2015/08/26/chavezs-daughter-is-filthy-rich-and-that-shouldnt-be-a-surprise/, and every other media outlet making this claim? Here’s a test for you…find a denial by her.
        
        And while you’re at it, here’s another:
        
        http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2015/08/socialism-the-most-corrupt-path-to-great-wealth.php
        “Alejandro Andrade, who served as Venezuela’s treasury minister from 2007 to 2010 and was reportedly a close associate of Chavez, was discovered to have $11.2 billion in his name sitting in HSBC accounts in Switzerland, according to documents leaked by whistleblower Hervé Falciani.”
        
        Socialism has it’s own inequalities, you just don’t want to see it.
        
        [lprent: You don’t make the rules about behaviour here. “Personal abuse” is fine on this site. It is just part of the robust debate this site was set up to foster.
        
        I’d explain the reasoning behind that part of our rules. But I suspect that you are just the kind of stupid dimwit who just needs things to be demonstrated to them. What kind of irresponsible fool drops on to a site and starts trying to set the rules of behaviour without first checking the local rules? Obviously some kind of self-entitled, pig-ignorant and quite stupid troll – which fits you quite well.
        
        Banned for 1 week to allow you time to read the policy. I hope you can manage the long words. Learn to be an intelligent troll who might survive here. ]
        
        joe90 …
        
        23 May 2016 at 10:35 am
        
        thishttps://panampost.com/editor/2015/08/26/chavezs-daughter-is-filthy-rich-and-that-shouldnt-be-a-surprise/,
        
        […]
        
        And while you’re at it, here’s another:
        
        Again, both cite the same unsubstantiated article as their source.
        Idiot.
  - Kevin 8.1.5
    
    19 May 2016 at 3:16 pm
    
    Probably won’t be the Government you have to worry about taking it of you.
    - mac1 8.1.5.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 3:23 pm
      
      Heh! Can I suggest M. Srylands watches the following talk and get the message from a 1%er before the tumbrils attend.
      
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2gO4DKVpa8&ab_channel=TED
      
      A very good talk from a self-confessed plutocrat 1%er about trickle down economics and revolution.
  - One Anonymous Bloke 8.1.6
    
    19 May 2016 at 6:10 pm
    
    Oh noes! Someone might come and take the fruits of your career-long mendacity and dogmatic incompetence away! It would be well deserved.
    
    After all, your dogma leads directly to pitchforks and always has.
- Sabine 8.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 10:06 am
  
  there is an estimated 20.000 empty houses, units, flats, apartments empty in the city.
  
  now granted, some of them might be on the expensive end of the bracket, often these would be houses bought in the nice leafy subburbs that yet have not the required zoning to subdivide the shit outta them, but you go to Otara, Otahuhu, Onehunga, West Auckland and so on and you will see a lot of places that could house people.
  
  Another thing is a lot of residential properties where transformed into commercial properties – especially in Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Herne Bay and so on, and are usually for Barristers and Chartered Accountants, Vet Clinics and so on, but often times when they are empty they are empty for a long time – these should loose the commercial status after x-amount of time empty and be re-classified as residential. Surely, someone then would rent the property.
  
  Should the government ‘confiscate’ these properties at Market value and rent them to those looking for housing as Germany does and has done in times of a housing crisis (after the wall and now with the syrian refugee it is done again with commercial properties), yes, why not.
  
  Could the Government incentives Landlords to rent their empty buildings by removing any tax incentives they may have by keeping them empty, yes, why not.
  
  Could the Government create a law that prevents someone from buying up properties in a city they don’t live ? Why yes, they could.
  
  Fact is its not going to happen, and our resident National Party voters make it clear to us on every turn they can. You, me and even them are worth nothing to no one, and hence you, me and even them deserve no help what so ever should we fail in procuring housing, food, electricty, water for us and our loved ones.
  
  Sick and disabled? Shit outta luck.
  Unemployed? Shit outta Luck.
  Homeless? Shit outta luck.
  
  What to do? Go to a ditch, die, quietly.
  
  I have advocated for the last three years or so, that the Labour Party, the Greens, and any other party that is concerned with these happenings go and open up ‘Key Villes’ in our public domains. We could have a look at the refugee tent cities and model them after that. Auckland Action against Poverty could have a permanent address there to help people access the benefits they are entitled too and in many ways have paid for via their taxes, and the Politicians could put their words to deeds and live there for good measure.
  
  but fuck, again, unless there is a realization that we all only go there by the grace of God or Dog nothing is happening.
- You_Fool 8.3
  
  19 May 2016 at 11:45 am
  
  Why not have the government or council lease motels off the owners for 5 years, home all the homeless there until these magical houses are built 100 km away from any workplace?
  
  The owners get recompense and we don’t have the horrid situation of people living in cars.
  
  Or just take any house not lived in and play a tiny violin for srylands and his facsict mates
  - ankerawshark 8.3.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 12:10 pm
    
    LOL you fool.
    
    Seriously though interesting Sabine’s point that in Germany they can make use of empty houses in a housing crisis.
Anne 9

19 May 2016 at 9:57 am

Went to a meeting on the North Shore last evening about the Housing crisis. Speakers included Shamubeel Eaqub, Yvette Taylor (Living Wage campaign), Alex Johnston (Auckland Youth council) and Labour’s Phil Twyford. It was a combined meeting of the aforesaid organisations plus Labour. Large hall filled to the rafters. I was amazed to see the huge turn-out of young people. Who said that young people are not interested in important issues? Me, for one. I’m glad to have been proved wrong!

All speakers were treated with respect and there was little disagreement in what needed to be done. Phil Twyford and Phil Goff were in campaign mode and they regard this issue as the top-most priority of the times. Good feed back from the audience who were clearly appreciative of what they were hearing.

The two stand out comments for me was Phil Twyford and Labour’s recognition Auckland is going to have to spread out as well as go up. However he made it clear areas of high environmental interest, and those semi-rural regions where market gardening is flourishing would not be touched. The other… Shamubeel Eaqub made it clear in answer to a question that the issue of housing affordability and supply – plus the infrastructure required to sustain them – has reached such crisis proportions they need to be handled ahead of and in isolation to other associated social issues. Well, I think that was the substance of what he was saying.

It seems to me we are now in the same place the first Labour govt. found themselves in the 30s and 40s which saw a massive housing programme take place… one which was largely responsible for pulling NZ up and out of depression and war.
- Colonial Viper 9.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 10:06 am
  
  Will the next Labour Government be willing to self credit the many billions of dollars in expenditures required to do a similar thing again.
  - Sabine 9.1.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 10:27 am
    
    why don’t you ask them?
- dukeofurl 9.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 10:21 am
  
  What about the land inside the urban boundary, land bankers are sitting on it. Outside the boundary will just be a rush for a few larger blocks, most is small lifestyle blocks that arent economic to subdivide.
  
  It would be a catastrophe to have a non existant urban boundary like US cities such as Dallas or Houston.
- maninthemiddle 9.3
  
  19 May 2016 at 2:24 pm
  
  A building program of the scale you describe could not happen today, sorry, too much has changed. Back then there was no RMA, no restriction on land supply, the country wasn’t rebuilding one of it’s largest cities, there were huge labour resources…I could go on. The current problem is a failure of misguided environmental and transport policy that has straightjacketed Auckland. Labour are right to put the urban limit on the table, but their numbers on new builds is fairy tale stuff.
  - Anne 9.3.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 3:51 pm
    
    Nope. I wasn’t suggesting a building programme on the scale of the 30s and 40s which was also fairly evenly spread through-out the country. Rather, I was saying that the sense of urgency and need is on a par with the 30s and 40s, but in a different time and space and the resolutions are not going to be the same.
    
    Dukofurl, I think it can be safely said that any extension of the Auckland peripheral regions for new housing areas is going to be carried out in a careful and responsible manner under a Labour/Green coalition govt. It is National who are far more likely to conduct such a programme in an ad hoc and willy-nilly fashion which seems to be their M.O. with most things.
    - maninthemiddle 9.3.1.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 8:35 pm
      
      Fair enough. I don’t share your optimism about any greater progress under an alternative government. This is a failure of Auckland’s local government to permit auckland to sprawl because of the need to justify huge investment in public transport. Successive labour and national governments have had to live with those poor decisions.
      - One Anonymous Bloke 9.3.1.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 9:19 pm
        
        Who knew the “middle” was a derivative litany of zombie right wing drivel?
  - Colonial Viper 9.3.2
    
    19 May 2016 at 4:05 pm
    
    A building program of the scale you describe could not happen today, sorry, too much has changed.
    
    You’re weirdly pessimistic.
    
    All the roadblocks you mention are man made, and can be solved by man.
    
    What is missing is the political will in government.
    - maninthemiddle 9.3.2.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 8:38 pm
      
      The problem is that local government in Auckland has an unchallenged obsession with a high density city based on the need to justify more investment in public transport. The roadblocks are largely the fault of Auckland council. There is no lack of political will at a nationwide level.
      - Colonial Viper 9.3.2.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 9:07 pm
        
        hey stupid go stay stuck in a traffic jam.
        
        maninthemiddle 9.3.2.1.1.1
        
        20 May 2016 at 12:14 pm
        
        Traffic jams wouldn’t occur in a sprawling city. In Auckland traffic jams occur primarily because of intensification. Satellite towns connected by modern roading and express public transport links is the answer.
  - Stuart Munro 9.3.3
    
    19 May 2016 at 4:36 pm
    
    Of course it could – but some must go up instead of out, and some must be relocatable.
    - maninthemiddle 9.3.3.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 8:39 pm
      
      Up is easy…our council is obsessed with high density. It is out they have roadblocked.
      - mauī 9.3.3.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 8:50 pm
        
        Building outwards just continues the insanity, the Northwestern and Southern motorways are f**ed and unusable last time I looked.
        
        maninthemiddle 9.3.3.1.1.1
        
        20 May 2016 at 12:11 pm
        
        You should visit again. There is a huge roading program being completed over the next year or so to complete the ring road around Auckland. Building out isn’t insane. It means infrastructure is properly planned and constructed, and in combination with higher density is the best solution.
Colonial Viper 10

19 May 2016 at 10:20 am

Any solution which does not include warm dry accommodation for an extra one to two thousand people within the next 60 days falls short of the mark.
Draco T Bastard 11

19 May 2016 at 10:38 am

This is a massive market and moral failure, and it’s obvious that the Nats haven’t a clue what to do.

Having full faith in ‘The Market’ and no ethics means that they don’t have to do anything as it’s the poor persons fault and not theirs despite the fact that it was them that put in place all the policies that cause poverty, i.e, tax cuts for the rich, selling off state assets, cutting people off of benefits etc, etc.
- srylands 11.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 10:43 am
  
  You are lying again. There were no tax cuts for the rich. The mixed ownership model will reduce power prices. Benefits were increased.
  
  Your lying dirty politics meme is alive I see.
  - Sabine 11.1.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 11:01 am
    
    care to support all your statements with links?
    
    especially the ‘mixed’ owner ship model that will reduce the prices 🙂
  - Draco T Bastard 11.1.2
    
    19 May 2016 at 11:04 am
    
    No I’m not, you are.
    
    The tax cuts that this government brought in benefited the rich and no one else
    Power prices are already going up and the power companies are working to discourage solar generation on homes so that they can bring in more profit from a captive customer base
    A very few people on benefits got a very slight increase
    
    As I said, you’re lying. But, then, you have to as reality doesn’t meet your delusional ideology.
    - indiana 11.1.2.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 3:48 pm
      
      Can you define the “rich”? Is it anyone that earns over $70k pa but does not get any tax credits? I’m lost as to who the rich are? I mean if I’m single and earning $50k pa am I rich compared to a family with a house hold income of $120 pa or are they richer than me?
      - Colonial Viper 11.1.2.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 4:06 pm
        
        Anyone in the top 5% of income earners or wealth holders is rich.
        
        Of course within that 5% there is a hell of a lot of inequality, as the top 0.1% are the ones who are really raking it in, while those just within the 5% mark are the poor cousins of the flash crowd.
        
        I mean if I’m single and earning $50k pa am I rich compared to a family with a house hold income of $120 pa or are they richer than me?
        
        They have 2.4x your gross income. You could not hope to match their lifestyle and expenses. Conversely, they could not survive on your meager income.
        
        Draco T Bastard 11.1.2.1.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 5:37 pm
        
        +1
  - dv 11.1.3
    
    19 May 2016 at 11:24 am
    
    Hmmm
    I see you don’t think some on a million who got 80k tax back not a tax for a rich person.
  - framu 11.1.4
    
    19 May 2016 at 12:16 pm
    
    another peddling the meme that those that practiced dirty politics are in fact the victims of it
  - AB 11.1.5
    
    19 May 2016 at 1:49 pm
    
    Hasn’t the phrase “mixed ownership model” become a sort of obscene euphemism? Like “collateral damage” or “ethnic cleansing”.
    And anyone using it clearly has a need to sanitise the reality?
  - One Anonymous Bloke 11.1.6
    
    19 May 2016 at 6:16 pm
    
    will reduce power prices
    
    That’s what Max Bradford said, S Rylands. Did you write the press-release?
    
    I know you believe your assertion very very hard. Show me a real world example where privatising the commons lowered costs to commoners.
AmaKiwi 12

19 May 2016 at 10:46 am

@ dukeofurl

“It would be a catastrophe to have a non existant urban boundary like US cities such as Dallas or Houston.” But that is what we are going to get.

Many European cities have high density housing that feels like you are in a small town with plenty of green spaces.

That requires strong centralized planning and tight rules about land use. It will never come from “the free market decides.”

Social well-being is the enemy of corporate profits.
- dukeofurl 12.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 12:30 pm
  
  European cities ? They tried that in UK and Australia with tower blocks and open spaces. It was a disaster.
  More human scale and narrower green linkages rather than that awful ‘open space’
  They built a big tower block in one of Auckland suburbs recently, just terrible.
  Its lit up at night like a pretend ocean liner, and yet it won awards.
  Maybe a 4 -6 stories would have been better.
  - Draco T Bastard 12.1.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 2:12 pm
    
    They tried that in UK and Australia with tower blocks and open spaces. It was a disaster.
    
    Link?
    - McFlock 12.1.1.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 2:36 pm
      
      They even have their own wikipedia page.
      
      No doubt you’ll be able to point to all the flaws in design and construction that contributed to socio-economic decay and argue that your tower blocks will be energy-efficient communities in the sky.
      
      Unfortunately, that’s what the original architects were aiming for, too. Whoops.
      - Draco T Bastard 12.1.1.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 3:02 pm
        
        An interesting page as it points out all the faults that were made in the construction back in the 1950s/60s and how that contributed to the decline of the buildings themselves.
        
        And then further down points out how they’re now being refurbished for young professionals across the UK. And in the US we have:
        
        In contrast to their public housing cousins, commercially developed high-rise apartment buildings continue to flourish in cities around the country largely due to high land prices and the housing boom of the 2000s. The Upper East Side in New York City and Chicago’s Gold Coast, both featuring high-rise apartments, are the wealthiest urban neighborhoods in the United States.
        
        So, yes, it’s entirely probable that they could be done better today – although, probably not with NZ developers as they have a tendency to cut corners even when the place they’re building is being built for the wealthy.
        
        McFlock 12.1.1.1.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 3:13 pm
        
        …and the issue facing Auckland in particular isn’t a problem of housing young, wealthy professionals who can go somewhere else if they’re turned down by the building residents’ association.
        
        It’s social housing and family housing allocated by need. NZ developers and policy makers are totally capable of fucking that up 🙁
        
        One Anonymous Bloke 12.1.1.1.1.2
        
        19 May 2016 at 6:30 pm
        
        This theory of yours isn’t yours, as McFlock has pointed out. Claude Edouard Jeanneret had similar delusions.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        19 May 2016 at 8:03 pm
        
        Which delusion is that one? That there is a better way to build cities than building them for more cars?
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        19 May 2016 at 8:49 pm
        
        That you can foist housing “solutions” on communities regardless of culture.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        19 May 2016 at 9:55 pm
        
        And where have I ever said that?
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        20 May 2016 at 7:40 am
        
        Why else cite some areas in the world with that style of domestic architecture? Why else claim that it “could be done better”?
Colonial Viper 13

19 May 2016 at 12:16 pm

I still find it ironic that Labour has finally come around to National’s way of thinking:

– Auckland City Council and their zoning regs are a major problem
– The RMA has to be gotten out of the way
– Public land needs to be opened up for building on
– Sprawl like private sector development is the way to go.
- BM 13.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 12:30 pm
  
  Yep, Labour has finally seen the light, either that or it was a purely political move to get in before National.
  
  Can’t see this going down well with the Greens, though, have they made any sort of comment?
  - Draco T Bastard 13.1.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 2:12 pm
    
    I can’t see it going down well with Labour members.
    - srylands 13.1.1.1
      
      19 May 2016 at 2:20 pm
      
      Well hopefully there is now Parliamentary support to proceed to special legislation under urgency to override Auckland Council and simply abolish the urban limit.
      
      This announcement by Twyford is the most significant policy announcement by Labour in 8 years. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a series of policy shifts by Labour. The country is crying out for some strong market-oriented policies to present a credible Opposition. In turn that will make Labour electable. Maybe that will go down well with Labour members?
      - mickysavage 13.1.1.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 2:24 pm
        
        You have not read the details have you. It is not the removal of urban limits. Planning tools will be replaced with economic tools.
        
        Colonial Viper 13.1.1.1.1.1
        
        19 May 2016 at 4:12 pm
        
        Is it not just another method of getting to opening up much the same land?
      - Draco T Bastard 13.1.1.1.2
        
        19 May 2016 at 2:46 pm
        
        Ah, so you’re all in favour of dictatorship and parliament forcing entire cities to do what they’re told.
      - One Anonymous Bloke 13.1.1.1.3
        
        19 May 2016 at 6:46 pm
        
        No-one believes your gobshite anymore, S Rylands. Even those who pay lip service have their snouts in the trough of corporate welfare and corruption.
        
        Your entire professional life has been completely worthless. Worse, it has fostered nothing but misery. Sick children living in cars.
        
        Shame.
    - Chuck 13.1.1.2
      
      19 May 2016 at 8:17 pm
      
      “I can’t see it going down well with Labour members.”
      
      Maybe not…but its the type of policy that will appeal to the potential swing voter…that could get Labour back up over 30% and into the mid 30’s.
      
      Maybe Chris Trotter is starting to have some influence in Labour policy?
      
      Long way to go though…and I suspect Little will stuff it up again.
- Sacha 13.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 1:45 pm
  
  Moronic, not ironic.
srylands 14

19 May 2016 at 12:39 pm

It is important to remember that is the responsibility of individuals and families to provide for their own housing. Government provision is a last resort for those without the means to provide for themselves, either through poor decisions or misfortune. The best thing the Government can do for most people is get out of the way. The Labour party announcement this week that it will abolish the urban limit in Auckland is an excellent example of such a policy. Stop making it hard for people and allow markets to allocate land and housing.

We do not want people homeless. There is currently a problem, especially in Auckland. This is because governments – both local and central – have allowed house price inflation to get out of control through poor policies. What is required to fix that is well known.

As for emergency housing, I would suggest that the Government provides emergency housing at scale for everyone who wants it. Set up tent cities on the outskirts of the main cities. Provide some good sturdy tents, some portaloos, water tankers and some gas barbeques. Everyone pays 20% of their income as rent. Stay as long as you like. Nobody is excluded. No waiting list. Free shuttle bus into the city of you need to commute. That way nobody has an excuse to sleep in cars. Over time, as we replace good poor housing policies with good ones, the need for the emergency camps will diminish.
- BM 14.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 12:43 pm
  
  Porta coms instead of tents
  
  http://www.portabuild.co.nz/
  
  You could knock something up really quickly.
- Sacha 14.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 1:46 pm
  
  “The best thing the Government can do for most people is get out of the way.”
  
  Libertarian tosh.
- dukeofurl 14.3
  
  19 May 2016 at 2:36 pm
  
  ‘responsibility of individuals and families to provide for their own housing’ but not AJ Hackett to pay for his tourist ventures.
  And it was Key who announces taxpayers money will go for hacketts business.
- McFlock 14.4
  
  19 May 2016 at 2:44 pm
  
  lol
  “tent cities”?
  
  Back to the tory playbook of shanty towns, slums, and Hoovervilles to wipe your hands clean, eh.
  
  Got to keep them on the outskirts of town, otherwise rich people might accidentally see poor people and be disgusted.
  - One Anonymous Bloke 14.4.1
    
    19 May 2016 at 6:39 pm
    
    The disgust is displacement behaviour: what they’re really experiencing is bidentaphobia.
- One Anonymous Bloke 14.5
  
  19 May 2016 at 6:34 pm
  
  It is important to remember that S Rylands has a massive conflict of interest: having touted this delusional gibberish his entire working life, his income requires that these zombie policies keep on shuffling and moaning and eating brains.
Observer (Tokoroa) 15

19 May 2016 at 1:55 pm

. Srylands

. I get the feeling that it was you or someone like you, who advised the super competent Paula Bennett to charge desperate families $190 per night for accommodation.

She is absolutely brilliant. Superb at making money ($1330.00 a week) out of someones dreadful misfortune.

She is a Tory to the core. Totally free of compassion is our Paula – Tory First Class. Even worse, she doesn’t seem to know what a good idea is, and neither do all the Ministers of John Keys Cabinet.

But, as a Tory you know that already.
dukeofurl 16

19 May 2016 at 2:33 pm

“The Prime Minister has just anounced a grant of $500,000 for A J Hacketts new attraction in Queenstown.”

Cough, the hiprocisy, homeless can go to Winz, but rich have their hand in taxpayers pocket.
seeker 17

19 May 2016 at 5:02 pm

Such a well put together post, as ever, Anthony. Vitally important that we see things clearly as the government and msm continuously murk the waters. Thankyou so much.
b waghorn 18

19 May 2016 at 5:34 pm

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/304288/emergency-housing-sector-'unaccountable‘

The incompetence of this government defies belief.
- Draco T Bastard 18.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 5:44 pm
  
  CheckPoint: Scathing emergency housing policy review revealed
  
  Checkpoint has obtained a scathing internal review of the emergency housing system, given to the Minister of Social Housing almost a year ago, which describes the system as ‘incoherent, unfair and not accountable’.
Draco T Bastard 19

19 May 2016 at 5:41 pm

Helen Kelly just Tweeted this:

Irony today Govt profiteers off selling state house it paid $250000 in 2012 & sold today r $800,000. It has no interest in affordable homes
- Anne 19.1
  
  19 May 2016 at 5:50 pm
  
  Another one sold today in Queenstown for nearly $700,000. Bought in 2003 by Lab govt. for state house stock – $260,000 I think it was.
  
  http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201801355
- dukeofurl 19.2
  
  19 May 2016 at 5:58 pm
  
  Its so mad to have Housing NZ run at a profit to be given to government and yet local councils water supplys cannot ever make a profit.
Sabine 20

19 May 2016 at 7:06 pm

https://twitter.com/helenkellyUnion/status/733140589726732288

at long last do we have no shame?
North 21

19 May 2016 at 7:56 pm

And as they carry on in this way Key looks more and more disconnected. Like he’s on auto-pilot. No consciousness. Just robotically ‘say something’ and carry on.

This cannot go on. His ‘colleagues’, viz. Judith, read developing senses about Key as a cynical failure. His days are numbered however that occurs.

Ultimately and sooner rather than later the deficit in quality will tell.
aldousk 22

19 May 2016 at 9:02 pm

Earlier in the week the Prime Minister asserted that he would be “amazed” if Winz was not able to provide a homeless supplicant with accommodation. By Tuesday he must have been quite flabbergasted. Then bamboozled. And three days later he must feel utterly hornswoggled. But relaxed and comfortable as usual.
- gnomic 22.1
  
  20 May 2016 at 1:05 am
  
  The smirking weasel has lost the plot. Not that he ever had a clue. Likewise the minister of Everything. The ministers of housing wouldn’t know pooh from clay. And the only possible reason there are three of them is to f**k it all up and hand it over to the vulture classes (aka the private sector).
  
  English. Smith. Bennett. Extremely inspirational. Or aspirational. If you are looking for bungling incompetence. And concealed agendas.
  
  This shambles (not worthy of the name of government) must go.
  
  But is there any alternative? Maybe Labour should change its name to Slave Labour?
Observer (Tokoroa) 23

20 May 2016 at 1:36 am

.
. What a vile sickening Government !

. The Torys have dragged themselves into the gutter. The lowest of the low.

. Key, English and Bennett forcing low wages on those who do the work in New Zealand. Then denying them the opportunity of getting secure, warm, dry housing. Finally saddling them with impossible crushing rents. Then “giving” them emergency rooms at $190 per night and demanding they pay the money back at $1330 per WEEK.

Have you ever heard the like ! All of it planned to a nicety by “nice guy” Key, Assets flogger English, and money collector, madam Bennett.

What is really going on is a cruel genocidal force, put together by the fat, lazy, dishonest Tory cats determined to gut New Zealand working citizens.

New Zealand’s Governor and the Crown should step in and disband the Tory monsters, and set up Courts to try them for deliberate inhumane criminal neglect of New Zealand’s Common Citizenry.
Jerko 24

20 May 2016 at 6:02 am

What happened in the fifties and sixties was that whole villages were built by the MOW. They housed hundreds of families for the duration of the Hydro Electric Power projects. I know because I was raised in these villages. It did not take a rocket scientist to put those houses and families into them in a very short time frame. Seems a similar stategy would be useful right now. With a solar power project instead of hydro.
Dorothy Bulling 25

20 May 2016 at 7:20 pm

English knows even less than Key about being poor. He grew up on a farm in Southland at a time when farming had it better than those of us who serviced the agricultural industry. No idea how it would be to have Mum and Dad say, ‘sorry you will have to wait a while before we can buy you a new pair of shoes.’ He has learned very little in his time in the House and should get out. But of course he would then find out how hard it is for older people to find a job. Nevef mind, he can always go and milk cows at home in Dipton.
Smilin 26

20 May 2016 at 10:22 pm

This is the price we pay to have greedy lying self entitled creeps running the country who have the gall to believe their bs is the truth and that NZers have no sense of value about what they are worth or what their history amounts to
Since when do we have to be slaves to a global ideology that is corrupt and has been for most of the years since ww2
What sort of history is taught now ? The world since Key took office? is that all we know ?

Comments are now closed

Articles RSS

Comments
Opinions

Here’s hoping they aren’t counting on a 100 per cent acceptance…
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
2 hours ago

Gordon Campbell on unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events: The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...
Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
3 hours ago

TVNZ and poll results
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: TVNZ says it is dealing with about 50 formal complaints over its coverage of the latest 1News-Verian political poll, with some viewers – as well as the Prime Minister and a former senior Labour MP – critical of the tone of the 6pm report. ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
3 hours ago

Mana or Money
Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
4 hours ago

Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Thursday, May 2
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 11:10 am on Thursday, May 2:Scoop: Government sits on official advice on fast-track consent. The Ombudsman is investigating after official briefings on the contentious regime were held back despite requests from Forest ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
4 hours ago

The Art of taking no Responsibility
Alwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
4 hours ago

The shabby “Parliamentary urgency” ploy – shaky foundations and why our democracy needs trust
Our trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 hours ago

Jones has made plain he isn’t fond of frogs (not the dim-witted ones, at least) – and now we lea...
This article was prepared for publication yesterday. More ministerial announcements have been posted on the government’s official website since it was written. We will report on these later today …. Buzz from the Beehive There we were, thinking the environment is in trouble, when along came Jones. Shane Jones. ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
5 hours ago

Infrastructure & home building slumping on Govt funding freeze
New Zealand now has the fourth most depressed construction sector in the world behind China, Qatar and Hong Kong. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 8:46am on Thursday, May 2:The Lead: ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
7 hours ago

Brainwashed People Think Everyone Else is Brainwashed
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
David FarrierBy David Farrier
10 hours ago

Peters’ real foreign policy threat is Helen Clark
Winston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
11 hours ago

NZ’s trans lobby is fighting a rearguard action
Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
Point of OrderBy gadams1000
18 hours ago

Your mandate is imaginary
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
23 hours ago

14,000 unemployed under National
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
1 day ago

Bryce Edwards: Discontent and gloom dominate NZ’s political mood
Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
1 day ago

Taking Tea with 42 & 38.
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
1 day ago

Beware political propaganda: statistics are pointing to Grant Robertson never protecting “Lives an...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”. As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
1 day ago

Winding back the hands of history’s clock
Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
1 day ago

Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
1 day ago

Business confidence sliding into winter of discontent
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
1 day ago

Gordon Campbell on the coalition’s awful, not good, very bad poll results
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
1 day ago

New HOP readers for future payment options
Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
1 day ago

2024 Reading Summary: April (+ Writing Update)
Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
2 days ago

At a glance – Clearing up misconceptions regarding 'hide the decline'
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Skeptical Science
2 days ago

Road photos
Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
2 days ago

Bryce Edwards: Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
2 days ago

NZDF is still hostile to oversight
Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
2 days ago

Winding Back The Hands Of History’s Clock.
Holding On To The Present: The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
Bowalley Road
2 days ago

Sweet Moderation? What Christopher Luxon Could Learn From The Germans.
Stuck In The Middle With You: As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
Bowalley Road
2 days ago

A clear warning
The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
2 days ago

Poll results and Waitangi Tribunal report go unmentioned on the Beehive website – where racing tru...
Buzz from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example. This shows National down ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
2 days ago

Listening To The Traffic.
It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
Bowalley Road
2 days ago

Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
Bowalley Road
2 days ago

Ending The Quest.
Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
Bowalley Road
2 days ago

Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
Chris Trotter writes – New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
2 days ago

Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
2 days ago

Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
2 days ago

Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
2 days ago

Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
Skeptical Science
2 days ago

Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
2 days ago

Webworm LA Pop-Up
Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
David FarrierBy David Farrier
2 days ago

“Feel good” school is out
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
2 days ago

6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
exhALANtBy exhalantblog
3 days ago

Bread, and how it gets buttered
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
3 days ago

Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
3 days ago

Justice for Gaza?
The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
3 days ago

If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
3 days ago

FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
3 days ago

Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
3 days ago

Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
3 days ago

Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
3 days ago

Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
3 days ago

Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
3 days ago

Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
4 days ago

2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
Skeptical Science
4 days ago

Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
David FarrierBy David Farrier
4 days ago

Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
4 days ago

Winston remembers Gettysburg.
Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
4 days ago

25
She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8. The universe was ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
4 days ago

Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
Skeptical Science
5 days ago

Policing protests.
Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
5 days ago

Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 days ago

Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
5 days ago

Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 days ago

More tax for less
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 days ago

Real News vs Fake News.
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
5 days ago

Another way to roll
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
5 days ago

Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
Skeptical Science
6 days ago

Cutting the Public Service
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
PunditBy Brian Easton
6 days ago

Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
6 days ago

This is how I roll over
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
6 days ago

The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
6 days ago

Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
6 days ago

Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
6 days ago

Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
6 days ago

Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert Martin
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour Blog
6 hours ago

Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live export
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fire
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
Greens
1 day ago

New unemployment figures paint bleak picture
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Greens
1 day ago

Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment rises
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New Zealanders
Weekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreement
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle down
The Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...
Greens
2 days ago

Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicine
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACT
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Labour Blog
3 days ago

Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial Day
Labour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...
Labour Blog
3 days ago

Gaza: Aotearoa Must Support Independent Investigation into Mass Graves
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Māori Party
6 days ago

Release: Working together on consistent support for veterans this Anzac Day
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Penny drops – but what about Seymour and Peters?
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summons
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
Māori Party
1 week ago

Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery funding
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Further environmental mismanagement on the cards
The Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environment
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management system
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise Palestine
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kind
The Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Three strikes has failed before and will fail again
Resurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Māori Party
1 week ago

Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freeze
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Fast-track submissions period must be extended
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Release: Progress on climate will be undone by Govt
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect them
News that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunches
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Oranga Tamariki cuts commit tamariki to state abuse
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
Māori Party
2 weeks ago

Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals bill
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Government throws coal on the climate crisis fire
The Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project instead
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priority
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Te Pāti Māori to visit Queensland to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
Māori Party
3 weeks ago

Government recommits to equal pay
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
20 mins ago

Transforming how our children learn to read
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 hour ago

NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 hours ago

Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 hours ago

Streamlining Building Consent Changes
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
11 hours ago

Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
22 hours ago

Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
22 hours ago

Accelerating airport security lines
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Community hui to talk about kina barrens
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Mining resurgence a welcome sign
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Government to boost public EV charging network
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Independent review into disability support services
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Speech – Eid al-Fitr
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Government saves access to medicines
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Pharmac Chair appointed
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Diplomacy needed more than ever
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
7 days ago

Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

PM announces changes to portfolios
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

New catch limits for unique fishery areas
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Overseas decommissioning models considered
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

A clock in the rocks: what cosmic rays tell us about Earth’s changing surface and climate
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shaun Eaves, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Jamey Stutz, CC BY-SA How often do mountains collapse, volcanoes erupt or ice sheets melt? For Earth scientists, these are important questions as we try ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
15 mins ago

Multiple parties complain over Green MP Julie Anne Genter's conduct
Speaker Gerry Brownlee won't say which parties have taken issue with Julie Anne Genter's outburst. ...
Radio NZ – political
34 mins ago

Aggressive? Homophobic? Stoic? Here’s what thousands of Australian men told us about modern mascul...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Flood, Professor of Sociology, Queensland University of Technology Shutterstock Most young adult men in Australia reject traditional ideas of masculinity that endorse aggression, stoicism and homophobia. Nonetheless, the ongoing influence of those ideas continues to harm men and the people ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
45 mins ago

Watch live as the PM makes pre-Budget education announcement
From next year, the government expects all public schools to take a "proven structured literacy approach". ...
Radio NZ – political
56 mins ago

NZQA Jobs To Go As Government Education Cuts Roll On
The NZQA proposal released to staff today would involve a net loss of 35 roles. There are 66 roles being disestablished with 13 of those currently vacant, and 31 new roles proposed, said Fleur Fitzsimons Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga ...
Scoop politics
1 hour ago

The star-studded New Zealand movie you need to see as soon as possible
Alex Casey talks to Loren Taylor, the writer, director and star of new film The Moon is Upside Down, about assembling her dream ensemble cast, toilet paper pads and turning literal dreams into reality. There’s a moment in The Moon is Upside Down where frazzled anaesthetist Briar (Loren Taylor) gets ...
The SpinoffBy Alex Casey
2 hours ago

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to cut 40 jobs, NZQA to cut 35
The total number of job losses in the public services has now gone over 3500. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 hours ago

You’ve been ‘volun-told’ to coach junior sport – here’s how to best handle the parents inv...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassy Dittman, Senior Lecturer/Head of Course (Undergraduate Psychology), Research Fellow, Manna Institute, CQUniversity Australia With winter sports swinging into action, adults around the country have volunteered or been volunteered by others (humorously known as being “volun-told”) to coach junior sports teams. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 hours ago

Do we really need to burp babies? Here’s what the research says
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karleen Gribble, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University richardernestyap/Shutterstock Parents are often advised to burp their babies after feeding them. Some people think burping after feeding is important to reduce or prevent discomfort crying, or to ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
3 hours ago

ASB Workers To Strike As Bank Proposes An Effective Pay Cut
Workers at a major ASB contact centre in Auckland have voted to take strike action and withdraw their labour following disappointing pay negotiations with the employer and an "offer" to workers that would leave them worse off than the previous year. ...
Scoop politics
3 hours ago

Where else should phones be banned? The most unruly classroom of all – parliament
As the government tries to get the country back on track with a school phone ban, Tara Ward has an idea for where they should turn their attention to next. New Zealand students returned to school on Monday morning, but their cellphones did not. The government’s new phone ban began ...
The SpinoffBy Tara Ward
4 hours ago

Winston Peters accused of 'entirely defamatory' remarks about ex-Australian minister
The Labour Party is demanding Peters be stood down, saying "he's embarrassed the country" with a "totally unacceptable" attack on a prominent AUKUS critic. ...
Radio NZ – political
4 hours ago

Watch: Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to media
The opposition leader speaks to media during a visit with community advocate Dave Letele . ...
Radio NZ – political
4 hours ago

Watch live: Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to media
The opposition leader speaks to media during a visit with community advocate Dave Letele . ...
Radio NZ – political
5 hours ago

Public sector job cuts: All Stats NZ staff offered voluntary redundancies
The PSA is concerned the cuts will hit the department's ability to deliver on its core functions. ...
Radio NZ – political
5 hours ago

IPAC wants to see acknowledgement of all cyber breaches against public figures
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance, whose members were victims of a China-backed cyber attack, is discussing forming a standing committee to deal with foreign influence. ...
Radio NZ – political
5 hours ago

Government’s Cuts Put Work Of Stats NZ At Risk
The PSA is concerned that the voluntary redundancies being offered to staff by Stats NZ will impact on the agency’s ability to deliver on its core functions. ...
Scoop politics
5 hours ago

Is cooking with dog food instead of meat actually fine? I gave it a go
Results ranged from surprisingly yum to soul-destroying. I love cooking. The kitchen is a hearth of culinary creation, of sensory delights, of gastronomic poetry. I also can’t afford anything nice. Why does a pack of instant noodles and some milk cost ten bucks? I love you, Aotearoa, but I miss ...
The SpinoffBy Asia Martusia King
5 hours ago

Zero tolerance – Solomon Islands police on high alert ahead of PM election
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Police in Solomon Islands are on high alert ahead of the election of the prime minister today. The two candidates for the top job are former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele at the head of the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation, which is ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
5 hours ago

Fast-track Submitters Must Not Be Silenced Through Poor Select Committee Process
“We’re concerned that if the Select Committee process is poorly run members of the public will be silenced on this deeply troubling Bill.” ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Number of businesses seeking help to downsize doubles as unemployment grows
An advocate says businesses are hurting and are reluctantly having to lay off workers. ...
Radio NZ – political
6 hours ago

Help Me Hera: My friend’s boyfriend Steve is always, always, always around
He’s fine but it feels like I’m losing a friend and it’s making me bitter. How do I say ‘enough is enough’? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Hey Hera, I’ve recently moved in with a girlfriend, her partner Steve, and his friend. We all live in a lovely little house. ...
The SpinoffBy Hera Lindsay Bird
7 hours ago

What junior doctors’ unpaid overtime tells us about the toxic side of medicine
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Hooker, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator, Health and Medical Humanities, University of Sydney PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock What’s been described as the largest underpayment class action in Australian legal history has just been settled. Who was allegedly underpaid? Thousands of junior ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

We think we control our health – but corporations selling forever chemicals, fossil fuels and ult...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Chartres, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney shutterstock Ahmet Misirligul/Shutterstock You go to the gym, eat healthy and walk as much as possible. You wash your hands and get vaccinated. You control your health. This is ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Here’s how you can talk to your kids about gendered violence, and 7 ways to model good behaviour
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Hendriks, Research Fellow and Lecturer, Curtin University Children and young people may be seeing news headlines about men murdering women or footage of people rallying to call for action. Perhaps they or their friends have even gone to the protests. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Why are adults without kids hooked on Bluey? And should we still be calling it a ‘kids’ show’?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Balanzategui, Senior Lecturer in Media, RMIT University ABC “Bluey mania” shows no sign of abating. Bluey’s season finale, The Sign, was the most viewed ABC program of all time on iView. A “hidden” follow-up episode, aptly named The Surprise, created ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Over $300K spent on slushy syrup and maintaining machines for prison staff
Corrections has spent over $305,000 on slushy syrup and maintaining frozen ice machines in the past six years. ...
Radio NZ – political
8 hours ago

Winston Peters still trying to find out what Aukus Pillar 2 is about
The Foreign Minister says he is continuing work started by the previous Labour government. ...
Radio NZ – political
8 hours ago

Unemployment up, business confidence down
Labour market figures came in softer than the Reserve Bank had forecast, but they won’t be enough to move the needle on interest rates, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Unemployment ...
The SpinoffBy Catherine McGregor
8 hours ago

Luxon’s leadership test: what would it take to win back unimpressed NZ voters?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suze Wilson, Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Massey University Christopher Luxon’s sacking of two struggling cabinet ministers last week was praised by pundits as a sign of decisive – even “brutal” and “ruthless” – leadership. But this week’s 1News-Verian poll suggests the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
9 hours ago

Government to tweak Building Act to make building a home easier
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says it takes nearly 600 days to build a house in NZ - and that is simply too long. ...
Radio NZ – political
9 hours ago

Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill Steering Committee Launches Community Engagement Campaign
The campaign will engage the community and encourage submissions on the bill to the New Zealand government by the closing submission deadline of Friday 31st of May 2024 4pm. ...
Scoop politics
10 hours ago

Shaky Foundations: Why Our Democracy Needs Trust | Limit Urgency To Rebuild Trust: New Research
The paper raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand's political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency plays in that. ...
Scoop politics
10 hours ago

My co-housing project failed, but I still think it’s a great idea
The Urban Habitat Collective was an attempt to built an innovative new form of apartment building in Wellington. Here’s why it failed, and why the idea could still work, writes co-founder Bronwen Newton. When we started the Urban Habitat Collective in November 2018, we thought we were starting a revolution, ...
The SpinoffBy Bronwen Newton
11 hours ago

A new generation of activism: Marking 20 years since the foreshore and seabed hīkoi
Two decades ago this week, a controversial law that attempted to define ownership of the foreshore and seabed prompted a formidable display of outrage and kōtahitanga as 15,000 marched to parliament. Jamie Tahana looks back. ‘Hīkoi, hīkoi,” they chanted by the thousands as the biggest Māori march in a generation ...
The SpinoffBy Jamie Tahana
11 hours ago

New push for corporate killing laws
A Labour Party Member’s Bill aims to plug a culpability gap between manslaughter and health and safety breaches The post New push for corporate killing laws appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Andrew Bevin
11 hours ago

Book of the Week: The naked civil servant
Terence O’Brien had the rare and no doubt undesired distinction of rising to one of the most exalted positions in New Zealand diplomacy, then being unceremoniously recalled to Wellington without explanation just when his career was at its zenith. What is perhaps more surprising is that he appears to have ...
NewsroomBy Karl du Fresne
11 hours ago

Concerning proliferation of working groups, jobs for mates
Governments are increasingly opting for working groups – led by their mates – over the core public service The post Concerning proliferation of working groups, jobs for mates appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Laura Walters
11 hours ago

Concerns of spending spree if disability funding changes were consulted on
Whaikaha had no intention of giving anyone – even other agencies – advance warning of its plan to limit what disabled people and their carers could buy The post Concerns of spending spree if disability funding changes were consulted on appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Emma Hatton
11 hours ago

Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 2 May
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 2 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
11 hours ago

Daily crossword, Thursday 2 May
The post Daily crossword, Thursday 2 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
11 hours ago

Palestinian activist ‘perplexed’ by minister’s special visa argument
As Palestinians escape the war zone in Gaza, activists say emergency visas, like those issued to Ukrainians, are needed The post Palestinian activist ‘perplexed’ by minister’s special visa argument appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Fox Meyer
11 hours ago

When dying well is out of reach
Why has New Zealand slipped from third to 12th on Quality of Death Indexes over the past decade or so? Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive Wayne Naylor has a list of reasons. “We don’t have a current national strategy – the Government hasn’t renewed our 2001 strategy, so we don’t ...
NewsroomBy Sharon Brettkelly
11 hours ago

New SASS Talk podcast sparks convo in sport
While women’s sport is exploding in Aotearoa and around the world, you still don’t hear a lot of talk about athletes and their periods, RED-S, breastfeeding and visible panty-lines. SASS (Suze and Sez Sports) Talk isn’t afraid to have that kōrero. LockerRoom founder Suzanne McFadden and Olympian broadcaster Sarah ...
NewsroomBy Sarah Cowley Ross and Suzanne McFadden
11 hours ago

Season two of The Boy in the Water
On an unusually hot night in January 2019, a little boy’s lifeless body was found face up in a small town’s sewage oxidation pond. To the police, it was an open and shut case: three-year-old Lachlan Jones had run away from his home in the Southland town of Gore, climbed ...
NewsroomBy Melanie Reid
11 hours ago

Green MP Julie Anne Genter apologises for 'intimidating' actions in Parliament
Rongotai MP Julie Anne Genter has apologised in Parliament after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers in the House. ...
Radio NZ – political
17 hours ago

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Anne Summers says we need much more information on male perpetrators...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders met on Wednesday as the national cabinet to discuss a crisis gripping Australia – the horrific number of women murdered this year. The killings have shocked ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
18 hours ago

Live cattle exports help farmers diversify income – Associate Agriculture Minister
The government is hoping live animal exports will resume next year, but with a strict gold standard in place. ...
Radio NZ – political
19 hours ago

Who were the real courtesans at the heart of Netflix’s Heeramandi?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
20 hours ago

Police Minister Mark Mitchell heads to Australia to discuss crime trends, youth offenders
Mark Mitchell will be chewing the fat with police chiefs as officers in this country talk openly about the appeal of crossing the Tasman. ...
Radio NZ – political
21 hours ago

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission Pays Tribute To Sir Robert Martin MNZM
Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...
Scoop politics
21 hours ago

Passing Of Sir Robert Martin KNZM
People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is deeply saddened by the passing of Life Member Sir Robert Martin KNZM. ...
Scoop politics
21 hours ago

James Shaw's valedictory – and his new role
Shaw has bowed out of Parliament, and has already revealed details of what he is doing next. ...
Radio NZ – political
21 hours ago

James Shaw's valedictory – and his new roles
Shaw has bowed out of Parliament, and has already revealed details of what he is doing next. ...
Radio NZ – political
21 hours ago

AUKUS: Winston Peters says NZ 'long way' from deciding on Pillar 2
Peters spoke about the military pact in an annual 'scene setter' speech at Parliament on Wednesday evening. ...
Radio NZ – political
21 hours ago

National Cabinet has committed to a range of strategies to stop violence against women, but has it d...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University Violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it is a whole of society problem to solve; and men in particular have to take responsibility. Those were the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

Is bioenergy ever truly green? It depends on 5 key questions
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Allen, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Newcastle Snapshot freddy/Shutterstock Plans to revive an old coal-fired power station using bioenergy are being considered in the Hunter region of New South Wales. Similar plans for the station ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Free school lunches scheme to get temporary funding until review is complete
Funding for the scheme is set to continue for the "immediate few years" while officials work out what the alternative programme will look like. ...
Radio NZ – political
22 hours ago

Taxpayers’ Union Slams Secret List Of Judges’ Perks
Responding to the long-awaited release of judges’ special allowances, including free air travel and hotels for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said: “In what world does your employer ...
Scoop politics
22 hours ago

Winston Peters expected to give update on AUKUS talks in speech
Analysis - The United States has unveiled plans to boost the weapons trade with Australia and the UK, on the same day that Winston Peters is expected to sketch NZ's position on AUKUS. ...
Radio NZ – political
22 hours ago

Why did the Voice referendum fail? We crunched the data and found 6 reasons
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Carson, Professor of Political Communication, Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University Since Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, diverse commentaries have sought to explain why it failed. But what does an analysis of media ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Court hears appeal of Waitangi Tribunal summons decision
Lawyers representing two iwi as well as the Māori Women’s Welfare League on Wednesday asked the Court of Appeal to overturn last week’s High Court decision on the Waitangi Tribunal’s decision to summons Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. The Tribunal is currently investigating the Government’s decision to repeal section 7AA of ...
NewsroomBy Marc Daalder
23 hours ago

Former MPs Louisa Wall, Simon O'Connor claim to be targets of China-backed cyber attack
The spy agencies are being questioned after two former MPs claim they were never informed they were victims of a China-backed cyber-attack. ...
Radio NZ – political
23 hours ago

Kāinga Ora home vacancies 'trending downwards' after minister's letter
The agency recently changed the way it counts vacancies so it is more accurate. ...
Radio NZ – political
24 hours ago

Albanese government flags measures to tackle online misogyny in the battle against violence towards ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation to ban deepfake pornography and provide more funding for the eSafety Commission to pilot age-assurance technologies. The contribution of internet sites to gender-based violence was one major issue ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
24 hours ago

Average Hourly Earnings Up 5.2 Percent Annually – Stats NZ
Average ordinary time hourly earnings, as measured by the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), increased 5.2 percent in the year to the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Annual wage cost inflation, as measured by the ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Job scams are on the rise. What are they, and how can you protect yourself?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, FinTech Capability Lead | Senior Lecturer, Emerging Technologies and FinTech, Swinburne University of Technology Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash In the digital era, the job market is increasingly becoming a minefield – demanding and difficult to navigate. According to the Australian Bureau ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Two Decades Of Youth Employment And Education – Stats NZ
As of the March 2024 quarter, we can now look back on 20 years of data related to youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET), as collected by the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS), according to figures released by Stats NZ today. "The ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

May Day: The Biggest Threat To NZ Workers In 2024 Is Our Government
Thousands of workers attended public events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch today to celebrate International Workers’ Day (May Day), but union representatives are urging caution and vigilance over the Government’s blatantly "anti-worker" ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Unemployment Rate At 4.3 Percent – Stats NZ
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the March 2024 quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the previous quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

David Seymour wants to stop 'lazily' categorising by race
The ACT leader rails against "lazily looking at everyone through the lens of race" in latest episode of RNZ's new in depth interview show. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Private Info Of New Zealanders Will Be Breached By Latest Government Cuts
The PSA is warning the Government that the sensitive information of New Zealanders held by various agencies will fall into the wrong hands if the latest round of proposed cuts goes ahead. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Curious Kids: how do sugar rushes work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Talitha Best, Professor of Psychology, CQUniversity Australia Victoria Rodriguez/Unsplash How do sugar rushes work? – W.H, age nine, from Canberra What a terrific question W.H! Let’s explore this, starting with some of the basics. What is sugar? ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Our research shows a strong link between unemployment and domestic violence: what does this mean for...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karinna Saxby, Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Increasing income support could help keep women and children safe according to new work demonstrating strong links between financial insecurity and domestic violence. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

From Gallipoli to Gaza: remembering the Anzacs not as a ‘coming of age’ tale but as a lesson for...
ANALYSIS: By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
1 day ago

Glib words and false hope aren’t going to cut it

Related Posts

151 comments on “Glib words and false hope aren’t going to cut it ”

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Glib words and false hope aren’t going to cut it

Share this:

Related Posts

151 comments on “Glib words and false hope aren’t going to cut it ”

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

Share this:

Related Posts

Share this:

Related Posts

Share this:

Related Posts

Share this:

Related Posts