Labour has overseen massive inequality increase – Bernard Hickey
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Date published: 1:14 pm, January 27th, 2022 - 68 comments
Categories: benefits, covid-19, Economy, inequality, Politics, Social issues
Tags: bernard hickey, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, Kathryn Ryan, quantitative easing, reserve bank, social policy, wealth tax
The Government’s Covid 19 response, mainly via Reserve Bank measures, has enabled a mind-boggling increase in inequality, according to influential financial commentator Bernard Hickey. Covid response has saved multiple lives, but its refusal to simultaneously address inequality via taxes raises uncomfortable questions about how a leftist government has overseen a once-in-a-generation shift in wealth
The importance of proper mask wearing
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Date published: 8:58 am, January 27th, 2022 - 51 comments
Categories: australian politics, business, covid-19, Economy, health, labour, national
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With an Omicron surge appearing to be inevitable the importance of proper mask wearing has never been more important.
Daily review 27/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 27th, 2022 - No comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 27/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 27th, 2022 - 133 comments
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Daily review 26/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 26th, 2022 - 30 comments
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The Price Isn’t Yet Right To Invade Ukraine
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Date published: 12:32 pm, January 26th, 2022 - 46 comments
The entity making the most money out of threatening the Ukraine is the Russian Federation government itself. Follow the money.
Open mike 26/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 26th, 2022 - 220 comments
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Daily review 25/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 25th, 2022 - 44 comments
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Weird stuff Jacinda Ardern has been accused of
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Date published: 9:25 am, January 25th, 2022 - 197 comments
It appears that social media allegations against Jacinda Ardern are becoming more and more extreme.
Open mike 25/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 25th, 2022 - 143 comments
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Daily review 24/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 24th, 2022 - 31 comments
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In Tax we trust
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Date published: 11:20 am, January 24th, 2022 - 86 comments
In a welcome change Millionaires and billionaires worldwide are calling for governments to tax them more.
Open mike 24/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 24th, 2022 - 248 comments
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Prisoners of the Narrative #1
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Date published: 4:30 pm, January 23rd, 2022 - No comments
Robert Ayson’s advocacy of a sanctions regime for New Zealand in case of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is a bad idea based on poor intelligence.The “Russian invasion” narrative was always a beat-up, and there is no support from major players in Europe for sanctions such as removal from the SWIFT payment system. Russia’s claim for border security is reasonable and essential for peace.
The problem with middle of the road politicians
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Date published: 11:38 am, January 23rd, 2022 - 21 comments
Joe Biden is struggling to get his agenda passed by the American Legislature. Because of two Senators, one with significant coal interests and the other Senator more willing to protect the rights of a minority of Senators to hold up legislation than the rights of a minority of Americans to vote.
Going Red
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Date published: 11:13 am, January 23rd, 2022 - 164 comments
The New Zealand government has announced a nationwide move to the Red Traffic Light system from midnight tonight.
Open mike 23/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 23rd, 2022 - 104 comments
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UK Covid deaths with no underlying factor.
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Date published: 10:51 am, January 22nd, 2022 - 106 comments
Oh. But here comes Omicron…
Open mike 22/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 22nd, 2022 - 132 comments
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Daily review 21/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 21st, 2022 - 42 comments
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Omicron is coming
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Date published: 10:54 am, January 21st, 2022 - 113 comments
So far the country has fought back and eliminated the original Covid infection, won a couple of skirmishes and then and fought and quelled the Delta incursion. But it looks like Omicron is coming …
Open mike 21/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 21st, 2022 - 103 comments
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Daily review 20/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 20th, 2022 - 8 comments
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Open mike 20/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 20th, 2022 - 216 comments
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Daily review 19/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 19th, 2022 - 14 comments
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Let’s help Tonga
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Date published: 8:32 am, January 19th, 2022 - 12 comments
In 2010 the poor but proud Island Nation raised $705,000 to donate to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Fund. If New Zealanders were to reciprocate their generosity we would donate over $30 million. It is time for us to return the favour.
Open mike 19/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 19th, 2022 - 130 comments
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Daily review 18/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 18th, 2022 - 17 comments
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He’s not the messiah …
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Date published: 8:22 am, January 18th, 2022 - 125 comments
… he is allegedly a very naughty boy.
Open mike 18/01/2022
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Date published: 6:00 am, January 18th, 2022 - 236 comments
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Daily review 17/01/2022
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Date published: 5:30 pm, January 17th, 2022 - 44 comments
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- Redrawing the lines.
Early this year I was asked by a media outlet to appear and offer predictions on what will happen in world affairs in 2022. That was a nice gesture but I wound up not doing the show. However, as readers may remember from previous commentary about the time and effort ...2 hours ago - Road safety is too important to be left to the police
Over the last month we've been hearing more about what a shit job the police are doing on road safety. More ammunition on this has dropped today, in the form of a review of the entire road safety strategy, and it finds that the police just aren't doing what they're ...3 hours ago - NZ Politics Daily: 27 January 2022
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You’ve got to wonder why the National Party, in the face of a worldwide pandemic that has killed approximately 6 million people, is continuing to be so terribly dysfunctional? Perhaps it’s a symptom of their upper management, who despite numerous party leaders coming and going, never actually changed.Unfortunately for the ...2 weeks ago - Climate Change: Here we go againLast year the government turned the ETS into a farce, flooding the market with 7 million tons of extra pollution in a failed and counterproductive effort to keep carbon prices low. Using the government's internal carbon price of $150/ton, the social cost of this was just over a billion dollars ...2 weeks ago
- One country at a timePapua New Guinea's Prime Minister has announced that he intends to abolish the death penalty: Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says his government is doing away with the death penalty and those now on death row will instead serve life sentences without parole. Marape told members of ...2 weeks ago
- The consequences of Covid & why anti-vaxxers aren't free to cross a one-lane bridge wheneve...
New Year’s day, 2022. I’m sitting at a one-lane bridge on the east coast of the Coromandel, watching and waiting as a stream of cars drive over the bridge towards me, reminded once again of the big lessons of 2021 – consequences and the limits of freedom.While so much of ...2 weeks ago - What Omicron will be like …
I might not be very good at maths but I never bought into the developing "Omicron is the Covid we can live with" narrative. I remember reading that Omicron was about half as likely to end you in hospital as delta was ... but, I thought, given it is several ...2 weeks ago - NZ Politics Daily: 13 January 2022Clarke Gayford testing controversy Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Clarke Gayford needs to clean up bad look (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): ‘Deeply inappropriate’: Clarke Gayford sorry for ‘confusion’ after claim he tried to get mate rapid Covid test Rachel Sadler (Newshub): Chris Bishop hits out at Clarke Gayford’s ‘deeply inappropriate’ alleged bid to get rapid antigen tests for ...2 weeks ago
- Disenchanted.Another World: Oamaru’s whitestone Victorian Precinct is an enclave for aging alternative life-stylers. The air is filled with the scent of patchouli and hand-crafted leather. There are troll figurines and fairies for sale, alongside crystals and dream-catchers.OAMARU likes to think of itself as the “steam-punk” capital of the world. It ...2 weeks ago
- Cranky Uncle – Resources for EducatorsThis is an adapted repost of the educators' resource page on CrankyUncle.com. Cranky Uncle uses cartoons, humor, and logic-based inoculation to build resilience against misinformation – an ideal tool for teaching critical thinking to students. This page features resources for educators interested in using Cranky Uncle (the game or the book) ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand summers are getting hotter – and humans aren’t the only ones feeling the effectsCate Macinnis-Ng, University of Auckland It’s not a mirage, our summers are getting hotter on average and we are experiencing more extremely hot days. News from NIWA that 2021 was New Zealand’s hottest year on record fits with the long term trend. Analysis of 70 years of data has ...2 weeks ago
- Guantanamo: Twenty years of shameToday (US time) is the 20th anniversary of the opening of America's gulag at Guantanamo Bay. The US has kept people imprisoned without trial - sometimes without even charges - for twenty years now. Most of those kidnapped by the US have since died or been released, but 39 remain ...2 weeks ago
- Put our most vulnerable first
Don’t forget whānau and communities most at risk, says the Green Party, as the Government lays out its three-phase plan for Omicron. ...24 hours ago - Boosting our immunity against Omicron
With Omicron in the community, it’s vital we all do our bit to help to slow the spread, keep each other safe and protect our health system. One of the most important ways we can reduce the risk of Omicron is to get a booster dose as soon as we’re ...1 day ago - Equitable response to Omicron vitalThe Green Party supports the Government’s decision to move Aotearoa New Zealand to traffic light level Red at 11.59pm tonight, but says its success will depend on the support that is made available to the most vulnerable. ...4 days ago
- How we’re preparing for OmicronAs countries around the world experience Omicron outbreaks, we’re taking steps now to ensure we’re as prepared as possible and our communities are protected. ...1 week ago
- What’s Labour achieved so far?Quite a bit! This Government was elected to take on the toughest issues facing Aotearoa – and that’s what we’re doing. Since the start of the pandemic, protecting lives and livelihoods has been a priority, but we’ve also made progress on long-term challenges, to deliver a future the next generation ...2 weeks ago
- Tackling the big issues in 2022This year, keeping Kiwis safe from COVID will remain a key priority of the Government – but we’re also pushing ahead on some of New Zealand’s biggest long-term challenges. In 2022, we’re working to get more Kiwis into homes, reduce emissions, lift children out of poverty, and ensure people get ...2 weeks ago
- Penguin rehab and native forest restoration get helping hand
A long-running penguin rehab facility which has been hard hit by the tourism downturn, and work to restore native forest habitats in the Catlins are being supported through Jobs for Nature funding, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. Otago’s Penguin Place and The Hokonui Rūnanga Catlins Biodiversity Project will receive combined ...7 hours ago - Resilient economy reflected in Crown accountsThe Government’s financial accounts continue to reflect a resilient economy that has performed better than expected and puts the country in a strong position to respond to Omicron, Grant Robertson said. The Crown Accounts for the five months to the end of November were more favourable than forecast in the ...8 hours ago
- Government announces three phase public health response to OmicronReducing isolation period for cases and close contacts at Phase Two and Three to 10 and seven days Definition of close contact required to isolate changes to household or household like contacts at Phase Three Increased use of rapid antigen tests with test to return policy put in place for ...1 day ago
- New Ambassador to Thailand announcedForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of Jonathan Kings as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Thailand. “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long-standing relationship with Thailand, celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic representation between our countries in 2021. We also share much in common at regional and multilateral levels ...1 day ago
- Government’s Family Package continues to deliver for New ZealandersThe Families Package helped around 330,000 families in its first year - more than half of all families with children in NZ These families received an estimated $55 per week more from Families Package payments in 2018/19 than in 2017/18, on average Families Package increases to the maximum possible Accommodation ...1 day ago
- New Zealand retains top spot in global anti-corruption rankingsJustice Minister Kris Faafoi has welcomed news of New Zealand’s ongoing position as top in the world anti-corruption rankings. The 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index released by global anti-corruption organisation, Transparency International, ranks New Zealand first equal with Denmark and Finland, with a score of 88 out of 100. “This is an ...2 days ago
- Testing improvements see New Zealand well prepared for OmicronNew Zealand’s PCR testing capacity can be increased by nearly 20,000 tests per day to deal with a surge in cases as part of our wider COVID-19 testing strategy, Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall said. “We have continued to adapt our public health response to safeguard the health ...2 days ago
- 5,000 portable air cleaners for schools on their wayAs schools are preparing to return, Education Minister Chris Hipkins has announced 5,000 air cleaners have been ordered for New Zealand schools. “As we know, along with vaccination, testing, good hygiene and physical distancing, good ventilation is important in minimising the risk of airborne transmission of the virus that causes ...2 days ago
- New Zealand to move to Red from 11.59pm todayAll of New Zealand will move to the Red setting of the Covid Protection Framework (CPF) at 11:59pm today as Omicron is potentially now transmitting in the community, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. “Nine COVID-19 cases reported yesterday in the Nelson/Marlborough region are now confirmed as Omicron, and a further ...4 days ago
- Mandatory boosters for key workforces progressing wellMore than 5,785 (82%) border workers eligible for a booster vaccination at 6 months have received it so far, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. “That’s a really strong uptake considering we announced the requirement the week before Christmas, but we need to continue this momentum,” Chris Hipkins said. “We ...4 days ago
- NZ to move to RedNine COVID-19 cases reported yesterday in the Nelson/Marlborough region have now been confirmed as the Omicron variant, and a further case from the same household was confirmed late yesterday. These cases are in a single family that flew to Auckland on 13 January to attend a wedding and other events ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to provide further help for TongaAotearoa New Zealand is giving an additional $2 million in humanitarian funding for Tonga as the country recovers from a volcanic eruption and tsunami last weekend, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Defence Minister Peeni Henare said today. This brings Aotearoa New Zealand’s contribution to $3 million. “This support will ...6 days ago
- Quarterly benefit numbers show highest number of exits into workThe Government’s strong focus on supporting more people into work is reflected in benefit figures released today which show a year-on-year fall of around 21,300 people receiving a main benefit in the December 2021 quarter, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said. “Our response to COVID has helped ...1 week ago
- Northland to move to Orange, NZ prepared for Omicron Northland to move to Orange Rest of New Zealand stays at Orange in preparedness for Omicron All of New Zealand to move into Red in the event of Omicron community outbreak – no use of lockdowns Govt planning well advanced – new case management, close contact definition and testing rules ...1 week ago
- RNZAF C-130 Hercules flight departs for Tonga as Navy vessels draw nearer to TongatapuA Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules has departed Base Auckland Whenuapai for Tonga carrying aid supplies, as the New Zealand aid effort ramps up, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Defence Minister Peeni Henare said today. “The aircraft is carrying humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies, including water ...1 week ago
- New Zealand prepared to send support to TongaNew Zealand is ready to assist Tonga in its recovery from Saturday night’s undersea eruption and tsunami, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Defence Minister Peeni Henare said today. “Following the successful surveillance and reconnaissance flight of a New Zealand P-3K2 Orion on Monday, imagery and details have been sent ...1 week ago
- Aotearoa New Zealand stands ready to assist people of TongaThe thoughts of New Zealanders are with the people of Tonga following yesterday’s undersea volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami waves, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta says. “Damage assessments are under way and New Zealand has formally offered to provide assistance to Tonga,” said Nanaia Mahuta. New Zealand has made an ...2 weeks ago
- Record high of new homes consented continuesIn the year ended November 2021, 48,522 new homes were consented, up 26 per cent from the November 2020 year. In November 2021, 4,688 new dwellings were consented. Auckland’s new homes consented numbers rose 25 per cent in the last year. Annual figures for the last nine months show more ...2 weeks ago
- Report trumpets scope for ice cream exportsLatest research into our premium ice cream industry suggests exporters could find new buyers in valuable overseas markets as consumers increasingly look for tip top quality in food. Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash has released a new report for the Food and Beverage Information Project. The project is run by ...2 weeks ago
- Honouring the legacy of legendary kaumātua Muriwai IhakaraAssociate Minister for Arts, Culture, and Heritage Kiri Allan expressed her great sadness and deepest condolences at the passing of esteemed kaumātua, Muriwai Ihakara. “Muriwai’s passing is not only a loss for the wider creative sector but for all of Aotearoa New Zealand. The country has lost a much beloved ...2 weeks ago
- Have your say on proposed changes to make drinking water saferAssociate Minister for the Environment Kiri Allan is urging all New Zealanders to give feedback on proposed changes aimed at making drinking water safer. “The current regulations are not fit for purpose and don’t offer enough protection, particularly for those whose water comes from smaller supplies,” Kiri Allan said. “This ...2 weeks ago
- Planting the seeds for rewarding careersA boost in funding for a number of Jobs for Nature initiatives across Canterbury will provide sustainable employment opportunities for more than 70 people, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. “The six projects are diverse, ranging from establishing coastline trapping in Kaikōura, to setting up a native plant nursery, restoration planting ...3 weeks ago
- PSA: Record Inflation Shows Government Must Act To Ensure Working People Stay Afloat
The country’s largest union is recommending urgent action from the Government to improve working people’s pay, to counter the worsening impacts of record inflation on our communities. "Today’s CPI figures prove what our members have told ...30 mins ago - National MP Harete Hipango 'regrets' Wikipedia edit
The 'controversies' section of Hipango's Wikipedia page, which included mention of her presence at anti-vaccination protests, was removed by a staff member. ...35 mins ago - Test all students and staff twice a week, or only close contacts? States have different school plans...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiona Russell, Senior Principal Research Fellow; paediatrician; infectious diseases epidemiologist; vaccinologist, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Schools will open for term one across Australia next week – except in Queensland which has delayed the start of the school year. As ...1 hour ago - Former Christchurch councillor Raf Manji to lead TOP partyThe Opportunities Party has appointed two-term Christchurch City Councillor Raf Manji as its new leader, replacing Shai Navot who was in the role after the 2020 election. ...2 hours ago
- New research shows few Australians know about our own connections to the HolocaustSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Cooke, Associate Professor of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, Deakin University In December 1938, Yorta Yorta man William Cooper took part in a protest organised by the Australian Aborigines’ League to deliver a letter to the German consulate in Melbourne condemning ...2 hours ago
- Kiribati confirms more than 100 covid-19 cases – new rulesBy Kelvin Anthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent The Kiribati Health Ministry has confirmed that the atoll island nation has surpassed 100 covid-19 cases after it recorded 37 new positive infections yesterday. There are 116 people infected on Tarawa – 36 imported and 80 local cases. Nine new cases have been ...3 hours ago
- Leading QC Sees Gloomy Outlook For Costs Of Civil Justice In Post-Covid WorldLawFuel.com - Leading Queens Counsel Dr Jim Farmer believe that the Covid pandemic has created some major issues for the way justice is dispensed, including major problems with the huge backlog of jury trials that have built up during lockdowns and issues ...4 hours ago
- SAFE Is Asking The Government To Back UN Resolution On Animal WelfareSAFE is asking the Minister for the Environment David Parker to support the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution on "Animal welfare - Environment - Sustainable Development Nexus". In a letter to the Minister, SAFE outlined ...4 hours ago
- Calls For Sacking National MP Grow With Allegations Of Misusing Parliamentary ResourcesMatthew Tukaki, Chair of the National Maori Authority, has said enough is enough and National MP Harete Hipango must go. The call has come after the MP admitted directing the editing of her Wikpedia page and only weeks after the errant MP attended lockdown ...4 hours ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – January 27 2022Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. You can sign up to NZ Politics Daily as well as New Zealand Political Roundup columns for free here. Today’s content Govt Omicron strategy Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Government off ...6 hours ago
- Rapid antigen tests: Business 'has part to play'The director of a company importing rapid antigen tests says the government should not try to be "all things to all people" in ensuring tests get to vital businesses. ...6 hours ago
- Ashley Bloomfield Should Do Better Than Lean Into Government’s ‘consolidation’ SpinDirector-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield has become complicit in the Labour Government’s attempt to cover up the theft of rapid antigen tests by the Government, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . Union spokesman Jordan Williams says, “The ...6 hours ago
- CTU PR – Inflation Data Shows Why Minimum Wage Increase Is NecessaryToday's inflation data shows that increases in the minimum wage are both necessary and desirable, says CTU Chief Economist Craig Renney. "Statistics New Zealand data released today showed that Inflation was 5.9% annually, its highest rate since ...6 hours ago
- Inflation Spike: Grant Robertson Wins, Taxpayers LoseGrant Robertson must urgently respond to spiking inflation with an adjustment of tax brackets, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union in response to Stats NZ’s latest inflation figures. Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “At the Reserve ...6 hours ago
- Lawyers threaten PNG police with contempt over settlers eviction haltPNG Post-Courier A Supreme Court ordered mass eviction of settlers on land between Papua New Guinea’s University of PNG, Gerehu Stage 3B and Morata stage one in the National Capital District has been stopped at the 11th hour by Chief of Police Operations and Deputy Police Commissioner Operations Anton Billie. ...6 hours ago
- Fiji deaths ‘a stark reminder’ of the seriousness of the pandemicBy Luke Rawalai in Suva Fiji has recorded 987 covid-19 cases, says Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr James Fong who says the latest deaths are a “stark reminder” of the seriousness of the pandemic. Fiji’s government reported on Monday 11 more people had died from covid-19, including a four-month-old ...6 hours ago
- Health Minister confident country prepared for Omicron while National ridicules ICU capacity claimsWith modelling suggesting NZ could face a peak of 80,000 Omicron infections a day, Health Minister Andrew Little says he is "very confident" the country is prepared. But National is concerned about intensive care capacity. ...7 hours ago
- PM Jacinda Ardern gives Covid-19 update from Tamaiti Whāngai vaccination centrePrime Minister Jacinda Ardern is visiting a Lower Hutt vaccination centre to mark 90 percent of Māori in the region being double vaccinated. ...8 hours ago
- Government Must Pause New Children’s Bill To Allow For Proper Consultation, Says Children’s Orga...Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is calling on the Government to pause progress on the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Bill to allow for proper consultation with children, young people and their families. ...8 hours ago
- New Research Shows Rental Housing Welfare Support Has Not Increased Rental CostsA new study from Motu Research shows the 2018 increases by the New Zealand Government in accommodation welfare support has not led to increases in rents. In 2018, the Government changed its Accommodation Supplement policy. The Government made large ...8 hours ago
- New Report Shows The Cost Of Vision Loss In New Zealand Has Risen 33.6% To $3.74 Billion In 2021A new report from Vision Research International shows the total costs of vision loss in New Zealand, including the total for lost well-being, has increased to $3.74 billion in 2021, an increase of 33.6 percent since 2009. The economic and financial ...9 hours ago
- This object in space flashed brilliantly for 3 months, then disappeared. Astronomers are intriguedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natasha Hurley-Walker, Radio Astronomer, Curtin University Artist visualisation Author provided “Holy sharks, Batman, it’s periodic!” I exclaimed on Slack. It was the first lockdown of 2021 in Perth, and we were all working from home. And when astronomers look ...9 hours ago
- How accurate is your RAT? 3 scenarios show it’s about more than looking for linesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ashwin Swaminathan, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University Shutterstock As Omicron surges through the community, getting the right answer from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is not as straightforward as reading one or two lines off the kit. RATs are a ...9 hours ago
- Children whose parents smoke have lower test scores and more behavioural issues than kids of non-smo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Preety Pratima Srivastava, Senior Lecturer, RMIT University Shutterstock Children whose parents smoke have lower academic test scores and more behavioural issues than children of non-smokers. These are the findings of our research published in the journal of Economics and ...9 hours ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Johanna Reidy, Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago Shutterstock As the start of a new school year looms, school uniforms are being dusted off or new ones bought. At the same time, age-old debates ...9 hours ago
- An unemployment rate below 4% is possible. But for how long?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeff Borland, Professor of Economics, The University of Melbourne It would be nice to think Australia’s low unemployment rate – now 4.2%, the lowest since August 2008 – is here to stay. We’ve been waiting a long time to see this. In ...9 hours ago
- Police location sites on Facebook are helping drivers avoid detection for drug drivingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Mills, PhD Candidate, University of the Sunshine Coast Shutterstock The internet allows us to check the surf, the news, traffic on the road, what our friends have been up to – all before getting out of bed. While this has ...10 hours ago
- ‘Life finds a way’: here’s how rainbowfish survive in Australia’s scorching desertSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine R. M. Attard, Lecturer in Molecular Ecology, Flinders University shutterstock A trip into central Australia involves packing your 4WD to the brim with survival gear, water and food. Yet fish have managed to persist in that parched landscape for thousands ...10 hours ago
- From rock carvings to rock music – the prevalence of bees in art throughout human historySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Dyer, Associate Professor, RMIT University Wikimedia Commons With a looming biodiversity crisis and concerns over food security and sustainability, bees are frequently making news headlines. The importance of bees in our society as pollinators and honey producers appears to have ...10 hours ago
- New watchdog would menace water infrastructure, Government warned
New water corporations will be too scared to invest in the necessary $185b upgrades. ...10 hours ago - Omicron: Modelling suggests NZ could face peak of 80,000 daily infectionsNew Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily Omicron infections by Waitangi weekend, according to modelling by a highly-respected, overseas health research organisation, peaking at about 80,000 each day just a few weeks later. ...11 hours ago
- New Zealanders Who Stood Up To The Nazis Recognised For UN Holocaust Remembrance Day 2022New Zealanders who stood up to the Nazis during World War 2 are being recognised at events around the country to mark this year’s United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This includes New Zealand soldiers who fought German forces and ...11 hours ago
- Waste Management told isolated Omicron contact to return to work
Employer support for isolating staff is critical, says the Director-General of Health, as the country braces for three stages of spread of Omicron. The country's biggest waste company has been accused of insisting an Omicron contact go to work this week, against health officials' advice. Newsroom understands the man and ...12 hours ago - Lake Alice doctor’s death puts spotlight on Govt
Selwyn Leeks' death leaves it to the Government to answer questions about accountability over what happened at Lake Alice. David Williams reports Many Lake Alice survivors learnt of their tormentor’s death in an email yesterday from lawyer Frances Joychild QC, who represented them at recent Royal Commission hearings. The subject ...12 hours ago - Waste Management told isolating Omicron contact to return to workEmployer support for isolating staff is critical, says Director-General of Health. ...12 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 27 January12 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Thursday 27 January
...12 hours ago - Turning a blind eye to the greatest threats to global stability in half a century
NZ’s mainstream media shows little interest in tensions between the big powers ...12 hours ago - Ockhams: Charlotte Grimshaw, etc
Literary editor Steve Braunias on the Ockham longlist A complete idiot could have chosen some of the books on the 2022 Ockham New Zealand national longlist, announced this morning: there are titles so obviously good and immediately powerful that they simply had to be there, and thankfully there they are, ...13 hours ago - Covid Red renders Air NZ customers' travel insurance worthless
Customers are accusing Air New Zealand of sneaky behaviour ...13 hours ago - Twigg keeps her oar in – but dabbles with a bat too
Tokyo gold medallist Emma Twigg has committed to another year of elite rowing, with an eye to competing at her fifth Olympics. But, she tells Suzanne McFadden, playing cricket and becoming a mum have given her a view of the future. Even after dabbling in a little cricket this summer, ...13 hours ago - Keeping schools open safely under Omicron
This article first appeared in The Conversation and is reprinted under a Creative Commons licence When schools restart in the coming week, high vaccination rates and the relatively low risks of community transmission mean every effort should be made despite the arrival of Omicron to keep them open for the ...13 hours ago - 'I think it's time': Efeso Collins commits to running for Auckland mayorThe South Auckland councillor opens up about why he's decided to run for mayor with or without the Labour Party's endorsement. ...22 hours ago
- Health experts warn of risks in phased approach to tackle Omicron outbreakOmicron is not "mild" and can still overwhelm the health system, nor will it be the last Covid-19 variant so the government must prepare, public health experts say. ...22 hours ago
- We’re on top of the world for being free (more or less) of corruption – but Ministers have other...
A bit of bragging can be found on the Beehive website today, along with a plan for doing battle with Omricon. But what is the government’s position as tensions mount and war is threatened on the Ukraine-Russia border? We have recorded this in our previous blog post but we can’t ...1 day ago - Govt 'commandeered' 100k RAT order – companyRapid antigen tests have not been commandeered, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says, but suppliers have been asked to prioritise the government's order. ...1 day ago
- Three-phase Plan For Omicron – Expert ReactionThe government has unveiled a staged approach to responding to Omicron that shifts from stopping to slowing its spread. The self-isolation period for cases will drop from 14 to 10 days, and for contacts from 10 to seven days, during the last two stages ...1 day ago
- While we fret about Covid, we risk forgetting about the Ukraine – but the PM has popped to let Rus...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has at last broken her silence on the tension that has developed over the imminent invasion of the Ukraine by Russia. According to RNZ, she has shared concerns with the EU about the situation and said there was a need to reinforce the sovereignty of Ukraine. She ...1 day ago - Early Learning Sector Needs Ventilation Support Like SchoolsThe Early Childhood Council is calling for the ventilation support on offer for schools to be expanded to support early learning providers. “Early learning providers urgently need assessment of their accommodation to determine where ventilation issues ...1 day ago
- Inflation Spike Underscores Need For Action On Pay GapThe need to close pay gaps for gender, Māori, Pasifika, disability and ethnic communities is more urgent than ever with inflation picked to hit its highest level in 30 years, says MindTheGap NZ . Economists are tipping annual inflation to hit around 6% when ...1 day ago
- Covid-19: Next phases of government's Omicron plan revealedIsolation periods for Covid-19 cases and close contacts will be reduced as NZ goes through a new three-step approach to Omicron unveiled today. Watch the government's announcement here. ...1 day ago
- Despite Omicron arriving, keeping schools open as safely as possible should be the goalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jin Russell, Community and Developmental Paediatrician, University of Auckland Shutterstock The Omicron variant has caused serious disruption to schooling overseas. As Aotearoa New Zealand prepares for an Omicron outbreak, we expect calls to close schools as case numbers rise. ...1 day ago
- Overseas Partnerships Acknowledged On International Customs DayThis International Customs Day (January 26), the New Zealand Customs Service acknowledges the success of its overseas relationships, which is preventing significant quantities of illicit drugs from reaching our shores. To the end of December 2021, Customs has ...1 day ago
- Live: Next phases of government's Omicron plan revealedIsolation periods for Covid-19 cases and close contacts will be reduced as NZ goes through a new three-step approach to Omicron unveiled today. Watch the government's announcement live here. ...1 day ago
- Tom James Appointed WSP Fellow At The Helen Clark FoundationThe Helen Clark Foundation and WSP New Zealand are thrilled to announce that Tom James has been appointed as the new WSP research fellow at the Helen Clark Foundation, taking over from Holly Walker. During her two years as WSP fellow Holly authored ...1 day ago
- Benefit increases going to more than half of families with children – reportFamilies Package benefits go to more than half of families with children, but housing costs and Covid-19 income disruption have eroded some of the gains, a government report shows. ...1 day ago
- Fisher Gets Big Fine For Setting Nets In Dolphin Area...1 day ago
- Norton Consumer Cyber Safety Pulse Report Reveals Online Tracking More Rampant Than Most RealiseLearn How Scammers Use Current Events Pop Culture Trends to Lure Victims NortonLifeLock global research team, Norton Labs, today published its fourth quarterly Consumer Cyber Safety Pulse Report , sharing the top consumer cybersecurity insights and takeaways ...1 day ago
- Omicron Likely To Trigger National Emergency, Says NZNOThe New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) says it’s worried the country’s health system, which is already in critical condition, could be completely overwhelmed by the inevitable Omicron outbreak. NZNO agrees with the Association for Salaried Medical ...1 day ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – January 26 2022Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. You can sign up to NZ Politics Daily as well as New Zealand Political Roundup columns for free here. Today’s content Govt Omicron strategy, NZ moves to red ...1 day ago
- Funding Boost For Projects Supporting SeniorsDeveloping a virtual village plan in Mount Roskill, Auckland, and creating a Te Ao Māori library to access information, stories and community history in Whangarei are among the latest projects funded by the Age friendly fund. Office for Seniors ...1 day ago
- New Zealand Public Service Among Most Trusted In The WorldNew Zealand has again been ranked first equal, along with Denmark and Finland, as the country considered to be the least corrupt. The recently released 2021 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index measures how corrupt a country’s public ...1 day ago
- Government 'commandeering' rapid antigen tests secured by private sector, National Party s...National Party leader Christopher Luxon says the government is taking rapid antigen tests away from the private sector to hide its own incompetence because it doesn't have enough in the country. ...1 day ago
- Parking penalties: When good advocacy journalism goes bad
Hopes to change hospital parking penalties are dashed in an unexpected way ...1 day ago - Should new Australians have to pass an English test to become citizens?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matteo Bonotti, Senior lecturer, Monash University Prime Minister Scott Morrison with new citizens in 2020. Mick Tsikas/AAP On Australia Day each year, thousands of people become Australian citizens at ceremonies around the country. Prospective citizens have to meet a number of ...1 day ago
- Some endangered species can no longer survive in the wild. So should we alter their genes?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tiffany Kosch, Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Melbourne Zoo Around the world, populations of many beloved species are declining at increasing rates. According to one grim projection, as many as 40% of the world’s species may be extinct by ...1 day ago
- We asked hundreds of Aussies whether they’d eat insects, and most said yes – so what’s holding...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Danaher, Lecturer in Nutrition, RMIT University Shutterstock Insects are sustainable, nutritious and delicious. They’re eaten by more than two billion people worldwide, mostly in the tropics, and have been a staple in Indigenous Australians’ diets for tens of thousands of ...1 day ago
- Cracking joints isn’t bad for you and could even serve a useful purposeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Neil Tuttle, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist & Senior Lecturer, University of Tasmania Shutterstock Some people habitually crack their joints, others can’t, and many are irritated by those who do. So what’s going on? Why do people do it, is it harmful, what makes ...1 day ago
- Why online groups are parents’ best friends in getting ready for the school yearSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Violetta Wilk, Lecturer & Researcher in Digital Marketing, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock If you’re a parent, chances are that, like me, you are frantically trying to get a head start on the new school year. In coping with the stress of ...1 day ago
- Makeshift screens, censored films and ASIO: how the Melbourne International Film Festival began 70 y...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa French, Professor & Dean, School of Media and Communication, RMIT University Author provided. On the Australia Day weekend in 1952, a group of die-hard film buffs put on a film festival. They had selected the leafy hills of Olinda in ...1 day ago
- Border reopening plan: Stranded New Zealanders to learn about self-isolation scheme soonThe prime minister confirmed New Zealanders stuck overseas will learn when they can bypass MIQ and isolate at home in a matter of weeks. ...1 day ago
- Covid-19: Next two phases of Omicron response to be revealedOfficials will announce more details on rapid antigen tests, the treatment of close contacts, and quarantine and isolation periods later today. ...1 day ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 26 January2 days ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 26 January
...2 days ago - NZ needs to move fast to put the ‘S’ into ESG
Companies and governments are ignoring the "social" - read "human" – part of the ESG equation, argues Brent Wilton. That matters not just for people, but for our export-oriented economy. Opinion: Have you read your company’s ESG statement lately? Maybe you have. Environmental, social and corporate governance reporting is more mainstream ...2 days ago
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