We’ve Lost Australia
Written By:
Date published: 7:00 am, May 12th, 2025 - 37 comments
Categories: australian politics, climate change, economy, employment, Environment, health
Tags:
New Zealand was once in a sustained Australasian partnership. Now, with New Zealand tracking further and further into policy extremes, Australia – and our children – are leaving New Zealand behind.
The worst Finance Minister ever?
Written By:
Date published: 10:22 am, May 13th, 2025 - 7 comments
Future historians may consider Nicola Willis to be the country’s worst Finance Minister, even worse than Rob Muldoon and Ruth Richardson.
Open mike 13/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 13th, 2025 - 25 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 12/05/2025
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 12th, 2025 - 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 12/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 12th, 2025 - 15 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 …
Get ready for the Regulatory Standards Bill
Written By:
Date published: 10:47 am, May 11th, 2025 - 15 comments
Following on from the undermining under urgency of the current Pay Equity scheme the Government intends to introduce the Regulatory Standards Bill which if passed would have a significant adverse effect on collective rights and environmental action.
Open mike 11/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 11th, 2025 - 3 comments
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Rock and a hard place: the under 16 social media ban
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Date published: 11:19 am, May 10th, 2025 - 50 comments
Given the complexities and conflict over privacy, can MPs be trusted to design a good law?
The beginning of the end
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Date published: 10:13 am, May 10th, 2025 - 44 comments
When the history of the sixth National Government is written I am confident that the events of this week when the Pay Equity system was smashed up will be described as the the beginning of the end.
Open mike 10/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 10th, 2025 - 10 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 09/05/2025
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 9th, 2025 - 30 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 09/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 9th, 2025 - 32 comments
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Daily review 08/05/2025
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 8th, 2025 - 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 …
Vale David Parker MP
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Date published: 2:08 pm, May 8th, 2025 - 20 comments
David Parker’s Deputy Leader ‘s speech in 2014 at the Wellington Labour Party Conference was the best I ever heard from a Labour Leader. Vision matched values in intensity and scope. Parliament now loses one of its very best.
It’s Time — To Fight.
Written By:
Date published: 8:03 am, May 8th, 2025 - 18 comments
Pay Equity Amendment Bill passes through all stages under urgency late last night, destroying decades of progress and putting men and women alike back.
Open mike 08/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 8th, 2025 - 27 comments
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Daily review 07/05/2025
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 7th, 2025 - 10 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 …
Lies damned lies and Pay Equity Repeal excuses
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Date published: 9:27 am, May 7th, 2025 - 27 comments
Christopher Luxon yesterday tried to claim that budgetary considerations were not the reason for repealing the Pay Equity Legislation even though David Seymour had said that the monetary savings from the bill would save the Budget.
Open mike 07/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 7th, 2025 - 34 comments
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Daily review 06/05/2025
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 6th, 2025 - 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 …
National wants to make voting harder
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Date published: 1:35 pm, May 6th, 2025 - 9 comments
National’s recent announcement that it will take away voting rights from all prisoners may be nothing more than a distraction from its real intent, screwing the electoral scrum by making it harder to vote for some of us.
Dark day for women as Government slams brakes on pay equity to save money
Written By:
Date published: 12:18 pm, May 6th, 2025 - 44 comments
The Government’s proposed changes to the Equal Pay Act will severely limit people in female-dominated professions to be paid fairly. The Government’s changes today are a dark day for New Zealand women as the Government says it will repeal the pay equity law and extinguish 33 existing claims in a constitutional overreach. Protest at Parliament today 1pm
Open mike 06/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 6th, 2025 - 12 comments
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Daily review 05/05/2025
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 5th, 2025 - No 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 05/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 5th, 2025 - 59 comments
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The Ukraine-United States Deal
Written By:
Date published: 11:55 am, May 4th, 2025 - 13 comments
In a bargain of the damned the United States and Ukraine have signed a peace agreement to share revenues from the future sale of Ukrainian minerals and rare earths.
Coalition definitively rejected in Aussie
Written By:
Date published: 10:36 am, May 4th, 2025 - 9 comments
The defining characteristic of the 2025 Federal election in Australia to me is that the Dutton model of vague way down in the future policies, and grumpy grievance now policies was soundly rejected. The voting of preferences is ongoing. But Labour has already up a sound majority in the lower house. It also looks like it will be in a much better position in the Senate – but not a majority.
Labor Wins In Australia
Written By:
Date published: 8:18 am, May 4th, 2025 - 39 comments
In yesterday’s election there was lot to cheer about. Labor won a landslide election. And Coalition leader Peter Dutton lost his seat.
Open mike 04/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 4th, 2025 - 10 comments
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Open mike 03/05/2025
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 3rd, 2025 - 46 comments
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The monkey still has the gun!
Written By:
Date published: 5:47 pm, May 2nd, 2025 - No comments
When John Oliver isn’t ragging on New Zealand, he and his writers have a keen senses in explaining complex topics clearly. He did one long section a couple of weeks ago that took apart the Trumpian view on the economic value of tariffs. Worth watching.. But first about that monkey image
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- One year on: no agreement for New Caledonia despite serious negotiations
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The Coalition of Chaos has done it again, proving their knack for prioritising the wealthy over the workers. The Pay Equity Amendment Bill, rammed through Parliament under urgency, is a kick in the guts for low-waged women, and obliterating decades of progress on pay equity reform in New Zealand.Workplace Relations ...2 hours ago - Luxon’s Ladies.
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- Monday 12 May
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Nicola Willis pulled the sympathy and sexism card this morning in an opinion piece for Stuff/The Post.In it, claimed she had been much maligned by, well, everyone, on pay equity, and “mainstream” journalists were guilty of “sexist slurs” and misinformation against her.The offending piece was Andrea Vance’s “The girl-math budget ...22 hours ago
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Briefly in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday, May 12:The gutting of pay equity laws may force hospices to close, pushing extra patients and extra cost into hospitals, the sector says at the start of Hospice Awareness Week. Barnados’ CEO says the law change will hit ...1 day ago - The Death of a Deer
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- Mother’s Day
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- Bernard’s Soliloquy for the week to May 11
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Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is the climate as unpredictable as the weather? Climate predictions are more reliable than weather forecasts because they model long-term trends driven by ...3 days ago
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- Bernard’s Picks ‘n’ Mixes for Saturday, May 10
Briefly in Aotearoa’s political economy on Saturday, May 10: Protests have erupted over the Government’s pay equity betrayal this week. Abuse in care survivors are shocked the Government ignored the Royal Commission’s main recommendation.The Government has launched a review of the Waitangi Tribunal’s ‘activism,’ late on a Friday afternoon.Food poverty ...3 days ago - Cold as Ice
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Kiwis around the country protest: RNZ reports more than 1000 descended on Brooke Van Velden’s officeNote:The government started this pay equity process in April 2024.That’s over a year ago.Cabinet signed it off two months ago.There was no reason for urgency - and never was.The Minister for Woman was left with ...4 days ago - More constitutional vandalism
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This week the government rammed through legislation under urgency to cancel all outstanding pay equity deals and make them impossible to get in future, balancing their books by stealing $17 billion from New Zealand women. It was an outrageous abuse of the democratic process, and since it passed, we've learned ...5 days ago
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- Pay Equity Events
The Government using Pay Equity settlements as a way to fund their Budget is a new low. Join in rallies across the motu to speak truth to power. Below is a list of all the event’s we are aware of. If you have any other events you’d like to ...5 days ago
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- Pay equity passing is an attack on the working class
5 days ago - It’s Time — To Fight
5 days ago - India and Pakistan must manage escalation after Pahalgam attack
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A couple of months ago, the government held a public "consultation" on their proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. People responded en masse, and made it crystal clear what they thought of it: The Ministry received approximately 23,000 submissions and worked with a specialist consultancy to quantitatively assess support and opposition ...6 days ago
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- Unions launch petition to protect pay equity
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- Moment to Arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of nightTake these broken wings and learn to flyAll your lifeYou were only waiting for this moment to ariseSong by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.Brooke cancels fair pay.It’s deja vu on top of deja vu with these guys. Just when you think they might take ...6 days ago - Gordon Campbell On Surviving Trump’s Trip To La La Land
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- Where’s your evidence, Brooke? Where’s your evidence?
Asked to comment on the passing of Bob Jones last week, our Prime Minister said he’s a living legend. Such is the B-bursary brain power of our leader. A dead guy is a living legend.No surprise then that all he grasped from Brooke van Velden's robot talk about vandalising pay ...7 days ago - The Coalition’s Pay Equity Betrayal
The Coalition of Chaos' latest incredibly short-sighted move sees them funnelling around a billion dollars from throwing pay equity claims into the bin into some new helicopters, supposedly for defence or emergency services. Fine, modern equipment is necessary, but at what cost?Pay equity claims, painstakingly initiated to address systemic wage ...7 days ago
- The Government Aren’t Paying For Our Defence Spend. Workers Are.
Saving money? The best budgeters recommend cutting the biggest expenses first. I have several facts to present. The earnings gap between management and workers, and particularly between CEOs and workers, has been diverging dramatically since the 80s.The public sector (nearly) matches the pay rate of the private sector for managerial ...7 days ago - The Government Aren’t Paying For Our Defence Spend. Workers Are.
Saving money? The best budgeters recommend cutting the biggest expenses first. I have several facts to present. The earnings gap between management and workers, and particularly between CEOs and workers, has been diverging dramatically since the 80s.The public sector (nearly) matches the pay rate of the private sector for managerial ...7 days ago
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If China ever makes good on decades of implicit threats to invade Taiwan, most of its ground force will have to land at ports. Relatively little of it can come over beaches, because they ‘lack ...7 days ago
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Tēnā koutou katoa. Good morning. I read recently that one of the keys to success in life is to do the hard stuff first thing in the morning. ...1 hour ago - Release; Budget should not be paid for by working women
The Government must do three things in Budget 2025 if it is genuinely going to turn things around for New Zealanders. ...1 hour ago
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Labour’s Peeni Henare will pick up the foreign affairs portfolio, following David Parker’s departure from Parliament. ...22 hours ago
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Rehashing old laws around boy racers is not going to make our communities safer, or distract New Zealanders from the appalling decision to cut women’s pay. ...1 day ago
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Te Pāti Māori MP for Te Tai Tokerau calls out the government’s decision to keep funding state abuse, turning their backs on justice and real change for abuse in care survivors. “The government has committed to throwing $744 million down the drain, reinforcing a violent regime of disrespect against the ...3 days ago
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Te Pāti Māori is absolutely disgusted by the Government’s announcement to review the Waitangi Tribunal- a deliberate and dangerous escalation in its ongoing campaign to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and silence tangata whenua. “The Government’s onslaught against Te Tiriti continues with this latest move to review the Treaty of ...4 days ago
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The Government’s plans to limit the powers and scope of the Waitangi Tribunal is a disgrace. ...4 days ago - Tribunal review an attack on Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The Government’s plans to limit the powers and scope of the Waitangi Tribunal is a disgrace. ...4 days ago
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Labour is asking the Government why it is silent on Israel’s deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, saying New Zealand should be speaking out. ...4 days ago
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Survivors of abuse in state care have a right to feel disappointed and sidelined by the Government. ...4 days ago
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The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s decision to severely underfund financial compensation for survivors of abuse in state care. ...4 days ago
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Labour is launching a members’ bill to stop the Government from putting tobacco industry interests ahead of public health. ...5 days ago
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The Labour Party backs volunteer firefighters who are currently not covered by ACC for workplace disease and mental injury and is drafting policy to put this right when the party wins the election in 2026. ...5 days ago
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The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s use of urgency to rewrite the Wildlife Act–without consultation, without an impact statement, and in direct response to a court ruling in favour of protecting wildlife. ...5 days ago
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National has forced through a law change that will take money out of women’s pockets. ...6 days ago
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In the last 12 months life has only got worse for Māori under Christopher Luxon’s Government. ...6 days ago
- Release: More than one in 10 Pacific people unemployed under National
There are more Pacific people unemployed as the rate increases to a staggering 10.8% under National. ...6 days ago
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Job losses remain stubbornly high under National, as their attack on jobs, wages, and women rages on. ...6 days ago
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The latest job market statistics show that unemployed people are being failed by a Government more focused on punishing the poor than creating jobs. ...6 days ago
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Te Pāti Māori is demanding urgent changes to the draft Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) framework, calling it a dangerous step backwards for Takatāpui, trans, and rainbow rangatahi. “This draft erases Takatāpui voices, ignores whānau diversity, and delays consent education. It’s not just inadequate, it’s unbelievably unsafe” said Te Pāti ...7 days ago
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Te Pāti Māori is demanding urgent changes to the draft Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) framework, calling it a dangerous step backwards for Takatāpui, trans, and rainbow rangatahi. “This draft erases Takatāpui voices, ignores whānau diversity, and delays consent education. It’s not just inadequate, it’s unbelievably unsafe” said Te Pāti ...7 days ago
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Labour welcomes the Auditor-General’s inquiry into the Government’s school lunches programme. ...7 days ago
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This Government is taking the women’s movement backwards, ensuring women will continue to be paid less into the future. ...7 days ago
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The Green Party has called out the Government’s latest attack on workers with the announcement that it is halting all pay equity claims. ...7 days ago
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Erica Stanford has been misusing her personal email address to manage sensitive information relating to Budget and visa changes prior to their public release. ...1 week ago
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Today, Green Party MP Steve Abel has added a new Member’s Bill to the biscuit tin to ensure any product sold in New Zealand meets New Zealand’s animal welfare standards, even if it’s produced overseas. ...1 week ago
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Te Pāti Māori warns that the Government’s Treaty Clause Review represents the most severe erosion of iwi rights in modern legal history. “Luxon's Government is doing what the Treaty Principles Bill failed to do. They are removing every legal reference to Te Tiriti across health, housing, conservation, and child wellbeing ...1 week ago
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After failing to be upfront about cuts to intensive care beds, it’s now becoming clear that other downgrades to Dunedin Hospital are being concealed by the Minister of Health. ...2 weeks ago
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This May Day Labour is standing with workers to defend decent jobs and fair pay. ...2 weeks ago
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Two old and ageing ferries are going to have to work double time because of this Government’s failure to get a ferry deal. ...2 weeks ago
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The Green Party has marked May Day with a pre-budget announcement in Tokoroa, detailing the party’s plan for a Green Jobs Guarantee. ...2 weeks ago
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Te Pāti Māori stands firmly against any moves to downsize or close UCOL Whanganui. With over 30% of students identifying as Māori, the campus is a vital lifeline for education, upskilling, and community transformation in Te Tai Hauāuru. “Matapihi ki te Ao is more than a name, it’s a promise. ...2 weeks ago
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Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Broadcasting, Tākuta Ferris, and MP for Tāmaki Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, are demanding the Government significantly increase its investment in Whakaata Māori in Budget 2025. The call comes following the release of the network’s 2025 Social Value Report at an event today, attended by MP ...2 weeks ago
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The National Party’s announcement to reinstate a total ban on prisoner voting is a shameful step backwards. Denying the right to vote does not strengthen society — it weakens our democracy and breaches Te Tiriti o Waitangi. “Voting is not a privilege to be taken away — it is a ...2 weeks ago
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Today’s confirmed closure of the North Shore Women’s Centre after losing government funding is a huge loss for women in Auckland. ...2 weeks ago
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Simeon Brown needs to come clean to the people of Dunedin about why he hid plans to downgrade their new hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. ...2 weeks ago
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Nicola Willis announced that funding for almost every Government department will be frozen in this year’s budget, costing jobs, making access to public services harder, and fuelling an exodus of nurses, teachers, and other public servants. ...2 weeks ago
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The Government’s Budget looks set to usher in a new age of austerity. This morning, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis said new spending would be limited to $1.4 billion, cut back from the original intended $2.4 billion, which itself was already $100 million below what Treasury said was needed to ...2 weeks ago
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Right‑wing ministers are waging a campaign to erase Māori health equity by tearing out its very foundations. ACT’s Todd Stephenson dismisses Treaty‑based nursing standards as “off‑track distractions” and insists nurses only need “skill and a kind heart,” despite clear evidence that cultural competence saves lives. Health Minister Simeon Brown’s funding cuts, hiring ...2 weeks ago
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Good evening. Thank you to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs for organising this event, and for your efforts to foster New Zealand’s understanding of international affairs. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak here today. As keen observers and practitioners of international relations, you will all ...7 days ago - New High Commissioner to Kiribati announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Pati Gagau as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Kiribati. “Our diplomats play a critical role in advancing New Zealand’s interests overseas,” Mr Peters says. “Nowhere is this truer than in the Pacific, where we strive to work with our Pacific partners to forge a more ...7 days ago
- Changes to improve pay equity process
The Government is amending the Equal Pay Act [the Act] to make the process of raising and resolving pay equity claims more robust, workable and sustainable, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. Pay equity is achieved when women and men are paid the same for work ...1 week ago
- Proposals to strengthen biodiversity released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to better protect our precious biodiversity and its economic benefits for future generations, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is releasing two discussion documents for public consultation, and I ...1 week ago
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The early entry into force of the New Zealand–European Union Trade Agreement (FTA) is paying off, with Kiwi goods exports to the EU surging by 28 per cent during the first year. “In the last 12 months our goods exports to the EU surged from $3.8 billion to over $4.8 ...1 week ago
- Celebrating New Zealand Sign Language
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New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. “Advanced technology research leads to life-changing innovation,” says Dr Reti. “The breakthroughs that can be achieved through areas like ...1 week ago
- Post-Cabinet Press Conference: Monday 5 May 2025
POST-CABINET PRESS CONFERENCE: Monday, 5 May 2025 EPIQ TRANSCRIPT PM: Well, look, good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to be joined this afternoon by our awesome Trade Minister, Todd McClay, who’s doing some incredible work. As you know, it’s a big sitting block with the Budget at the end of ...1 week ago
- Parent Portal launched to empower parents
Every parent wants to see their child thrive at school — to feel confident, supported, and capable. Today, the Government is taking a major step toward making that aspiration a reality with the launch of a new Parent Portal: an online resource designed to enable families to play their part ...1 week ago
- New helicopters a commitment to global security
The Defence Force’s ageing maritime helicopters will be replaced to increase the defensive and offensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. “The replacement of the Seasprite helicopters will also extend the Navy’s ability to support non-combat tasks such as humanitarian assistance and ...1 week ago
- Prime Minister congratulates Albanese and Wong
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has congratulated Anthony Albanese on winning the Australian Federal Election, and Lawrence Wong on winning the Singaporean election. “I have been in touch with both Mr Albanese and Mr Wong to offer my congratulations on retaining office,” Mr Luxon says. “When we spoke, Mr Albanese and ...1 week ago
- Hunting and Fishing Minister joins game bird season opening hunt
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has joined the thousands of New Zealanders taking part in the annual game bird hunting season opening. He spent the morning at Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau / Sinclair Wetlands, a 315-hectare portion of the Lakes Waihola-Waipori wetland south of Dunedin, hosted by Fish & ...1 week ago
- Attendance dashboard shows early insights into term 2
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that new up-to-date attendance data is helping provide fresh insights into student attendance. For example, data for the first week of term 2 shows the effect of wild weather and which regions were standouts. The average attendance across week 1 is 87.1 per cent. ...1 week ago
- New air ambulance helicopter for Auckland and Northland
A new air ambulance helicopter commissioned today will significantly enhance emergency medical response capabilities across Auckland and Northland, Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello and ACC Minister Scott Simpson announced today. “This state-of-the-art helicopter represents a major advancement in aeromedical service delivery, and we are pleased to see it become ...2 weeks ago
- Oranga Tamariki showing clear progress on key performance targets
Public reporting on key performance indicators for Oranga Tamariki show the Ministry is making strong progress on its most important goals. In its second public reporting on key performance indicators, Oranga Tamariki has made progress across all four key priority areas emphasised by Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “In 2024, ...2 weeks ago
- New Member appointed to Waitangi Tribunal
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka today confirmed the appointment of Gerrard Albert of Whanganui, Ngā Paerangi, to the Waitangi Tribunal for a three-year term to fill a vacancy. Mr. Albert is the former Chair of Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, the post-settlement governance body for Te Awa Tupua. He has ...2 weeks ago
- Raising achievement & closing the equity gap at school
The Government is continuing to raise achievement and close the equity gap in schools across the country, so all Kiwi kids have the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to reach their full potential, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. The Governments’ ambitious changes reflect the responsibility we have to these ...2 weeks ago
- Developing a new Action Plan for unpaid carers
The Government is taking action to better support unpaid and informal carers, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Penny Simmonds says. Every morning across New Zealand, unpaid carers are helping loved ones get ready for the day — preparing meals, arranging medication, assisting with transport, and offering vital support, ...2 weeks ago
- Deputy PM concludes constructive visit to New Caledonia
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive and positive visit to New Caledonia - New Zealand’s closest geographical neighbour. Mr Peters met the French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, and the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga. “We came to listen and ...2 weeks ago
- Third procedure room to expand endoscopy capacity in Hawke’s Bay
Endoscopy services at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital are set to expand, with the addition of a third procedure room, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Improving New Zealand’s health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government, to ensure all Kiwis can access timely, high-quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says. ...2 weeks ago
- Government remains on track to ban full Farm-to-Forest conversions
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- Youth Parliament 2025 participants announced
The 123 Youth Members of Parliament and 20 Youth Press Gallery members officially announced for 2025 represent the best of New Zealand, Youth Minister James Meager says. “Our Youth MPs come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each have their own unique story, bringing diverse points of view to ...2 weeks ago
- Saudi Ministerial visit sends strong signal for NZ Trade and Investment growth
Trade, Investment and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up a successful programme hosting Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, in Auckland this week for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission. “This visit builds on growing momentum in our trade ...2 weeks ago
- New data highlights progress in childhood immunisation rates
New data released today shows steady improvements in childhood immunisation rates across the country, highlighting the Government’s commitment to ensuring every child gets the best start in life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving childhood immunisation rates is a priority for our Government. The latest quarterly figures show immunisation coverage ...2 weeks ago
- Better banking competition one step closer for Kiwis
The Government is moving swiftly to ensure Kiwis will be able to benefit from open banking by Christmas this year, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson. “Recently our Government passed the Customer and Product Data Act – one of the items in our Quarter 1 Action Plan to ...2 weeks ago
- Rural Health Roadshow coming to Wairoa
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is pleased to be in Wairoa today as part of the Rural Health Roadshow across the country. “I was pleased to begin the roadshow in Levin recently where I had the opportunity to hear from ...2 weeks ago
- Advancing Antarctic research on climate change impacts
The Government is investing in Antarctic research to better understand changes on the icy continent and how they could affect New Zealand, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. “What happens in Antarctica matters to us here in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “For example, as Antarctic ...2 weeks ago
- New tools to help women navigate online harm
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- Waipiro Bay is not your marina
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis says about two thirds will come from this year's contribution to the Superannuation Fund. ...22 minutes ago - ‘Soul-destroying’: A survivor’s response to the latest in abuse in care redress
The lack of a new redress system for survivors proves the royal commission of inquiry’s recommendations were pointless, argues Steve Goodlass. It is a cruel irony that on the very day a US cardinal – implicated in covering up abuse – was elevated to Pope, the New Zealand state chose ...2 hours ago
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The Finance Minister is expected to reveal more details about next week's Budget. ...2 hours ago
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Analysis: Z Energy has sold its electricity retail arm and its customers to Meridian, in a $70m deal that will further consolidate the market dominance of the big gentailers. Flick Electric is expected to be shut down.It’s disappointing news for small business and residential and power consumers, less than a ...3 hours ago - Move to protect Fiordlank elk draws ire of Forest and Bird
Forest and Bird has accusing the government of "changing the law to let a North American deer species use the national park as a glorified vege patch". ...3 hours ago
- Free food and beer are common perks for hospitality workers – but are they masking unfairness?
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As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a new mum shares her mortgage anxiety as her paid maternity leave period comes to an end. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 30. Ethnicity: ...3 hours ago
- Labour’s Chris Hipkins takes aim at pay equity changes, government’s ‘austerity...
Labour's leader in a speech said the government's policies would lead to "decline", and hinted at sweeping tax changes under his leadership. ...3 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asher Kaufman, Professor of History and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman attend the G20 Summit in Japan in 2019. Eliot Blondet/AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump will sit down ...4 hours ago
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- ‘We’re testing for testing’s sake’ – new maths tests fail to make the ...
The government is "testing children to death" with the announcement of a new maths test for the youngest children, says the head of the Principals Federation. ...4 hours ago
- Union, government in mediation over working from home restrictions
The PSA said tightening up on working from home disproportionately affects women who make up 62 percent of for public sector staff. ...5 hours ago
- Health NZ aims to cut surgery waitlists by outsourcing to private hospitals, extending doctors’...
And it also plans to ask surgeons to work longer hours in a bid to cut the waitlist. ...5 hours ago
- ‘Confession pages’ an online challenge for Auckland schools
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- Act takes a victory lap as Waitangi Tribunal faces government review
The government says its review will help the tribunal navigate the coming decades. Critics say it’s an ideological attack in disguise, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A half-century check-up… The Waitangi Tribunal is undergoing its first-ever ...5 hours ago
- Working From Home Dispute In Mediation Today – Will Govt Support Women On This?
The PSA filed action with the Employment Relations Authority last December to stop the Government from restricting flexible workplace practices, which disproportionately impacts women who make up 62% of public service workers. ...5 hours ago - Social media restrictions will need to be policed by government – expert
The government should not rely on social media platforms to restrict use for under-16s on their systems, an information systems expert says. ...5 hours ago
- ‘Nothing further from the truth’ – pay equity shake-up not cutting pay for women, ...
Christoperh Luxon critics are "scaremongering", but Labour says the coalition is "gaslighting" half the population. ...7 hours ago
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Roadway art like Wellington’s rainbow crossing can be a cheap way to improve inner-city vibrancy and pedestrian safety. Windbag is The Spinoff’s Wellington issues column, written by Wellington editor Joel MacManus. Subscribe to the Windbag newsletter to receive columns early. Wellington’s rainbow crossing at Cuba Street and Dixon Street opened with pomp ...7 hours ago
- The Fold: Why are there suddenly two country music stations in New Zealand?
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- Nobody is cutting through government spin like the Act Party
Whether it’s pay equity or the Waitangi Tribunal review, the person most committed to combatting government PR is government minister David Seymour. Only 3.2% of The Spinoff’s readership supports us financially. We need to grow that to 4% this year to keep creating the work you love. Sign up to ...7 hours ago
- Council asks court to set aside ‘remarkable’ correspondence
A High Court case centred on the agricultural pollution of water is thrown a curveball involving ‘highly probative’ documents The post Council asks court to set aside ‘remarkable’ correspondence appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Auckland port sails past profit target, bright light for council firms
Port of Auckland is in a mini-boom financially but Auckland Council’s development and property arm is in a funk The post Auckland port sails past profit target, bright light for council firms appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 13 May
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 13 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Cabinet wipes 33 pay equity claims ahead of taking pay rise
In July, taxpayer funds will top up MPs’ pay by $669,100, despite the tight fiscal environment that’s led to some big Budget trade-offs The post Cabinet wipes 33 pay equity claims ahead of taking pay rise appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
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Comment: Habemus papam (“we have a Pope”). Along with the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, these Latin words informed the world that the Roman Catholic Church had elected a new pontiff: Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.The first words of the Pope’s inaugural address to the ...7 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Tuesday 13 May
The post Daily crossword, Tuesday 13 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- New German chancellor’s first week: from near-defeat to statecraft
Comment: Unable to secure immediate loyalty and popularity at home, Merz has sought to build authority abroad The post New German chancellor’s first week: from near-defeat to statecraft appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Smokefree 2025 goal all but up in smoke
More than 80,000 Kiwis must quit smoking before the end of the year to meet the goal of Smokefree 2025, which was launched 14 years ago.But Professor of Public Health Chris Bullen tells The Detail it is unlikely to happen – “I don’t believe so, sadly”.“The evidence suggests we are ...7 hours ago
- A ‘wonk’ waves goodbye
Outgoing Labour MP David Parker on the need for fairer taxation, the problem with identity politics, and social media’s ills The post A ‘wonk’ waves goodbye appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Early KiwiSaver withdrawals used more for financial hardship than first homes
Retirement savings pots are being accessed early to help people pay rent, debt arrears or for surgery The post Early KiwiSaver withdrawals used more for financial hardship than first homes appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Ockhams: oldest writer ever to make shortlist
At 92, CK Stead is the oldest writer to ever contest a prize at the national book awards – probably. I think so anyway. His collection In The Half Light of a Dying Day is shortlisted for the $10,000 poetry prize awarded tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 14) at the Ockham ...7 hours ago
- Kiwi travellers warned of US detention risk under Trump
New Zealanders heading to the United States could be detained, deported and banned from re-entering the country if they fall foul of entry conditions being strictly enforced by authorities, according to new advice issued by the Government.Officials have also warned that travellers’ electronic devices and other belongings could be inspected ...7 hours ago
- PSNA says broadcast ruling a warning to NZ news media to be wary of ‘Israeli propaganda’
Asia Pacific Report A decision by the Broadcasting Standards Authority to uphold a complaint against a 1News broadcast last November is a warning to news media, says the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. The authority ruled that a TVNZ news item on violence in Amsterdam in the Netherlands breached BSA rules. ...11 hours ago
- If you really want to close the US trade deficit, try boosting innovation in rural manufacturing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Distinguished Professor, Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics, & Interim Head, Department of Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology President Donald Trump has long been preoccupied by the trade deficit — the gap between what the U.S. sells to the ...12 hours ago
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