Pay the money back Simon

Written By: mickysavage - Date published: 3:17 pm, February 1st, 2020 - 33 comments
Categories: election funding, elections, national, same old national, Simon Bridges, the praiseworthy and the pitiful - Tags:

I cannot believe how inept National’s handling of the $100,000 donation fiasco has been.

It was bad enough that Bridges was involved in the donation which was made in such a way it was not disclosed as it should have been, that he apparently agreed that two Chinese MPs were more valuable than two Indians, and that the strong impression has been created that financial donations can result in National Party MP list positions.

But what would Crosby Textor say was the most important thing to do once the SFO was involved and charges were flying around? Surely pay the money back.

There is a precedent. National managed to hide the Donghua Liu donation and avoid disclosing its existence at a time when it was most vulnerable on the issue by getting Jami-Lee Ross to claim that the donation was an electorate donation for his local campaign. The money was paid back but still declared in Ross’s electoral return.

Fast forward to yesterday and it appears that National still has the money that was donated as long ago as May 2018. From Zane Small at Newshub:

Simon Bridges has “no intention of keeping” the $100,000 donation at the centre of a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into the National Party’s donations.

Bridges said he feels “vindicated” that neither he nor his party is included in the SFO’s formal charges laid this week against four individuals related to donations paid into a National Party electorate bank account.

“I feel a sense that, as I’d always said, myself and the National Party had nothing to do with any of this, and that’s sort of where we see it,” Bridges told Magic Talk on Friday.

Magic Talk host Sean Plunket told the Opposition leader the “issue remains” that the National Party received money that may have been illegally mishandled before it reached the party’s accounts.

Bridges responded: “It’s safe to say that we don’t have the intention of keeping the donation, in fact, we’ve been in communication and written to the Electoral Commission about that, for them to help us and give us advice on what to do with that donation.”

No intention of keeping the money? Your party has had it for nearly two years. It does not take that long to repay money. All you have to do is write a cheque.

And as has been shown by the Donghua Liu donation the repayment and the formal recording of the donation can happen separately.

This incident has shown clearly that Bridges does not have the skills or the ethics to be Prime Minister. Judith will be grinning on the inside from ear to ear.

33 comments on “Pay the money back Simon ”

Comments are now closed

woodart 1

1 February 2020 at 5:26 pm

possibly a lesson to be learnt by ALL political parties, be very careful with bags of cash from ANY donator . greeks bearing gifts etc…..
Rae 2

1 February 2020 at 6:08 pm

Pay the money back. That's rich, it's been over two years, they have already kept it. Bridges must getting exhausted with his constant dancing on the head of a pin.
- Sacha 2.1
  
  1 February 2020 at 7:25 pm
  
  Pricking what remains of his soul.
peterlepaysan 3

1 February 2020 at 6:38 pm

I wonder what that money has been used for in the last two years?
- Anne 3.1
  
  1 February 2020 at 8:00 pm
  
  https://www.facebook.com/1NEWSNZ/videos/808324449510902/
- Rae 3.2
  
  2 February 2020 at 7:53 am
  
  Well, clearly not keeping a spot warm in a trust account, waiting to be paid back to wherever it came from. I know that from the fact that Bridges never mentioned such a trust account, if there was one and if this money or any other money of that amount was in it, then he would have made bloody sure that was known.
- Brett 3.3
  
  2 February 2020 at 6:28 pm
  
  And the interest he's earned on the $100k if he had not spent it on attack ads.
  
  [Let’s stick with your last user handle, shall we? You have already quite a few]
Robert Guyton 4

1 February 2020 at 6:47 pm

James? Your view is eagerly sought.
Sabine 5

1 February 2020 at 7:20 pm

the paying back does that include the interest or do they get to keep that?

how about they donate all of the money to some homeless charity ? Maybe a few weeks for a homeless family in a motel should be covered by that?
Jackel 6

1 February 2020 at 7:50 pm

What law school did you say you went to again Soimon?
- Incognito 6.1
  
  1 February 2020 at 7:56 pm
  
  The School for Young Nats.
  - Jackel 6.1.1
    
    1 February 2020 at 10:56 pm
    
    Oh well, that's nice for you Soimon. That would account for your flexibility with the truth. I'm trying to rack my brains to remember the last decent idea to come out of that particular school.
Incognito 7

1 February 2020 at 8:51 pm

It is (too) easy to focus on the money and for National to say they’ll pay it back but the real issue is the influence that the money bought and which has grown with interest to pay dividend, in political terms. This will not be paid back or undone.
Dennis Frank 8

1 February 2020 at 9:07 pm

Excellent quote: "I feel a sense that, as I’d always said, myself and the National Party had nothing to do with any of this, and that’s sort of where we see it."

Imagine a billboard featuring this during the election campaign, with the media source and date (National Party Leader, 31 Jan 2020 on Magic Talk). Included on the same billboard: the section of the taped conversation where he discusses the donation with JLR and acknowledges discussing it with the donor as well as receipt by the National Party.

With billboards proving him a liar all over the country, how could the guy possibly lead National to victory???!

Seems like he’s totally lost the plot. A severe case of Trumpist delusional thinking. I wonder if the msm will notice?
- Incognito 8.1
  
  1 February 2020 at 9:16 pm
  
  With billboards proving him a liar all over the country, how could the guy possibly lead National to victory???!
  
  Tribalism is the answer. Simon is just a figurehead and the tribalists will keep voting for the tribe.
  - Dennis Frank 8.1.1
    
    1 February 2020 at 9:45 pm
    
    There won't be enough of them, I suspect. Unless this govt comes a cropper between now & the election, centrists are likely to go with the status quo. Nats currently lack any lever to get them to shift across the line.
    - Incognito 8.1.1.1
      
      1 February 2020 at 10:03 pm
      
      The status quo is what we have now and on that basis one cannot realistically rule out National forming the next Government, IMHO. They campaign to win, at all cost, even if this means driving another party out of Parliament and creating/helping one or a few political minnows across the line. The 5% threshold is a real bastard. Any party that fails to make the cut and fails to win an electorate is a lost/wasted vote of almost 1 in 20. With two parties in this situation, it could approach 1 in 10 of all votes. This would benefit the largest party most.
      - Sacha 8.1.1.1.1
        
        1 February 2020 at 10:48 pm
        
        Any idea why the current govt have not reduced that threshold in the last 2 years?
        
        Incognito 8.1.1.1.1.1
        
        1 February 2020 at 11:05 pm
        
        Nope, and I can only assume it is not high enough priority and carries too many risks with not enough benefits compared to status quo. Ideally, it would be a non-partisan exercise but I cannot see that happen any time soon, unfortunately.
        
        The Greens are keen though and they have a Menber’s Bill that includes it: https://www.greens.org.nz/strengthening_democracy
- Sacha 8.2
  
  1 February 2020 at 10:39 pm
  
  I feel a sense that
  
  .. is the important phrase. They are carefully copying from the US playbook by elevating belief/emotion to replace intellectual knowledge. Seen a couple of other examples from his speechwriters recently in passing.
  
  Combined with the gutless ASA ruling, we are in for a deluge of feral truthiness.
- Rae 8.3
  
  2 February 2020 at 7:55 am
  
  And also posted somewhere on that billboard "IS THIS TRUE, OR SOMETHING SIMON BRIDGES SAID"
Chris T 9

1 February 2020 at 10:46 pm

Have no doubt some of the senior Nats would have known, but JLR is the dumbarse.

Dodgy stuff like this has happened on both sides for decades.
- Muttonbird 9.1
  
  2 February 2020 at 12:39 am
  
  Why is it when Labour has a problem it's Labour's problem, and when National has a problem they all do it?
  - Climaction 9.1.1
    
    2 February 2020 at 9:45 am
    
    Because of posts like this, where labour supporters very quickly get holier than thou and try and throw allegation of big money = corruption without checking to see whether they’re in the glass house first…. And that labour are NZ1 allies. Something something about the company they keep etc
    - Muttonbird 9.1.1.1
      
      2 February 2020 at 6:46 pm
      
      Incredibly you have reinforced my point.
      
      I asked why Nats generalise and blame everyone when they are at fault, but specifies when Labour makes a mistake.
      
      You then called me holier-than-thou and proceeded to specifies again by equating Labour and NZ First.
      
      I threw no allegation about corruption within the National Party but you were quick to say I did.
      
      Sensitive much?
- I Feel Love 9.2
  
  2 February 2020 at 9:44 am
  
  I've no doubt dodgy stuff has happened on all sides, but this is particular to National, right now, if anything it just shows how stupid, arrogant and corrupt the National Party are, right now. So own it.
JustMe 10

2 February 2020 at 9:49 am

Out of all this it has become clear that the NZ National Party is capable and open of being 'bought' by whomever wants say Instant Kiwi citizenship in NZ.

All that is needed is for enough of a donation to be made to the NZ National Party and normally closed doors(for the ordinary people wanting to enter NZ)magically open and the NZ National Party 'accepts' the Instant Kiwi with open arms and a bank account number.

Perhaps the $100,000 that Bridges claims National will not be keeping could be donated to say Lifeline as that is the charity Bill English cut funding to whilst he was temp prime minister of New Zealand. Not too long afterwards English then increased funding to a Board his wife just so happened to be on. All rather convenient isn't it???!!!!! I am sure $100,000 would help Lifeline alot. Besides National can then claim back the donation in its tax claim for the financial year!

https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/08/02/hold-on-national-cut-suicide-helpline-to-give-contract-to-bill-englishs-wife/

To date it appears ONLY $100,000 has been 'donated' but I am sure the figure is much higher than that. Where is the rest of the money that National received in 'obscure donations' over say the past 12 years i.e from 2008 through to today?
- Sacha 10.1
  
  2 February 2020 at 10:02 am
  
  In the pockets of useful tools like Farrar. That’s my honestly-held belief which I’m quite prepared to adjust when he or his paymasters front with evidence to the contrary.
JustMe 11

2 February 2020 at 11:55 am

I remember hearing about the political donations to the NZ National Party in the early 80s during the Muldoon government.

A certain MP and one of Muldoon's drinking buddies was once at an event where booze was consumed in great quantities.

The MP got drunk and started mouthing off about political donations.

He said to my father's boss and others around him that Carter Holt Harvey will never ever get any contracts(jobs)because they do not donate to the NZ National Party. He(the National MP)said that the company my father worked for would get government contracts because they donated to National.

So it wouldn't surprise me that companies like say Fletchers that have donated to National will have received building contracts etc even almost 40 years since that National MP said those things.

And that countries like China that have a huge number of multi-millionaires would encourage its citizens to donate to the NZ National Party in return for 'favours' from National.

Now I am not saying that Labour, The Greens and NZ First are the perfect political parties in existence. It just shows to me that National appear to be more inclined to accept donations no matter where that money came from and its origins.

National come across as being the Money Obsessed for Itself Political Party.
Fireblade 12

2 February 2020 at 1:32 pm

Simon can pay back the $100k using the dodgy money he got from the Mongolian horse riders.
mary_a 13

2 February 2020 at 2:57 pm

Simon Bridges now tells us …

"I feel a sense that, as I’d always said, myself and the National Party had nothing to do with any of this, and that’s sort of where we see it." (my bold).

So despite acknowledging receipt of the said donation and planning its use to benefit National as per phone converstaion with then National MP Jami Lee Ross, Simon and National's hands are clean, leaving them innocent of having anything to do with this donation? If this is the case, then why is Simon waiting advice from the Electoral Commission as to what to do with the money, which according to him, was never intended to be used because it was going to be handed back, despite "resting" in a Nat bank account for almost two years? WTF Simon!
- Drowsy M. Kram 13.1
  
  2 February 2020 at 7:01 pm
Muttonbird 14

2 February 2020 at 7:13 pm

Let's not forget what Soimon had earmarked the money for – dodgy attack ads.

They proceeded to publish dodgy attack adds so they have indeed already spent the money with Topham Guerin or similar.

That they might pay it back is irrelevant because the purpose for which this dodgy money was procured as already been realised.

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Skeptical Science
3 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another way to roll
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
6 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
15 hours 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
15 hours 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
17 hours 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
23 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise Palestine
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Labour Blog
2 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
2 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
2 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
2 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
2 weeks ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
14 hours 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
17 hours 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
19 hours 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
21 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where is she now? Sally Clark
In 1995, Sally Clark went out on her own in a bold and unorthodox attempt to join an illustrious group of equestrian riders conquering the world. In the days of glovebox road maps, brick cell phones, and the hit song How Bizarre, Clark refused to follow Sir Mark Todd, Blyth ...
NewsroomBy Adam Julian
50 mins ago

Despite a tenfold increase in ADHD prescriptions, too many New Zealanders are still going without
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Beaglehole, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago niphon/Getty Images The number of people accessing medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Aotearoa New Zealand increased significantly between 2006 and 2022. But the disorder is still under-diagnosed and ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 hours ago

Pay equity taskforce disbanded, 'no longer required' – Minister
The government is being accused of "misdirected priorities" after it disestablished the pay equity taskforce. ...
Radio NZ – political
3 hours ago

How bad at reading are New Zealand children?
There are more bad readers among our 10-year-olds, but the picture has improved for teenagers, international testing has found. ...
Radio NZ – political
3 hours ago

Knocked Up, American Pie, the Bean movie: A brief history of NZ music in Hollywood
To celebrate the start of New Zealand music month, we look back at the best local tuneage that managed to weasel its way into Hollywood productions. There’s nothing quite like the thrilling zap of recognition when New Zealand weasels its way into a glamorous Hollywood production. Crack open a Tui ...
The SpinoffBy Alex Casey
4 hours ago

Why I told a cop about my lasagne and what it’s got to do with the media
People trust other people more than institutions. So how can the media gain that trust through journalists without losing what’s important about the institution? Anna Rawhiti-Connell reflects on two years of curating the news for The Bulletin. Amonth ago, armed cops descended on my neighbourhood as calls to “lock your ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
4 hours ago

Low levels of ‘forever chemicals’ doesn’t mean we can wash our hands of them
Opinion: PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals used widely in everyday consumer items such as textiles, packaging, and cookware, popular for their water, grease and stain-repellent properties. However, the very properties that make PFAS so attractive to manufacturers are also what ...
NewsroomBy Lokesh Padhye and Shailja Data
4 hours ago

This week’s biggest selling books – May 3
NONFICTION 1 The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour & Jude Dobson (Allen & Unwin, $37.99)’ This is the hottest book in New Zealand, number one with a bullet in its first week, selling more than any overseas title, and demand is so huge that it’s already been reprinted. A ...
NewsroomBy Steve Braunias
4 hours ago

Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 3 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 3 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
4 hours ago

Daily crossword, Friday 3 May
The post Daily crossword, Friday 3 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
4 hours ago

A cry of help for the James Bond of the bird world
Secretive and shy, the nationally critical, native bitterns are on the edge in Canterbury, a researcher says The post A cry of help for the James Bond of the bird world appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy David Williams
4 hours ago

Drama as the knife hovers over Kiwi soap
A warning – suicide is discussed in this podcast New Zealand’s own long-running soap Shortland Street doesn’t hesitate to kill off its much-loved characters. But would TVNZ dare to kill off our favourite soap? That’s the fear as times get tough in television – even though it’s been pointed out ...
NewsroomBy Sharon Brettkelly
4 hours ago

Fast-track bill is a lolly scramble for deep-pocketed applicants
Opinion: There’s nothing transparent about the fast-track bill despite what ministers say The post Fast-track bill is a lolly scramble for deep-pocketed applicants appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Shay Schlaepfer
4 hours ago

Electoral donations under the microscope with full disclosure imminent
Government consenting and fisheries policy has seen large donations and those directly to MPs scrutinised – full donations will be released as soon as Friday The post Electoral donations under the microscope with full disclosure imminent appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Andrew Bevin
4 hours ago

Fire and Emergency payroll plan scrapped after spending $29m
After three years and millions of dollars, Fire and Emergency’s payroll replacement project is back to square one The post Fire and Emergency payroll plan scrapped after spending $29m appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Emma Hatton
4 hours ago

The Crown versus Māori Children
Essay: If the Crown harms children, how do you hold it accountable? Analysis by Aaron Smale in light of the Waitangi Tribunal court decision. The post The Crown versus Māori Children appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Aaron Smale
4 hours ago

OPM’s Bomanak accuses UN of failing to uphold decolonisation role over West Papua
Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan resistance leader has condemned the United Nations role in allowing Indonesia to “integrate” the Melanesian Pacific region in what is claimed to be an “egregious act of inhumanity” on 1 May 1963. In an open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Organisasi Papua Merdeka-OPM ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
8 hours ago

Grattan on Friday: O’Neil and Giles dodge the spotlight shining on blunders over ex-detainees
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A key part of the Albanese government’s political strategy is to fill the news cycle with its presence and messaging. Ministers are deployed to the maximum, even when they’ve little to say. This week ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
9 hours ago

Bob Carr confirms intention to launch legal action against Winston Peters
Carr has confirmed his lawyers have written to Peters, informing him they intend to launch legal action against him. ...
Radio NZ – political
10 hours ago

A lot to learn from kura kaupapa Māori – Education Minister
Despite low literacy rates in mainstream schools amongst Māori, the results are the complete opposite in kura kaupapa, Stanford says. ...
Radio NZ – political
11 hours ago

Julie Anne Genter: Greens had 'no prior knowledge' of fresh complaint against MP
A florist says she felt intimidated during a heated exchange with the MP. ...
Radio NZ – political
12 hours ago

Insurance law overhaul passes first reading
Recent extreme weather events showed the importance of a well-functioning insurance system, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs minister Andrew Bayly. ...
Radio NZ – political
12 hours ago

NZ Foreign Minister Peters accused of ‘entirely defamatory’ remarks about ex-Australian minister
By Jo Moir, RNZ News political editor, and Craig McCulloch, deputy political editor New Zealand’s Labour Party is demanding Winston Peters be stood down as Foreign Minister for opening up the government to legal action over his “totally unacceptable” attack on a prominent AUKUS critic. In an interview on RNZ’s ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
12 hours ago

How much time should you spend sitting versus standing? New research reveals the perfect mix for opt...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Brakenridge, Postdoctoral research fellow at Swinburne University, Centre for Urban Transitions, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute The Conversation, Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock People have a pretty intuitive sense of what is healthy – standing is better than sitting, exercise is great for overall ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
13 hours ago

Into The Deep End – Karori Lifeguard Up For Challenge As Reserve Force Soldier
The Wellington-based Reserve Force soldier is now almost three years into his New Zealand Army career with 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. ...
Scoop politics
13 hours ago

Brazilian couple's residency case taken up by minister after advisor forgets to apply for visa
After multiple pleas and petition, an Auckland couple's residency case is being looked at by the Associate Minister of Immigration. ...
Radio NZ – political
13 hours ago

Fast Track Approvals Bill: None from first day of hearings support bill in current form
None of the groups that spoke to Parliament's environment committee on Thursday supported the bill as it stands. ...
Radio NZ – political
14 hours ago

Australia will trial ‘age assurance’ tech to bar children from online porn. What is it and will ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice, Edith Cowan University Daniel Jedzura/Shutterstock Responding to a resurgence in gender-based violence and deaths in Australia, the National Cabinet has committed almost A$1 billion to a range of strategies. Tackling “online harms” was among the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
14 hours ago

Government Cuts Put 130 Jobs On The Line At Kāinga Ora, And 40 At HUD
"The Government needs to release the review immediately as this reckless approach to change risks disjointed decision making and creates more distress and uncertainty for staff," Fitzsimons said. ...
Scoop politics
14 hours ago

Jeremiah Manele is new Solomon Islands PM with ‘100 day plan’
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Jeremiah Manele has been elected Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, polling 31 votes to 18 over rival candidate and former opposition leader Mathew Wale with one abstention. The final result of the election by secret ballot was announced by the Governor-General, Sir David Vunagi, ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
14 hours ago

Will Solomon Islands’ new leader stay close to China?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Priestley Habru, PhD candidate, public diplomacy, University of Adelaide Former foreign minister Jeremiah Manele has been elected the next prime minister of Solomon Islands, defeating the opposition leader, Matthew Wale, in a vote in parliament. The result is a mixed bag for ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
16 hours ago

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

Watch: PM's pre-Budget education announcement for teaching reading
From next year, the government expects all public schools to take a "proven structured literacy approach". ...
Radio NZ – political
17 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renters and realtors upset at scrapping of bill to regulate property managers
Renters and realtors are upset with a government decision to scrap a bill meant to regulate property managers over concerns about unethical and unlawful behaviours. ...
Radio NZ – political
19 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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