Why vaccine mandates are needed
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Date published: 9:07 am, October 27th, 2021 - 141 comments
Categories: covid-19, Economy, health, jacinda ardern, Judith Collins, workers' rights
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The Government has announced vaccine mandates for some publicly facing businesses designed to help minimise the spread of a virus that has killed millions of people world wide.
Greenpeace: More trains, less planes, mobility for all
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Date published: 6:10 am, October 28th, 2021 - 1 comment
Greenpeace International calls on Europe to shift from airflight to train travel. What would the New Zealand version look like?
Open mike 28/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 28th, 2021 - No comments
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Daily review 27/10/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 27th, 2021 - 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 …
Open mike 27/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 27th, 2021 - 120 comments
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Daily review 26/10/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 26th, 2021 - 48 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 26/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 26th, 2021 - 184 comments
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Happy Labour Day
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Date published: 9:48 am, October 25th, 2021 - 14 comments
Happy Labour day everyone, particularly essential workers including health workers who have to work today.
In December 2022 We Will Be …
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Date published: 8:00 am, October 25th, 2021 - 15 comments
A year ago we were preparing for the America’s Cup and threading our way through the latest crisis quite well. What will we be planning next year?
Open mike 25/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 25th, 2021 - 38 comments
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Get a haircut and get a real job
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Date published: 5:19 pm, October 24th, 2021 - 63 comments
While our eyes are peeled on the 90% vaccination target, the ground under our feet is shifting.
Won’t someone think of the business owners?
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Date published: 12:04 pm, October 24th, 2021 - 174 comments
This week Judith Collins was reported to be close to tears. But not about the possibility of a significant number of deaths but by the prospect of business closures.
Open mike 24/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 24th, 2021 - 161 comments
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Open mike 23/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 23rd, 2021 - 162 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 …
Mad Tuesday
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Date published: 7:58 pm, October 22nd, 2021 - 15 comments
NZ Government is jumping at the deep end by re-opening schools on Tuesday.
Daily review 22/10/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 22nd, 2021 - 13 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 …
Friday will change Us As Citizens
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Date published: 8:04 am, October 22nd, 2021 - 210 comments
While we may have been lifted out of martial lockdowns and some rights have been reinstated in limited form, we have surrendered to another more pervasive power. The power of big data.
Open mike 22/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 22nd, 2021 - 158 comments
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Daily review 21/10/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 21st, 2021 - 24 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’s plan – open and be damned
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Date published: 9:43 am, October 21st, 2021 - 71 comments
Yesterday National released what feels like take 16 of its Covid response plan, this one focussing on business interests and setting a hard timeline for reopening. But getting significant details wrong and rehashing failed policies previously tried in England has dampened its effect.
Open mike 21/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 21st, 2021 - 77 comments
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Daily review 20/10/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 20th, 2021 - 14 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 …
Covid and kindness
Written By:
Date published: 10:16 am, October 20th, 2021 - 127 comments
The vaccine is a bloody useful tool, not a panacea. This is a long crisis that requires us to pay heed the bigger picture.
Get Ugly
Written By:
Date published: 9:20 am, October 20th, 2021 - 94 comments
Kindness will not get the country to meet its Covid vaccination goals. It is time to change the tone.
Open mike 20/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 20th, 2021 - 114 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 19/10/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 19th, 2021 - 23 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 19/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 19th, 2021 - 379 comments
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Daily review 18/10/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, October 18th, 2021 - 107 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 …
Slater smears again
Written By:
Date published: 8:33 am, October 18th, 2021 - 104 comments
The Herald’s publication of an attack on Ardern by a wedding venue owner appears to have been sourced from Cameron Slater and brings into stark relief the Herald’s twin business model of funding serious journalism by both subscriptions and the use of click bait.
Open mike 18/10/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, October 18th, 2021 - 202 comments
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New misogyny same as the old misogyny
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Date published: 12:38 pm, October 17th, 2021 - 140 comments
At the largest feminist conference in Europe, with a major focus on male violence against women, gender identity activists chose to protest with sexualised violent language and imagery.
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As noted previously, my weekly DND campaign with Annalax and Gertrude has been put on ice. I expect it to return eventually, but for now it is very much on hiatus. The remainder of the group have decided to run an entirely new campaign in the meantime. This ...2 weeks ago- Super Saturday recap: Patrick Gower doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do
It was Aotearoa’s first national day of action in over ten years, the first since 2010, when Prime Minister John Key tried to inspire us to clean up our nation’s berms. It didn’t work. Today, New Zealand’s berms are worse than ever. But history is not destiny, and other cliches. ...2 weeks ago- COVID-19 Worried about getting your vaccine or want a simple explanation?
Worried about getting your vaccine? Let me tell you a secret. No-one likes getting a vaccine. People do it because they know they’re better off to. Let me tell you another secret, a weird one: the vaccine doesn’t really “do” anything. Confusing? Let me explain… Vaccines are a face at ...2 weeks ago- Delta puts workers’ power under the spotlight
by Don Franks Foremost fighting the Delta virus are workers, especially in health, distribution, service and education sectors. Unionised members of these groups are centrally represented by the New Zealand Council of trade unions ( NZCTU). Political journalist Richard Harman recently noted:“Businesses are caught in a legal tangle if they ...2 weeks ago - Kids’ quality of life will depend on today’s climate choices
- Green advocacy tilts balance in favour of small businesses
The Green Party’s amendment to the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Bill has been adopted by the Government today. ...13 hours ago - Guaranteeing safe and affordable water for all New Zealanders
Everyone should be able to get safe drinking water from their tap, and swim at their local beach without worrying about contaminated water. We’re taking action to make this a reality for all New Zealanders. ...14 hours ago - Press pause on Three Waters reformsThe Green Party says the Government should hit the pause button on its three waters reform so it can fully address the concerns that have been raised by communities and councils all over the country. ...16 hours ago
- Sector calls for major changes to ACC operationsThe Green Party has written to the new chair of the board of ACC, with 27 organisations and individuals, calling for major internal changes to the way ACC operates. ...17 hours ago
- Boosting support for hard-hit businessesOur response to COVID-19 over the past 20 months means we’re in a stronger position than many other countries, but we know it’s been tough for businesses – especially those in Auckland. That’s why we’re boosting support for businesses affected by COVID restrictions as we move into the new COVID ...2 days ago
- Funding to test drugs at festivals a lifesaverNew funding for drug-checking services at festivals is a Green Party win that will save lives. However the Government needs to go further, faster and expand these lifesaving services. ...5 days ago
- Green Party sets out more equitable approach to COVID-19 responseThe Green Party has warned that the Labour’s plan to move to a new COVID-19 response strategy is rushed and risky, and will leave some people at risk. Meanwhile, the Greens have a safer, more appropriate approach that won’t leave anyone behind. ...6 days ago
- Transform arms export regime to strengthen human rights protectionsThe Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is calling on the Government to urgently introduce legislation to better regulate the export of military products and technology that could be used to breach human rights in other countries. ...7 days ago
- Make it a shore thing – Bird of the Year 2021The Green Party is calling on people to go dotty for dotterel and vote for the New Zealand Dotterel/Tūturiwhatu as Bird of the Year 2021. ...1 week ago
- National’s irresponsible COVID plan will cost livesThe National Party’s plan to remove all COVID restrictions on 1 December, regardless of whether or not people are vaccinated, would cost lives, the Green Party says. ...1 week ago
- New research reinforces urgency to end conversion practicesNew research from the University of Waikato showing a link between conversion practices and negative mental health for trans and non-binary people reinforces the urgent need to pass the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill. ...1 week ago
- Te Mātāwaka: Greens call for the Government to listen to Māori health expertsTe Mātāwaka caucus support the call from iwi leaders, and Māori providers for a COVID-19 vaccination rate of 95 percent for Māori, Pasifika and other marginalised communities before further lifting COVID-19 restrictions. ...1 week ago
- Govt must build on foundation of planning rule changes to solve housing crisisFamilies looking for their first home will welcome a bipartisan commitment to increase housing supply, but will be asking what more can be done. ...1 week ago
- Equitable financial support urgently needed to combat COVID outbreakThe Green Party is calling for a broader and more equitable financial support package to slow the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure everyone in Alert Level 3 can make ends meet, following the announcement that Alert Level 3 has been extended for at least two more weeks in Auckland and at ...1 week ago
- Waste strategy needs to learn from natureAnything less than a transformational national waste strategy and waste legislation will not be enough, the Green Party said today. ...2 weeks ago
- 5 ways you can help New Zealand get vaccinatedGetting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and the people we care about from COVID-19. It means we’ll all be able to do more of what we love this summer, while keeping each other safe. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Mātāwaka: Greens support iwi led housing solutionsThe Green Party’s Te Mātāwaka Caucus welcome the Government’s investment into iwi Māori-led housing initiatives. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for expanded protection for renters, overseas voting for COVID-19 billThe Green Party is calling for expanded protections for renters and extended eligibility for overseas voters for the COVID-19 Response Management Measures Legislation Bill, which is currently before select committee. ...2 weeks ago
- One-off residency scheme needs to include working holiday and seasonal workersThe Green Party says the Government needs to extend the one-off residency scheme to all workers, instead of keeping them in limbo with visa extensions every 6 months. ...2 weeks ago
- Camping, concerts, cuddles: Kiwis tell us why they’re vaccinatedRight now, the single most important thing New Zealanders can do in the fight against COVID-19 is get vaccinated. More and more of us are stepping up, with more than two million people now fully vaccinated. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party deeply concerned space launches may be breaching nuclear-free lawsThe Green Party is deeply concerned that space launches by Rocket Lab may be breaching New Zealand’s long-standing nuclear-free position and legislation. ...3 weeks ago
- Prime Minister attends East Asia Summit
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended overnight the 16th East Asia Summit hosted virtually by Brunei Darussalam. The East Asia Summit is a key forum for leaders to discuss pressing issues facing the region and provides a platform to manage strategic risks through cooperation and collaboration. “Our region continues to manage a ...5 hours ago - Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill passes first reading – Ka tutuki te pānuitanga tuatahi o te P...The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill passed its first reading in Parliament and a special Select Committee has been set up to consider the Bill and hear public submissions, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “We are fixing a public health system that has, for far too long, failed Māori and ...11 hours ago
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty – what next for the nuclear “grand bargain?” – Speech t...(Check against delivery) Kia ora tatou It’s my great pleasure to be here today at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. I welcome this opportunity to share with you the Government’s thinking on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or NPT. Forged in the depths of the ...13 hours ago
- Government helps sharpen the competitive edge of New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industryThe Government is backing an innovative research and development programme to help accelerate the establishment of New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industry and boost export potential, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) is contributing nearly $760,000 to the $1.9 million, three-year programme ...15 hours ago
- Restrictions eased in parts of Waikato at Alert Level 3; Northland to remain at Alert Level 2Restrictions in the Waikato will be eased slightly from midnight tonight, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “From 11.59pm tonight, people in the parts of Waikato at Alert Level 3 will be able to meet for outdoor gatherings between two households, with a maximum of 10 people,” Chis Hipkins ...15 hours ago
- COVID-19 rent relief support measures refinedThe Government has landed on a balanced package of changes to improve rent relief measures for both landlords and tenants hit by COVID-19 restrictions, the Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi says. “Businesses in the Auckland region, and elsewhere under COVID Alert Level Three, have been doing it tough, and ...16 hours ago
- Govt considers regulatory safeguards for three waters servicesPublic feedback is being sought on the regulatory safeguards required to ensure consumers and communities receive three waters services that meet their needs, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, Dr David Clark announced today. “The future three waters system needs to promote consumer interests and ensure infrastructure is delivered in a ...16 hours ago
- Appointment of new Te Pou Tupua welcomedEnvironment Minister David Parker and Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui chairperson Sheena Maru have welcomed the appointment of Keria Ponga and Turama Hawira as Te Pou Tupua. In a joint statement Sheena Maru and David Parker said: Today, Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui chairperson Sheena Maru Minister and Environment David ...16 hours ago
- Don't freak out, ShakeOutMinister for Emergency Management Kiri Allan is challenging more people to join the almost 650,000 who have already signed up to take part in the nation-wide ShakeOut drill, happening tomorrow. “ShakeOut, New Zealand’s annual national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi, is a great opportunity for all of us to put ...19 hours ago
- Government to protect vital public water services for future generationsLocal Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta today confirmed the Government will create four publicly owned water entities to ensure every New Zealander has access to affordable, long-lasting drinking, waste and storm water infrastructure without ballooning costs to households and families. “The case for change is too compelling to ignore. It is ...20 hours ago
- Annual MFAT- NGO HuiTēnā koutou katoa, Talofa Lava and Warm Pacific Greetings to one and all— and in recognition of Tokelauan Language Week this week, Fakatalofa atu ki te koutou uma. Malo ni. Thank you for inviting me to join with you at the 2021 MFAT–NGO Hui. It’s a privilege for me to ...20 hours ago
- Opening Address – Council for International Development and MFAT NGO HuiTuia te rangi e tu iho nei, Tuia te papa e takoto nei, Tuia te here tangata ki te here wairua kia rongo te pō, kia rongo te āo – Tīhei Mauri Ora! Kei ngā iti, kei ngā rahi i whakapau kaha ki te whakahaere i ngā mahi atawhai mo ...22 hours ago
- Govt backs business to vaccinate workforcesVaccination will be required for all workers at businesses where customers need to show COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates, such as hospitality and close-contact businesses. New law to introduce a clearer and simplified risk assessment process for employers to follow when deciding whether they can require vaccination for different types of work. ...2 days ago
- Winners of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence AwardsFrimley Primary School in Hawke’s Bay is the Supreme Award winner of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “The past year has been a real test for teachers, schools and local communities. But out of the challenge of ...2 days ago
- Government provides greater assurance to homeownersThe Government has provided greater assurance for homeowners with the introduction of a new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), Building and Construction Minister Poto Williams announced today. The Code of Ethics, which comes into force in October 2022, sets behavioural standards for LBPs to give both ...2 days ago
- Primary sector returns strengthen export-led recoveryFarmers’ hard work in leading New Zealand’s export-led recovery from COVID-19 is being rewarded with high prices forecast for milk and very strong returns for meat, says Trade and Export Growth and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. Fonterra announced today a record predicted milk price of $7.90 to $8.90 for the ...2 days ago
- Supporting economic resilience in the Indo-Pacific – Speech to the Asia Forum(Check against delivery) Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, kia ora koutou katoa Thank you Farib. It is a great pleasure to be invited to speak at this event. I want to acknowledge the on-going work of the Asia Forum. Over many years – decades, in fact – you have been ...2 days ago
- RSI ‘state of the nation’ report publishedNew Zealand’s FCR cited research ratio is twice the world average Investment in R&D is increasing Case studies underscore how a science based COVID-19 response helped save lives In 2019, Māori and Pacific people represented 5 per cent of PhD graduates. The latest research, science and innovation system report card ...2 days ago
- Funding to translate science into real life solutionsThe Government is investing in ‘Te Tītoki Mataora’ the MedTech Research Translator, to deliver new medical tools - and meet both the demands of a global pandemic and of a growing and aging population. “COVID-19 has shown that we need to build a more resilient, productive, innovative and economically-sustainable health ...3 days ago
- Tokelau champions language and cultureCOVID-19 continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of language and culture to the wellbeing of our Pacific communities, said the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio. “Our Tokelau community in Aotearoa has responded strongly to the challenges of the global pandemic by getting vaccinated and supporting ...4 days ago
- Festival drug-checking services get a boostThe Government is financially supporting drug-checking services to help keep young people safe at this summer’s large festivals and events, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “This is not about condoning drug use, but about keeping people safe,” Andrew Little said. “There is clear evidence that having drug-checking services at festivals ...5 days ago
- Expanded vaccination order for health and disability, education and prison workersA newly-signed Order means most people working in three key sectors will very soon need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the sake of themselves, their workmates and their communities, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed. The extended COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021 comes into effect ...5 days ago
- APEC finance ministers focus on inclusive, sustainable COVID recoveryAPEC finance ministers will continue to work together to respond to the effects of COVID-19 and ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery while capitalising on the opportunity to build a more resilient future. The New Zealand Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson chaired the virtual APEC Finance ...6 days ago
- Improvements to child and maternity facilities at Timaru Hospital on trackImprovements to child and maternity facilities at Timaru Hospital are well underway, and the next stage of the project will begin next month. Health Minister Andrew Little visited Timaru Hospital today to view progress onsite. “The improvements are part of South Canterbury DHB’s four-year refurbishment project and will create a ...6 days ago
- Govt responds to independent review into WorkSafeThe Government has clear expectations that WorkSafe must action the recommendations of the independent review into the regulator to improve its management of adventure activities following the tragedy at Whakaari White Island, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood says. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) today released the ...6 days ago
- Prevention funding to reduce tamariki in careA new iwi-led prevention programme will receive funding from Oranga Tamariki to help reduce the number of tamariki and rangatahi coming into state care, Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis has announced. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (Te Rūnanga) will receive $25.9m of Oranga Tamariki funding over three years to improve outcomes ...6 days ago
- Transforming New Zealand’s mental health legislationPublic consultation is now open for Aotearoa New Zealand to have a say on the repeal and replacement of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. “’He Ara Oranga, the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction’ made it clear that we needed to replace ...6 days ago
- COVID-19 Protection FrameworkKia ora koutou katoa Today I’m speaking directly to all New Zealanders to share a plan that will help us stay safe from COVID-19 into the future. A future where we want to continue to protect people’s lives, but also to live our lives – as safely as possible. Our ...6 days ago
- Business boost to transition to new COVID frameworkWe know that over the last twenty months the approach New Zealand has taken to COVID and Delta has saved lives and livelihoods. Along with one of the lowest mortality rates in the world, we have also had strong economic growth, low unemployment and one of the lower levels of ...6 days ago
- COVID-19 funding boost to protect maōri communitiesTēnā koutou katoa As you have heard from the Prime Minister, the new protection framework will support us to keep people safe especially our vulnerable communities and minimize the impact COVID-19 has on business and our day to day lives. If you want to protect yourself, your whanau and your ...6 days ago
- New COVID-19 Protection Framework delivers greater freedoms for vaccinated New ZealandersNew COVID-19 Protection Framework provides pathway out of lockdown and ability for businesses and events to re-open to vaccinated New Zealanders Simpler framework to minimise cases and hospitalisations without use of widespread lockdowns Auckland to move into the new framework when 90 percent of eligible population in each of the ...6 days ago
- New fund to accelerate Māori vaccinationsThe Government has established a $120 million fund to accelerate Māori vaccination rates and support communities to prepare for the implementation of the new COVID-19 Protection Framework. The new Māori Communities COVID-19 Fund will directly fund Māori, Iwi, community organisations and providers to deliver local vaccination initiatives for whānau, and ...6 days ago
- Government extends hardship assistance for low income workersIncome limits for Hardship Support through the Ministry of Social Development have been temporarily lifted so more people can recieve assistance. “Cabinet has agreed to make it easier for low income workers to recieve assistance for items such as food and other emergency costs,” Carmel Sepuloni said. “We know the ...6 days ago
- More support for learners with highest needsStudents most in need of extra help in the classroom are the focus of a new review that gets under way today, Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti says. About 50,000-80,000 children and young people are expected to benefit from a Ministry of Education review into Highest Need Learners that will ...6 days ago
- Parts of Waikato to stay at Alert Level 3 for next six daysThe parts of Waikato that have been in Alert Level 3 will remain at that alert level till Wednesday, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “Based on the latest public health information, maintaining level 3 in those parts of the Waikato continues to be the most prudent course of ...6 days ago
- Hon Peeni Henare September 2021 Proactive Diary Release...7 days ago
- NZ passes world-first climate reporting legislationNew Zealand has become the first country in the world to pass a law that will ensure financial organisations disclose and ultimately act on climate-related risks and opportunities, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr David Clark and Climate Change Minister James Shaw today announced today. The Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures ...7 days ago
- Prime Minister NZ UK FTA opening remarksTēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. I am delighted to announce today that following a conversation with Prime Minister Johnson last night, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have Agreed in Principle a historic high-quality, comprehensive and inclusive free trade agreement. I’m joined today by the Minister ...7 days ago
- New Zealand secures historic free trade deal with the United KingdomA boost of almost $1 billion to New Zealand GDP, unprecedented access for New Zealand exporters to the UK market UK to eliminate all tariffs on New Zealand exports, with over 97% being removed the day the FTA comes into force NZ exporters to save approx. $37.8 million per year ...7 days ago
- Quarterly benefit numbers show more people in workBenefit figures released today show a year on year fall of 9,807 people receiving a Main Benefit in the September Quarter. “The Government is working hard to tackle COVID-19 and it is clear our strong response to the initial outbreak has created a resilient labour market which is providing opportunities ...7 days ago
- Live updates, October 28: Pair of Covid-19 cases confirmed in Christchurch
Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for October 28, by Stewart Sowman-Lund. Reach me on stewart@thespinoff.co.nz. Help support our Covid coverage – join Members today.7.10am: Pair of Covid-19 cases confirmed in ChristchurchTwo people in a Christchurch household have tested positive for Covid-19.In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the ...11 mins ago - Watchdog to protect homes and businesses from big new water providers
Government consults on a Water Commissioner to regulate the prices and provision of big and unresponsive drinking water and wastewater services Analysis: A paper published this week expresses some of the worries about the Government's four big new regional water authorities more succinctly than any tub-thumbing mayor: as monopoly providers, there's ...54 mins ago - Oxfam: Loss And Damage Report Reveals Significant Gap In NZ Climate Support For The Pacific
Oxfam Aotearoa along with Oxfam Australia, and Oxfam in the Pacific have released a new report titled Breaking through red lines . Oxfam says that the report draws attention to gaps in the latest funds announced for overseas climate action by the ...1 hour ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 28 October2 hours ago
- Newsroom daily crossword, Thursday 28 October
...2 hours ago - I love you, Tāmaki MakaurauAn appreciation of the city that’s forever changing, by Anna Rawhiti-Connell.I secured my first job in Tāmaki Makaurau surrounded by human horse costumes, the Duchess of Malfi’s cloak and Caligula’s fur. My ticket to the city was granted after making three people laugh during an interview conducted in Auckland Theatre ...2 hours ago
- My journey down the anti-vax rabbit hole – and back out againA first person account of fear, misinformation, and the light at the end of the tunnel. As told to Dylan Reeve for IRL.It was supposed to be the most joyous time of my life. Pregnant with my first child 10 years ago, I planned a home birth. Since moving to a ...2 hours ago
- The young barrister taking on the Family Court
The fallout from child uplift practices carried out by Oranga Tamariki and signed off by the Family Court continues to be felt in homes and courtrooms throughout the country. But in one extraordinary case, a young lawyer is taking on the power of the Family Court as she attempts to ...2 hours ago - Can Fonterra finally focus on adding value to milk? Please
Fonterra has been talking up value-add as a way to add value for shareholders for a decade, to little effect. Could this time be any different? Business editor Nikki Mandow pores over a decade of Fonterra annual reports. “We have clear aspirations,” trumpets Fonterra in its 2016 annual report, alongside a soft-focus photo of ...2 hours ago - Book of the Week: She's on fire
Kiran Dass is blown away by a new eco-thriller Kirsten McDougall’s novel She’s a Killer is such an engrossing page-turner that 200-odd pages passed me by in a flurry before I even realised. And the action hadn’t even started yet. It’s no mean feat to sustain a reader’s attention over ...2 hours ago - Saints, sinners and omissions
Tearfund's annual name-and-shame of unethical fashion chains leaves out some important factors - such as clothing that's manufactured in New Zealand Every year the charity Tearfund puts out its list of saints and sinners in the fast fashion industry. It grades big companies in the rag trade on their ...2 hours ago - Stranded South Islanders charter green flight to Australia
Confusing border rules that clash with airlines’ commercial realities have left Kiwis and Australians stranded in New Zealand. ...2 hours ago - The biggest threat to reefs in our lifetime
Ocean acidification is the biggest problem for coralline algae when assessed against all others. Now is the time for COP26 leaders to be courageous on the issue, argues Dr Christopher Cornwall. Comment: With dire predictions of the impacts of climate change on humankind and Earth’s atmosphere, it’s easy to overlook ...2 hours ago - Trucking bosses left to own devices on vaccine mandate
Calls to prioritise truck drivers for vaccination went unanswered - trucking lobby. ...2 hours ago - Climate anxiety: ‘It’s reasonable to be feeling scared, anxious, even depressed’
This story originally appeared in The Irish Times and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story Younger generations are struggling to cope with climate threats of unprecedented scale, writes Irish Times environment & science editor Kevin ...2 hours ago - It's only the unvaccinated who matter now
All public communications need to focus only on the fears or concerns of the vaccine hesitant, writes Peter Dunne ...2 hours ago - COP26: What business needs to know
Business should pay close attention to the COP26 talks or face being blocked from the table, argues Sara Walton Without climate innovation, business risks being left behind. Climate risk is now not just about the impacts a business will experience from climate change, but also about the risks that not ...2 hours ago - The mum who gave all for her son to play basketball
A young single mum, Tiana Griffin worked four jobs to help her son, Akiva, reach his dream of playing US college basketball. But, as she explains to Shontelle Matano, he's been her ‘saving grace’. On Friday and Saturday nights, 15-year-old Akiva McBirney-Griffin would babysit his brother, Tamatoa, and sister, Ke’iki. ...2 hours ago - As Asia ‘lives with covid-19’, media may need to be less adversarial
ANALYSIS: By Kalinga Seneviratne in Sydney Indonesia’s popular tourism islands of Bali opened for tourism last week, while Thailand announced that from November 1 vaccinated travellers from 19 countries will be allowed to visit the kingdom including its tourism island of Phuket. Both those countries’ tourism industry, which is a ...6 hours ago - Politics with Michelle Grattan: Keith Pitt on the climate plan and coal’s futureSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Resources minister Keith Pitt might have been a “no” when the Nationals debated the government’s climate plan but he was a winner in the deal struck between Scott Morrison and the Coalition’s minor partner. He ...10 hours ago
- Celebrity Treasure Island power rankings: The dissolution of the Awesome FoursomeIt’s week eight of our favourite reality show featuring a queen dethroned and a fiancé phoned. Duncan Greive and Jane Yee sub in for Tara Ward. It seems like just yesterday 21 fresh-faced celebs washed up on an idyllic Northland beach, ready to put their bodies and reputations on the ...11 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – Covid19: Latest OutbreaksAnalysis by Keith Rankin. Chart by Keith Rankin. Chart by Keith Rankin. These charts are of the type that I have published approximately monthly. Last time, three weeks ago, the key covid places were clearly the Caribbean and the Balkans. This time, while these two regions are important pandemic sites, ...13 hours ago
- Does the government’s new national plan to combat child sexual abuse go far enough?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Moore, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia Shutterstock In 2017, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse handed down its final report. This came after years of social ...13 hours ago
- Change coming after political outcry over ACC privacy revelations
The government has indicated changes are afoot following a major outcry into the way ACC claimants' private information was freely shared and mocked by staff. ...13 hours ago - A new proposed privacy code promises tough rules and $10 million penalties for tech giantsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharine Kemp, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW, UNSW Shutterstock This week the federal government announced proposed legislation to develop an online privacy code (or “OP Code”) setting tougher privacy standards for Facebook, Google, Amazon and many other ...14 hours ago
- Hospitality New Zealand Welcomes Government Rent Relief Support AnnouncementHospitality New Zealand welcomes the Government’s announcement today on rent relief support currently passing through Parliament. “We are delighted with the decision to backdate the rent relief clause to the start of the current lockdown, ensuring ...14 hours ago
- Three Waters: Mayors respond to government's brute force approach"Disappointed" is how many mayors around the country are describing the government's approach to water infrastructure reforms, with some saying it will lead to protest marches from ratepayers. ...14 hours ago
- Three WatersGovernment pushes ahead with Three Waters reform, will take water services from councils. This was the headline reported by the Stuff website on 27th October 2021. The report said that the Government has decided to push ahead with Three Waters reforms ...14 hours ago
- Three Waters – Ratepayers NeglectedGovernment has failed taxpayers and ratepayers with a lack of democratic accountability and community consultation to ram through unpopular plans to progress the transfer of local authority owned water assets to four new mega entities. “Local councils ...15 hours ago
- Great News For Retailers In Government Rent Relief DecisionsRetail NZ is welcoming the changes announced by the Government today on rent relief support measures currently before the House of Representatives. “The changes agreed to by the Government today will be welcomed by retailers around the country. Backdating ...15 hours ago
- Kaitiaki block ‘particularly dangerous’ anti-vax protesters at Auckland borderBy Sam Olley, RNZ News reporter Ngāti Whātua kaitiaki remain in bolstered numbers at the border between Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau to stop protesters getting through. Together with Navy and police staff at Te Hana, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua has turned around about 50 people from anti-vax ...15 hours ago
- France deploys big force to secure New Caledonia referendumRNZ Pacific France has detailed an unprecedented security set-up for New Caledonia’s third and final independence referendum on December 12. The French authorities made the announcement as the pro-independence FLNKS called on its supporters to boycott the vote after France refused to delay it until next year. If the call ...15 hours ago
- Port Moresby backs off ‘total’ lockdown in city, says Governor ParkopBy Grace Auka-Salmang in Port Moresby National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has announced that there will not be a total lockdown of Port Moresby. He said the decision was made after much deliberation with key stakeholders in the city and the national government. “Instead we will focus on maintaining ...15 hours ago
- Bainimarama’s Fiji faces investigative PR crisis on eve of climate COP26COMMENT: By Grubsheet’s Graham Davis A public relations disaster for Fiji just as Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum head to Glasgow for COP26 as one of Britain’s leading media outlets — The Independent — carries out a detailed investigation into events at the University of the South ...15 hours ago
- Ruapehu Welcomes End To Uncertainty Around 3 Waters ReformMayor Don Cameron said that Ruapehu welcomed the certainty that Government's announcement that participation in reform of the 3 waters sector would be mandatory for all councils provides. “Now that Government has taken the need for consultation on the reforms ...15 hours ago
- Climate change protesters glue hands to Parliament stepsMembers of protest group Extinction Rebellion have been issued trespass notices after gluing their hands to the front steps of Parliament. ...15 hours ago
- Can artists revive dead city centres? Without long-term tenancies it’s window dressingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Shaw, Honorary Senior Fellow, The University of Melbourne After 18 months of lockdown, the City of Melbourne is understandably anxious to get people back to the CBD and inner areas. Commercial vacancy rates are high, international student numbers have plummeted and ...15 hours ago
- Have Your Say On An Inquiry Into Migrant ExploitationThe Education and Workforce Committee has opened an inquiry into migrant exploitation, and is calling for submissions from the public. The terms of reference listed below will guide what the committee investigates. Amongst other things, this will likely ...16 hours ago
- Covid-19 briefing: Govt aims to open Auckland primary schools next monthAuckland primary schools could be resuming classes as soon as mid-November, possibly under a staggered system, the government has announced today. Watch the latest government announcement here ...16 hours ago
- ‘It was the best five years of my life!’ How sports programs are keeping disadvantaged teens at ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eibhlish O’Hara, Research Associate, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock Participation in specialist sport programs keeps teenagers from low socioeconomic backgrounds at school and boosts their maths grades. This is what I found in my PhD study. Being engaged in learning can ...16 hours ago
- Australians will soon receive COVID booster vaccines. Why do we need them, and how effective are the...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Juno, Senior research fellow, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Australia’s drug regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), today provisionally approved the Pfizer COVID vaccine to be used as a booster for anyone over the age of 18. The ...16 hours ago
- PSA: You need to sort your Christmas presents NOWGet in now or miss out – that’s the message coming from retailers.Festive wrapping paper is selling well. That, says Jonathan Waecker, is the surest sign the silly season is already upon us. It’s possibly starting earlier than ever. “We have already seen Kiwis making a start on their Christmas ...16 hours ago
- Australia’s net-zero plan fails to tackle our biggest contribution to climate change: fossil fuel ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeremy Moss, Professor of Political Philosophy, UNSW Shutterstock The Morrison government’s eleventh hour commitment to net zero by 2050 is a monumental failure. Critics rightly point out the government’s plan involves no increase to Australia’s 2030 climate target, no ...16 hours ago
- Mayor Comments On Three Waters Reform Announcement“My reaction is one of great disappointment at the Government’s decision to make the Three Waters reform mandatory, as announced by Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta this morning.” “The Minister has stated the status quo is not sustainable ...16 hours ago
- Valued Introduced Species Require A Modern Management ApproachValued introduced game animal species including deer and wild pigs require a consistent and modern management approach that recognises both their environmental impacts and their value to our communities, says the Game Animal Council. “Valued introduced ...17 hours ago
- Opposition to Three Waters reforms doesn’t wash with Mahuta: councils and the public should just p...
National MP Nicola Willis – we trust – learned a wee bit more about the Government’s Three Waters reforms this morning than she learned from Finance Minister Grant Robertson at Question Time in ... 17 hours ago - The ‘Sovereign Hīkoi of Truth’ – explainedLast night a protest fleet was halted by police at the Mercer checkpoint on the road to Auckland. What is this self-described ‘hīkoi’ all about? Dylan Reeve explains.What is the “Sovereign Hīkoi of Truth”?At its most basic it’s a protest road trip from Rotorua to Waitangi, which would be less ...17 hours ago
- New research shows how hard it is for ‘flying grannies’ to care for their Australian grandkidsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myra Hamilton, Principal Research Fellow, University of Sydney www.shutterstock.com In Australia, grandparents are the most popular form of childcare. Yet with almost 30% of Australians born overseas, for many families, grandparents are not close by. COVID-19 border closures have ...17 hours ago
- Consumers are wise to ‘woke washing’ – but truly ‘transformative branding’ can still make ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Spry, Lecturer of Marketing, RMIT University Shutterstock With brands increasingly engaging in social change campaigns and leveraging their influence to be “purpose-led”, the time has come to ask a couple of big questions: is this a viable strategy, and ...17 hours ago
- “All In” Approach To Three Waters Reform Undermines Sector’s VoiceKāpiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan is disappointed in the Government’s shotgun decision to push ahead with an "all in" approach to the Three Waters reform despite numerous councils providing robust feedback on the shortfalls of the ...18 hours ago
- PSA: Final Three Waters Decisions Must Involve UnionsLocal government workers must be part of the final three waters decisions, says the nation’s largest union. The PSA is welcoming the announcement by Minister Mahuta today that the Government will continue to receive expert input as the final decisions ...18 hours ago
- Why do First Nations people continue to be history’s outsiders?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ann McGrath, Professor, Australian National University For as long as “History” with a capital ‘H’ has been written, Indigenous peoples have been placed outside its circle. Consequently, whole groups of peoples, whole continents like Australia, and whole spans of human time, are ...18 hours ago
- Covid-19 briefing: Govt aims to open Auckland high schools next monthAuckland high schools could be resuming classes as soon as mid-November, possibly under a staggered system, the government has announced today. Watch the latest government announcement here ...18 hours ago
- Government Makes The Right Call On Three Waters Reform ProgrammeInfrastructure New Zealand supports the Government’s decision to progress the Three Waters Reform Programme given the status quo isn’t working and cannot continue. Infrastructure New Zealand General Manager Claire Edmondson says, “The case for ...18 hours ago
- Are employers and workers at odds over NZ’s workplace vaccine mandates? Our research suggests they...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Croucher, Professor and Head of School of Communication, Journalism, and Marketing, Massey University Shutterstock The New Zealand government’s announcement yesterday of expanded mandatory vaccination requirements raises important questions about legality and compliance. Vaccination will become mandatory for staff at ...18 hours ago
- Watch live: Govt decision on Waikato alert level, Auckland schoolsCovid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield are providing a Covid-19 update. ...18 hours ago
- Three waters reforms to be mandatory for councils – Nanaia MahutaThree waters reforms will be mandatory for councils as the legislation moves ahead, with working groups to guide the process and take councils' feedback on board, the government has announced. ...19 hours ago
- Forest Owners Say ‘back The Bat’The Forest Owners Association is urging its members and the public to vote for the pekapeka – the Long-Tailed Bat - in the Forest and Bird sponsored Bird of the Year 2021 competition. President, Phil Taylor, says Forest and Bird should be congratulated ...19 hours ago
- Paul Hunt brings the govt to heel on mandatory vaccinations – don’t forget the Treaty and our hu...Latest from the Beehive Business responses to the Government’s announcement on vaccination requirements for workers were supportive. The Human Rights Commission response was more tentative. It welcomed the announcement but said human rights and Treaty of Waitangi considerations must be examined. Back in 1840 the examination of those treaty considerations ...19 hours ago
- Tova O’Brien almost got blown away by a gust of wind during her first live crossNewshub’s political editor tells us about her first live cross, breaking the law and more in this week’s episode of FIRST.One does not simply walk into the Beehive theatrette. Before they become, for example, Newshub’s political editor, every young television journalist must first pay their dues – starting with live ...19 hours ago
- What happens if your boss refuses to get vaccinated?This week, the government announced that Covid-19 vaccinations will be compulsory for workers as well as customers at businesses using vaccine certificates. But what happens if the owner of the business won’t get on board?Hospitality worker Mary* is in her 50s and has been working at her current job at ...19 hours ago
- NZUS Council Welcomes Confirmation Of Senator Tom Udall As US Ambassador To New ZealandThe NZUS Council welcomes the US Senate confirmation of Senator Tom Udall as the US Ambassador to New Zealand, NZUS Council executive director Jordan Small said. "We look forward to welcoming Ambassador Udall to New Zealand and working together ...19 hours ago
- New Trade Deal With UK A Disaster...20 hours ago
- Proposal Will Unlock Barriers To Address Water Infrastructure DeficitWater New Zealand says the establishment of four professional entities to manage three waters will unlock many of the barriers that have led to the serious infrastructure deficit across much of the country. Chief executive Gillian Blythe says it has been ...20 hours ago
- Mandated Water Reform Confiscates Local AccountabilityTimaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen has today expressed extreme disappointment with the Government’s decision to mandate its Three Waters reform. Mayor Nigel Bowen said that today’s announcement is a sad shift away from the principles of local ...20 hours ago
- Government delays announcement on Managed Isolation and Quarantine systemA government announcement about changes to the MIQ system due today will now most likely happen tomorrow. ...20 hours ago
- Ngāi Tahu Welcomes Three Waters DecisionThe government’s reform of three waters will help ensure water services for communities that are safe, high quality, and equitable, while improving outcomes for the environment, says Dr Te Maire Tau, co-chair of Te Kura Taka Pini (the Ngāi Tahu freshwater group). ...20 hours ago
- Three waters legislation moves ahead with new working groupsThree waters reforms will be mandatory for councils as the legislation moves ahead, with working groups to guide the process and take councils' feedback on board, the government has announced. ...20 hours ago
- ‘Huge Call’ On Water Services When So Many Questions RemainRural residents concerned about the future of their water, sewerage and stormwater infrastructure should gear up to have their say, Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard says. "Federated Farmers, a majority of local authorities and many New ...20 hours ago
- Widest monthly trade deficit to dateSeptember 2021 marks the third successive month of record imports, resulting in a record trade deficit, Stats NZ said today. Total merchandise goods imports for September 2021 rose $1.5 billion (30 percent) compared with September 2020, to reach ...21 hours ago
- Widest Monthly Trade Deficit To DateSeptember 2021 marks the third successive month of record imports, resulting in a record trade deficit, Stats NZ said today. Total merchandise goods imports for September 2021 rose $1.5 billion (30 percent) compared with September 2020, to reach ...21 hours ago
- Three Waters Decision To Mandate Disappointing But Way Forward Responds To Councils’ Critical Conc...LGNZ says the Government’s announcement that it will refine its three waters proposal in response to the sector’s loud and clear concerns is a good sign. But it is disappointing that the government has mandated the reforms. LGNZ President Stuart Crosby agrees ...21 hours ago
- NZ Ongoing Climate And Health Failure Ahead Of COP26 – Letter To The PMNZ ongoing climate and health failure ahead of COP26 Seven health professional organisations (OraTaiao; NZ Medical Association; NZ Nurses Organisation; and the Colleges for Emergency Medicine, of Nurses, Physicians, and Anaesthesists) have written a joint letter to ...21 hours ago
- Major Campaign Launching To Stop Three WatersThe Taxpayers’ Union is launching a major campaign to stop the Government’s proposed Three Waters reforms. The campaign launch comes on the same day that Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced a working group to tweak the reforms ...21 hours ago
- Tiwai Point deal costs households $200/yr more in power – regulator
Power companies and their regulator are at odds over the impact of the costly Tiwai Point smelter deal on the hip pockets of home electricity consumers, Nicholas Pointon and Jonathan Milne report The Electricity Authority says households are paying an extra $200 per year for power, as they subsidise the cheap ...21 hours ago
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