Goff’s response to Key

Written By: Marty G - Date published: 2:53 pm, February 9th, 2010 - 79 comments
Categories: Parliament, phil goff - Tags:

Even National Party pollster, David Farrar, could only give Key’s speech a B

Goff says that it’s ‘Alan Bollard 1, John Key 0’. There’s talk of a step change but no actual plan that will close the gaps. ‘No bold plan, no plan at all’

‘Big Tuesday? More like tip-toe Tuesday’

Rubbishs the notion that National’s tax changes would be for everyone. Says NZers know that National won’t produce a tax package that is fair to all NZers. Look at the record, last tax cuts most of the money went to the privileged few. No NZ family under $40K got any tax cut at all.

Key was silent on cutting the top tax rate but has been promising it to his mates. Key would get $500 a week from eliminating top tax rate, head of Telecom $2000 a week. What does a minimum wage worker get? Nothing from tax cuts. 25 cent increase.

The person on $70K gets $12.69 a week from cutting top rates, compare that to the PM’s $509.

Goff opposes GST increase emphatically.

Who are the winners and losers out of National’s tax changes? The winners are Key’s mates on high incomes. The losers are typical Kiwis.

Regrets the lack of substance, conviction, anything new of Key’s speech. Lack of vision.

Key’s discovery of the importance of R&D ironic given he has cut millions from R&D. If we want to close the gap, we should be following Aussie’s lead – 25% increase in R&D. Gap on R&D has got wider, gap on unemployment has got wider. Aussie has a government that believes in doing something, that believes in bringing down unemployment. We have a do nothing government – no wait, we had the jobs summit, Key’s ‘do-fest’.

Key talks about youth guarantee but 1 in 5 young people out of work or education. Shame on Maori Party for supporting the government when 1 in 4 young Maori out of work – a flag on a bridge not important compared to opportunity for young people.

Aussie did it right – stimulus, unemployment going down. We’re going the opposite way.

National has a problem with not listening. Won’t listen to Bollard. Won’t listen to John Hattie on national standards. Pita Sharples got told to shut up on national standards, then bought off – Maori schools exempt from national standards.

56% of Kiwis got no wage or salary increase last year. But the cost of living rose. Now Key is promising to worsen that with GST increase.

Key promised to help the poor and vunerable. Key exploited Aroha and Joan Nathan before the election, then sacked after the election. Jackie Blue lied about combining offices with Sam Lotu-Liga.

Quotes from Joan Nathan: ‘Key has just made it harder for us, and easier for the higher ups’. Key’s double standards, political exploitation.

Key has no plan to take the country forward, let alone catch up with Aussie as promised.

This is a very impressive performance by Goff. He has really outshone Key here and skewered the hollow promises and big talk of this do nothing government.

Interesting to see Russel Norman also using the language of wealthy bludgers. Actually a very good speech from Norman on the fallacy of obsessing over GDP growth.

79 comments on “Goff’s response to Key ”

Comments are now closed

Mr Magoo 1

9 February 2010 at 3:04 pm

Listening now.

Have to hand it to him. A+.

Forcefully given. All points covered in the short time. Examples given.

Unlike the snarky/snide way Key took digs, Goff delivers the criticism with conviction and passion.

He occasionally stumbles a little bit on his speech though. A bit overcome with the volume and force I think.

New found respect there. He actually sounded like a leader.

Of course these are the words. Actions are another thing. 🙂
- Mr Magoo 1.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:24 pm
  
  Captcha: GOVERNMENT
  
  The example at the end about the lady national used up and threw away was priceless. Throwing her own words in key’s face was the shining moment in the speech for me.
  
  Spoken by a person who has been most hurt by their policies and attitudes.
felix 2

9 February 2010 at 3:05 pm

Goff’s tearing him to shreds. Good to see.
Loco 3

9 February 2010 at 3:06 pm

Goff is fired up, one of his better speeches.

Some big hits on key.
sean 4

9 February 2010 at 3:08 pm

You guys forget that Labour had 3 terms to do something radical and all they could come up with is blowing out their spending and cynically taxing the top producers in the country (forcing them to leave or reorganise).

What is so bad about increasing consumption tax and reducing income tax and taxes on savings? After all the criticism of our debt fuelled society, surely this is a move in the right direction……
- the sprout 4.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:13 pm
  
  flat taxes are regressive taxes
- Mr Magoo 4.2
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:22 pm
  
  You seem to forget what you said is not actually true and just a right wing meme you guys like to throw about.
  
  Working for families and kiwisaver as the first two examples anyone??
  
  How about reducing debt from 30+% to less than 20% just before the recession so we did not fall over?
  
  Go back to your cave.
  - sean 4.2.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 5:49 pm
    
    So, exactly how is Working For Families made any difference to the wider economy? Didn’t we go backwards in the OECD rankings on its watch?
    
    Putting 50% of families on a benefit paid out of other peoples tax is not a way of moving our country forwards.
    
    Epic. Fail. Is that seriously all you could come up with?
    
    Maybe you should go back to your cave.
- Clarke 4.3
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:26 pm
  
  As entertaining as your comment might be, it’s a pity it’s not reality-based.
  
  Under nine years of Labour the unemployment rate fell, incomes increased, the deficit fell, surpluses were generated, and the wealth of New Zealanders increased. Under Key we’ve seen none of that – and based on the anemic performance we saw this afternoon, his reputation of “style over substance” looks set to continue.
big bruv 5

9 February 2010 at 3:12 pm

Just how long will you people put up with Goff missing out on these golden opportunities?

Neville Key delivered a speech lacking in vision, lacking in aspiration, lacking in ambition and most of all lacking the tough choices this nation has to take.

So what does Goff do in reply, nothing….the same old tired hard left ranting and raving.

Key is vulnerable, the public are sick of waiting, if only you guys could get your act together then we might see a real choice for the voters on NZ.
- tracey 5.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:40 pm
  
  big bruv
  
  Couldn’t agree more… if you shut your eyes and turned the clock back to 2007…. Nat were Labour and Labour were act…
  
  Nothing changes… this country voted for change it just didnt know that the fine print said CHANGE just not yet….
Anne 6

9 February 2010 at 3:19 pm

Congratulations to Phil Goff. Excellent speech. Notice how sour the Nats looked? Loved it 😀
Bed Rater 7

9 February 2010 at 3:25 pm

Booooring.

Everyone loves a progressive tax system, but nobody likes the inevitable ‘imbalances’ you get when tax cuts are applied.

You pay more tax, you get a bigger piece of the pie when it comes to tax cuts. Simple.
- Clarke 7.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:29 pm
  
  Only when you apply the tax cuts at the top rate rather than the bottom rate. If Key was interested in equity – which he plainly isn’t – then he’d give every taxpayer in the country an equal $2,000 rebate, like they did in Australia.
  
  Now that’s one part of “catching up to Australia” he’s not interested in pursuing!
  - tracey 7.1.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 3:38 pm
    
    The other part of “catching up” that we wont hear Brash ACT or the Nats talk about is the strong unions over there…
    
    30 years ago our wages were higher than Oz and we had strong unions. They still have strong unions, ours are much weaker. Right or wrong, am just stating how it is.
    
    The gap closing with Australia is a red herring to get through pay-back policies for the help to end the 9 years in the wilderness.
mickysavage 8

9 February 2010 at 3:30 pm

Go Phil

He is much more focussed and precise this year. At times last year I used to pull my hear out but not any more.

Good old fashioned socialist tub thumping speech.
- big bruv 8.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:32 pm
  
  “Good old fashioned socialist tub thumping speech.”
  
  Which will get you nowhere.
  - Sam 8.1.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 3:53 pm
    
    See: John Key complaining about showerheads, helicopters, etc.
tracey 9

9 February 2010 at 3:36 pm

I would prefer to see two things happen tax-wise

Increase the level at which ANY income tax kicks in;
Increase the point at which the top rate kicks in

That is more palatable to me and I am in the $100k -ish household.

I think it is fairer across the board, then I think increasing GST would be more palatable. I confess I dont completely understand the fiscal neutral stuff, giving with one hand to take away wth the other
- Peter 9.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 4:14 pm
  
  I agree, Between myself and the wife we are well in the top tax bracket, but with 3 young children , get no assistance of any kind from anyone.
mickysavage 10

9 February 2010 at 3:36 pm

Rodney Hide is showcasing the quality of the Government’s economic policies by talking about …

Climate Change?

WTF?
Tom 11

9 February 2010 at 3:41 pm

Rodney Rorter, the Clmate change denier??

say it aint so. It be rainin pigs next…
bobo 12

9 February 2010 at 3:42 pm

Great speech by Goff , nice to see some fire in his belly and spoke with passion. Complete opposite to Key who looked nervous and never made eye contact with Goff the whole time looked weak. Will be interesting to see how the MSM interprets both speeches if they just ignore Goff as usual.
- kiwiteen123 12.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:48 pm
  
  The MSM is traditionally very pro-labour. If they do not support Goff, that is saying something.
  - bobo 12.1.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 3:59 pm
    
    I just want them to show highlights of the speeches nothing more. Russell Norman had some good lines about the big bank heads not being done for fraud unlike the average kiwi if they avoided tax, but his delivery was weak, Metiria would have been better I think.
  - mickysavage 12.1.2
    
    9 February 2010 at 4:01 pm
    
    The MSM is traditionally very pro-labour
    
    Spoken like a true wingnut.
    
    Any chance of some supporting proof?
    - kiwiteen123 12.1.2.1
      
      9 February 2010 at 4:02 pm
      
      Child’s games….
    - lukas 12.1.2.2
      
      9 February 2010 at 4:06 pm
      
      “Spoken like a true wingnut.
      
      Any chance of some supporting proof?”
      
      Spoken like a true member of the loony left. Micky, you and I both know that either one of us could point out stories in the media that are unfavorable to our own side.
      - mickysavage 12.1.2.2.1
        
        9 February 2010 at 4:25 pm
        
        But in the case of the loony right the stories are rightfully unfavourable
        
        : )
  - Sam 12.1.3
    
    9 February 2010 at 4:10 pm
    
    What planet have you been on for the last 6 (or more) years?
    - kiwiteen123 12.1.3.1
      
      9 February 2010 at 4:12 pm
      
      @Sam
      Me?? Earth.
      - Sam 12.1.3.1.1
        
        9 February 2010 at 4:27 pm
        
        Well then you sure as shit have not been consuming the same news media as I have.
  - Matt Andrews 12.1.4
    
    9 February 2010 at 4:33 pm
    
    “MSM is traditionally very pro-labour”????? Read the NZ Herald ever?
    
    And just wait for the TV tonight. “Duncan Espiner” will rate Key as “exciting” and rave about how cool it will be for people like them to get a tax cut.
    - kiwiteen123 12.1.4.1
      
      9 February 2010 at 9:19 pm
      
      Watched both the ‘newses’ now… Didn’t hear any mention of excitement.
Zaphod Beeblebrox 13

9 February 2010 at 3:46 pm

Did you see Key and English’s body language listening to Phil. I hope they show that on the news.
The bit where he skewers the Maori party deerves to be seen again as well.
- bobo 13.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 3:52 pm
  
  I saw Key doing that thing people do at parties when no one is talking to them during Goff’s speech, pretend you have a txt msg or fiddle with your phone.. It reminded me a bit of the office. Notice during Keys speech he faced away from the opposition the whole time, cant remember him doing that last year I might be wrong though.
aj 14

9 February 2010 at 4:01 pm

Anderton – brilliant.

His closing reference was perfect.
- big bruv 14.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 4:02 pm
  
  Anderton – Irrelevant.
  - kiwiteen123 14.1.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 4:11 pm
    
    @ big bruv
    Lol.
  - DeeDub 14.1.2
    
    9 February 2010 at 5:49 pm
    
    More relevant than you, dickhead. Although please do let us know when you’re elected to anything beyond President of your fantasy wingnut online world.
    - kiwiteen123 14.1.2.1
      
      9 February 2010 at 5:53 pm
      
      No need to get personal.
      The internet is a bad world.
      I suggest you discuss the topic not ma and/or Big Bruv.
      - felix 14.1.2.1.1
        
        9 February 2010 at 6:15 pm
        
        I suggest you stop pretending this is your blog before you get sent to your room you cheeky monkey.
        
        kiwiteen123 14.1.2.1.1.1
        
        9 February 2010 at 6:30 pm
        
        I don’t think this is my blog.
        I just think that there is no need to get personal and call people dickheads. S/He can criticise my views all they want. I won’t stop them.
        My point is that swearing and abusing people (not their beliefs) is wrong and gets one nowhere.
        
        felix …
        
        9 February 2010 at 6:39 pm
        
        In that case I suggest you go fuck yourself.
        
        kiwiteen123 …
        
        9 February 2010 at 6:43 pm
        
        Now, Now.
        May I suggest you take yourself away from the computer and take a few deep breaths.
        
        felix …
        
        9 February 2010 at 6:53 pm
        
        That’s it. I’m telling your mum.
        
        kiwiteen123 …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:16 pm
        
        Ignoring the age-based stereotypes…
        You are upset with me because I didn’t like it when you acted like an 11 yo who has just discovered swear words.
        All I have done is told you to grow up and be sensible and reasonable.
        Clearly that was to much to ask.
        
        felix …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:30 pm
        
        What makes you think I’m upset?
        
        You know I thought you were an old man using a perv’s name (because of your clunky use of language, mostly) but your bizarre reactions and behaviour are making me think you might actually be a child.
        
        Bit sad either way really.
        
        kiwiteen123 …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:35 pm
        
        What clunky language?
        It’s a bit weird to tell someone to “go fuck yourself” if you are not upset.
        
        felix …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:37 pm
        
        You should get out more.
        
        kiwiteen123 …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:41 pm
        
        I used to have some respect for you but you are acting stupidly tonight. Perhaps you forgot your medicine? Maybe you are a bit drunk? Hang in there go take a walk. Breath in some fresh air and come back and start acting your age.
        You make some good points. Swearing make you look like a troll.
        Move on. Get over it and don’t insult people.
        
        felix …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:44 pm
        
        And there’s that clunky language again.
        
        Go fuck yourself, kT.
        
        kiwiteen123 …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:46 pm
        
        and there’s that stupid arrogance.
        I suggest you get over yourself and discuss the topic.
        
        felix …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:57 pm
        
        Ah, you and your suggestions.
        
        I’m definitely telling your mum what you’re up to.
        
        kiwiteen123 …
        
        9 February 2010 at 7:58 pm
        
        That my friend would be stalking.
        
        felix …
        
        10 February 2010 at 12:41 am
        
        Nah, it’s called pillow talk.
        
        Stalking is what you do with your weird little blog.
Tony Milne 15

9 February 2010 at 4:04 pm

Great speech from Goff. Excellent content. Excellent delivery. Where Key was tentative and unsure, Goff was forceful and certain.

Goff is starting to lay out a solid platform for the next Labour Government.

Goff is looking like a Prime Minister in waiting.
- kiwiteen123 15.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 4:07 pm
  
  All he needs now is some votes and he’ll be PM in no time…
- big bruv 15.2
  
  9 February 2010 at 4:14 pm
  
  What are you on about Tony?
  
  Goff laid out no pathway, offered no alternatives nor did he score any decent hits on Neville Key.
  
  If an old fashioned socialist rant is all it takes to please Labour party members then you guys are destined to see Neville Key as PM for a long time to come.
  - aj 15.2.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 4:17 pm
    
    Did John mention how much cycleway he’s laid out?
  - Tony Milne 15.2.2
    
    9 February 2010 at 4:36 pm
    
    Phil’s alternative speech “Higher Incomes: The Prime Minister’s Statement To Parliament (As proposed by The New Zealand Labour Party)”, combined with his “The Many. Not The Few” speech together start to outline a specific programme.
    
    He was also very clear in todays speech about what is in and what is out. And GST increase is out.
    
    You may not agree with it, but that’s not the point.
bobo 16

9 February 2010 at 4:11 pm

“He has finally shown his colours. He is a mediocre leader without the vision or the ability to change New Zealand. He is a seat-warmer who is too scared to scare the masses.”

I guess Bernard Hickey is off Keys BBQ pool party invite list from today…
- big bruv 16.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 4:16 pm
  
  Hickey is 100% correct.
  - gitmo 16.1.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 4:25 pm
    
    Goff or Key same reaction from everyone apart from the rampantly partisan ………….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz more waffle and crap.
- gingercrush 16.2
  
  9 February 2010 at 4:21 pm
  
  Bernard Hickey is a very strange person. He wants no WFF, interest on student loans, a 25 cent flat tax, a severe cut to Super Annuation and increasing the age of retirement, a land tax or capital gains tax and a complete restructuring for rental properties. Not to mention major cutting of government spending.
  
  Basically Hickey is like Don Brash except he wants more focus on the productive sector and sees housing as the devil.
  
  I will never understand and the left often do support many of what Hickey has to say. Because underneath it all what Hickey wants to see would be unfathomable to most on the left.
bobo 17

9 February 2010 at 4:26 pm

I agree GC Bernard is very selective in what he wants. I think he is pissed off mostly about Key ruling out a capital gains tax which really would have been better than raising gst. I put that comment up as I thought Bernard was in the Key camp, I’m no fan of Bernard.
tc 18

9 February 2010 at 4:34 pm

Supercity being slammed through and alot of the hobbling and payback done under urgency like ACC/ETS without going near the debacle that is Tolley, the pathological liar Smith is, and the environmental vandal Gerry is leads me to one conclusion.

It’s a single term no ideas gov’t and it knows it so watch it slam through no end of extra ‘looking after our mates’ stuff, in between PR opportunities that will take the next gov’ts more then a term to unwind.

History repeats people…..Johnny clown will depart before the end of 2012 and enjoy the better travel times to his Omaha mansion….thanks Joyce.
Jem 19

9 February 2010 at 4:52 pm

It was the best I’ve heard Goff. I thought the only thing missing (and maybe I missed it as I didn’t quite catch the whole thing) was Phil saying loud and clear “LABOUR WILL REPEAL ANY INCREASE IN GST’.
gingercrush 20

9 February 2010 at 5:03 pm

The four percent growth expected this year must be shared among all New Zealanders, Mr Goff says.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10625075

What the fuck is Goff smoking? This is the same weird as fuck economic growth story we were getting from his other speech. Who the hell is advising Goff on economic matters?
kiwiteen123 21

9 February 2010 at 5:51 pm

I just read the speech.
All though I don’t agree with his points, they are good ones.
For all except one of his comments I agreed as much as I could with Goff and Labour – I can see who he thinks that even though I don’t.
His personalizing of how much extra money Key would get a week was not necessary. I note he didn’t quote his own gains.
Jan Black 22

9 February 2010 at 5:56 pm

kiwiteen123 “What … is Goff smoking?” Probably the same thing as those zany guys at Westpac
We expect GDP to grow by an above average 3.7% pace in calendar 2010, and 4.3% in calendar 2011
http://www.westpac.co.nz/olcontent/olcontent.nsf/content/FM_Economic_Overview_Jan2010/$FILE/QEOJan10.pdf
- kiwiteen123 22.1
  
  9 February 2010 at 5:58 pm
  
  May I point out that I did not make that comment.
  - Pascal's bookie 22.1.1
    
    9 February 2010 at 6:46 pm
    
    True. You make GC look smart though, so I wouldn’t complain.
    - kiwiteen123 22.1.1.1
      
      9 February 2010 at 6:48 pm
      
      That’s the closest thing to a compliment I have got from you… 🙂
      As you can see from my exchange with felix I don’t find swearing necessary.
- gingercrush 22.2
  
  9 February 2010 at 6:58 pm
  
  And did you see where they said consensus was at 2.7%. A far cry from 4%.
Con 23

9 February 2010 at 6:45 pm

“empathically”?
mummybot 24

9 February 2010 at 9:46 pm

Nah, emphatically 😉
Jon 25

9 February 2010 at 11:30 pm

A NZ family earning under 40K is not likely to be paying any tax at all after WFF is taken into account. They get another handout under this change to balance the GST increase.
Whenever a rich person gets a bit more money you envious pricks lose your minds.
I’m in neither camp myself, I’m the guy who’s actually working for families – other peoples.
No breaks for me just increased prices.

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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 from the Gigafact team in collaboration with members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Are we heading ...

Skeptical Science

5 days ago
As Our Power Lessens: Published

So the Solstice has arrived – Summer in this part of the world, Winter for the Northern Hemisphere. And with it, the publication my new Norse dark-fantasy piece, As Our Power Lessens at Eternal Haunted Summer: https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/issues/winter-solstice-2024/as-our-power-lessens/ As previously noted, this one is very ‘wyrd’, and Northern Theory of Courage. ...

A Phuulish FellowBy strda221

5 days ago
By Any Other Name.

The Natural Choice: As a starter for ten percent of the Party Vote, “saving the planet” is a very respectable objective. Young voters, in particular, raised on the dire (if unheeded) warnings of climate scientists, and the irrefutable evidence of devastating weather events linked to global warming, vote Green. After ...

Bowalley Road

6 days ago
Bernard’s last Saturday Soliloquy for 2024

The Government cancelled 60% of Kāinga Ora’s new builds next year, even though the land for them was already bought, the consents were consented and there are builders unemployed all over the place. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

6 days ago
Bernard’s Picks ‘n’ Mixes for Saturday, December 21

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on UnsplashEvery morning I get up at 3am to go around the traps of news sites in Aotearoa and globally. I pick out the top ones from my point of view and have been putting them into my Dawn Chorus email, which goes out with a podcast. ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

6 days ago
2024 OIA stats

Over on Kikorangi Newsroom's Marc Daalder has published his annual OIA stats. So I thought I'd do mine: 82 OIA requests sent in 2024 7 posts based on those requests 20 average working days to receive a response Ministry of Justice was my most-requested entity, ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

6 days ago
Climate Change: A perverse incentive

The government published its first Biennial Transparency Report under the Paris Agreement yesterday, and the media has correctly noted that it is missing any plan to actually meet our target. While it hypes domestic emissions reductions so far - which have been good, but will likely get worse thanks to ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

7 days ago
Economic Bulletin December 2024

Welcome to the December 2024 Economic Bulletin. We have two monthly features in this edition. In the first, we discuss what the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update from Treasury and the Budget Policy Statement from the Minister of Finance tell us about the fiscal position and what to ...

NZCTUBy Jack McDonald

7 days ago
NZCTU make submission in opposition to Treaty Principles Bill

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi have submitted against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, slamming the Bill as a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an attack on tino rangatiratanga and the collective rights of Tangata Whenua. “This Bill seeks to legislate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles that are ...

NZCTUBy Jack McDonald

7 days ago
ZB’s Power Couple

I don't knowHow to say what's got to be saidI don't know if it's black or whiteThere's others see it redI don't get the answers rightI'll leave that to youIs this love out of fashionOr is it the time of yearAre these words distraction?To the words you want to hearSongwriters: ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

7 days ago
Austerity thumps GDP most since 1991

Our economy has experienced its worst recession since 1991. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, December 20 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above and the daily Pick ‘n’ Mix below ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

7 days ago
Weekly Roundup 20-December-2024

Twas the Friday before Christmas and all through the week we’ve been collecting stories for our final roundup of the year. As we start to wind down for the year we hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and new year. If you’re travelling please be safe on ...

Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland

7 days ago
The Hoon around the year to December 20, 2024

The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the year’s news with: on climate. Her book of the year was Tim Winton’s cli-fi novel Juice and she also mentioned Mike Joy’s memoir The Fight for Fresh Water. ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

7 days ago
The baby-boomers’ last gasp

The Government can head off to the holidays, entitled to assure itself that it has done more or less what it said it would do. The campaign last year promised to “get New Zealand back on track.” When you look at the basic promises—to trim back Government expenditure, toughen up ...

PolitikBy Richard Harman

7 days ago
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #51 2024

Open access notables An intensification of surface Earth’s energy imbalance since the late 20th century, Li et al., Communications Earth & Environment: Tracking the energy balance of the Earth system is a key method for studying the contribution of human activities to climate change. However, accurately estimating the surface energy balance ...

Skeptical Science

1 week ago
Join us at 5pm for 2024’s last Hoon

Photo by Mauricio Fanfa on UnsplashKia oraCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with myself , plus regular guests and , ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
Christmas Gifts: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.

“Like you said, I’m an unreconstructed socialist. Everybody deserves to get something for Christmas.”“ONE OF THOSE had better be for me!” Hannah grinned, fascinated, as Laurie made his way, gingerly, to the bar, his arms full of gift-wrapped packages.“Of course!”, beamed Laurie. Depositing his armful on the bar-top and selecting ...

Bowalley Road

1 week ago
GDP Figures No Christmas Present for New Zealand

Data released by Statistics New Zealand today showed a significant slowdown in the economy over the past six months, with GDP falling by 1% in September, and 1.1% in June said CTU Economist Craig Renney. “The data shows that the size of the economy in GDP terms is now smaller ...

NZCTUBy Stella Whitfield

1 week ago
Cheeseburgers and Stunt Monkeys

One last thing before I quitI never wanted any moreThan I could fit into my headI still remember every single word you saidAnd all the shit that somehow came along with itStill, there's one thing that comforts meSince I was always caged and now I'm freeSongwriters: David Grohl / Georg ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

1 week ago
MSD rejecting 220 pleas for food grants each day

Sparse offerings outside a Te Kauwhata church. Meanwhile, the Government is cutting spending in ways that make thousands of hungry children even hungrier, while also cutting funding for the charities that help them. It’s also doing that while winding back new building of affordable housing that would allow parents to ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
The Wing Parties’ Economic Policies.

It is difficult to make sense of the Luxon Coalition Government’s economic management.This end-of-year review about the state of economic management – the state of the economy was last week – is not going to cover the National Party contribution. Frankly, like every other careful observer, I cannot make up ...

PunditBy Brian Easton

1 week ago
Back on Track

This morning I awoke to the lovely news that we are firmly back on track, that is if the scale was reversed.NZ ranks low in global economic comparisonsNew Zealand's economy has been ranked 33rd out of 37 in an international comparison of which have done best in 2024.Economies were ranked ...

Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tūī

1 week ago
Book Review: How Big Things Get Done

This is a guest post by George Weeks, reviewing a book called How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner Want to know how to do something big? Ask someone who has done it before! Professor Bent Flyvbjerg has spent his career studying megaprojects. In 2023, ...

Greater AucklandBy Guest Post

1 week ago
Gordon Campbell On Why We Can’t Survive Two More Years Of This

Remember those silent movies where the heroine is tied to the railway tracks or going over the waterfall in a barrel? Finance Minister Nicola Willis seems intent on portraying herself as that damsel in distress. According to Willis, this country’s current economic problems have all been caused by the spending ...

WerewolfBy ScoopEditor

1 week ago
Dragging our way towards the finish line, the end of this year can’t come soon enough for many…

Similar to the cuts and the austerity drive imposed by Ruth Richardson in the 1990’s, an era which to all intents and purposes we’ve largely fiddled around the edges with fixing in the time since – over, to be fair, several administrations – whilst trying our best it seems to ...

exhALANtBy exhalantblog

1 week ago
Handling Democracy.

String-Pulling in the Dark: For the democratic process to be meaningful it must also be public. WITH TRUST AND CONFIDENCE in New Zealand’s politicians and journalists steadily declining, restoring those virtues poses a daunting challenge. Just how daunting is made clear by comparing the way politicians and journalists treated New Zealanders ...

Bowalley Road

1 week ago
Open letter to the Minister of Dwindling Finances

Dear Nicola Willis, thank you for letting us know in so many words that the swingeing austerity hasn't worked.By in so many words I mean the bit where you said, Here is a sea of red ink in which we are drowning after twelve months of savage cost cutting and ...

More Than A FeildingBy David Slack

1 week ago
Open Government: The joke ends

The Open Government Partnership is a multilateral organisation committed to advancing open government. Countries which join are supposed to co-create regular action plans with civil society, committing to making verifiable improvements in transparency, accountability, participation, or technology and innovation for the above. And they're held to account through an Independent ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

1 week ago
An unusual sort of press conference

Today I tuned into something strange: a press conference that didn’t make my stomach churn or the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Which was strange, because it was about the torture of children. It was the announcement by Erica Stanford — on her own, unusually ...

Sapphi’s SubstackBy Sapphi

1 week ago
This substack has talked about this government’s seeming corruption & pro-corporate issues...

This is a must watch, and puts on brilliant and practical display the implications and mechanics of fast-track law corruption and weakness.CLICK HERE: LINK TO WATCH VIDEO Our news media as it is set up is simply not equipped to deal with the brazen disinformation and corruption under this right wing ...

Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tūī

1 week ago
NZCTU: Minister needs to listen to the evidence on engineered stone ban

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting Secretary Erin Polaczuk is welcoming the announcement from Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden that she is opening consultation on engineered stone and is calling on her to listen to the evidence and implement a total ban of the product. “We need ...

NZCTUBy Stella Whitfield

1 week ago
Wednesday 18 December

The Government has announced a 1.5% increase in the minimum wage from 1 April 2025, well below forecast inflation of 2.5%. Unions have reacted strongly and denounced it as a real terms cut. PSA and the CTU are opposing a new round of staff cuts at WorkSafe, which they say ...

NZCTUBy Jack McDonald

1 week ago
Can the government change its mind on the ferries?

The decision to unilaterally repudiate the contract for new Cook Strait ferries is beginning to look like one of the stupidest decisions a New Zealand government ever made. While cancelling the ferries and their associated port infrastructure may have made this year's books look good, it means higher costs later, ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

1 week ago
Notes from Afar: Will Luxon Attend Waitangi Day? And Opposition Calls Out Nicola Willis for “C...

Hi there! I’ve been overseas recently, looking after a situation with a family member. So apologies if there any less than focused posts! Vanuatu has just had a significant 7.3 earthquake. Two MFAT staff are unaccounted for with local fatalities.It’s always sad to hear of such things happening.I think of ...

Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tūī

1 week ago
Member’s morning

Today is a special member's morning, scheduled to make up for the government's theft of member's days throughout the year. First up was the first reading of Greg Fleming's Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill, which was passed unanimously. Currently the House is debating the third reading of ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

1 week ago
Going Backwards

We're going backwardsIgnoring the realitiesGoing backwardsAre you counting all the casualties?We are not there yetWhere we need to beWe are still in debtTo our insanitiesSongwriter: Martin Gore Read more ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

1 week ago
Blaming Treasury & Labour, Willis looks for even more Austerity

Willis blamed Treasury for changing its productivity assumptions and Labour’s spending increases since Covid for the worsening Budget outlook. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, December 18 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
December-24 AT Board Meeting

Today the Auckland Transport board meet for the last time this year. For those interested (and with time to spare), you can follow along via this MS Teams link from 10am. I’ve taken a quick look through the agenda items to see what I think the most interesting aspects are. ...

Greater AucklandBy Matt L

1 week ago
The Making of a Mental Health Rockstar

Hi,If you’re a New Zealander — you know who Mike King is. He is the face of New Zealand’s battle against mental health problems. He can be loud and brash. He raises, and is entrusted with, a lot of cash. Last year his “I Am Hope” charity reported a revenue ...

David FarrierBy David Farrier

1 week ago
It could have been worse

Probably about the only consolation available from yesterday’s unveiling of the Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) is that it could have been worse. Though Finance Minister Nicola Willis has tightened the screws on future government spending, she has resisted the calls from hard-line academics, fiscal purists and fiscal hawks ...

PolitikBy Richard Harman

1 week ago
The Deep Divisions of Local Government

The right have a stupid saying that is only occasionally true:When is democracy not democracy? When it hasn’t been voted on.While not true in regards to branches of government such as the judiciary, it’s a philosophy that probably should apply to recently-elected local government councillors. Nevertheless, this concept seemed to ...

Sapphi’s SubstackBy Sapphi

1 week ago
Willis’ austerity strategy just isn’t working

Long story short: the Government’s austerity policy has driven the economy into a deeper and longer recession that means it will have to borrow $20 billion more over the next four years than it expected just six months ago. Treasury’s latest forecasts show the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s fiscal strategy of ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
Sabin 33 #7 – Are solar projects hurting farmers and rural communities?

On November 1, 2024 we announced the publication of 33 rebuttals based on the report "Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles" written by Matthew Eisenson, Jacob Elkin, Andy Fitch, Matthew Ard, Kaya Sittinger & Samuel Lavine and published by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia ...

Skeptical Science

1 week ago
Join us for a pop-up Hoon at 5pm on HYEFU

Come and join myself and CTU Chief Economist for a pop-up ‘Hoon’ webinar on the Government’s Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) with paying subscribers to The Kākā for 30 minutes at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream to watch our chat. Don’t worry if ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
‘Ideas Worth Saving’: A Call for Papers

Some years ago, I found myself pondering the power of literature to endure. Or at least the power of some of it to endure, while the rest vanishes in mere decades: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2019/08/07/look-on-my-works-ye-mighty-and-despair-the-literary-future/. I have similarly had fun with the subject in some of my short stories, such as Another Alexandria ...

A Phuulish FellowBy strda221

1 week ago
Corrections is torturing prisoners again

In 1998, in the wake of the Paremoremo Prison riot, the Department of Corrections established the "Behaviour Management Regime". Prisoners were locked in their cells for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no fresh air, no exercise, no social contact, no entertainment, and in some cases no clothes and ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

1 week ago
HYEFU and BPS data shows New Zealand is way off track

New data released by the Treasury shows that the economic policies of this Government have made things worse in the year since they took office, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney. “Our fiscal indicators are all heading in the wrong direction – with higher levels of debt, a higher deficit, and ...

NZCTUBy Jack McDonald

1 week ago
“Better economic management”

At the 2023 election, National basically ran on a platform of being better economic managers. So how'd that turn out for us? In just one year, they've fucked us for two full political terms: The government's books are set to remain deeply in the red for the near term ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

1 week ago
Shameless, clueless

AUSTERITYText within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedMy spreadsheet insists This pain leads straight to glory (File not found) Read more ...

More Than A FeildingBy David Slack

1 week ago
Minimum wage ‘increase’ is an effective cut

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi are saying that the Government should do the right thing and deliver minimum wage increases that don’t see workers fall further behind, in response to today’s announcement that the minimum wage will only be increased by 1.5%, well short of forecast inflation. “With inflation forecast ...

NZCTUBy Jack McDonald

1 week ago
Crazy ’bout a Sharp-dressed Man

Oh, I weptFor daysFilled my eyesWith silly tearsOh, yeaBut I don'tCare no moreI don't care ifMy eyes get soreSongwriters: Paul Rodgers / Paul Kossoff. Read more ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

1 week ago
How much should you worry about a collapse of the Atlantic conveyor belt?

This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob Henson In this aerial view, fingers of meltwater flow from the melting Isunnguata Sermia glacier descending from the Greenland Ice Sheet on July 11, 2024, near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), the ...

Skeptical Science

1 week ago
8% ACT Party Creates One Ring To Rule Them All

In August, I wrote an article about David Seymour 1 with a video of his testimony, to warn that there were grave dangers to his Ministry of Regulation:David Seymour's Ministry of Slush Hides Far Greater RisksWhy Seymour's exorbitant waste of taxpayers' money could be the least of concernThe money for Seymour ...

Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tūī

1 week ago
When austerity worsens public debt & cuts GDP

Willis is expected to have to reveal the bitter fiscal fruits of her austerity strategy in the HYEFU later today. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, December 17 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast ...

The KakaBy Bernard Hickey

1 week ago
Govt to double number of toll roads

On Friday the government announced it would double the number of toll roads in New Zealand as well as make a few other changes to how toll roads are used in the country. The real issue though is not that tolling is being used but the suggestion it will make ...

Greater AucklandBy Matt L

1 week ago

National’s Greatest Misses 2023-4

National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...

Labour Blog

6 days ago
Release: Minister’s plan for tertiary sector a backwards step

Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...

Labour Blog

7 days ago
Release: National buries 1019 planned homes

It’s been revealed that National has cancelled 60 percent of its housing projects planned before mid-2025 amidst housing woes. ...

Labour Blog

7 days ago
Release: Rule-Czar bill a right-wing power grab

The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...

Labour Blog

7 days ago
Release: Why not both? Luxon shuns Waitangi celebrations

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is running away from problems of his own creation, with his decision not to go to Waitangi. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Govt’s ‘free speech’ legislation stokes fear, not freedom

The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...

Greens

1 week ago
Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession

The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis

Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
ECE no place to cut corners

The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...

Greens

1 week ago
Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders

A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects

Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects

The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...

Greens

1 week ago
Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity

The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...

Greens

1 week ago
Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less

The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis

With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’

Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...

Māori Party

1 week ago
Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again

For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards

The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...

Greens

1 week ago
Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes

All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...

Labour Blog

1 week ago
Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again

The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...

Greens

1 week ago
Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers

The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex

The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty

The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat

The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction

New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day

The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families

Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas

Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation

Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker

The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
One year on, still no progress on new ferries

Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more

After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban

The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare

After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh

In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation

The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech

Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...

NZ First Press Release

2 weeks ago
Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre

Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...

Greens

3 weeks ago
He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan

Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...

Greens

3 weeks ago

Be wise around water this summer

Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Drive safely this summer

The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
New intelligence oversight appointments

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
New housing developments able to progress more quickly

Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Actions to speed up air travel delivering results

The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua

The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions

The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants

The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas

People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Appointments to the ENZ board

Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ

The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
More gangs added to Gangs Act list

Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Judicial appointment announced

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
GDP data highlights importance of growth

The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Strengthening Free Speech in Universities

Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service

Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge

State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge

The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Government boosts support for avian influenza response

The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Levelling the playing field for media advertising

Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Inspector-General of Defence appointed

Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses

The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land

The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient

Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Diverse skills in community trust appointments

A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit

The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
A busy year in the House

It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Consultation opens on working with engineered stone

“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments

Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
New appointments to the Charities Registration Board

Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Building consent processing times improve

More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Faster access to support through Innovation Fund

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response

New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis

The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup

Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading

The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago

Hopes versus expectations for ALL survivors

This year has been a big one for me personally and professionally. The firm won the Litigation and Disputes Resolution Firm of the year award on November 28 and I was an Excellence Finalist in the category of firm leader for a firm with under 100 staff. I was also ...

NewsroomBy Sonja Cooper

4 hours ago
2024, the year of the election

Opinion: In 2024, 64 countries were scheduled to hold different types of national elections this year for an array of offices.Some of these, of course, were more democratic than others, but it made for a bumper year for election nerds like me.Incumbents had a bad year – more than three ...

NewsroomBy Michael Swanson

4 hours ago
Five journalists killed by Israeli air strike near hospital – media watchdogs condemn killings

Pacific Media Watch Five Palestinian journalists have been killed in a new Israeli strike near a hospital in central Gaza after four reporters were killed last week, reports Al Jazeera citing authorities and media in the besieged enclave. The journalists from the Al-Quds Today channel were covering events near al-Awda ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

6 hours ago
Powerful 7.3 magnitude quake strikes Vanuatu – serious damage in Vila

RNZ Pacific A large 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila , shortly after 3pm NZT today. The US Geological Survey says the quake was recorded at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). Locals have been sharing footage of serious damage to infrastructure ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

11 hours ago
Cardinal David slams Israel, says Jesus would have been born in Gaza

By Victor Barreiro Jr in Manila Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, bishop of Kalookan, has condemned the state of Israel on Christmas Eve for its relentless attacks on Gaza that have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. “I can’t think of any other people in the world who live in darkness ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

12 hours ago
Publisher tells of storytelling and its role in shaping Fiji’s identity

By Cheerieann Wilson in Suva Veteran journalist and editor Stanley Simpson has spoken about the enduring power of storytelling and its role in shaping Fiji’s identity. Reflecting on his journey at the launch of FijiNikua, a magazine launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Christmas Eve, Simpson shared personal anecdotes ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

15 hours ago
All 29 road tunnels in New Zealand ranked from worst to best

Summer reissue: From the unstable and drippy to the hi-tech and pretty, here’s our ranking of all the tunnels you can drive through in this country. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter ...

The SpinoffBy Group Think

17 hours ago
A life story

Summer reissue: David Hill remembers an old friend, who you’ve probably never heard of. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. Doug (I’ll call him ...

The SpinoffBy David Hill

19 hours ago
‘The mission is clearly possible’: On watching every single Tom Cruise movie ever made

Summer reissue: I watched all 46 of Tom Cruise’s films over the past 12 months. The question on everyone’s lips: why? The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be ...

The SpinoffBy Caroline Shepherd

22 hours ago
A trip to the beach with the poo detectives

Summer reissue: In recent years, checking online for a green tick has become a necessary habit for Aucklanders heading to the beach. Shanti Mathias tags along with the team tasked with testing the water for pollution – and figuring out how to stop it. The Spinoff needs to double the ...

The SpinoffBy Shanti Mathias

23 hours ago
Who killed the Johnsonville mall?

Summer reissue: After two decades of promised redevelopment, Johnsonville Shopping Centre remains neglected and half empty. Joel MacManus searches for answers in the decaying suburban mall. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter ...

The SpinoffBy Joel MacManus

23 hours ago
Daily crossword, Thursday 26 December

The post Daily crossword, Thursday 26 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles

23 hours ago
Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 26 December

Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('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. .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-title { font-size: 1.2em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .entry-meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; margin-top: 0.5em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-meta { font-size: 0.8em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .avatar { height: 25px; width: ...

NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles

23 hours ago
Digging up dirt in our own wee patch

Comment: I’ve been digging up dirt over the past few weekends. I plan to dig up more over summer.As global geo-politics heats up, I’ve impulsively turned to tending my wee patch of the world. The world is complex and messy. But I’m determined my quarter acre won’t be. Apparently, this is ...

NewsroomBy Jo Cribb

1 day ago
Seymour takes aim at politics, the media, and economic recovery

Winston Peters was 47 when he founded NZ First. David Seymour is 41. “It’s probably unlikely I’ll still be in Parliament when I’m 47,” he tells Newsroom.“I always said, I have no intention of being a Member of Parliament when I’m 70-something.”In saying that, Seymour has already exceeded his own ...

NewsroomBy Laura Walters

1 day ago
Gaza Christians pray for end of Israeli war’s ‘death and destruction’

Asia Pacific Report Silent Night is a well-known Christmas carol that tells of a peaceful and silent night in Bethlehem, referring to the first Christmas more than 2000 years ago. It is now 2024, and it was again a silent night in Bethlehem last night, reports Al Jazeera’s Nisa Ibrahim. ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

2 days ago
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shares Christmas message

"From our family to yours, we hope you have a very Happy Christmas," Christopher Luxon posted to social media. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
From dead galaxies to mysterious red dots, here’s what the James Webb telescope has found in just ...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Themiya Nanayakkara, Scientist at the James Webb Australian Data Centre, Swinburne University of Technology Dust in the heart of galaxy NGC628. NASA / ESA / CSA / Judy Schmidt, CC BY On this day three years ago, we witnessed the nail-biting launch ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

2 days ago
Returning to a different New Zealand after 32 years away

Summer resissue: Has the country changed all that much in three decades? Loveni Enari compares his two New Zealands. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member ...

The SpinoffBy Loveni S Enari

2 days ago
I survived five hours on Christchurch’s first murder mystery train ride

Summer reissue: Alex Casey goes on a killer journey aboard the Tormore Express. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. It was a dark and ...

The SpinoffBy Alex Casey

2 days ago
The need for speed: What I learnt competing in an online jigsaw puzzle competition

Summer reissue: Speed puzzling is like a marathon for the mind – intense, demanding, surprisingly exhausting. But does turning it into a sport destroy it as a relaxing pastime? The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read ...

The SpinoffBy Calum Henderson

2 days ago
The complete top 100 NZ TV shows of the 21st Century

Summer reissue: In October, we counted down the top 100 New Zealand TV shows of the 21st century so far (read more about the process here). Here’s the list in full, for your holiday reading pleasure. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue ...

The SpinoffBy The Spinoff's Top 100

2 days ago
The epic inside story of The Spinoff’s first 10 years

Summer reissue: Told in one crucial moment from every year, by The Spinoff’s founder Duncan Greive. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. 2014: An ...

The SpinoffBy Duncan Greive

2 days ago
Daily crossword, Wednesday 25 December

The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 25 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles

2 days ago
Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 25 December

Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('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, Wednesday 25 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles

2 days ago
An AI system has reached human level on a test for ‘general intelligence’. Here’s what that me...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Timothy Bennett, PhD Student, School of Computing, Australian National University OLaLa Merkel / Shutterstock A new artificial intelligence (AI) model has just achieved human-level results on a test designed to measure “general intelligence”. On December 20, OpenAI’s o3 system ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

2 days ago
‘Ambitious’ climate claim against Judith Collins dismissed

The Court of Appeal has dismissed Mike Smith’s “ambitious” climate claim against Attorney-General Judith Collins.Smith, a Māori climate activist, and Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kahu elder, appealed a High Court decision that found his claims against the Crown – that its action on climate change was inadequate – untenable.The Appeal Court’s ...

NewsroomBy David Williams

3 days ago
Trish McKelvey: ‘It’s a big honour, truly humbling’

Trish McKelvey is listed 139 times in the index of the New Zealand women’s cricket tome The Warm Sun On My Face, authored by Trevor Auger and Adrienne Simpson.She wrote the foreword for the book and headlines two chapters addressing crucial events in the evolution of the sport.McKelvey’s appointment as New Zealand ...

NewsroomBy Adam Julian

3 days ago
‘A curse and a blessing’: Ginette McDonald on how Lyn of Tawa changed her life

Summer reissue: The New Zealand comedy legend takes us through her life in television, including the time she hugged Elton John and the unshakeable legacy of a girl named Lyn. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please ...

The SpinoffBy My Life in TV

3 days ago
Making a splash: Is this the most impressive select committee submission ever?

Summer reissue: You really won’t guess how it ends. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. First published October 4, 2024. Parliament’s Economic Development, Science ...

The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund

3 days ago
How to get the kids through a long car trip without screens or losing your mind

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mary-Rose McLaren, Professor of Teaching and Learning and Head of Program, Early Childhood Education, Victoria University Collin Quinn Lomax/ Shutterstock Some years ago, my daughter was set a maths problem: how much does it cost to drive a family of ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
Keep calm and carry on your routines: how to manage kids’ ‘Christmas crankies’ over the holida...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine E. Wood, Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology Asier Romero/ Shutterstock Christmas is coming, and with it many challenges for parents of young children. You likely have one festive event after another, late nights, party ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
I’ve calculated Santa’s speed on Christmas Eve – and this is what it would do to Rudolph’s n...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio Astronomy, University of Sydney Tayla Walsh/Pexels With billions of children around the world anxiously waiting for their presents, Father Christmas (or Santa) and his reindeer must be travelling at breakneck speeds to deliver them ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
How parents can safely navigate their kid’s first sleepover

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Higgins, Professor & Director, Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University Feeling unsure about your child going to a sleepover is completely normal. You might be worried about how well you know the host family, how they manage supervision or ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
50 years ago, Cyclone Tracy flattened Darwin – and Australia’s attitude to disasters changed for...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, UNSW Sydney Exactly 50 years ago, on Christmas Eve 1974, Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin and left a trail of devastation. It remains one of the most destructive natural events in Australia’s history. Wind ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
Work or play? The rise of online ‘kidfluencers’ is raising complex legal and ethical questions

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Irmine Keta Rotimi, Doctoral Candidate, Marketing and International Business department, Auckland University of Technology Videos of children opening boxes of toys and playing with them have become a feature of online marketing – making stars out of children as young as two. ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
My dance school is closed for the summer, how can I keep up my fitness?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Nicholas, Lecturer in Dance and Performance Science, Edith Cowan University Tatyana Vyc/Shutterstock Once the end-of-year dance concert and term wrap up for the year it is important to take a break. Both physical and mental rest are important and taking ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
The Christmas album that heralded the end of a folk musical era: The Kingston Trio’s The Last Mont...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kit MacFarlane, Lecturer, Creative Writing and Literature, University of South Australia Capitol Records For those looking to introduce some musical conflict into the holidays, Bob Dylan’s Christmas in the Heart remains a great choice in its 15th anniversary – like it ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 days ago
The Jewish community in NZ needs protecting from antisemitism

Opinion: As the year winds down and we pause for some reflection, I find myself, as chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, contemplating the unprecedented hatred aimed at Jewish New Zealanders. Antisemitism – the prejudice, discrimination or hostility directed at Jews – has snowballed to record levels, so much ...

NewsroomBy Deborah Hart

3 days ago
Hopes for 2025: To revitalise Tauranga

Opinion: It was February 2024 when my friends started getting in touch with me to suggest I run for the Tauranga City Council mayoralty. At the time, the council was governed by four Government-appointed commissioners, who had been in their roles since 2021. Their terms were coming to an end ...

NewsroomBy Mahe Drysdale

3 days ago

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