Go well Jacinda

Written By: mickysavage - Date published: 12:06 pm, April 5th, 2023 - 91 comments
Categories: climate change, jacinda ardern, labour, political parties, politicans, poverty - Tags:

Today is Jacinda’s official last day on the job as a member of Parliament.

She will deliver her valedictory speech this afternoon at 5:30 pm.

She is still young, she is only aged 42 and who knows what else she will achieve. Already she has achieved a great deal and performed that rare feat of leaving the country in much better shape than it was in when she took over.

Already the new jobs are rolling in.

Prince William has appointed her as a trustee of the Earthshot Prize, a trust dedicated to funding projects designed to save the planet. She has also been appointed as special envoy for the Christchurch Call.

She has always had her detractors. Even today my snark detector is off the chart as the right show their lack of class and engage in the sorts of personal denigration they are renowned for.

There are those who complain about the lack of delivery. They lack an appreciation of the enormity of the job or how complex the issue is. For instance with climate change the structures and goals are now in place. And with the most recent return indicating a 3.5% reduction in green house gas emissions for the last measured quarter the trends are in the right way as well.

There are strong arguments that the pace needs to be quickened but reflecting on the past six years the structures are now in place for the Government to kick on with the issue.

And dealing with this issue, and child poverty, while managing through a one in one hundred year global pandemic took great skill and stamina.

Most importantly was the style that she brought to the job. She successfully campaigned on being kind and avoiding the level of personal abuse and attacks that are far too common.

And as pointed out by Bronwyn Hayward her style of leadership was the perfect counter and the perfect antidote to current attacks on democracy. From Radio New Zealand:

Political scientist Bronwyn Hayward of the University of Canterbury said Ardern’s Christchurch Call to eliminate extremist content will have a long-lasting impact on not just New Zealand, but the world.

“There’s been a lot made about the fact that she resigned under pressure from the trolls, which is completely missing the point that what she’s saying is that in this era where we’ve got particularly Russian, but also other countries’ bots that are attacking liberal leaders,” Hayward told Morning Report, saying Ardern was the first global leader to “really understand” how what happens online can spill over into the real world.

“She understands that democracies are now under attack, and the front line is your social media, where we’ve got a propaganda war coming internationally.

“So she’s taken a very systemic approach to thinking about how to tackle that, so that in local communities it feels like you’re reeling from Islamophobia, to racism to transphobia, but actually, when we look internationally at what’s happening, naive and quite disaffected groups have been constantly fed this material and she’s taken a systemic approach to it.”

Like Helen Clark I am sure that Jacinda will continue to contribute to New Zealand for decades to come. And once the dust thrown up by trolls and the right settles she will be ranked as one of our greatest Prime Ministers.

Jacinda Ardern is one of the greatest politicians to have ever represented NZ .She was a phenomenal Prime Minister who excelled during unprecedented crisis events and won elections without personal attacks. There's not one of you reading this that could have done that job.

— Mikey Havoc (@havocexpress) April 4, 2023

91 comments on “Go well Jacinda ”

Comments are now closed

Patricia Bremner 1

5 April 2023 at 12:26 pm

'You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone.'

Thank you Jacinda. We have been lucky, and we are so proud of how you have conducted yourself, at home and abroad. We hope you and yours have a happy life.

The Bremner Family.
- Barfly 1.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 1:05 pm
- Anne 1.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 1:10 pm
  - mike 1.2.1
    
    5 April 2023 at 7:48 pm
- Jilly Bee 1.3
  
  5 April 2023 at 8:10 pm
- Peter Kelly 1.4
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:08 pm
  
  👍
- Louis 1.5
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:43 pm
- Tony Veitch 1.6
  
  6 April 2023 at 8:48 am
  
  In my lifetime, only Norman Kirk neared her in (political) stature, and Michael Joseph Savage before my time.
Reality 2

5 April 2023 at 1:20 pm

Grateful thanks to Jacinda for her hard work and dedication, charm, style, kindness, humour, empathy, and last but not least, her smile. Also for raising New Zealand's profile internationally.
Anker 3

5 April 2023 at 1:52 pm

I wish Jacinda and her family a peaceful, relaxing life.
thebiggestfish7 4

5 April 2023 at 2:08 pm

"leaving the country in much better shape than it was in when she took over". This would make a great Aprils fool's joke. Cost of Living, Homelessness, Debt, Climate, Divisiveness, the list goes on and on. All wore under her premiership. Its up to Hipkins and others to reverse the damage.
- Liberty Belle 4.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 3:08 pm
  
  Paddy gets it about right:
  
  Discussing Ardern's departure, Gower, Newshub's former political editor, said she wasn't good at managing her Government.
  
  "This is a political fact that, even now, the Government is still really shambolic when it comes to the basics."
  
  "We've got someone sitting next to us who was in a Government who ran for nine years and it ran, in my opinion, a lot more competently – even in that last term," Gower said, appearing on AM's panel alongside Paula Bennett – who was a senior minister in the previous National Government.
  
  Gower said Ardern would bow out of politics with a "mixed record".
  
  "My analysis of Jacinda Ardern is she was a political phenomenon – and that doesn't mean she was a phenomenal person or leader or anything like that – but… like any phenomenon, she blazed her way into leadership, knocked these guys out of Parliament and that beginning was incredible," he said, referring to Bennett's National Government. "But, like any phenomenon as well, she crashed and she burned and then there was a last little splurt with this amazing exit and that's, to me, what she was – a phenomenon who blazed, crashed and burned."
  
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  - Stuart Munro 4.1.1
    
    5 April 2023 at 3:34 pm
    
    Well that goes a long way to explain the uselessness of Paddy Gower as a political reporter.
    - observer 4.1.1.1
      
      5 April 2023 at 4:00 pm
      
      It's like Gower has no knowledge of any other news about leaders in any other democracies, anywhere.
      
      And he's sitting next to Paula Bennett, whose actual achievements in government are listed below.
      
      (list ends)
    - Tiger Mountain 4.1.1.2
      
      5 April 2023 at 4:20 pm
      
      Gower–the news Gargoyle–illustrating once more that pundits are no substitute for skilled journalists and objective analysis.
    - LibertyBelle 4.1.1.3
      
      5 April 2023 at 8:41 pm
      
      I tend to agree with you. But even a broken clock is right twice each day🙂
      - Stuart Munro 4.1.1.3.1
        
        5 April 2023 at 9:33 pm
        
        Then a broken clock is better than Paddy Gower.
  - Robert Guyton 4.1.2
    
    5 April 2023 at 6:23 pm
    
    You revel in negativity: Jacinda blazed, was crashed and was burned.
    
    If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
  - Incognito 4.1.3
    
    5 April 2023 at 10:04 pm
    
    Mod note
    - Liberty Belle 4.1.3.1
      
      5 April 2023 at 11:17 pm
      
      Got it, thanks. Apologies.
- SPC 4.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 3:27 pm
  
  Well … the climate was worse after she left office (Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and East Coast/Bay area etc) … . As was homelessness.
  
  But I doubt blame for that falls on the new PM – it was the first third year of La Nina since the 1950's and occurring while temperatures are rising worldwide
  
  And Groundswell divisiveness developed in opposition to any action on AGW mitigation.
  
  All nations have higher debt after the pandemic (and greater division during the pandemic). All nations are facing higher cost of living – and few doing as much as the government to mitigate this.
  
  One can note a continuing increase in the the number of state house numbers, but a problem assisting people to afford private rentals (a concern that increasing AS just leads to higher rent prices).
  
  A current problem is that the RBG OCR increases will deter investment in new housing and sustain homelessness.
- mickysavage 4.3
  
  5 April 2023 at 7:40 pm
  
  Cost of Living – you mean she is responsible for the Ukraine war?
  
  Homelessness – record numbers of public and private housing being constructed, Kiwibank thinks shortfall could turn around this year.
  
  Debt – some of the lowest public debt figures in the OECD.
  
  Climate – today's announcement was of a 3.5% reduction in GHG emissions. Didn't you read the post?
  
  Divisiveness – she failed to reach across to those with weird counter reality views so yep.
  
  Can't you do better than this?
  - Jilly Bee 4.3.1
    
    5 April 2023 at 8:14 pm
    
    Thankyou mickeysavage – I was trying to construct a reply to the thebiggestfish7, but I knew I would have the rage of the mods on me in a big way, so I will simply wholeheartedly agree with your post.
  - Louis 4.3.2
    
    5 April 2023 at 9:43 pm
  - Patricia Bremner 4.3.3
    
    6 April 2023 at 10:09 am
    
    Yes, thanks Mickey, it is sad some people twist the facts and the stats.
    Jacinda is that rare thing, a genuine caring Leader, who is honest enough to admit she has used up her reserves.
    
    We feel shattered by the last five years, and we didn't bear responsibility.
    
    Our family and friends have nothing but admiration for her, and a fervent wish for her happiness, which is bound to be tied up in community building and welfare.
- Louis 4.4
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:42 pm
  
  https://twitter.com/ClintVSmith/status/1643496908571426818
  
  https://twitter.com/ClintVSmith/status/1643496075242917890
Ad 5

5 April 2023 at 2:14 pm

Thankyou Jacinda for working so hard for us.

In particular for your international leadership, and your leadership in times of crisis.

I personally hope that you don't take too much time off, or do a Richie McCaw and do something satisfying but small.

You have a lot still to give and I hope you do that on a broader stage than New Zealand.
observer 6

5 April 2023 at 2:28 pm

If anyone still doesn't know how impressive Jacinda Ardern was in a very tough job, then give the job to Christopher Luxon and you will quickly find out.

Hell of a price to pay for your education, though.
- Tony Veitch 6.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 8:44 am
  
  Oh, too true!
  - Patricia Bremner 6.1.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 10:19 am
    
    Yes Observer, Luxon has put on a veneer lately, but that mask would slip very quickly.
    
    He will be remembered for dissing NZ overseas and having no time for bottom feeders. Look at his "friends".
    
    You will be known by the company you keep, (and your suited stand-ups).
- Hunter Thompson II 6.2
  
  6 April 2023 at 9:42 am
  
  True, Luxon probably falls into the smile/wave/do as little as possible category of politics which John Key practised so well.
  
  Why anyone would want the job of PM is a mystery to me. Perhaps it is the attraction of exercising power? But it is a role somebody must perform.
  
  Trouble is, once you are PM every New Zealander expects you to solve all the nation's problems – a good definition of impossible.
mary_a 7

5 April 2023 at 3:02 pm

Much Aroha Jacinda, Clarke and Neve for your future.

You will be remembered kindly in this household and no doubt many others, for your devotion towards the wellbeing of all NZers, in both the good times and the bad.

Keep safe. Take care

Kia Kaha

Mary & Kevin
AB 8

5 April 2023 at 4:14 pm

Her greatest achievement – the best Covid response in the western world – was never going to be allowed to stand. Any example of an activist, social democratic state achieving historic popularity by prioritising the common good over private profit, must be villified, poisoned, belittled or forgotten. The global and domestic far-right ran the vilification attack, their enablers in the local mainstream right mounted the more socially acceptable attack of amnesia. Given my age and the ravages of childhood asthma, I may indeed be alive because of her. 'Thanks' are insufficient.
- observer 8.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 4:31 pm
  
  Yes.
  
  At the start of the pandemic in 2020 somebody on Twitter said something like "the measure of a successful response will be all the people who are still here to complain that it wasn't successful".
  
  There are no opinions in a cemetery.
- Tiger Mountain 8.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 4:32 pm
  
  Yes, for a few brief incredible months public health was put before private profit. And many special needs and older people in particular owe their lives to that.
  
  It is easy enough to forget now that in the early months of COVID there was no guarantee that a vaccine could be developed or made widely available. A lot of the noise around the pandemic was international capital wanting to proceed on its merry exploitative way.
- Bearded Git 8.3
  
  5 April 2023 at 10:42 pm
  
  Well said indeed AB. +100%
- Patricia Bremner 8.4
  
  6 April 2023 at 10:21 am
  
  Same here AB
- Grey Area 8.5
  
  6 April 2023 at 9:02 pm
  
  Great response to Covid for some time (that I whenever I had the chance praised and thanked them them for) then she and Labour gave up and started making political decisions, not ones based on the science. The amnesia you speak of seems to relate to latter-day Ardern.
PsyclingLeft.Always 9

5 April 2023 at 7:13 pm

Jacinda , you were disparaged, undermined, reviled…by people who wouldnt have been able to handle a week of your life. (incl some on the Standard : (

You led NZ ..through some of our worst crises. And I absolutely rate your Christchurch and Covid leadership…as World standout shining.

A true Gem…sadly missed, but …all the Best to you and your Family.

And a great Future for you.

: )
- Mike the Lefty 9.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:31 pm
  
  Indeed!
- Louis 9.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:44 pm
- Patricia Bremner 9.3
  
  6 April 2023 at 10:23 am
  
  Our fervent hope for her as well. PLA.
Corey 10

5 April 2023 at 7:23 pm

I wish Jacinda and her family all the best.

She was a political superstar, who saved the labour party and got labour into government, twice and led NZ well during several crises and in person was a genuinely warm person who for a time, made NZ feel good about itself again on the world stage.

She does however leave NZ in a much worse state than when she took office and no amount of cherry picked data will erase the amounts of poverty, people living in motels, hardship, housing insecurity.

In 2020 she was polling in the 60s, that's nation builder polling, she could have made some huge gains for social democracy in NZ but instead opted for mild tweaks to the status quo, bureaucratic reforms and social policy whilst throwing a few crumbs to the peasents.

Under this labour govt the rich have gotten enormously richer and the poor have gotten poorer.

She went from saying capitalism had failed to ruling out even mild social democratic reforms. Her legacy is her leadership in a crisis, which is solid but sadly lacking in many major wins for the center left.

Oh What could have been, had she had the courage to govern day to day with the conviction and strength she showed in times of crisis.

Still, the Jacinda era was exciting and buzzing with possibility. Oh what could have been if we actually did this….

All the best to Jacinda and her family, one hopes with her gone the tempo of politics cools a bit and the left can stop obsessing over race, gentitals, skin colour etc for six months and actually address the cost of living and housing crisis that are crushing the poor, working class and middle class in this country.
- SPC 10.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 8:08 pm
  
  Perspective
  
  Under this labour govt the rich have gotten enormously richer and the poor have gotten poorer.
  
  Can you name any western nation that this has not occurred in? The amount of world wealth held by the 1% grew worldwide. One cause was the pandemic response – QE increased asset wealth.
  
  And no, those on benefits have not gotten poorer, and they are the poorest. Their incomes have gone up more than costs. MW have also increased in real terms.
  
  She does however leave NZ in a much worse state than when she took office and no amount of cherry picked data will erase the amounts of poverty,
  
  No more than an assertion, that no statement of facts will change your mind.
- Peter 10.2
  
  6 April 2023 at 2:22 pm
  
  "She does however leave NZ in a much worse state than when she took office…"
  
  One of the prime reasons for that is that she was top dog after two elections. Many would have been merely scarred for life with Peters going with Labour in 2017. Much of the bitterness for that would have been sheeted to him.
  
  Actually winning an election, not only that, the event being a thrashing, was beyond the pale. The embarrassment, the indignity, the sheer pissed-offness by those who had her a mere upstart girl was extreme. She was an existential threat to (what they saw as) the natural order. Many went feral and Ardern became a forever pariah. She leaves with that large 'anti' mob being clearly identified as being in anarchistic mode. Can't get their way? They're going to go crazy.
  
  Ardern's governments not being bold, not having courage, not having foresight, not doing anything? She has been labelled a dictator to rival the worst in history when she tried to do anything. Decisions and plans were met with 'the death of democracy' labels. What to do? What to do with a massive majority? Don't do anything. People want change, people want action. But they can't handle change.
  
  It's like roads – everyone wants better roads but no-one wants roadworks.
  
  A good thing about the 'worse state' the country has been left in, is some appreciation of the presence, quantity and quality of the feral negatives. If the Nat/Act mob is not in after October their erosive crusade to run the country down will change gear. If Te Pāti Māori is part of the Government bundle it will go into overdrive.
tsmithfield 11

5 April 2023 at 7:31 pm

I would like to wish all the best to Jacinda.

I think she should rightfully be remembered as one of NZ's great prime ministers.

I saw her as a charismatic style leader. And similar to many such leaders in history, she tended to shine in a crisis. But, I think she suffered the fate of many such leaders who tend to struggle when things start becoming mundane and a bit of a grind.

But, we tend to remember those leaders for their moments of greatness. For instance, the leadership of Churchill in the second world war, and Zelensky now. Churchill struggled and lost popularity after the war. And, who knows, Zelensky may experience the same once the war ends, and the population gets into the long grind of the rebuild.

In a similar way, I think Jacinda will be remembered for those times when she united the country when it was facing a crisis, not the later part of her career where she lost a lot of popularity. Also, I thought she was an outstanding ambassador for New Zealand internationally.
adam 12

5 April 2023 at 8:18 pm

Like all women in politics, the extra b.s they have to deal with is OTT.

Far to many external events dragged on her and her government as well.

As such, she burnt out rather quickly, shame.

We live in a time when to many are not facing up to the reality of a warmer globe, and the end of a economic system. I think too many are delusional that we can carry on doing what we have been doing. I think Jacinda was caught in the middle of this, and if Ardern had more in the tank, she may have been a good leader for what is to come – we will never know.
Kat 13

5 April 2023 at 8:21 pm

Watching Luxon, Willis, Collins et al give Jacinda a Hug at the end of her speech was at the same time illuminating and dimming……very

No sign of the ‘arrogant prick’ though……
ianmac 14

6 April 2023 at 9:02 am

Jacinda exuded sincerity and competence. A genuine person with no artifice.

Luxon has none of that. He comes across as fake. No media training can create sincerity or trust.
Liberty Belle 15

6 April 2023 at 2:26 pm

I wish Jacinda and her family well. However, her legacy as PM is one of failure to deliver on a range of policy commitments from Kiwibuild to transparency to mental health to the school counselling project to Te Pukenga to Te Whatu Ora…shit it's a horrible record. But perhaps the most damning assessment of her time in office is the rate at which her replacement sought to ditch a raft of key policies adopted by Ardern's government in a rear guard attempt to win re-election. He may well succeed.
- Ad 15.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 3:00 pm
  
  (Policy? Policy? Hold my beer)
  
  – Trades training and apprenticeships all free. Already delivered for 250,000 people
  
  – Free school lunches for 220,000 young people
  
  – Made the first new public holiday in five decades
  
  – Winter Energy Payment for over a million New Zealanders
  
  – Minimum wage is now $22.70 per hour. Remember what it was under National?
  
  – Largest ever Police workforce increase
  
  – Sustained the entire economy by essentially subsidising every major business through the largest economic and social crisis we have faced since WW2
  
  – Massively expanded Pharmac category and disease subsidy
  
  – Handled the largest epidemic in a century and kept 99.9% of New Zealand cohesive
  
  – Delivered more than 14,000 public and transitional houses
  
  – The Families Package is the biggest state boost in $$ for over a decade
  
  – Secured Free Trade Agreement with the EU
  
  – Paid parental leave expanded to 26 weeks ie from 4 months to 6 months
  
  – Free doctors visits for all children under 14
  
  – Doubled minimum sick leave
  
  – Took more than 60,000 firearms out of circulation
  
  – Kept the country from breaking down into revenge and chaos after our worst ever massacre since the late 1800s.
  
  – Delivered an economy with record low unemployment, which is larger than than pre-covid despite the worst economic shock since the Great Depression
  
  – Required all rental houses to be warm and dry, and much higher renter security against landlords
  
  Haven't raised a sweat yet.
  
  But sure, go for the long term institutional reforms if you like.
  - Louis 15.1.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 4:18 pm
  - Louis 15.1.2
    
    6 April 2023 at 4:24 pm
    
    "Since we took office, we have secured six new free trade agreements and upgrades"
    
    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/jacinda-ardern-cheerleading-on-the-world-stage/YP6APGOY5NG4TBTCFZNTBG6GN4/#:~:text=Since%20we%20took%20office%2C%20we,(AANZFTA)%20upgrade%2C%20and%20the
  - LibertyBelle 15.1.3
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:05 pm
    
    Small beer, for the most part. And some of those things (eg record high unemployment) are not sustainable, and have been engineered at what have been and will be huge long term costs. The scale of policy failure has been unprecedented.
    - Louis 15.1.3.1
      
      6 April 2023 at 5:21 pm
      
      The examples Ad listed are not small beers and does not show policy failure at all.
      - LibertyBelle 15.1.3.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 6:33 pm
        
        They represent little more than BAU. And they don’t in any way make up for the succession of policy failures.
        
        Louis 15.1.3.1.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 9:12 pm
        
        Disagree with your opinion.
    - Patricia Bremner 15.1.3.2
      
      7 April 2023 at 9:36 pm
      
      Don't you mean "Sour Grapes"?
      - Liberty Belle 15.1.3.2.1
        
        7 April 2023 at 10:05 pm
        
        Ad's list included legislative changes such as "Doubled minimum sick leave". These are legislative changes that are easy pickings because the cost is imposed on someone else. The entire list cannot come close to surpassing the failure of this government to deliver on a raft of policy commitments.
      - Louis 15.1.3.2.2
        
        8 April 2023 at 11:38 am
        
        That's exactly what it is, Patricia.
  - roblogic 15.1.4
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:27 pm
    
    A great summary Ad, better than this grumpy effort.
    - Robert Guyton 15.1.4.1
      
      6 April 2023 at 9:03 pm
- Patricia Bremner 15.2
  
  6 April 2023 at 3:30 pm
  
  Liberty Belle, your off key criticisms grate like a bad note.
  
  Your clapper needs an overhaul.
  - Louis 15.2.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 4:19 pm
- Louis 15.3
  
  6 April 2023 at 4:25 pm
  
  Majority of polices Hipkins mentioned were deferred to a later time
  - LibertyBelle 15.3.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:06 pm
    
    Do you really believe that?
    - Louis 15.3.1.1
      
      6 April 2023 at 5:22 pm
      
      It was in the announcements, most were deferrals.
      - Liberty Belle 15.3.1.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 7:21 pm
        
        Do you really believe that?
        
        Louis 15.3.1.1.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 9:15 pm
        
        Already answered that, so what is your point in repeating your question, it won't change the answer.
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        7 April 2023 at 10:48 am
        
        You didn't answer it. You pointed to the 'announcements'. My question is, given that this government are great at announcing things that don't happen, do you really believe them?
        
        Louis …
        
        7 April 2023 at 12:27 pm
        
        Not true Liberty Belle and I did answer, the majority of policies Hipkins referred to were deferred.
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        7 April 2023 at 1:29 pm
        
        You're just not getting it. The only people claiming they were deferred at the deferees. These people have a colossal record of not delivering on announcements, which is why I’m asking if you believe them.
        
        Louis …
        
        7 April 2023 at 5:48 pm
        
        Rubbish, disagree with your opinion and it's you that doesn't get it.
- Robert Guyton 15.4
  
  6 April 2023 at 5:47 pm
  
  "I wish Jacinda and her family well. However…"
  
  There you are.
  - Incognito 15.4.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:48 pm
    
    But he didn’t say “but” …
- Stuart Munro 15.5
  
  7 April 2023 at 6:00 pm
  
  Rather selective criticism don't you think?
  
  The Opposition promised the natural outcome of their alleged economic knowledge – but our growth rate under their misgovernance was inflation + low skill migration – where are your critical faculties on that?
  
  There is plenty Labour did not and should have achieved – but if National were your baseline, they are the very Gods of getting things done.
  - Liberty Belle 15.5.1
    
    7 April 2023 at 9:32 pm
    
    National is not my base line. This conversation is about Jacinda Ardern and her government.
    - Stuart Munro 15.5.1.1
      
      8 April 2023 at 5:06 pm
      
      If you mean to avoid hypocrisy, you must apply the same standards to your allies as your opponents.
      
      On the competence metric Labour are way ahead of any contemporary opposition. You must find another ground to cavil on – there is no shortage.
      - Liberty Belle 15.5.1.1.1
        
        8 April 2023 at 6:48 pm
        
        "…you must apply the same standards to your allies as your opponents".
        
        The same 'standards', yes.
        
        "On the competence metric Labour are way ahead of any contemporary opposition."
        
        On the competence metric, this Labour government would have to one of worst in recent times. KiwiBuild. Te Pukenga. Mental Health. RNZ/TVNZ merger. The list of failures goes on and on.
        
        And here's a just a small taste of some smaller scale policy failure:
        
        School counselling programme achieving 10% of its target | Stuff.co.nz
        
        Ministry of Social Development Zoom job expos: Taxpayers fork out more than $800,000, only 126 people attend – NZ Herald
        
        Government spends nearly $1m renovating homes that could soon be demolished – NZ Herald
        
        That doesn't include the rather inconvenient problems this government has with a lack of transparency, and losing cabinet ministers.
        
        EDIT: Here’s another cluster from this government…plummeting vaccination rates. https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2023/04/the_immunisation_data.html
        
        Stuart Munro 15.5.1.1.1.1
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:08 pm
        
        All of these are partial truths.
        
        Nevertheless, they compare favourably with their predecessors.
        
        So your manufactured outrage, not having previously targeted that lamentable shower, seems incredibly selective.
        
        Christchurch still lies in ruins, and the standards of the so-called rebuild appall even the relatively sanguine contractors that performed them to this day. So corrupt was Gerry's Cera, that not only were staffers convicted, but none of their actions that faced judicial review survived.
        
        Nothing from the RW tr0lls though – were you getting a cut?
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:24 pm
        
        You have one very dodgy complaint. Compared to this government, Key's actually got things done. Even Paddy had to admit it.
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:28 pm
        
        "Christchurch still lies in ruins…"
        
        Seriously? If you're actually interested, this might inform you.
        
        Before and after: how the 2011 earthquake changed Christchurch | Christchurch | The Guardian
        
        Stuart Munro …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:37 pm
        
        Good God – You think the Guardian knows Christchurch better than people who live there? What ignorance! What arrogance! You need scolded by James Earl Jones.
        
        Pshaw – Key's was the absolute laziest and most useless government NZ has ever had. Christchurch – billions of wasted and misappropriated money – and you have the effrontery to whine about MSD using 800k?
        
        Where is your sense of proportion? Are all RW trash as transparently stupid as you? You are a screaming joke – dumber than Gower and by golly that's difficult.
        
        Our rivers run with poo – the bullshit is wadeable – Key’s screw up – Nick Smith’s ministerial failure. Where were you? Simping that simpleton Gower?
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:51 pm
        
        "You think the Guardian knows Christchurch better than people who live there?"
        
        So you didn't read it then.
        
        But again, you're a one trick pony. If you want an example of wasteful spending, this government takes every cake.
        
        $500k overseas recruitment ad campaign called 'a failure' after just 3 people were interviewed | Newshub
        
        'Ludicrous' spending on establishment board weeks after RNZ/ TVNZ merger canned (msn.com)
        
        Government advertising spending out of control – National | RNZ News
        
        Jacinda Ardern fronts post-Cabinet press conference after Auditor-General criticises cost-of-living rollout – NZ Herald
        
        Government spends nearly $1m renovating homes that could soon be demolished – NZ Herald
        
        Revealed: Kāinga Ora spent over $24m of taxpayer money in four years on its own office renovations | Newshub
        
        Ministry of Social Development Zoom job expos: Taxpayers fork out more than $800,000, only 126 people attend – NZ Herald
        
        The 'ridiculous' amount Waka Kotahi spent on two big red prop 'zeros' – NZ Herald
        
        $220,000 of taxpayer money for a film about Chloe | Kiwiblog
        
        Government blames COVID-19 for 46 percent increase in communications staff | Newshub
        
        Government pays up to $600k for prime Auckland office space to lie empty | Stuff.co.nz
        
        Incognito …
        
        8 April 2023 at 8:49 pm
        
        Please take it easy, Stuart. This not a hill worth dying on. You know that LB has no argument when he starts spamming you (and the site) with countless (just under the limit that would trigger the Auto-Spam Filter, i.e., a deliberate tactic and ploy) partisan links without any critical analysis or commentary – it is a form of trolling.
roblogic 16

6 April 2023 at 5:34 pm

Nice sentiment in this tweet too.

https://twitter.com/Poppenz/status/1643516871214501888?s=20

And here's a happy memory (via Nick Rockel)
Ad 17

6 April 2023 at 6:01 pm

I forgot the 10 year Bright Line Test for taxing real estate. Which is asclose to a Capital Gains Tax as we're ever going to get.

And raised taxes on income over $180k.

The trick is to recognize how much Labour redistributed without structural reform. A simple socialism, from back in the day.
- Louis 17.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 10:03 pm
roblogic 18

6 April 2023 at 7:00 pm

More tributes, from Morgan Godfery and "Auny Hoha"

https://twitter.com/MorganGodfery/status/1643504187823763457?s=20

https://twitter.com/fuck_lupus/status/1643544461421740032?s=20
M 19

6 April 2023 at 8:14 pm

I've never been someone to fawn over celebrities but I can honestly say I love Jacinda Ardern. She is everything I am not or could ever be and I'm incredibly grateful to have experienced her leadership.
- Louis 19.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 9:18 pm

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The Treasury and productivity
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Skeptical Science
4 days ago

Meanwhile “… the disturbing trend of increasing violence towards children continues to worsen”
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Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s geopolitical friendly fire has its limits
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Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
4 days ago

I could be a Florist.
I could be a florist'Round the corner from Rye LaneI'll be giving daisies to craziesBut, baby, I'll wrap you up real safe Oh, I can give you flowers At the end of every dayFor the center of your table, a rainbowIn case you have people 'round to stay Depending on ...
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4 days ago

The Kaka’s diary for the week to May 12 and beyond
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The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
4 days ago

Willis on defence
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PolitikBy Richard Harman
4 days ago

2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #18
A listing of 26 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 28, 2024 thru Sat, May 4, 2024. Story of the week "It’s straight out of Big Tobacco’s playbook. In fact, research by John Cook and his colleagues ...
Skeptical Science
5 days ago

A prerequisite for Vulture Capitalism.
Yesterday I received come lovely feedback following my Star Wars themed newsletter. A few people mentioned they’d enjoyed reading the personal part at the beginning.I often begin newsletters with some memories, or general thoughts, before commencing the main topic. This hopefully sets the mood and provides some context in which ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
5 days ago

Early evening, April 30
April 30 was going to be the day we’d be calling Mum from London to wish her a happy birthday. Then it became the day we would be going to St. Paul's at Evensong to remember her. The aim of the cathedral builders was to find a way to make their ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
5 days ago

Do Newsroom’s staff think they’re culturally superior to the rest of us? Are they arguing that A...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Can’t remember the last book by a Kiwi author you read? Think the NZ government should spend less on the arts in favor of helping the homeless? If so, as far as Newsroom is concerned, you probably deserve to be called a cultural ignoramus ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
6 days ago

Fun minor grudges
Eric Crampton writes – Grudges are bad. Better to move on. But it can be fun to keep a couple of really trivial ones, so you’re not tempted to have other ones. For example, because of the rootkit fiasco of 2005, no Sony products in our household. ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
6 days ago

Bernard’s dawn chorus for Saturday, May 4 and pick ‘n’ mix for the weekend
A new report warns an estimated third of the adult population have unmet need for health care. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāHere’s the six key things I learned about Aotaroa’s political economy this week around housing, climate and poverty:Politics - Three opinion polls confirmed support for PM Christopher Luxon ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
6 days ago

The Dark Side and the Rebel Alliance.
Today is May the fourth. Which was just a regular day when my mother took me to see the newly released Star Wars at the Odeon in Rotorua. The queue was right around the corner. Some years later this day became known as Star Wars Day, the date being a ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
6 days ago

New Zealand First Member’s Bill to protect women’s spaces
Today New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect women’s spaces. The ‘Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill’ will require, primarily in the interest and safety of women and girls, that all new non-domestic publicly accessible buildings provide separate, clearly demarcated, unisex and single sex bathrooms. This Bill ...
NZ First Press Release
1 hour ago

Release: Support for climate adaptation inquiry
Labour supports a Notice of Motion in the House today to move the Finance and Expenditure Committee to conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. ...
Labour Blog
4 hours ago

Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptation
The Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry. ...
Greens
10 hours ago

Release: Sexual violence prevention among hundreds of job cuts at ACC
The National Government plans to cut 390 jobs at ACC, including roles in the areas of prevention of sexual violence, road safety and workplace safety. ...
Labour Blog
23 hours ago

Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdown
The Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries. ...
Greens
1 day ago

Minister of Finance reheats austerity politics
This morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans. ...
Greens
1 day ago

A win for Wellington – Greens welcome more housing
The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...
Greens
2 days ago

Release: Backtrack on school lunches a win for Kiwi kids
David Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford Union
Hon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscations
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...
Greens
3 days ago

TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
NZ First Press Release
3 days ago

Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgrade
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Labour Blog
3 days ago

Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be released
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour Blog
4 days ago

Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal pay
National has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under National
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cuts
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
Labour Blog
1 week 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
1 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
3 weeks 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
3 weeks 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
3 weeks 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
3 weeks 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
3 weeks ago

$571 million for Defence pay and projects
Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 hours ago

Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 hours ago

Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Accelerating Social Investment
A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Getting Back on Track
Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Report provides insights into marine recovery
New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Low gas production threatens energy security
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Daily school attendance data now available
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Ambassador to United States appointed
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

$1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

OECD reinforces need to control spending
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Speech to New Zealand China Council
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week 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
1 week 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 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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 week 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 week 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 week ago

Community Groups Furious That Government Silencing Hundreds In Fast-Track Hearings
The Environment Select Committee has just announced that 60 percent of individuals who asked to speak at the hearings will not be heard. This equates to almost 700 people who made individual submissions and more than 1000 more who made a form submission. ...
Scoop politics
48 mins ago

Review: Swan Lake is a reminder of how much work it takes to look effortless
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is performing Swan Lake around the country. What kind of dream does the ballet sell? Before going to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet perform Swan Lake, I had about as much familiarity with the plot of this ballet as could be expected from having ...
The SpinoffBy Shanti Mathias
54 mins ago

The Friday Poem: ‘High Tide at Local Maxima’ by Eamonn Tee
A new poem by Auckland poet Eamonn Tee. High Tide at Local Maxima It is only going to get worse. The streams will be narrow and fickle. The week will bend and buckle like a pot-bellied waist. You will make it to the weekend with one ...
The SpinoffBy Eamonn Tee
55 mins ago

The plastic-heavy drinks industry is in for a shake-up
The New Zealand entrepreneur behind beauty business Ethique is gearing up to launch a new eco-venture. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Our thirst for a tasty bevvy is insatiable, but it comes with a hefty plastic price for the planet: 580 billion ...
The SpinoffBy Ellen Rykers
56 mins ago

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 10
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 James by Percival Everett (Mantle, $38) A retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books
57 mins ago

Puna calls for Pacific ‘journalistic vigilance’ in face of climate crisis
By Kamna Kumar in Suva Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna stressed the importance of media freedom and its link to the climate and environmental crisis at the 2024 World Press Freedom Day event organised by the University of the South Pacific’s journalism programme. Under the theme “A Planet for ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
2 hours ago

Downsizing Of ERO Inconsistent With Govt Priority Of Lifting Student Achievement
The PSA is concerned that Government spending cuts have forced ERO to downsize at a time when student achievement is a significant challenge. ...
Scoop politics
2 hours ago

Education Review Office set to cut 13 jobs, union says
The Education Review Office is set to cut 13 jobs, the Public Service Association says. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 hours ago

Judith Collins announces $571 million Defence spend-up
An extra half a billion dollars is going to Defence in this year's Budget for pay and equipment upgrades, the Defence Minister has announced. ...
Radio NZ – political
3 hours ago

This new TVNZ anthology is Motherhood as you’ve never seen it before
Tara Ward previews a new local TV series offering alternative visions of motherhood. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. A woman is clambering up the side of her two-story house, clinging desperately to a drainpipe. Nearby, her child is perched on the ...
The SpinoffBy Tara Ward
3 hours ago

LGNZ Supportive Of Cross-party Approach To Climate Adaptation
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is supportive of the cross-party approach to climate adaptation announced by the Minister of Climate Change today. ...
Scoop politics
3 hours ago

SBC And CLC Welcome Bipartisan Climate Adaptation Inquiry
The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) welcome today’s announcement from Government around a bipartisan inquiry into an enduring climate adaptation framework for New Zealand. ...
Scoop politics
3 hours ago

Another Victory For Free Speech: DIA Abandons Proposals For Online Censorship
The Free Speech Union welcomes the decision by the Department of Internal Affairs, and Minister Brooke Van Velden, to abandon proposals to further regulate online speech. ...
Scoop politics
4 hours ago

Confused or playing for time? 3 possible reasons NZ is taking so long to make a call on AUKUS
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand governments have been actively exploring the option of joining pillar two of AUKUS for over a year now. But according to foreign minister Winston Peters, the government ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
4 hours ago

Archives NZ says it has enough space – for now
Its new building in Wellington will not be nearly big enough for all its records, and it has also run out of money to build its new storage facility in Levin. ...
Radio NZ – political
4 hours ago

Consensus Welcomed
BusinessNZ is congratulating the Minister of Climate Change for his work in achieving cross-party consensus for a way forward on climate adaptation. ...
Scoop politics
4 hours ago

How many lives is that tax cut worth?
Recent research reveals the repeal of smokefree measures is not only bad for our health, but also the economy. The Government has repealed various smokefree measures to ensure it keeps collecting $1.2 billion a year in tobacco taxes, in order to pay for tax cuts already being delivered to ...
The SpinoffBy When the Facts Change
5 hours ago

How the Phoenix went from wooden spoon favourites to title contenders
The club’s surprisingly good season is built on the desire to prove a random A-League YouTuber wrong… and a few other factors. “There’s no way that Wellington Phoenix play finals this year. I can’t see it happening at all.” Those are the words of Lachlan Raeside, an Australian football content ...
The SpinoffBy Mathew Nash
5 hours ago

Ministry cuts will harm Pacific health, wellbeing – union
The PSA is warning cuts at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples will have severe consequences for the health and wellbeing of Pasifika families. ...
Radio NZ – political
5 hours ago

Power shortages: What's being done to keep the lights on?
Officials are looking at better ways of choosing who gets the power during shortages amid relentlessly growing demands. ...
Radio NZ – political
5 hours ago

No more bad accents, stereotypes or cringe: why the rise of multilingual TV is good news for everyon...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By César Albarrán-Torres, Senior Lecturer, Department of Media and Communication, Swinburne University of Technology Apple TV+ As one of billions of bilingual individuals in the world, it disappoints me when a film or TV show with characters of a non-English-speaking background is ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
6 hours ago

It’s time to ditch Berhampore Golf Course
The under-utilised course is a waste of space, and with a little political will, it could be turned into something better. For the duration of her stay in Wellington, my long-suffering cousin listened to me rant about golf courses. They’re bad for the environment: water intensive and pesticide heavy. They ...
The SpinoffBy Kristin Kelly
6 hours ago

Women in rich countries are having fewer kids, or none at all. What’s going on?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Ruppanner, Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of The Future of Work Lab, Podcast at MissPerceived, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows US fertility rates dropped 2% in ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

We looked at over 166,000 psychiatric records. Over half showed people were admitted against their w...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Corderoy, Medical doctor and PhD candidate studying involuntary psychiatric treatment, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney shop_py/Shutterstock Picture two people, both suffering from a serious mental illness requiring hospital admission. One was born in Australia, the other in Asia. Hopefully, ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Feral horses in Australia’s high country are damaging peatlands, decreasing carbon stores
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Treby, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, RMIT University P.j.Hickox, Shutterstock Peatlands store more carbon per square metre than any other ecosystem on Earth. These waterlogged, mossy bogs beat even dense rainforests for their ability to act as carbon reservoirs. Under the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Andrew Tate’s extreme views about women are infiltrating Australian schools. We need a zero-tolera...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Wescott, Lecturer in Education, Monash University RDNE Stock Project/ Pexels , CC BY Earlier this week, two students were expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in creating a spreadsheet that ranked girls using sexist and violent categories ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Yes, spending on health is growing, but new research shows we’re getting more for it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Goss, Adjunct Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra Government spending on health has been growing so rapidly that a decade ago the then health minister Peter Dutton called it “unmanageable” and “unsustainable”. Health spending grew in real terms by ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Govt must regulate to smooth EVs and data centres' demand on power grids – Vector
New Zealand's largest electricity distributor is warning the country to hurry up with controls around charging electric vehicles or face unnecessary bills running into the billions. ...
Radio NZ – political
7 hours ago

Could you be about to lose your power?
New Zealanders have been asked to conserve energy this morning to combat a possible electricity shortfall, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A call to conserve power New Zealand is facing a possible electricity shortfall, with people up ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
8 hours ago

What actually are the Ockhams?
Writer Rebecca K Reilly breaks down the national book awards. What are the Ockhams? The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are our annual national awards for books published for adults, and have existed in this form since 2016. There are four categories: Fiction, Poetry, General Non-fiction and Illustrated Non-fiction. There ...
The SpinoffBy Rebecca K Reilly
10 hours ago

Selling Wellington Airport would be colossally careless
Wellington City Council should keep its 34% ownership share in Wellington International Airport, argue Unions Wellington spokespeople Finn Cordwell and Ashok Jacob. Insanity, as the saying goes, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Wellington City Council (WCC) is yet again proposing to dispose ...
The SpinoffBy Ashok Jacob
10 hours ago

Two senior publishers axed at Penguin Random House amid major restructure
New Zealand’s largest book publisher has undergone drastic changes this week, leaving its future role in local publishing uncertain. Two of the most recognisable local publishers in New Zealand are among those restructured out of Penguin Random House, it was announced this week. Head of publishing Claire Murdoch will leave ...
The SpinoffBy Madeleine Chapman
10 hours ago

Three waters repeal hitting Far North hard as Auckland signs deal
Forced to lift rates by 33 percent to fund water infrastructure, a fifth of the Far North’s ratepayers have missed their first payment The post Three waters repeal hitting Far North hard as Auckland signs deal appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Andrew Bevin
10 hours ago

All trained up and nowhere to write
In 2021 the Public Interest Journalism Fund launched the Te Rito Journalism project, a $2.4 million initiative to boost diversity in New Zealand’s newsrooms. The initiative was in response to the decades-long shortage of Māori and Pacific journalists in the media industry. It was billed as New Zealand’s ...
NewsroomBy Susana Suisuiki
10 hours ago

Daily crossword, Friday 10 May
The post Daily crossword, Friday 10 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
10 hours ago

Black Ferns Sevens: The greatest team of all
The Black Ferns Sevens appeared to be a mile behind Australia at the halfway point of the 2023-24 SVNS international circuit. Winless in three tournaments, a cup quarter-final exit in Perth was one of their worst results. To add insult to injury, talismanic skipper Sarah Hirini had been ruled out ...
NewsroomBy Adam Julian
10 hours ago

Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 10 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, Friday 10 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
10 hours ago

Government hypes gas crisis ahead of restarting drilling
Analysis: Solar power is the cheapest form of energy in the Pacific but the Government says NZ’s only choice is gas or coal The post Government hypes gas crisis ahead of restarting drilling appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Marc Daalder
10 hours ago

NZ sanctions needed to back Myanmar resistance – minister
An exiled Myanmar politician says NZ must continue to place pressure on the country’s military junta The post NZ sanctions needed to back Myanmar resistance – minister appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Sam Sachdeva
10 hours ago

There’s still time to avoid a ‘crime school’ at Waikeria
Opinion: Liam Martin examines the pitfalls of building a mega-prison twice the size of any other in the country in a remote area with few resources The post There’s still time to avoid a ‘crime school’ at Waikeria appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Liam Martin
10 hours ago

Government looks for a better way to count Māori
Successive governments have tried, and failed, to count Māori. But with the return of social investment, it’s more important than ever to get good data. The post Government looks for a better way to count Māori appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Laura Walters
10 hours ago

What will Willis’ social investment fund look like?
Experts in financing social investment initiatives say New Zealand is in a prime position to tackle social issues via a social investment approach The post What will Willis’ social investment fund look like? appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Emma Hatton
10 hours ago

‘Completely stupid’ – ex-Tuvalu PM plea to NZ to rethink fossil fuel plan
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist A former Tuvalu prime minister says while the New Zealand government’s oil and gas plans show it is concerned about its economy, he is more concerned about the livelihoods and survival of the Tuvalu people. Enele Sopoaga — who still serves as an MP ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
16 hours ago

Grattan on Friday: Like the famous budget tree, Chalmers can change the story to suit the season
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Many people who follow federal budgets know about the magnificent “budget tree” in a parliamentary courtyard, which turns a glorious red in time for the May event. This week Treasurer Jim Chalmers posed by ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
16 hours ago

Australia can have a future for the gas industry, or meet its climate commitments – but not both
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University Aerial-motion/Shutterstock Gas is back – if it ever went away. Yesterday, the Albanese government doubled down on gas with the release of its Future Gas Industry policy. Under this proposal, gas will ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
18 hours ago

Technically accomplished, sonically subversive and fiercely independent, I’ll remember Steve Albin...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Bennett, Professor of Music, Australian National University Richard P J Lambert/flickr, CC BY The future belongs to the analogue loyalists. Fuck digital. As a tsunami of CDs, DAT tapes and samplers swept the recording industry in the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
19 hours ago

Hind’s Hall is Macklemore’s bold new pro-Palestine anthem. What might it actually achieve?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate professor, Music Industry, RMIT University This week American rapper Macklemore released a new track, Hind’s Hall, which has gained a lot of attention because of its explicitly political nature. The track is unapologetically pro-Palestine. It declares the artist’s ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
20 hours ago

How KidsCan provides a nutritious school lunch for $2
A charity says it is - and that it has been doing so while providing fresh meals for nearly 6000 children per day. ...
Radio NZ – political
21 hours ago

Shane Jones sets sights on killer kina – 'An industrial grade problem'
"They kill all the kelp, they kill all the seaweed, and they turn the marine environment into a virtual desert," the Fisheries Minister says. ...
Radio NZ – political
21 hours ago

Using a structured literacy approach to teach reading: What you need to know
Explainer - The government from 2025 is mandating how state schools teach children to read. But what is structured literacy and how does it compare to other teaching methods? ...
Radio NZ – political
22 hours ago

‘We do not want to be like Russia’: a first-hand account of Georgia’s fight for democracy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danica Jenkins, Lecturer in European Studies, University of Sydney On a freezing spring night in March, Georgia’s national soccer team beat Greece in a nail-biter penalty shootout to qualify for the Euro 2024 championships. The atmosphere on the streets of the capital ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Our research shows higher carbon emissions increase costs for Australian businesses
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam G. Arian, Lecturer (Accounting & Finance), Australian Catholic University Loic Manegarium/Pexels Imagine every ton of carbon dioxide a company emits is slowly inflating its costs — not just in terms of potential fines or fees but in the capital it ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
23 hours ago

Ponsonby shooting: Hone Kay-Selwyn death not suspicious
The death of Hone Kay-Selwyn, who was involved in the Ponsonby shooting, is not being treated as suspicious, police say. ...
Radio NZ – political
24 hours ago

Our cities are widening the divide between the well-off and the rest. How can we turn this damaging ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Somwrita Sarkar, Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation, University of Sydney The “latte line” is the infamous, invisible boundary that divides Sydney between the more affluent north-east and the south-west. Historically, people north of the line enjoy better access to jobs and ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Supercharged thunderstorms: have we underestimated how climate change drives extreme rain and floods...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dowdy, Principal Research Scientist in Extreme Weather, The University of Melbourne Nomad_Soul/Shutterstock In media articles about unprecedented flooding, you’ll often come across the statement that for every 1°C of warming, the atmosphere can hold about 7% more moisture. This ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Former Fiji PM Voreqe Bainimarama jailed over block of USP probe
RNZ Pacific Former Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to one year in prison, Fiji media are reporting. Bainimarama, alongside suspended Fiji Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho appeared in the High Court in Suva today for their sentencing hearing for a case involving their roles in blocking a police ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
1 day ago

ACC proposes cutting more than 300 jobs
The cuts would be a 9 percent reduction in the Crown entity's total workforce. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Government To Respond To 259 Human Rights Recommendations
Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo says, “Addressing violence and abuse remains New Zealand’s most significant human rights issue affecting women. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Marlborough by-election still possible when MP Jamie Arbuckle resigns
The mayor says she understands the MP's bid to avoid a costly by-election but the decision is one for councillors. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Glaring Hole Exposed In Government’s Single Use Plastics Ban
Just Earth Papers has challenged the Ministry for Environment to follow its own guidance on the phase out and ban of single-use plastics. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

ACT's interpretation of Treaty of Waitangi inaccurate and misleading – claimants
Speaking to the Waitangi Tribunal, Ngāpuhi Kaumātua Hone Sadler said ACT's interpretation is not in tune with the intent of Te Tiriti. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Should we fight climate change by re-engineering life itself?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Symons, Macquarie School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University Michael Schiffer / Unsplash Life has transformed our world over billions of years, turning a dead rock into the lush, fertile planet we know today. But human activity is currently transforming Earth ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Please let me watch the horny tennis movie at a reasonable time
One woman’s quest to watch Challengers without ruining her body clock. Every Saturday morning, I wake up with a screaming demon inside my head urging me to “Do. Something. This. Weekend.” I run through the possibilities in my head in a defensive mental crouch, reminiscent of that one time I ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
1 day ago

ACC Job Cuts Will Mean More Accidents And Injuries
The PSA is alarmed that ACC is proposing to shed 309 jobs including 29 dedicated injury prevention jobs at a time when the number and cost of injuries is rising. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

ACC proposes cutting nearly 400 jobs
The cuts would be a 9 percent reduction in the Crown entity's total workforce. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

‘City deals’ are coming to NZ – let’s make sure they’re not ‘city back-room deals’
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tom Baker, Associate Professor in Human Geography, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images As local and regional councils struggle with inadequate infrastructure and unsustainable costs, New Zealand will be hearing a lot more about the potential solution offered by ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Not all ultra-processed foods are bad for your health, whatever you might have heard
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gary Sacks, Professor of Public Health Policy, Deakin University Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock In recent years, there’s been increasing hype about the potential health risks associated with so-called “ultra-processed” foods. But new evidence published this week found not all “ultra-processed” foods are linked ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Explainer: Nicola Willis' pre-Budget speech – what we learnt
The Finance Minister has done a conservative lift of the lid on her upcoming Budget. Here's what she laid out. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Explainer: Nicola Willis's pre-Budget speech – what we learnt
The Finance Minister has done a conservative lift of the lid on her upcoming Budget. Here's what she laid out. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

NZ's reliance on forests to absorb carbon emissions is risky – OECD report
Fears that New Zealand is relying too heavily on low-cost forests to absorb its carbon dioxide emissions have been reignited by a report from the OECD. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Cabinet mulls creation of mega spy agency as FIANZ seeks 'serious rethink'
The agency, first floated after the Christchurch mosque attacks, is under "active consideration". ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Public services savings confirmed, but possibly not complete
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed the total dollar savings target from public sector cuts has been met, but the reductions have not been felt evenly across public agencies. Government departments were told to make savings set at 6.5 percent or 7.5 percent where headcount had grown by more than ...
NewsroomBy Emma Hatton
1 day ago

Help Me Hera: Are my friend’s compliments of our other mate designed to terrorise me?
She doesn’t have a single kind word for me and it’s getting under my skin. Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera, I have two amazing friends that I absolutely adore. Grace (all names have been changed) and I lived together across 2023 and Olivia moved in with us this ...
The SpinoffBy Hera Lindsay Bird
1 day ago

How mana whenua lead the way in revolutionising environmental healing
Can Western science and Māori science work together to support our well-being? The Te Ohu Mō Papatūānuku (TOMP) Trials Project was a landmark case for healing the land and people with the guidance of Māori science and leadership. This is what happened when Papatūānuku (Earth) was contaminated by toxic discharge, ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff
1 day ago

Government to introduce compulsory work seminar for job-seeking beneficiaries
Beneficiaries looking for a job will have to attend a work seminar within two weeks of starting to receive welfare under new requirements. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

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