Maire Leadbeater “The Enemy Within”
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Date published: 4:13 pm, December 7th, 2024 - 6 comments
Categories: China, defence, FiveEyes, nuclear war, nuclear-free, Peace, Russia, us politics, war
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With extensive use of internal documents, Maire Leadbeater’s excellent exposition of the various iterations of the security intelligence services tells a story of constant make-work in search of an adversary defined only by ideology.
Are Lester Levy and Shane Reti “cooking the books?”
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Date published: 11:51 am, December 7th, 2024 - 8 comments
See for yourself.
Unacceptable
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Date published: 10:28 am, December 7th, 2024 - 8 comments
It appears that the Government’s intent to politicise youth offending by making an elite few dress up in army uniforms and march around in an effort to solve a lifetime of neglect is not working out so well.
Open mike 07/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 7th, 2024 - 24 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 06/12/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, December 6th, 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 …
Open mike 06/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 6th, 2024 - 24 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 05/12/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, December 5th, 2024 - 1 comment
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 …
Tax and the Splintering World
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Date published: 3:38 pm, December 5th, 2024 - 21 comments
The resurgence of the tax debate reflects impacts of neo-liberal economic policy and developments in the global economy over the last half century. As Labour considers further its approach to tax policy, this wider context should be considered
Creative accounting
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Date published: 10:23 am, December 5th, 2024 - 26 comments
It has emerged that Health NZ attempted to include hundreds of millions of dollars in redundancies and holiday pay remediation chargeable this year in last year’s Health accounts and this would have made the current deficit smaller but last year’s deficit larger.
Open mike 05/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 5th, 2024 - 30 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 …
AT is to be gutted
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Date published: 6:35 pm, December 4th, 2024 - 3 comments
The Government announced reform of AT, effectively conceding that the behemouth National created in 2010 was the wrong structure.
Daily review 04/12/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, December 4th, 2024 - 16 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 …
Luxon Takes A Beating
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Date published: 10:14 am, December 4th, 2024 - 19 comments
Five recent polls show that Kiwis are tired of the Coalition government, but will the trendline hold?
Open mike 04/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 4th, 2024 - 26 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 03/12/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, December 3rd, 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 03/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 3rd, 2024 - 62 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 02/12/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, December 2nd, 2024 - 9 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 …
Electric Shock
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Date published: 8:43 am, December 2nd, 2024 - 29 comments
New Zealand is one of the slowest countries in the developed world to transition from combustion to electric vehicles. The shocks we are seeing in Europe to car makers and car buyers herald more trouble ahead.
Open mike 02/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 2nd, 2024 - 24 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 …
Hipkins’ Conference speech
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Date published: 4:35 pm, December 1st, 2024 - 31 comments
Text of Chris Hipkins’ speech to the 2024 Labour Party Conference.
Open mike 01/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 1st, 2024 - 42 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 …
Curia exited RANZ because Family First are unbalanced
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Date published: 4:49 pm, November 30th, 2024 - 6 comments
David Farrar’s company Curia abruptly exited the Research Association of New Zealand (RANZ) in August. It was triggered by a complaint about the fairness of the wording of a question in a April poll. This was a really bad poll, and this question a particularly egregious breach of any fairness. The question was paid for by Family Fi(r)st.
Reti secretly wants to privatise Health
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Date published: 8:20 am, November 30th, 2024 - 20 comments
Shane Reti has said publicly that privatising health is not his overt policy. Which suggests strongly that it is his covert policy, especially given that he wants to increase the relationship with and outsourcing to private operators.
Open mike 30/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 30th, 2024 - 63 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 …
Caption contest
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Date published: 6:34 pm, November 29th, 2024 - 31 comments
Keep it seemly.
Daily review 29/11/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 29th, 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 Australian under 16 social media ban
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Date published: 9:22 am, November 29th, 2024 - 23 comments
what did the Australians just do?
Open mike 29/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 29th, 2024 - 66 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 …
Economy Nose Dives
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Date published: 6:42 pm, November 28th, 2024 - 24 comments
The economy is tanking and Treasury has downgraded the forecasts again after “the government inherited finances in better shape than expected” in January. So who is Nicola Willis blaming, and Winston Peters too?
Daily review 28/11/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 28th, 2024 - 29 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 …
It’s almost like we shouldn’t leave the climate crisis to the market
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Date published: 6:10 am, November 28th, 2024 - 60 comments
The collapse of SolarZero is a massive red flag.
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- Hearing Ourselves Think.
No Longer Silent: The one sound loud enough to be heard above the efforts of even the most determined makers of political noise, is the sound of the long-suffering majority making up its mind. Emeritus Professor Nigel Biggar addresses the Free Speech Union AGM held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre on ...1 week ago
- Privatisation Kills So Why is Reti, Luxon and Lester Levy Speeding Towards It Like A Rocket Ship?
In 2022, Lancet Medical Journal issued the findings of a long term longitudinal study on the effects of increased outsourcing of health to the private sector i.e. privatisation.Examining the outcomes from between 2013-2020, it conclusively found:The privatisation of the NHS in England, through the outsourcing of services to for-profit companies, ...1 week ago - 2024 Reading Summary: November (+ Writing Update)
Completed reads for November: Clarimonde, by Théophile Gautier The Mummy’s Foot, by Théophile Gautier One of Cleopatra’s Nights, by Théophile Gautier Arria Marcella, by Théophile Gautier Omphale: A Rococo Story, by Théophile Gautier King Candaules, by Théophile Gautier Lot No. 249, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Captain of ...1 week ago
- Translation #20 of The Debunking Handbook 2020 published!
In November 2011, we published the first version of The Debunking Handbook. As the update notice on that page already shows, more research has come in since then and the time had finally come for a complete overhaul of this very popular handbook (it still gets downloaded a couple of thousand ...1 week ago
- Release: Boot camps must be shut down today
The Prime Minister has committed to shut down his government’s boot camps if there is evidence of harm to children – so he must do that today. ...1 day ago - Greens echo OECD call for electricity market reform
The Green Party has welcomed the OECD urging the Government to re-examine separating ‘gentailers’ to make a fairer electricity market for New Zealanders. ...1 day ago - Release: Govt breaks Auckland housing promise
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed National has broken yet another election promise. ...2 days ago
- Government smokescreen to downgrade climate ambition
Today the ACT-National Coalition Agreement pet project’s findings on “no additional warming” were released. ...3 days ago
- Release: Health NZ admits errors led to claimed deficit
Health New Zealand has exaggerated its deficit to justify job cuts. ...3 days ago
- Release: More cuts to research, science and innovation sector
The Government’s latest round of cuts to research and innovation targets the long-established and successful Marsden Fund. ...3 days ago
- Govt guts funding for social sciences and humanities
The Government’s decision to axe all Humanities and Social Science research funding through the Marsden Fund is a massive step backwards. ...3 days ago
- You can’t bank on pine trees in a climate crisis
Today’s Government announcement to limit farm forestry conversions tinkers around the edges, instead of focusing on the real problem and stopping pollution at the source. ...3 days ago
- Release: Nicola Willis being sneaky with new taxes
Nicola Willis is refusing to rule out putting sneaky new taxes on Kiwi households. ...4 days ago
- Release: Govt benefit target even further out of reach
Christopher Luxon has once again failed to read the room and claimed success while life gets harder for everyday Kiwis. ...5 days ago
- Govt continues to punch down
The Government’s new initiative to get people off the benefit won’t address the core drivers of poverty such as low incomes, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of employment opportunities. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour urges ACC to pull investments in Israel’s illegal settlements
Labour is urging ACC to divest from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in the building and maintenance of Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...5 days ago
- Release: Further evidence to stop school lunch cuts
A new report provides further proof that David Seymour should not be messing with the free school lunch programme. ...5 days ago
- Jamie Arbuckle: Inquiry into Banking Competition
This week was the start of the bank inquiry hearings into banking competition. The inquiry was confirmed in the NZ First/National Coalition agreement. 140 submissions were received on the inquiry, and we will hear from over 60 submitters including all the major banks. ANZ, New Zealand's largest bank, was first ...5 days ago - Casey Costello: What Once Was…
Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...5 days ago
- Casey Costello: International Day of Older Persons
Throughout New Zealand it is difficult to think of a sports club, charity, church group, festival, foundation, or service organisation that does not owe its existence, effectiveness, or success to the contribution of older New Zealanders. October 1st is International Day of Older Persons so please take a moment to consider ...5 days ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...5 days ago
- Tanya Unkovich: It’s time to start the debate on palliative care as a ‘right’
There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...5 days ago
- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...5 days ago
- Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS
New Zealand will not sign up to the nuclear-powered pillar one, or the pillar two of AUKUS under a Labour Government. ...6 days ago
- Release: Labour will build Dunedin Hospital
Labour will build Dunedin Hospital as it was committed to prior to election 2023. ...6 days ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech to Labour Party Conference 2024
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira ma Tena koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa ...6 days ago
- Luxon Folds on ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, is calling Luxon’s leadership a joke after it was revealed this morning on Q+A that ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill was not a bottom line. "New Zealand officially has a laughing-stock Prime Minister whose leadership folded as he trades away the rights of tangata whenua ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister shirks responsibility on global climate commitment
In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. ...6 days ago
- Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Government’s latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...1 week ago
- COURT OF APPEAL RULING: SFO METHODS “OVERREACH, UNLAWFUL, OPPRESSIVE”
Today the Court of Appeal has found the Serious Fraud Office has been acting indiscriminately and unlawfully throughout an eight year long investigation. The SFO has shown their incompetence and arrogance and shown to be abusing their authority to conduct its own overreaching and unlawful fishing expeditions. The Court of Appeal said the SFO has relied on its misuse of compulsory interview ...1 week ago
- Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...1 week ago
- Waititi Orders Police Withdraw from Matapihi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki is demanding that the Police Minister immediately remove the heavy Police presence in the Matapihi community, as hundreds of officers saturate the Western Bay of Plenty area. “Minister Mitchell must intervene immediately and order the removal of the armed Police presence in ...1 week ago
- Release: Opposition parties unite on way forward to protect ECE
Early childhood education needs to be treated as a public good, say Labour, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori in their newly released report of findings from public hearings they held into the Government’s ECE Regulatory Review. ...1 week ago
- Government’s First Year a ‘Catastrophe for Māori’
Te Pāti Māori is calling the Government’s first year a catastrophe for Māori, following a year of policies that have done nothing but marginalise tangata-whenua. Today marks one year since the coalition was sworn into power. “This year has been an absolute catastrophe for Māori. This Government has fast-tracked us back ...1 week ago
- Release: 1500 Te Whatu Ora cuts will hurt New Zealanders’ health
Massive cuts across Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora demonstrate National’s willingness to risk the health of New Zealanders. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government to make public transport more expensive… again
The Government’s decision to push for significant fare increases on buses and trains over the next few years is a huge blow to communities across the country. ...1 week ago
- Release: National has given up on climate action
Climate action is missing from the list of things National is patting themselves on the back for one year on from becoming government. ...1 week ago
- Public transport fare hikes a disaster
The Government’s directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for communities across the country. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Minister leaves Community Housing Providers out in the cold
Housing Minister Chris Bishop’s speech to Community Housing Providers today should have been titled ‘we want you to build houses, but we refuse to spend money so you’re on your own’. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party appalled by woeful Government offer to school support staff
Support staff across Aotearoa have been dealt yet another devastating blow with the release of the latest collective agreement offer from the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins sad to hear about Nikki Kaye
"The news today that Nikki Kaye has passed away after her long battle with cancer is incredibly sad," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government should be transparent on live exports
Targeted consultation on reinstating live cattle exports by sea won’t allow the New Zealand public to have their say. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ’s global climate rankings plummet as Govt removes agriculture from ETS
The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoa’s reputation on climate action plummets. ...2 weeks ago
- Failed boot camp experiment must end
As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi. ...2 weeks ago
- New members appointed to EECA Board
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) Board.John Carnegie and Vijay Goel have both been appointed as members for three-year terms which will begin on 6 January 2025 and end on 5 January 2028.“As Minister for Energy, my goal ...1 day ago - JOINT STATEMENT ON AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND FOREIGN AND DEFENCE MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS (ANZMIN) DECE...
1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters MP and Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC MP hosted Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong on 6 December in ...1 day ago
- Swift avian influenza response in Otago on track
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says good progress is being made in the response to the detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, but there is more work to do. “Rigorous testing and monitoring continue to show no confirmed signs of the disease in chicken farms outside of Mainland ...1 day ago
- Funding for Hawke’s Bay water security project
Up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been allocated for pre-construction development of the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke’s Bay, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The grant for the project, which is being co-funded by the Tukituki Water Security Project, is limited to work to ...2 days ago
- Waimārama ban on taking pāua to continue
A two-year temporary closure banning the take of pāua from Waimārama south of Hastings will support efforts by local iwi to rebuild pāua stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The closure includes Waimārama Beach and Ocean Beach, two beaches popular with holidaymakers and recreational fishers. Ngāi Hapū o ...2 days ago
- Government to partner with private sector to plant trees on low value Crown land
Ministers responsible for Climate Change, Forestry, Conservation and Land Information today announced that Cabinet has agreed to explore public-private partnerships to plant trees on Crown land, supporting New Zealand’s climate change targets and creating more jobs. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says that nature-based solutions is a key part to ...2 days ago
- International data confirms maths transformation
New international data validates the Government’s plan to transform maths education in New Zealand, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the longest-running, large-scale international assessment of mathematics and science and takes place every four years. While 2023 results show an improved ...2 days ago
- Government partners to boost rural productivity in Hawke’s Bay
The Government is partnering with Hawke’s Bay farmers and the Regional Council to improve farm productivity and build resilience against adverse weather events, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay announced today at a ceremony in Hawke’s Bay. “The Government is co-investing $995,000 to grow the Land for Life (LFL) pilot programme ...2 days ago
- Peters visit to New Caledonia concludes
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed his visit to New Caledonia, New Zealand’s closest neighbour. “Over the last few days, we have listened to and learned from a wide range of people in New Caledonia - so that we can better understand the acute challenges it faces,” Mr Peters says. ...2 days ago
- More charter schools to open Term 1 2025 announced
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Christchurch North College, The BUSY School, Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao, Ecole Francaise Internationale Auckland and North West Creative Arts College will open in term one 2025 as charter schools. “This announcement is another significant step in the Government’s efforts to ...2 days ago
- New chair appointed to Heritage New Zealand
Dame Jo Brosnahan DNZM QSO has been appointed chair of the Heritage New Zealand Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Dame Jo has extensive governance and business experience which has been recognised in various Honours, notably in 2023 when she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order ...2 days ago
- Survey results to drive change for tourism and hospitality workforce
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the data released today about the hospitality and tourism workforce. “Two of my key priorities include supporting the people who make up the tourism and hospitality workforce and growing the value of international tourism. In order to grow New Zealand’s international tourism ...3 days ago
- Upgrading substations to improve reliability for Wellington metro rail
Wellington commuters will benefit from a $137.2 million funding boost that will deliver long overdue upgrades to substations on the city’s metro rail network and improve the reliability of services, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Our Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that reduces congestion, boosts productivity to support economic growth, ...3 days ago
- Record $434 million in community grants from Lotto NZ
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says Lotto NZ has granted $434 million to the community in the past financial year, an increase of 15 percent from the previous year. “It’s fantastic to see an increase in funding going to important community projects, providing opportunities for New Zealanders to ...3 days ago
- Major review of competition to lift productivity
The Government has launched an ambitious review of New Zealand’s competition rules to combat monopolies and improve economic productivity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Improving competition is one of the most important ways to boost productivity and lift living standards,” Mr Bayly says. “When competition is working ...3 days ago
- NZ-Australia Ministers to discuss foreign policy, defence
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins will host the second Australia and New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ANZMIN) in Auckland tomorrow. “The ANZMIN is an important trans-Tasman forum for strengthening our alliance relationship and developing shared approaches to foreign policy, security, and ...3 days ago
- Funding boost to strengthen Maritime’s rescue team
The Government has approved funding to increase staffing at Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre, ensuring a critical boost in its search and rescue operations, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say.“Our Government is delivering an annual funding boost to New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre to ...3 days ago
- Government releases independent scientific review on biogenic methane science and targets
The Government will carefully consider the findings of the independent review on New Zealand’s biogenic methane science and targets, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, and Associate Ministers of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard, and Mark Patterson have announced today. The panel of highly regarded, New Zealand ...3 days ago
- New courthouses for Whanganui and Papakura
The Government has agreed to fund new courthouses for both Whanganui and Papakura to help improve access to justice and court timeliness, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Minister Nicole McKee say. “In both cases the current buildings are not fit for purpose and need to be replaced. Staying put ...3 days ago
- Positive progress for the NZ ETS
The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) auction today has resulted in a partial clearance, showing work to restore credibility in the market is working, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Today’s auction result shows the market is moving in the right direction to restore credibility in the NZ ...3 days ago
- Catalyst Fund updated for global impact
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins today announced an updated plan for the Catalyst Fund to be laser focused on clear outcomes and priority research areas. “We are taking a more strategic approach to science funding across the board, as we seek to deliver greater economic impact for ...3 days ago
- Marsden Fund refocused for science with a purpose
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins today announced the Government has updated the Marsden Fund to focus on core scientific research that helps lift our economic growth and contributes to science with a purpose. “The Government has been clear in its mandate to rebuild our economy. We are ...3 days ago
- Speech to Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and members
Removing rewards for poor employee behaviour Good afternoon everyone, and thank you Malcolm for that lovely introduction. It’s wonderful to be here today at MJH Engineering. Thank you to the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and MJH Engineering for inviting me to speak and share some exciting announcements with you ...3 days ago
- Govt delivers Māori Education Action Plan
The Government has released its Māori Education Action Plan which sets out its approach to deliver better outcomes in the classroom for Māori students, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “25 per cent of learners within our schooling system are Māori. While many achieve excellent results, on average Māori experience worse ...3 days ago
- Removing rewards for poor employee behaviour
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says it is important employees are not rewarded in the personal grievance system for poor behaviour or performance and is introducing changes to personal grievances to strengthen employee accountability. “Simplifying personal grievances is a policy ACT campaigned on, in particular, removing the ...3 days ago
- Protecting NZ food production and ETS credibility
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts have today announced clear rules to limit farm to forestry conversions entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). “These changes deliver on a key election commitment to protect food production for farmers while providing ETS certainty for foresters,” Mr ...3 days ago
- Fuel companies required to store more jet fuel
New rules will be introduced that require fuel companies to hold at least 10 days of jet fuel near the country’s busiest airport to provide resilience against supply disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “For more than seven years fuel companies have held jet fuel supplies at lower than ...4 days ago
- Strong growth in international student enrolments
New Zealand’s international education sector is rebounding strongly, up 24 per cent year-on-year and 6 per cent above 2023 totals, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. “With 73,535 enrolments between January to August 2024, more enrolments have been achieved in just two terms this year than we saw ...4 days ago
- Speech to Early Childhood Education sector– Reducing red tape and barriers to ECE
When I was delegated responsibility for the ECE Sector from the Minister for Education it became immediately clear that my focus had to be on reducing red tape and regulatory obstacles for the early learning sector. While there is huge demand for ECEs from families across New Zealand, numbers show ...4 days ago
- Democracy restored to transport in Auckland
The Government is restoring democratic accountability to transport decision-making in Auckland, ensuring voters can hold their elected representatives responsible for the city's transport policies, Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say."Aucklanders have become increasingly frustrated with how transport decisions are made and how little their ...4 days ago
- Health NZ makes progress on financial recovery
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand is making encouraging progress recovering from a financial shambles left behind by the previous government. “Health NZ reported today that its revised budget for 2024/25 is a $1.1 billion deficit,” Dr Reti says. “That’s significantly lower than the $1.76 billion deficit they ...4 days ago
- Wait times for veterans improve
Additional funding in Budget 2024 has reduced the waiting list of veterans seeking medical and rehabilitation support, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. “When we were elected a year ago, the Government made a commitment to improve New Zealand’s public services. As Veterans Minister this means improving access for veterans to ...4 days ago
- 30 per cent growth in international visitor spend
The latest International Visitor Survey shows that New Zealand continues to bounce back and the economy is benefiting from the shifting trends in international visitation, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. International Visitor Survey results for the year ending September 2024 released today show a promising increase of 30 ...4 days ago
- New data shows fewer victims of violent crime
New data shows an encouraging reduction in the number of victims of violent crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 14,000 fewer victims of crime nationwide over the 12 months to August 2024, than there were over the 12 months ...5 days ago
- Government open for business on market-led infrastructure proposals
The Government has released new guidelines for market-led proposals to clarify how market participants can contribute innovative ideas for solving New Zealand’s infrastructure problems, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. A market-led approach is where a private sector player wishes to deal directly with Government with ...5 days ago
- Speech to Stuff Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...5 days ago
- Speech to The Post Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...5 days ago
- Targets data positive but action needed on welfare
The second quarterly update on the nine Government targets shows a range of areas moving in the right direction but underlines the need for robust measures to get people off welfare and into work, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “The Government’s ambitious targets put Kiwis first by driving outcomes that ...5 days ago
- More support to help people on benefit into work
Up to 70,000 job seekers are to receive a new, more comprehensive needs assessment of the challenges holding them back from finding work and a personalised job plan to help overcome them. “Individual Job Plans are a significant step forward in the Government’s efforts to provide welfare that works for ...5 days ago
- New Funding and Financing Framework released
Cabinet has agreed to an ambitious new Funding and Financing Framework to help the Crown make smarter and more informed funding and financing decisions, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “Improving the way we fund and finance infrastructure will help drive better value for money from public investment, make public investment ...5 days ago
- Alumni group slams USP’s failure to release council meeting outcomes
RNZ Pacific A group of concerned alumni of the University of the South Pacific has called the regional institution’s delay in releasing the outcomes of the 98th USP Council meeting held in Rarotonga late last month “totally unacceptable”. The group released a statement on Thursday, stating that the regional university’s ...4 hours ago - ‘Forged in fire’: Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick on the Greens’ challenging year
One MP was arrested, another passed away, and a third was diagnosed with cancer - but through it all, "we've really stuck by our values", co-leader says. ...17 hours ago - The Weekend: Seriously, you need to wear sunscreen
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. It is officially summer. And it is officially hot. Typically, I love the first few days of summer, when the chill in the wind turns into a pleasant breeze. But there’s been a sad and necessary evolution in my feelings about long ...18 hours ago - Short story: Annie, My Anne, by Barbara Else
It’s the summer evening she remembers, not the overloaded wharf and rushed goodbye, her aching throat. No – it’s months before the troop ship left, the dunes, the tiny island far beyond each wave, the sandy startled child who toppled over them, the way they laughed, Jack saying Annie, my ...18 hours ago - Amid doubt and uncertainty, democracy slips
Opinion: We often think of democracy as, at the very least, a one vote per person system where we collectively choose our leaders. This is fundamental, but many modern democracies also have a range of checks and balances, limit government power and ensure civil rights to protect a democracy from ...18 hours ago
- Christmas red flags for online shoppers
New research by Avast Malware identifies nearly 80,000 counterfeit websites posing as genuine retailers that are targeting New Zealand shoppers of well-known brands like Pandora, Zara, Swatch and H&M.Netsafe’s chief online safety officer Sean Lyons says these sites are set up with one purpose – to make people part with ...18 hours ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Xmas office parties
Christopher LuxonFun times at National’s Xmas office party last night.I sidled up to one of the ministers at the nibbles table. He was hoeing into the sausage rolls. “The rest of the cabinet are absolutely useless,” I said. “If they were working in the private sector, I’d send them down ...18 hours ago
- Review: A decolonial trip through femininity in Ngahuia Murphy’s Intuitive Ritual
‘The perfect sleeper decolonisation tool’: Lyric Waiwiri-Smith reviews Ngahuia Murphy’s stunning pink book, Intuitive Ritual. My fingernail clippings are buried in the garden outside my flatmate’s window. Cut on takirau, the eighteenth moon of the maramataka, the clippings of keratin are submerged under the Earth next to a kūmara, banana, ...18 hours ago
- ‘Damn near knocked me out’: Scotty Stevenson’s biggest live TV headache
The TVNZ sports commentator and writer looks back on his life in TV. When The Spinoff reaches Scotty Stevenson he’s in a reflective mood, caught in between calling an intriguing test cricket series, and a second round of deep staffing cuts at TVNZ. Asked how he’s going, and he immediately ...19 hours ago
- ‘Māori Bass should be its own genre’: Mokotron’s perfect weekend playlist
Ngāti Hine historian and producer Mokotron shares his perfect weekend playlist. Producer Mokotron might be feasting on the treats from Indian Sweets and Snacks on Dominion Road. He’s eyeing up the paneer, idli and kahori for the weekend, which he’ll pair with “mowing the lawns, taking bubba to ride her ...19 hours ago
- What I ate while I grieved
Remembering what makes the food of mourning taste a little sweeter. My husband Bill died unexpectedly one afternoon. He’d been unwell for a while but there was no suggestion that he would be gone so suddenly. It was a shattering day. Our two sons and I spent time with him ...19 hours ago
- Booze, brawls, batons and blood: The Queen Street riot, 40 years on
On December 7, 1984, more than 10,000 peopled piled into downtown Auckland for a free concert in Aotea Square. A few hours later, Queen Street had descended into chaos. What happened? Gabi Lardies asks people who were there. With special thanks to Bryan Staff and Bruce Jarvis for use of ...19 hours ago
- Israeli extremism has a new best friend in the White House
COMMENTARY: By Antony Loewenstein The incoming Trump administration will bring a dangerous brew of Christian nationalism and anti-Palestinian racism Things can always get worse. Much worse. The Biden/Harris administration has bank-rolled and funded Israel’s mass slaughter in Gaza, the sight of the highest number of child amputees per capita in ...22 hours ago
- Palau’s president invites Trump to visit Pacific to see climate crisis impacts
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/Bulletin editor Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr is inviting US President-elect Donald Trump to “visit the Pacific” to see firsthand the impacts of the climate crisis. Palau is set to host the largest annual Pacific leaders meeting in 2026, and the country’s leader Whipps told ...1 day ago
- Winston Peters signals progress on India trade deal negotiations
"I think there's a chance that we will be announcing the beginning of negotiations on that [trade deal] matter," Peters says. ...1 day ago
- Rates of youth radicalisation are climbing in Australia and abroad. Here’s what to look out for
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Greg Barton, Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University Shutterstock When the police and intelligence agencies of the five nations of the Five Eyes intelligence community come together and release a report, it’s a ...1 day ago
- After 65,000 years caring for this land, First Nations peoples are now key to Australia’s clean en...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Australia is on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation transformation, as our energy systems shift to clean, renewable forms of power. First Nations peoples, the ...1 day ago
- Cuts To Humanities And Social Sciences Research Will Impact Māori Most
Humanities and social sciences are foundational to advancing and nurturing the next generation of Māori scholars. Without this funding avenue, the future for them looks pretty grim. ...1 day ago - ‘Unacceptable’: Children’s Minister not told about second boot camp youth absconde...
Two teenagers on the run from the coalition's boot camp programme is not a reason to end it, the Children's Minister says. ...1 day ago
- Greens accused of spreading ‘misinformation’ over teen’s bootcamp death
"This tragic accident is bigger than politics and Tamatha Paul should be ashamed of herself", Children's Minister Karen Chhour said. ...1 day ago
- Is a massive dam in Hawke’s Bay viable? Govt gives $3m grant to find out
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the perilous state of water security and resilience in Hawke's Bay can no longer be ignored. ...1 day ago
- Land of opportunity or bicultural nation? Twin visions of national identity face off over the Treaty...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images The controversial Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill is being presented by its architect, ACT Party leader David Seymour, primarily as a matter of lawmaking – a clarification ...1 day ago
- Climate Commission Methane Advice A Chance To Pull Climate Emergency Brake: Greenpeace
The intensive dairy industry, led by Fonterra, is NZ’s worst climate polluter, belching out vast amounts of superheating methane gas, Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says. ...1 day ago
- Some people say they have a high pain threshold. Here’s why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Pate, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney Mart Production/Pexels We’ve all heard someone claim they have a “high pain threshold” as if it’s a mark of strength or resilience. But does science support the idea that some people ...1 day ago
- Review: Double Whammy’s first all-ages gig proves punk is for the children
Former underage gig-goers turned average-age music lovers Gabi Lardies and Lyric Waiwiri-Smith review Double Whammy’s first all-ages gig, featuring Dartz, Dune Rats and Groopchat. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith: Gabi, do you remember your first all-ages gig? I was 15 and watched Miss June tear up the grimy little stage at the Old ...1 day ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Lamium purpureum’ by Joel LeBlanc
A new poem by Joel LeBlanc. Lamium purpureum I found an old notebook containing research for an article I wrote nine years ago on Deadnettles. On impulse, I googled it. The words of my younger self echoed through years, bold and clear and sure of himself, lecturing me on anti-inflammatory ...1 day ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending December 6
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Tiahuia: A Karanga for My Mother by Merenia Gray (Huia Publishers, $45) Striking cover! Here’s the ...1 day ago
- Why is soccer fandom so linked to violence?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, UNSW Sydney Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock Soccer’s global allure is unmatched, yet its history is shadowed by tragedies. At a recent soccer match in Nzérékoré, Guinea, a controversial refereeing decision led to unrest, ...1 day ago
- Plans to stabilise Earth’s climate rely on emerging carbon removal technology – we need to get m...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Lenton, Director CarbonLock, Environment, CSIRO CSIRO, CC BY Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels continue to rise and 2024 is likely to be the world’s hottest year on record. It’s becoming increasingly clear that limiting global warming to 1.5°C ...1 day ago
- Funding research for economic return sounds good – but that’s not how science really works
The announcement that half of New Zealand's sole fund for fundamental science won't cover social sciences and the humanities came as a shock to many, writes Nicola Gaston. ...1 day ago
- Watch: Second boot camp youth goes missing
One of the 10 participants escaped from a tangi they were allowed to attend, and now it's been revealed a second left a day later. A third was killed in a car crash. ...1 day ago
- Our favourite Christmas movies and where to watch them
Looking for a festive film to watch this Christmas? We’ve got you covered. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. Breaking news: it’s officially December, and Christmas is only 19 sleeps away. Down here in Ōtepoti Dunedin it’s staying light until 10pm, and ...1 day ago
- Watch: Winston Peters, Penny Wong, Judith Collins, Richard Marles meet in Auckland
New Zealand this week is hosting the second Australia-NZ Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN). ...1 day ago
- Second government boot camp trial youth missing
One of the 10 participants escaped from a tangi they were allowed to attend, and now it's been revealed a second left a day later. A third was killed in a car crash. ...2 days ago
- How Jeton Anjain planned the Rongelap evacuation – new Rainbow Warrior podcast series
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – REVIEW: By Giff Johnson in Majuro As a prelude to the 40th anniversary of the evacuation of Rongelap Islanders to Mejatto Island in Kwajalein in 1985, Radio New Zealand and ABC Radio Australia have produced a six-part podcast series that ...2 days ago
- Keith Rankin Analysis – Israel, Syria, and the Map of the ‘Millennium’
Keith Rankin Analysis. Keith Rankin, trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand. I recently read the Auckland Library copy of the 1986 book Prophecy and politics: militant evangelists on the road to nuclear war, by Grace Halsell (1923-2000). ...2 days ago
- Second young person flees from boot camp trial
One of the 10 participants escaped from a tangi they were allowed to attend, and now it's been revealed a second left a day later. A third was killed in a car crash. ...2 days ago
- A reminder about your Spotify Wrapped
There are better ways to support the artists whose music got you through 2024. It’s that time again, when Instagram stories are clogged to high heavens with people sharing their Spotify Wrapped, a collection of data points outlining their listening habits for the year. These include top artists, most played ...2 days ago
- Funding research for economic return sounds good – but that’s not how science really works
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Gaston, Co-Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images The announcement by Science Minister Judith Collins this week that half of New Zealand’s sole fund for fundamental science will now ...2 days ago
- How pop-up warnings and chatbots can be used to disrupt online child sex abusers
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Price, Research Fellow | Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit, University of the Sunshine Coast Sander van der Werf/Shutterstock The scale of online child sexual abuse is immense: estimates suggest there are more than 300 million child victims of ...2 days ago
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