Hauraki Gulf Marine reserves are being Jonesied*
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Date published: 9:21 am, October 15th, 2024 - 12 comments
Categories: Environment, national, nz first, same old national, Shane Jones
Tags:
* the process whereby a Marine Reserve is opened up to commercial fishing.
Open mike 16/10/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 16th, 2024 - 12 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 15/10/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 15th, 2024 - 17 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 15/10/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 15th, 2024 - 50 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 14/10/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 14th, 2024 - 7 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Twelve months of this Government
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Date published: 10:33 am, October 14th, 2024 - 48 comments
This Government was elected 12 months ago. And I don’t think any of us could have appreciated how bad it would have been.
Open mike 14/10/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 14th, 2024 - 33 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Where’s The Opposition?
Written By:
Date published: 11:36 am, October 13th, 2024 - 58 comments
Labour, Green Party and Te Pati Māori have been relatively quiet as the Coalition government move at breakneck speed to roll back laws and transfer wealth. Is it a matter of resources, media coverage, or will?
Open mike 13/10/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 13th, 2024 - 11 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Open mike 12/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, October 12th, 2024 - 44 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Latest poll result – National is being cleaned out by NZ First and Act
Written By:
Date published: 6:41 pm, October 11th, 2024 - 107 comments
The latest Curia poll result suggests that National is tanking and NZ First and Act are eating into its support. And Luxon selling off his rental properties and saying that he does not care suggests he may be planning for an exit.
Daily review 11/10/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 11th, 2024 - 6 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
The best Government that money can buy
Written By:
Date published: 9:31 am, October 11th, 2024 - 35 comments
Radio New Zealand has reported that $500,000 in donations to National, Act and NZ First were made by entities associated to those who had their projects included in the recently released schedule to the Fast Track Projects Bill.
Open mike 11/10/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 11th, 2024 - 28 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 10/10/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 10th, 2024 - 12 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Hurricane Milton: watching the climate train wreck in slow motion
Written By:
Date published: 1:12 pm, October 10th, 2024 - 59 comments
Catastrophe and meaningful response.
Open mike 10/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, October 10th, 2024 - 64 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 09/10/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 9th, 2024 - 3 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 09/10/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 9th, 2024 - 89 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 08/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 5:30 pm, October 8th, 2024 - 3 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
How does the left win the Auckland Mayoralty?
Written By:
Date published: 11:08 am, October 8th, 2024 - 28 comments
I think the left should find a Mayoral candidate to advance progressive principles and policies. And with a muscular fight on the right there may be the opportunity for a candidate to come through the middle and win.
National is stuffing up health
Written By:
Date published: 10:02 am, October 8th, 2024 - 10 comments
The adding of extra costs to the Dunedin Hospital project to make it appear to be unaffordable, the reckless allowance for a tax cut for Philip Morris and the fudging of health figures to suggest there is a crisis all point to gross mismanagement of Health at a time when it is under stress. Is the goal privatisation?
Open mike 08/10/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 8th, 2024 - 51 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 07/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 5:30 pm, October 7th, 2024 - 5 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 07/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, October 7th, 2024 - 83 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Where’s the “Oomph”?
Written By:
Date published: 2:04 pm, October 6th, 2024 - 92 comments
Join us to protest privatisation of health on the 23rd October. But can we have more oomph and co-ordination please?
Open mike 06/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, October 6th, 2024 - 98 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Open mike 05/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, October 5th, 2024 - 69 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 04/10/2024
Written By:
Date published: 5:30 pm, October 4th, 2024 - 2 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
She did her own research
Written By:
Date published: 11:23 am, October 4th, 2024 - 25 comments
It has been revealed that Casey Costello bypassed and second guessed official advice by an internet search and reading a collection of articles that do not way what she thought they said.
Inventing a crisis to privatise NZ healthcare
Written By:
Date published: 10:41 am, October 4th, 2024 - 12 comments
Yesterday a former Health NZ Chair said the government is intentionally manufacturing a crisis to privatise healthcare. However privatisation will not solve anything and will only lead to worse financial and health outcomes for all Kiwis as confirmed by Lancet Medical Journal and case studies around the world.
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- The Bare Necessities
Coming out to the light of dayWe got many moons that are deep at playSo I keep an eye on the shadow's smileTo see what it has to sayYou and I both knowEverything must go awayAh, what do you say?Songwriters: Anthony Kiedis / Brian Joseph Burton / Chad Gaylord Smith ...2 hours ago - Dealing to the climate crisis
Fire and flood, heat-waves and rivers of rain. Climate change is impacting us powerfully. Major floods in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Germany, India, the US…Huge forest fires in Australia, Canada, Greece, California….Intense heat waves in Spain, Italy, Greece, India, the US…. And we haven’t spoken of melting glaciers and ice-caps, rising ...2 hours ago - Jewish, not Zionist
What is the difference between Jewish and Zionist? Marilyn Garson is the co-founder of Alternative Jewish Voices, an observant Jew who has lived and worked in Gaza. Her first book, Still Lives, told the story of her Gazan team through four years and two wars. Her second book, Jewish, not ...2 hours ago
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In just over a month, Auckland is going to see some of the biggest changes to our public transport network since the completion of the New Network over six years ago. The decade between 2008 and 2018 was one of the most significant for public transport in Auckland. Almost every ...3 hours ago - Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Scandals contributed to Labour’s election defeat
Former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins admits that the series of scandals leading up to last year’s election contributed to Labour’s large defeat. In Back on Track, a new book on the 2023 New Zealand election, being launched today, Hipkins says “A succession of ministerial scandals didn’t help the mood that ...4 hours ago - Ducking Out of Society With a Dumb Phone
Hi,I read through your feedback about my AI voice clone with both delight and horror — and am so appreciative to all of you who left comments.There was such a wide range of discussion that it sort of blew my mind, from accessibility and ethics, to the very real issue ...5 hours ago - The politics behind Winston’s latest new idea
New Zealand First’s $100 billion “Future Fund” has a carefully calculated political strategy behind it. It is an attempt to raid the Labour Party’s conservative right wing. New Zealand First knows that the coalition of voting groups that got it over the five per cent threshold last year is shaky. ...6 hours ago - Wistful longing in Comic Sans
A couple of thoughts about the giving of a speechLet’s say you are speaking to Tangata Whenua at a sensitive moment. Let’s say your government’s policies have worried and angered them.Let’s say that people with any sort of informed opinion have been saying that your policies stand to unravel much ...19 hours ago - What if you run a transparent process, then ignore it?
On Friday I blogged a news story about Paul Goldsmith's appointment of terf and genocide supporter Stephen Rainbow as Chief Human Rights Commissioner, and how it appeared that he had ignored the recommendations of the appointments panel to shoulder-tap a preferred and unqualified candidate. The Spinoff was on the story ...21 hours ago - Tuesday 15 October 2024
A new poll shows there is strong public support for rail-enabled ferries, which MUNZ have said shows New Zealanders know what a huge mistake it was to cancel the order for new ferries. In other poll-related news, a 1News-Verian poll shows both major parties and their leaders losing support, and ...1 day ago - First judicial review for the Minister of Transport
In September, Eloise Gibson reported for RNZ that the Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, fast-tracked changes to tailpipe emissions standards to meet a car industry deadline. Now, legal questions are being asked about the process that led to those decisions. As reported on Monday, again by Eloise Gibson for RNZ, the ...1 day ago
- Gordon Campbell on Conservative ghosts, Holly Arrowsmith and Fazerdaze
Clearly, Israel is intent on de-populating Gaza for Israeli re-settlement, and is using military force as a form of state terrorism to depopulate swathes of southern Lebanon. To similar ends, it is also indiscriminately bombing Lebanese rural villages and civilian neighbourhoods in Beirut. Israel’s ultimate aim appears to be to ...2 days ago - Civil War and the new Captain America
With new trailers for Thunderbolts and Captain America 4 out over the last couple of months there’s been a resurgence of “Bucky should have been Cap instead of Sam” opining, with one of the main reasons given being “Bucky was Cap first in the comics!” Sure, he was, it’s true ...2 days ago - Is It Getting Better?
Is it getting better?Or do you feel the same?Will it make it easier on you now?You got someone to blameSongwriters: Paul David Hewson / Adam Clayton / Larry Mullen / Dave EvansIt's polling day from TVNZ. We don’t get many polls these days. Of course, they don’t mean a lot ...2 days ago - If you say so, Bishop
Is it a surprise to learn that the government is happy to see some commercial fishing in a marine reserve?It is not. This is, after all, a government that is happily giving more latitude to the tobacco industry, the gun lobby and ute drivers to put us all in greater ...2 days ago - Men, the Left, and the “Women’s Vote”.
On Calvary Street are trellisesWhere bright as blood the roses bloom,And gnomes like pagan fetishesHang their hats on an empty tombWhere two old souls go slowly mad,National Mum and Labour Dad.James K. BaxterBallad of Calvary Street1969 JAMES K. BAXTER’S stereotypes, “National Mum” and “Labour Dad”, strike a discordant note in ...2 days ago - Media Link: AVFA on Israel going rogue.
In this episode of the “A view from Afar” podcast Selwyn Manning and I discuss Israel’s expansion of its war in Lebanon as part of a “six front” strategy that it thinks it can win, focusing on the decision-making process … Continue reading ...2 days ago - Monday 14 October 2024
The closure of Karioi Pulp Mill ends generations of family employment, and Health NZ mandates staff to take three weeks’ leave over Christmas. In politics, the government plans to reform anti-money laundering laws, and a report suggests NZ can’t meet climate targets without international support. Meanwhile, protests disrupted Winston Peters’ ...2 days ago
- A moral void at the heart of our establishment
Back in July, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care delivered its report, detailing a horrific litany of abuse for which the government was ultimately responsible. The report found that a long list of government ministers and officials had allowed, failed to stop, and effectively covered up that ...2 days ago
- Chorus for Capital Gains Tax Grows
Correction: Total tax take is around $120B, total revenue is $167B. NZ Super costs $23B. How many successful CEOs can manager Christopher Luxon snark at after running a government airline with a near monopoly on the domestic market?After taking a crack at ANZ Boss Antonia Watson for her support of ...2 days ago - Who benefits from secrecy around public infrastructure?
You might have seen this video, which we received as part of a recent OIA request. It showcases the original light rail plans developed by Auckland Transport between 2014-2017. The video was apparently produced in early 2018 by Auckland Transport, just a few months before the project was ...2 days ago
- No longer grey power volunteers
At the heart of New Zealand First lies a fundamental tension. And it is all about Winston Peters. He has led the party since its formation in 1993, and he confirmed yesterday that he will be standing again at the next election. He is one year older than Donald Trump, ...2 days ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #41
3 days ago - Where’s the opposition?
Let me start with -Yes, I know National, ACT and NZ First are very well funded and supported by friendly platforms, promoters, and our wealthiest - pre and post-election.I also remember when David Seymour personally attacked journalist Benedict Collins, then 'suggested' he would "review" TVNZ and make them pay a ...3 days ago - Christopher Luxon is… Unaware
Every day, the deficit growsYou spend more than you ownPapa always said to me“Keep a close eye on your authority”You say that you careI was unawareYou say that you careI was unawareSong: Allen Stone.It used to be that when politicians wanted to avoid admitting they knew something, they’d say, “I ...3 days ago - Unreal
3 days ago - Fact brief – Is more CO2 a good thing because it’s plant food?
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. Is more CO2 ...4 days ago
- Political Roundup – The Anti-Environment Government to Dame Jacinda Adern
Good morning ! Weekend at last ! Here’s some quick updates for the field:1. Three Ministers chose 149 projects for the Fast-Track list. The government’s hand picked advisory team then failed to independently verify ANY information provided by applications. Nor did anyone consider any environmental impacts.Mountain Tui is a reader-supported ...4 days ago - What do you Predict?
Take me somewhere newI've already been here once beforeSomewhere unbelievableBefore it starts to blow upTake me somewhere newI've already been here twice beforeLet's get out of hereI'm bored this place is gonna blow upSongwriters: Garret Lee / Jordan Miller / Kylie Miller / Eliza Enman Mcdaniel / Leandra EarlSubstack used ...4 days ago - Cloning My Dumb Voice
4 days ago - Truths
4 days ago - Aurora Australis II: Southern Lights October Boogaloo
Some months ago, the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, made an appearance over Dunedin: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2024/05/12/seeing-the-aurora-australis/ I even went out to Tunnel Beach to see it. But tonight? Tonight I did not even have to leave my backyard. And not just that. Light pollution from a city notwithstanding, I could see ...4 days ago - Law and Order; An Economics Perspective
What might the public’s increasing demands for safety and security tell the economist?Criminology and economics are quite different disciplines. Someone from one discipline trespasses on the other with the greatest of caution, something which, I’m afraid, not all economists have. There is a foolish economics literature about the ‘optimal level ...5 days ago - PONIT and PLAAT: The FLICC poster now also available in Russian and Romanian
It is one of the most successful products of our German-language partner website klimafakten.de: a large-format infographic about typical disinformation strategies, not just in terms of climate. The poster has previously been available in eight languages, and now two more have been added. The new translations were produced with partners ...5 days ago
- Fast Track, baby!
1. Poor old New Zealand was exposed to all the world with its debt trousers around its ankles in a briefing yesterday by Nicola Willis. Just how huge is our debt?a. 42% of GDPb. 69% of GDPc. 94% of GDPd. 420% of GDP2. How does that compare to a proper ...5 days ago - Goldsmith’s “transparent” human rights appointment process
Back in August, National sabotaged human rights by appointing terf and genocide supporter Stephen Rainbow as Chief Human Rights Commissioner, and terf and white supremacist Melissa Derby as Race Relations Commissioner. The appointments seemed calculated to undermine public confidence in the Commission, and there were obvious questions about how they ...5 days ago
- Mosque shooter was given gun license by a ‘stretched’ system, verified by two referees who had m...
The second phase of the inquest into the mosque shooting is currently ongoing, and it is right now examining how the terrorist was able to obtain his firearms license and the guns used to commit the attack. The answer is “Really, really easily”. The 10 year expiration period for firearms ...5 days ago - Why NZ shouldn’t have to pay the price for Nicola Willis’s incompetence
Is anyone surprised about NZ’s finances? Yesterday Treasury released its latest financial report. The operating balance deficit was $1.8bn higher than forecast and essentially $3.4 billion worse compared to the prior year.Government revenues were up from solid wage growth in an inflationary environment - albeit business performance was weaker with ...5 days ago - Kātuarehe
Uh uh, KātuareheYou ain't readyWe're not flying on the same planeUh, KātuareheYou ain't readyI see you trying it's a damn shame, uhSong by Anna CoddingtonThis morning, I was going to write about some of the stories from the week, but it was all a bit depressing. “The Trickle Down that ...5 days ago - Friday 11 October 2024
Government budget problems and public service cuts are putting pressure on communities, with frontline services and media integrity at risk. E tū is sounding the alarm over TVNZ’s cost-cutting; MUNZ challenges KiwiRail layoffs and Unions Wellington succeeded in stopping the sale of Wellington Airport. With this economic uncertainty, grassroots efforts ...5 days ago
- Weekly Roundup 11-October-2024
Kia ora and welcome to another weekly roundup of stories that caught our eye about cities and how they work. Feel free to share any links we might have missed, in the comments below. As always, this post is compiled by our largely volunteer team, and your support makes it ...5 days ago
- Gordon Campbell On Luxon Living In Denial About His Privilege
In the same week that food banks have been forced to close for lack of government support, Auditor-General John Ryan has slammed the process by which $24 million of taxpayer funds got handed out to the “I am Hope” foundation, in order to finance Mike King’s dubiously effective Gumboot Friday ...5 days ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #41 2024
Open access notables Manifold increase in the spatial extent of heatwaves in the terrestrial Arctic, Rantanen et al., Communications Earth & Environment: It is widely acknowledged that the intensity, frequency and duration of heatwaves are increasing worldwide, including the Arctic. However, less attention has been paid to the land area affected ...6 days ago
- Calm in the eye
While we were away earlier this year, some men got into our house and took away the big slider door and windows that open onto our upstairs deck. I watched the whole thing happen on the other side of the world on our security camera. I had told the guy who ...6 days ago - 10/10: World Day Against the Death Penalty
Today, October 10, is the world day against the death penalty. Out of 195 UN member states, 63 still permit routine capital punishment. Today is the day we work to change that. This year's theme is the misconception that the death penalty makes people safer. The use of the death ...6 days ago
- Gut Feelings.
Vox Populi: It is worth noting that if Auckland’s public health services were forced to undergo cutbacks of the same severity as Dunedin’s, and if the city’s Mayor and its daily newspaper were able to call the same percentage of its citizens onto the streets, then the ensuing demonstrations would number ...6 days ago
- This is what corruption looks like
One of the risks of National's Muldoonist fast-track law is corruption. If Ministers can effectively approve projects by including them in the law for rubberstamping, then that creates some very obvious incentives for applicants seeking approval and Ministers seeking to line their or their party's pockets. And its a risk ...6 days ago
- Accounts show Government choosing pain over a plan
“The Government accounts released today show that spending and debt continues to grow under the current Government, but there is no plan to deliver a better economy,” said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “Net Core Crown Debt increased by $20bn last year, with revenue from taxation also rising ...6 days ago
- Thursday 10 October 2024
The Reserve Bank announced yesterday a 0.5% cut to the OCR, which the CTU has called “a recognition of weakness” in a floundering economy. Joint health unions have released a letter sent to Health NZ regarding cuts to digital infrastructure, amidst the news coming out of the 450-page document dump ...6 days ago
- Chris Bishop, the ex-tobacco Lobbyist, praises lobbying for Fast-Track Projects
In May, Florida’s Governer Ron DeSantis, who called Florida the place where “woke goes to die”, signed in a law that scrubbed climate change from the state’s thinking.Gone was the concept of climate change - and addressing planet-warming pollution was no longer Florida’s concern. Instead, the state’s priorities would focus ...6 days ago
- Asian Paradise
I am caught in the change of a tropical rainstormOut there between green and blueAnd it’s telling me that you’re so hard to forgetI'm a traveller just passing throughAsian Paradise by Sharon O'Neill.Note: With the coalition's actions, it can be hard these days to tell if something is satirical or ...6 days ago - Note to subscribers: No Hoon today.
Hello to all. Due to the need to travel to Australia to be with an unwell family member there will not be a Hoon today at 5pm and I will not be posting emails or podcasts until next week at the earliest.Ngā mihi nuiBernard ...6 days ago - 130 years of growth in NZ cities
All-new 2023 census data has just been released, giving a great window into: how many New Zealanders there are, who we are, where we work (and how we get there), and who still has landline phones (31% of households!). But it’s also fun* to put things in a historical context. ...6 days ago
- Climate change made Hurricane Helene and other 2024 disasters more damaging, scientists find
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Emily Ogburn, right, hugs her friend Cody Klein after he brought her a meal on October 2, 2024, in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Ogburn's home was spared and she spent the morning of the storm helping and comforting neighbors who had found shelter on ...6 days ago
- One cheer for the Samoan citizenship bill
Back in April, Teanau Tuiono's member's bill to undo a historic crime and restore citizenship to Samoans stripped of it by Muldoon unexpectedly passed its first reading and was sent to select committee. That committee has now reported back. But while the headline is that it has unanimously recommended that ...6 days ago
- Some uncomfortable truths
How's this for an uncomfortable truth?The Nazis' industrial killing was new, and the Jewish case is different. But so is every case. And some things are all too similar....…European world expansion, accompanied as it was by shameless defence of extermination, created habits of thought and political precedents that made way ...7 days ago - “The party of personal responsibility”
When National decided to shovel $24 million of public money to a charity run by a donor and chaired by the son of a National MP, on the "independent" advice of a former National PM, they proudly stated that it was because it was in the coalition agreement. Now, the ...7 days ago
- Economic Bulletin August/September 2024
Welcome to the August/September 2024 Economic Bulletin. In our monthly feature we provide an analysis of the gender pay gap in New Zealand for 2024. The mean gender pay gap was 8.9%, which is down from 9.8% in 2023. This meant that, on average, women will be “working for free” ...7 days ago
- Laughter and Lies: The Legacy of A Luxon Government
Luxon being greeted at Dunedin Airport this weekThe movement against health privatisation is gaining momentum and it’s for a good reason. Health privatisation kills, and unfortunately it’s not an exaggeration.NHS privatisation drive linked to rise in avoidable deathsHealth outsourcing linked to higher mortality rate – Oxford studyInfections and falls increased ...7 days ago - Getting the rail network up to speed
The scale of delays on our rail network were highlighted by the Herald last week and while it’s bad, it also highlights the huge opportunity for getting our rail network back up to speed. KiwiRail has promised to cut delays on Auckland trains, amid growing concerns about the readiness of ...1 week ago
- Funds cut for social housing with 3 days notice
Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, October 9:The Government has cut $6 million from subsidies for an Auckland social housing provider with three days notice, which will force it to leave houses empty ...1 week ago - Modlik vs Seymour
Once I could laugh with everyoneOnce I could see the good in meThe black and the white distinctivelyColouringHolding the world insideNow, all the world is grey to meNobody can seeYou gotta believe it!Songwriter: Brian MayMartyn Bradbury, aka Bomber, a workingman’s flat cap and a beard ripe for socialism. Love him ...1 week ago - Electoral Disfunction
I know it may seem an odd and obvious thing to break a year's worth of radio silence over, but how come the British Conservative Party MPs (and to be fair, the Labour Labour Party, when they have their leadership shenanigans) get to use a different and better way electoral ...1 week ago - How Health NZ was undermined by the Ministry and Treasury
HealthNZ yesterday “dropped” 454 pages of documents relating to its financial performance over the last 18 months. The documents confirm that it has a massive structural deficit, which, without savings, is expected to be $1.4 billion annually beyond the current financial year. But the papers also suggest that Health NZ ...1 week ago
- Ask Me Anything + Australia Dates!
Hi,It’s been awhile since we’ve done an AMA on Webworm — so let’s do it. Over the next 48 hours, I’ll be milling around in the comments answering any questions you might have. Leave a commentI genuinely look forward to these things as I love the Webworm community so much ...1 week ago - Free Australian Tickets (for Full Subscribers!)
Hi,Here is how you can RSVP for your free tickets (stuff like this is a big “thank you” for your support). Read more ...1 week ago - Climate change made Helene’s rainfall more severe
This is a re-post from the Climate Brink Much of my immediate family lives in Asheville and Black Mountain, NC. While everyone is thankfully safe, this disaster struck much closer to home for me than most. There is lots that needs to be done for disaster relief, and I’d encourage folks ...1 week ago
- Of Corey Olsen and the Tolkienian Canon
The past couple of days, an online furore has blown up regarding commentator/scholar Corey Olsen and his claim that there is no Tolkienian canon. The sort of people who delight in getting outraged over such things have been piling onto Olsen, and often doing it in a matter that is ...1 week ago - Sorting your act out
Perhaps when the archaeologists come picking their way through the ruins of a civilisation that was so fond of its fossil fuel comforts it wasn't prepared to give up any of them, they will find these two artefacts. Read more ...1 week ago - Climate Change: The same problems everywhere
Here in Aotearoa, our right-wing, ATLAS-network-backed government is rolling back climate policy and plotting to raise emissions to allow the fossil fuel industry a few more years of profit. And in Canada, their right-wing, ATLAS-network-backed opposition is campaigning on doing the same thing: Mass hunger and malnutrition. A looming ...1 week ago
- NZCTU Resolution on the Israel/Palestine Conflict
UPDATED: August 2024 The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi (NZCTU) notes with extreme concern the ongoing genocide in Gaza, as well as the continued encroachment of illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. The NZCTU is extremely concerned that there is increasing risk of a broader regional ...1 week ago
- Fluffernutter or Bottom Feeder?
I’m just a bottom feederScum of the earthAnd I’m cursedWith the burden of empathyMy fellow humans matter to meBottom Feeder - Written, Performed and Recorded by Tane Cotton.Bottom Feeder or Fluffernutter, which one are you? Or, more to the point, which do you identify as? It’s not simply a measure ...1 week ago - Fast-tracking a much bigger Mt Eden prison
Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says he anticipates an increase in people “coming into the Corrections system”. The Corrections Department has applied for fast tracking so it will be able to add more beds at Mt Eden Prison when needed. Photo: Getty ImagesKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six ...1 week ago - Firearms Minister Expresses Extraordinary Ignorance of Mosque Shooting Circumstances
Remember when a guy walked into a mosque and shot everyone inside? He killed 44 people. And he then drove to a second mosque and shot and killed 7 more. He was on his way to a third mosque in Ashburton when he was stopped and arrested by the New ...1 week ago - Talk Wellington takes a pause
A couple of weeks ago we reported in our Weekly Roundup that sister site Talk Wellington/ Kōrero Shaping Wellington – the hub of urbanist discussion and action for our capital – was going into hiatus after seven years. With kind permission, we’re reposting in full the farewell post by TalkWelly ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt changes threaten depleted Hauraki Gulf
The National Government has sneakily reneged on protecting the Hauraki Gulf, reducing the protected area of the marine park and inviting commercial fishing in the depleted seascape. ...3 days ago - Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation
The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf. ...3 days ago - Release: No time to slow-down on disaster response
Labour welcomes the release of the Government’s response to the report into the North Island weather events but urges it to push forward with legislative change this term. ...6 days ago
- Release: Where are the 100,000 families?
Nicola Willis has once again shown her promises are based on ghost families, with less than half registering for the FamilyBoost payments. ...6 days ago
- Significant step forward for Pasifika justice in Aotearoa
The Green Party has welcomed news that MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill has moved forward with unanimous support from the select committee. ...7 days ago
- Release: Bill restoring Samoan Citizenship progresses
Labour is pleased the Samoan Citizenship Bill has unanimous support as it enters second reading. ...7 days ago
- Release: National bent the rules to keep coalition commitment
The National Government bent all sorts of rules to give $24 million to Gumboot Friday just to fulfil a coalition agreement. ...7 days ago
- Greens support call for divestment from illegal Israeli settlements
The Green Party echoes a call for banks to divest from entities linked to Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, and says Crown Financial Institutions should follow suit. ...7 days ago
- Release: National’s deficit stories don’t hold up
Te Whatu Ora’s finances have deteriorated under the National Government, turning a surplus into a deficit, and breaking promises made to New Zealanders to pay for it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Politics over police safety puts shame on PM
The Prime Minister’s decision to back his firearms minister on gun law changes despite multiple warnings shows his political judgement has failed him yet again. ...1 week ago
- Govt Gambling Safety of our Moana
Yesterday the government announced the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking across Aotearoa. Trans-Tasman Resources’ plan to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki was one of these projects. “We are disgusted but not surprised with the government’s decision to fast-track the decimation of our seabed,” said Te ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets
At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system. ...1 week ago
- Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment
The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. ...1 week ago
- Release: Fast track list reveals Govt’s backroom deals
The coalition Government’s backroom deals with coal and ironsands mining companies have finally been revealed – and it’s not pretty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Nicole McKee unfit for firearms portfolio
Fresh questions have been raised about the conduct of the Firearms Minister after revelations she misled New Zealanders about her role in stopping gun reforms prior to the mosque shootings. ...1 week ago
- Release: The question remains… will schools get their classrooms?
Education Minister Erica Stanford still can’t confirm when the Government will deliver the $2 billion worth school upgrades she cut earlier this year. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt failing NZ’s manufacturing sector
Labour acknowledges the hundreds of workers today losing their jobs as the Winstone Pulp mill closes and what it will mean for their families and community. ...2 weeks ago
- Tell National what their $216m tobacco tax cut could have funded instead
In Budget '24, the National Government put aside $216 million to pay for a tax cut which mainly benefitted one company: global tobacco giant Philip Morris. Instead of giving hundreds of millions to big tobacco, National could have spent the money sensibly, on New Zealand. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt has made up a cost crisis to justify cuts
Te Whatu Ora’s financials from the last year show the Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify making cuts that are already affecting patient care. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world
The New Zealand business community is unique. It has always punched well above its weight on the world stage. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori Statement on Israel & Iran
Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Costello makes a fool of the PM
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...2 weeks ago
- Work to do on climate adaptation
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...2 weeks ago
- End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus
The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government breaks promise on ferry plan
Time has run out for Nicola Willis who has failed to keep her promise to deliver a solution to replace the Interislander ferries by today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports marches for better health
Labour supports Buller and Dunedin communities who are marching today and calling on the Government to act urgently to fix the health crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Raising speed limits will cost our communities
The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. ...3 weeks ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Buller community
The Green Party stands in solidarity with the Buller community in its silent protest for better healthcare. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Proposed job losses devastating for Timaru
News that the Smithfield meatworks could close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Question mark over financial sustainability of Polytechs
The Government is taking tertiary education down a worrying path with new reporting finding that fourteen of the country’s sixteen polytechnics couldn’t survive on their own,” Labour’s tertiary education spokesperson Dr Deborah Russell says. ...3 weeks ago
- TPM issues warning to Govt: Back down or prepare for the wrath of the million Māori
Today the government announced a $30m cut to Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori- a programme that develops te reo Māori among our kaiako. “This announcement is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on te iwi Māori,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi. ...3 weeks ago
- Govt set to break promise on Dunedin Hospital
The Green Party is calling on the Government to honour its promise to Dunedin and build its new hospital to full capacity. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Dunedin Hospital d-listed by Government
The non-announcement in Dunedin today had Ministers leaving broken promises and a likely severely diluted hospital build in their wake. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes UAE trade deal
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed today with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Hundreds more jobs cuts on housing frontline
The Government has shown its true intentions for the public service and economy – it’s not to get more public servants back to the office, it’s more job losses. ...3 weeks ago
- Welfare traffic light system off to good start
Data from the first full calendar month of the Government’s welfare traffic light system shows more beneficiaries are doing what is required of them, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. A total of 331,530 people were in the system at the end of September due to having work-related ...3 hours ago - Dairy export quota Bill passes first reading
The Government’s work to boost export value has hit another milestone, with a new dairy Bill passing its first reading in Parliament today, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “The Dairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill will modernise New Zealand’s dairy export quota system to grow export and farmgate ...14 hours ago
- Government extends fight against cybercrime
Legislation that will help protect New Zealanders from cybercrime has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “11% of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2023, causing significant financial harm and emotional distress. “The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe ...18 hours ago
- “Advancing New Zealand and Asia relations”
Good evening Before discussing the ‘advancing of New Zealand and Asia relations’, we would like to congratulate the Asia New Zealand Foundation and acknowledge its significant contribution to New Zealand’s relationship with, and understanding of, Asia over the past 30 years. Can we also welcome Thitinan Pongsudhirak, one of ...18 hours ago
- Speech to the Institute of Finance Professionals NZ, 2024 Conference
Kia ora koutou Greetings from Wellington. I am sorry I can’t be with you in person today, but I’m delighted that I can talk to you virtually. I’d like to begin by acknowledging your chair Bill Goodwin and members of your board. I’d also like to acknowledge the fitness of ...20 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Thailand, attend Indonesian Presidential inauguration
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling this week to Bangkok for talks with his Thai counterpart, and to Jakarta to attend the inauguration of Indonesia’s next President, Prabowo Subianto. “New Zealand is committed to our Comprehensive Partnership with Indonesia, and our shared ties as democracies in the Indo-Pacific region,” Mr ...1 day ago
- Economic growth on the Fast-track
The one-stop-shop Fast-track Approvals Bill, and the 149 projects listed in the Bill, will help rebuild our struggling economy and kick-start economic growth across the country, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “Since 2022, New Zealand has battled anaemic levels of economic growth. If we want Kiwi kids to stop ...2 days ago
- Sir Brian Roche new Public Service Commissioner
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Roche as the next Public Service Commissioner. “I am delighted to appoint Sir Brian to this crucial leadership position,” Mr Luxon says. “Sir Brian is a highly respected New Zealander who has held significant roles across the public and ...2 days ago
- Government and sector to improve Forestry ETS Registry
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced the establishment of a Forestry Sector Reference Group to drive better outcomes from the Forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry. “We are committed to working with the forestry sector to provide greater transparency and engagement on the forestry ETS registry as we work to ...2 days ago
- Stronger fuel reserves to drive economic stability
New Zealand’s fuel resilience is being strengthened to ensure people and goods keep moving and connected to the world in case of disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “Fuel security is a priority for the Coalition Government. We are acutely aware of how important engine fuels are to our ...2 days ago
- Government to provide significant regulatory relief for business
The Government will reform New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system to provide significant regulatory relief for businesses, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will ensure streamlined, workable, and effective regulations for businesses, law enforcement, and ...3 days ago
- Big year of building reforms
Significant reforms are underway in the building and construction portfolio to help enable more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a construction sector that ...3 days ago
- Minister to attend cyber security, NATO meetings
Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins will travel to Singapore and Brussels for Singapore International Cyber Week and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting. New Zealand has been invited to attend the NATO meeting alongside representatives from the European Union and the ...3 days ago
- Significant protection for Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana
Toitū ngā pōito o te kupenga a Toitehuatahi! A Government commitment to restoring the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana will enhance the area for generations to come, Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says. Cabinet recently agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill into law, ...3 days ago
- Overseas investment changes to get New Zealand off the bench
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says the Government has committed to action on overseas investment, where the country’s policy settings are the worst in the developed world and holding back wage growth. “Cabinet has agreed to the principles for reforming our overseas investment law. At the core of these principles ...4 days ago
- Luxon wraps up East Asia Summit
The annual East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Laos this week underscored the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. "My first participation in an EAS has been a valuable opportunity to engage ...5 days ago
- Feedback will improve health and safety system and grow the economy
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the feedback from the health and safety roadshow will help shape the future of health and safety in New Zealand and grow the economy. “New Zealand’s poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions,” says Ms van ...5 days ago
- Government releases more Fast-track detail
The Government has released the independent Advisory Group’s report on the 384 projects which applied to be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, and further detail about the careful management of Ministers’ conflicts of interest, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. Independent Advisory Group Report The full report has now been ...5 days ago
- Government releases plan for affordable electricity
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...5 days ago
- Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...5 days ago
- Brakes put on contractor and consultant spending
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...6 days ago
- Accounts confirm need for spending restraint
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...6 days ago
- Minister to co-chair carbon market negotiations at COP29
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...6 days ago
- Confirmation of Payee service to improve payment security
A new confirmation of payments system in the banking sector will make it safer for Kiwis making bank transactions, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “In my open letter to the banks in February, I outlined several of my expectations of the sector, including the introduction of a ...6 days ago
- Medicines access continues to increase
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see Pharmac continue to increase availability of medicines for Kiwis with the Government’s largest ever investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our ...6 days ago
- Strengthening NZ’s emergency management system
The Government has released its long-term vision to strengthen New Zealand’s disaster resilience and emergency management, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “It’s clear from the North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry, that our emergency management system was not fit-for-purpose,” Mr Mitchell says. “We’ve seen first-hand ...6 days ago
- Brighter days ahead for Kiwis
Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.75 per cent is welcome news for families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Lower interest rates will provide much-needed relief for households and businesses, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money and increasing the opportunities for businesses ...7 days ago
- Sport NZ asked to update Transgender Inclusion Guiding Principles
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has asked Sport NZ to review and update its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. “The Guiding Principles, published in 2022, were intended to be a helpful guide for sporting bodies grappling with a tricky issue. They are intended ...7 days ago
- Freshwater farm plan rollout set to be paused by end of year
The Coalition Government is restoring confidence to the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans while changes are made to ensure the system is affordable and more practical for farmers and growers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “Freshwater farm plans ...1 week ago
- New report shows improvements in air quality
The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say. “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is ...1 week ago
- New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador appointed
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Horne as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador. “I am pleased to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to this important role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade, and economics, along with strong business connections,” Mr Watts says. “Stuart’s understanding ...1 week ago
- Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low. The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...1 week ago
- Holding careless builders accountable
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...1 week ago
- Further action to tackle driver licence wait times
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...1 week ago
- Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...1 week ago
- Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...1 week ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...1 week ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...1 week ago
- Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...1 week ago
- Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses
This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...1 week ago
- Inflation Hasn’t Gone Away, Government Cannot Lose Its Focus
Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said “that’s only half the story, and the inflation beast isn’t slain yet.” ...26 mins ago - Parliament’s watchdog against bullying – ‘I hope it’s having some impactR...
Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards Lyn Provost has found some workarounds making her more accessible - but some are calling for more investment into supports. ...1 hour ago - All the things Christopher Luxon gets
Out of touch? Don’t think so. According to the new 1News Verian poll, 51% of people think Christopher Luxon is “out of touch”. Which really means that 51% of people are out of touch, or at least not paying attention to what the prime minister is saying. Because if they ...1 hour ago - Govt’s hostile takeover bid for Wellington City
Analysis: If Wellington City Council were a listed company, there would have been a trading halt required yesterday. Because the Government’s unexpected disclosure that it was taking advice on intervening in the city’s governance was the next closest thing to a hostile takeover bid, and seems to have sent confidence ...2 hours ago - The Spinoff guide to life: How to send a text without being annoying
In the latest edition of The Spinoff’s etiquette guide, we consider how to avoid some common text-messaging pitfalls. Text messaging! We do it all the time – for many people, it’s the default form of private communication, superseding the phone call, letter or email. There are dozens of platforms, practical ...2 hours ago
- China’s government is about to spend big on stimulus – can it turn around the country’s sluggi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wenting He, PhD candidate of International Relations, Australian National University Sanga Park/Shutterstock China’s relentless economic growth used to be the marvel of the world. Oh, what a memory. The past couple of years have seen China contend with an economic ...3 hours ago - AI is creeping into the visual effects industry – and it could take the human touch out of film an...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By AD Narayan, Visual Effects Artist and Lecturer in Digital Communication, Auckland University of Technology IMDB From the mind-bending reality warps of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) to the breathtaking alien vistas of Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), ...3 hours ago
- Three letters, one number, a knife and a stone bridge: how a graffitied equation changed mathematica...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Arianrhod, Affiliate, School of Mathematics, Monash University William Murphy / Flickr, CC BY On October 16 1843, the Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton had an epiphany during a walk alongside Dublin’s Royal Canal. He was so excited he took out ...3 hours ago
- Has Kamala Harris reached the ceiling of her ability to make gains against Trump?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jared Mondschein, Director of Research, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney With less than three weeks to go before Election Day, the polling at this point is clear: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are effectively tied. Harris has led the Democratic ticket ...3 hours ago
- An immediate ban has been issued for the herbicide dacthal. What are the health risks?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Musgrave, Senior lecturer in Pharmacology, University of Adelaide Last week the Australian government cancelled the registration of all products containing chlorthal dimethyl, a weedkiller commonly known as dacthal.No phase out period applies. The cancellation is immediate, ...3 hours ago
- Australian schools need to address racism. Here are 4 ways they can do this
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron Teo, Lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy, University of Southern Queensland The Australian Human Rights Commission wants to see schools address racism, as part of a broader push to address the problem across Australian society. As it says in a recent report, ...3 hours ago- Can the govt step in to take control over Wellington City Council?: What you need to know
Explainer - The government says it's prepared to intervene if needed, but what is allowed under law, and how bad is it? ...4 hours ago- Austerity and recession: 3 simple graphs that explain New Zealand’s economic crisis
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoff Bertram, Visiting Scholar, School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Economists working on macroeconomic policy – things like taxes and spending, interest rates and border controls on flows ...4 hours ago- Will the Wellington Council survive until the next election?
The government is seeking advice on whether it could – or should – intervene, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...4 hours ago- ‘More than just a one-off’ – MBIE’s incorrect calculations of benefits from ...
The country's mega-ministry has been incorrectly calculating its cost benefit analysis for taxpayer-funded events for more than two years. ...5 hours ago- Beneficiary traffic light system: Fewer people being sanctioned
Fewer people are being sanctioned under the government's beneficiary traffic light system than last month, new government data shows. ...6 hours ago- MPs united on divorce law change
Legislation giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages is expected to pass with unanimous support today. ...6 hours ago- Why last-minute changes to the Hauraki Gulf protection bill are stirring up a stink
A proposed law to protect the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana is being amended to allow some commercial fishing in high protection areas, and people aren’t happy about it. The details so far are few, but here’s what we do know. On Sunday, traditionally a day for sleeping, praying and eating roast ...6 hours ago- Hardship, healing and hope: A glimpse inside the 501s conference
With little support available and many issues to deal with, a growing number of 501 returnees are supporting each other to overcome deportation and advocate for change. Liam Rātana hears from some of them. Here I am, holding hands and praising God in a circle full of social workers, ex-gang ...6 hours ago- ‘Let’s not revert back to the days of the 52 dumps’
An increase in applications for new landfills in Canterbury has one industry veteran scratching his head The post ‘Let’s not revert back to the days of the 52 dumps’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago- A short, sharp taste of Kiwi for a champion Aussie
New Zealand was the last place Australian basketball forward Lou Brown expected to play. The winner of two Australian National Basketball League titles spent seven years in America and was settled back in Australia when a buzz around the Tauihi League piqued her interest. “I first heard about the Tauihi league ...6 hours ago- Fast-track data reveals outlier projects and ministerial preferences
Analysis: Final ministerial ticks given to high-grade projects by Bishop and Brown, but Jones bucks trend The post Fast-track data reveals outlier projects and ministerial preferences appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago- Daily crossword, Wednesday 16 October
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 16 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago- NZ must ‘stick to values’ in uncertain Asia
With confrontation and conflict replacing prosperity, NZ has been urged to respond to changing dynamics within Asia The post NZ must ‘stick to values’ in uncertain Asia appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago- AI no substitute for robust and inclusive public services
Analysis: Soon, users of some New Zealand government websites will be able to interact with GovGPT. This is a form of artificial intelligence often referred to as a conversational agent, which guides users to information, answers queries, and can even be multi-lingual. GovGPT will first be tested with users interested ...6 hours ago- Game on, and it’s more than cosplay and consoles
Every day thousands of video games are made around the world but it took Wētā Workshop 25 years to make its first one, Tales of the Shire.The Lord of the Rings Game will be released in March after several years of development and investment.The Wellington company that led the way ...6 hours ago- Infrastructure, rates and taxes – be careful what you wish for
Comment: We live in dynamic times, with shifts in government, population, climate, and the need to boost our economic productivity. This can all seem overwhelming, but there are aspects that we can control in all of this. So how can we navigate the complexities of our changing world and what ...6 hours ago- Mulligan’s announcement at 1.35pm
Jesse Mulligan, the Voice of God these past eight years when it comes to the Surrey Hotel writers residency award, will once again announce the winners on his Radio New Zealand Afternoons show, at 1.35pm.The grooviest residency award in New Zealand letters was established in 2016. Mulligan agreed to broadcast ...6 hours ago- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 16 October
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, Wednesday 16 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago- Albanese government promises to ban ‘dodgy’ trading practices
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Hard on the heels of pledging a crackdown on excessive surcharges, the Albanese government has promised legislation to ban unfair trading practices. The government said this would include specific prohibitions on various “dodgy” practices. ...11 hours ago- Fair-minded, down to earth and unusually gifted: George Negus dies at 82
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne George Negus, who has died at the age of 82, belonged to the nomenclatura of Australian television current affairs journalism. He first came to prominence as a member of ...14 hours ago- Who Makes The Law? New Report Challenges Supreme Court’s Expanding Role
The report examines recent Supreme Court decisions that have sparked widespread concern among legal scholars, practitioners, and politicians. ...16 hours ago- Principals ‘perplexed’ by fuss over teacher-only days
North Canterbury principals have responded to comments from Associate Education Minister David Seymour suggesting schools will no longer be allowed to hold teacher-only days during the school term. ...16 hours ago- Banning debit card surcharges could save $500 million a year – if traders don’t claw back the mo...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angel Zhong, Associate Professor of Finance, RMIT University Galdric PS/Shutterstock In a move that could reshape how Australians pay for everyday purchases, the federal government is preparing to ban businesses from slapping surcharges on debit card transactions. This plan, pending a ...16 hours ago- Queensland Premier Steven Miles is promising to hold a vote on nuclear power. Here’s why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney Tarong power station Stanwell Queensland Premier Steven Miles this week declared his party would hold a plebiscite on nuclear power if it returns to office at the forthcoming state election. The ...17 hours ago- Wellington councillors who want government intervention in the city’s management
Nicola Young and Diane Calvert feel a Crown observer would be a step in the right direction. ...17 hours ago- Manawanui sinking: Acting Defence Minister Chris Penk gives details of ‘Operation Resolution&#...
Chris Penk says talk about final costs is premature and has defended the court of inquiry process, saying other investigations could occur. ...18 hours ago- Speakers, vacuums, doorbells and fridges – the government plans to make your ‘smart things’ mo...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Abu Barkat ullah, Associate Professor of Cyber Security, University of Canberra gorodenkoff/Shutterstock The Australian government has introduced its first-ever standalone cyber security act. Along with two other cyber security bills, it’s currently being reviewed by a parliamentary committee. Among the act’s ...19 hours ago- Are market giants endangering Australia’s live music scene? Industry veterans and local artists ar...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Green, Research Fellow, Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University Multinational concert promoter Live Nation Entertainment has come under fire, with an ABC Four Corners investigation saying its unprecedented market power is open to abuse. The report follows concerns ...19 hours ago- West Coast district plan costs soar
The document, meant to cover the the planning rules for Buller, Grey and Westland, has cost has cost the West Coast Regional Council $5.6 million since 2019. ...20 hours ago - Australian schools need to address racism. Here are 4 ways they can do this
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