Follow the money
Written By:
Date published: 10:39 pm, June 22nd, 2017 - 48 comments
Categories: bill english, Ethics, leadership, national, winston peters
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Bill English’s texted electorate chair Stuart Davie on 21st February 2016 saying Glenys Dickson was given an extra payout from the Leader’s fund “to avoid potential legal action.” It was the only source available for an extra payout for confidentiality. English said today no-one in February knew there was any issue of illegality. Then what legal action and why an extra payment?
Daily Review 23/06/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, June 23rd, 2017 - 70 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 …
Creative uses for Brash’s “Hobson’s pledge” pamphlets
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Date published: 12:20 pm, June 23rd, 2017 - 42 comments
Ex Nat leader Don Brash, of racist Orewa speech and Iwi/Kiwi fame, is still out there fanning the flames of division in NZ.
Sarah v Government
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Date published: 8:00 am, June 23rd, 2017 - 51 comments
the Government can’t always be trusted to act in the best interests of the people or the planet
So English lied to Parliament too
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Date published: 6:40 am, June 23rd, 2017 - 22 comments
Labour and Peters have both made complaints over English’s lie to Parliament. Peters is calling on English to step down. That’s going to make any post-election NZF/Nat coalition a bit tricky.
Open Mike 23/06/2017
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Date published: 6:00 am, June 23rd, 2017 - 143 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 22/06/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, June 22nd, 2017 - 53 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 …
Labour to invest in public transport for Greater Christchurch
Written By:
Date published: 11:17 am, June 22nd, 2017 - 9 comments
A 21st century city simply has to have integrated, multi-modal public transport at its heart.
Bill English is no John Key
Written By:
Date published: 9:00 am, June 22nd, 2017 - 37 comments
During Dirty Politics John Key was able to stand in front of a group of reporters and with complete confidence make a series of statements the veracity of which was dubious. Bill English has shown this week that he does not have that ability.
Keeping our eye on the ball
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Date published: 6:18 am, June 22nd, 2017 - 22 comments
Compared to this, Barclaygate is a tiny speck of dust by the skirting board behind the couch.
Barclay/English cartooned
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Date published: 6:06 am, June 22nd, 2017 - 8 comments
Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
Open Mike 22/06/2017
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Date published: 6:00 am, June 22nd, 2017 - 229 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 21/06/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, June 21st, 2017 - 20 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 …
Later Todd
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Date published: 1:37 pm, June 21st, 2017 - 127 comments
- Todd Barclay has announced that he will not stand at the next General Election as National’s Clutha Southland candidate.
Why is Whaleoil being pathetic or paid on Toddy?
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Date published: 11:19 am, June 21st, 2017 - 31 comments
We may never know if Todd Barclay was one of the Simon Lusk / Cameron Slater Dirty Politics ‘clients’. However if you read the Whaleoil today, he has finally received instructions (umm) figured out the spin line … Whatever…
Should The Left Do Authoritarian Populism Like The Right Does?
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Date published: 10:17 am, June 21st, 2017 - 54 comments
What if the left had an authoritarian populist in power and got some stuff done?
Meanwhile – Winston waits…
Written By:
Date published: 9:45 am, June 21st, 2017 - 31 comments
‘Tis the time in the electoral cycle when Winston Peters bestirs himself to life. And tweets thus…
Bill English is a liar not a leader
Written By:
Date published: 7:38 am, June 21st, 2017 - 159 comments
Bill English lied and he tried to coverup what may well be a crime. He has blown his brand big-time.
Barclay debacle recap
Written By:
Date published: 6:05 am, June 21st, 2017 - 73 comments
From twitter, Holy shit, someone in NZ did some journalism and all hell breaks loose.
Open Mike 21/06/2017
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Date published: 6:00 am, June 21st, 2017 - 66 comments
Open mike is your post.
For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).
Step up to the mike …
Daily Review 20/06/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, June 20th, 2017 - 25 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 …
Some random impertinent questions about Todd Barclay’s problems
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Date published: 2:30 pm, June 20th, 2017 - 145 comments
Bill English has admitted that he knew about the tape that Todd Barclay says does not exist. And National have some serious questions to answer concerning Todd Barclay’s behaviour.
Oil and Water Mix.
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Date published: 11:17 am, June 20th, 2017 - 23 comments
Our economic paradigm (market capitalism) and oil don’t mix. False hope (BECCS) and survival doesn’t mix. Current political settings (Paris pledges produce 3- 4 degrees C warming with the US on board) and intelligent action don’t mix. Incrementalism (time is not on our side) and AGW doesn’t mix. Whatever can’t be mixed into some AGW solution needs to be flushed.
Scary, huh? Well, yes and no…
National’s Todd Barclay problem
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Date published: 8:24 am, June 20th, 2017 - 112 comments
Newsroom has released details about how National handled the police investigation into Todd Barclay’s alleged illegal wiretapping suggesting that Bill English thought it had occurred and that the complaint was dealt with in part by a payment from John Key’s Prime Minister’s fund.
Party donations analysis
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Date published: 7:02 am, June 20th, 2017 - 101 comments
Max Rasbrooke has done an analysis of donations to political parties, and raises the concern that donations buy influence. There is a solution to this problem.
Open Mike 20/06/2017
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, June 20th, 2017 - 52 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 19/06/2017
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Date published: 6:09 pm, June 19th, 2017 - 32 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 …
Supporting racism
Written By:
Date published: 1:44 pm, June 19th, 2017 - 31 comments
Calling on all kiwis to help support a very important cause…racism.
Why the America’s Cup is better than Rugby
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Date published: 10:41 am, June 19th, 2017 - 135 comments
And now for something completely different. Is the America’s cup a more potent example of New Zealand’s unique place in the world than the Rigby World Cup.
Lies, damn lies, and National’s housing affordability statistics
Written By:
Date published: 9:19 am, June 19th, 2017 - 39 comments
RNZ: The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment ignored advice from the Reserve Bank over its new housing affordability measure, and made houses appear to be more affordable than they actually were.
National release their Social Media Policy
Written By:
Date published: 6:30 am, June 19th, 2017 - 14 comments
How not to be a twit.
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- PM’s leadership in question over Barclay affairThe Prime Minister must belatedly show some leadership and compel Todd Barclay to front up to the Police, says Labour Leader Andrew Little. “Twice today Bill English has been found wanting in this matter. ...3 days ago
- Another memory lapse by Coleman?The Minister of Health ‘couldn’t recall’ whether the Director General of Health Chai Chuah offered his resignation over the Budget funding fiasco involving the country’s District Health Boards, says Labour’s Health spokesperson David Clark. “In the House today Jonathan Coleman ...3 days ago
- Bill English needs to come clean over BarclayBill English needs to explain why he failed to be upfront with the public over the actions of Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay, following revelations that he knew about the secretly recorded conversations in the MP’s electorate office, says Labour Leader ...4 days ago
- Minister, show some backbone and front up and debateRather than accusing critics of his Te Ture Whenua Māori Bill of telling ‘lies’, Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell should show some backbone and front up to a debate on the issue, says Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Meka Whaitiri. “Te ...4 days ago
- Equal pay for mental health workersToday, mental health workers are filing an equal pay claim through their unions. Mental health support workers do important and difficult work in our communities. But because the workforce is largely female, they are not paid enough. It’s wrong for ...5 days ago
- Nats’ HAM-fisted housing crisis denialNational’s decision to knowingly release a flawed Housing Affordability Measure that underestimates the cost of housing is the latest evidence of their housing crisis denial, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...5 days ago
- New Pike footage builds compelling case for mine re-entryNew footage of the Pike River Mine deep inside the operation, revealing no fire damage or signs of an inferno, provides a compelling reason to grant the families of Pike River’s victims their wish to re-enter the drift, says Labour ...5 days ago
- Labour will get tough on slum boarding housesThe next Labour-led Government will legislate a Warrant of Fitness based on tough minimum standards to clean out slum boarding houses, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. “It’s not acceptable for New Zealanders in the 21st Century to be living ...6 days ago
- Green Party tribute to Dame Nganeko Minhinnick
Haere ngā mate ki tua o paerau; te moenga roa o ngā mātua tupuna. Haere, haere, haere. It was with a huge sense of loss that we learned of the death of Dame Nganeko Minhinnick yesterday. The Green Party acknowledges ...1 week ago - Urgent answers needed on DHB fundingJonathan Coleman must come clean and answer questions about what actual funding DHBs received in Budget 2017, says Labour Health Spokesperson David Clark. ...1 week ago
- Treasury puts Māori Land Service on red alertA damning Treasury report raises serious questions about the delivery of Te Ururoa Flavell’s proposed Māori Land Service, giving it a ‘red’ rating which indicates major issues with the project, says Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Meka Whaitiri. “Treasury’s Interim Major Projects Monitoring ...1 week ago
- Economy stalling after nine years of National’s complacencyThe second successive quarterly fall in per person growth shows the need for a fresh approach to give all New Zealanders a fair share in prosperity, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. ...1 week ago
- Kiwi kids deserve much moreAll Kiwi kids deserve so much more than the impoverished picture painted by the shameful rankings provided by the UNICEF Innocenti Report Card, says Labour’s children spokesperson Jacinda Ardern. ...1 week ago
- NZ Zone a precursor to a total nuclear weapon banNew Zealand’s nuclear-free zone, legislated by Parliament in 1987, is something we all take pride in. It’s important, however, that we don’t let it thwart its own ultimate purpose – a world free of nuclear weapons. That goal must be ...1 week ago
- English must confirm we still stand by our principles on UN resolutionBill English must tell New Zealand whether we remain in support of the UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, says Labour Leader Andrew Little. “After Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee’s evasive answers to repeated questions on ...1 week ago
- Māori party drop the poi on Māori healthThe Māori Party have dropped the poi when it comes to supporting Ngati Whakaue and Māori interests in Bay of Plenty by allowing an iwi owned and operated service Te Hunga Manaaki to be brushed aside in favour of a ...1 week ago
- Labour to invest in Whanganui River infrastructureLabour will work in partnership with the Whanganui Council to repair and redevelop the city’s Port precinct in advance of planned economic development and expansion. To enable Whanganui’s plans, Labour will commit $3m in matching funding for repairing the Whanganui ...1 week ago
- Parihaka: an apology
An apology only works for healing if it is sincere and if it is accepted. We teach our children to apologise and to be genuine if they want to be forgiven. On Friday, June 9 at Parihaka, the Crown apologised ...2 weeks ago - Survey shows many international students plan to stay in NZ after studyMost international students in New Zealand at PTEs (private training establishments) who have a plan for themselves after study intend to stay in New Zealand to work. This shows how low-level education has become a backdoor immigration route under National, ...2 weeks ago
- Councils step up as Nats drop the ball on housing crisisPhil Goff’s Mayoral Housing Taskforce is another positive example of councils stepping up where National has failed on housing, says Labour Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...2 weeks ago
- Time for a breather on immigrationLabour will introduce moderate, sensible reforms to immigration to reduce the pressure on our cities, while ensuring we get the skilled workers our country needs, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “New Zealand is a country built on immigration. ...2 weeks ago
- Inaction puts Māui dolphins at riskConservation Minister Maggie Barry was at the United Nations Oceans Conference in New York last week, trying to convince the world that the New Zealand Government is doing a good job at protecting our marine environment. Yet last week after ...2 weeks ago
- National unprepared as immigration runs four times faster than forecastNational has been caught asleep at the wheel by record immigration that has outstripped Budget forecasts, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. ...2 weeks ago
- First home buyers shouldn’t carry the can for National’s failed policiesThe introduction of tighter limits on lending to first home buyers would see them paying the price for the National Party’s failure to recognise or fix the housing crisis, Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson says. “Nine years of denial and ...2 weeks ago
- Motel bill blows out as Nats fail to deliver emergency housingMinister Amy Adams has admitted at select committee that National has now spent $22m on putting homeless families in motels as it fails to deliver the emergency housing places it promised, says Labour Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...2 weeks ago
- Minister, how out of touch are you?What was going through Jonathan Coleman’s head in the Health Select Committee this morning when he claimed he was unaware that an estimated 533,000 people have missed out on a GP’s visit in the last 12 months due to cost, ...2 weeks ago
- Divided we fallI’m getting pretty sick of the politics of division in this country. The latest example was yesterday’s comments from NZ First leader Winston Peters having a good go in the House at driving up fear and loathing towards people of ...2 weeks ago
- Labour’s Electoral Amendment Bill to enhance democracyDemocracy will be enhanced under Labour’s Private Member’s Bill which will have its First Reading today, says Labour’s Local Government spokesperson MP Meka Whaitiri. ...2 weeks ago
- Police underfunded despite rise in crimeAs crime continues to rise dairy owners are scared for their lives and communities reel under a record increase in burglary numbers, it has now been revealed that Police received less than three quarters of their bid in this year’s ...2 weeks ago
- Road pricing years off, public transport investment needed nowWith road pricing still years away, Labour will step up with investment in public transport to ease Auckland’s congestion woes, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...2 weeks ago
- Call to protect Easter Sunday in AucklandAuckland’s Labour MPs are backing the community to protect Easter Sunday by retaining current trading restrictions in the city, says Labour MPs Aupito William Sio and Michael Wood. “The Government’s weak and confusing decision to delegate the decision over Easter ...2 weeks ago
- $2.3 billion shortfall in healthThe funding needed for health to be restored to the level it was seven years ago to keep pace with cost pressures has widened to a massive $2.3 billion, says Labour Leader Andrew Little. “We used to have a health ...2 weeks ago
- Catherine Delahunty: My Mataura River visit
On June 1st the Greens swimmable rivers tour visited the Mataura river and communities connected to it. All we need now is a Government willing to set clear strong rules and support the new conversation about measuring our success by ...3 weeks ago
- Hamilton student to battle Govt in landmark climate lawsuit
Friday, June 23: A law student from Hamilton is preparing to challenge the Government in the High Court on Monday over what she says is a “failure” to properly address climate change. ...7 hours ago - Roy Morgan Poll – National Party consolidates leadIn June New Zealand’s governing National Party has jumped 3.5% to 46.5% after Finance Minister Steven Joyce handed down a New Zealand Budget projecting a string of surpluses over the next few years. National are now well ahead of the ...12 hours ago
- Last chance for Lawrence Yule to release expensesNational Party Tukituki Candidate and former Hastings Mayor, Lawrence Yule, is the only mayor in New Zealand whose travel, entertainment, and slush fund is kept secret from New Zealand ratepayers as head of ratepayer-funded lobby group, Local Government ...13 hours ago
- TOP’s Mika on Labour bringing in unpaid overseas studentsOpportunities Party Auckland Central Candidate Mika responds to Labour Party bringing in unpaid overseas students. ...13 hours ago
- NZ Cuban friendship group condemns Trumps anti-Cuba policyThe Auckland Cuba Friendship Society has condemned the latest rollback of the Obama presidency’s easing of relations with Cuba as a deepening of the blockade, now in place for 54 years. ...13 hours ago
- Bridges’ handout sees taxpayers fork out $600 eachSimon Bridges has announced a second $300,000 non-refundable taxpayer grant to the Tarawera ultramarathon, apparently to attract only 500 international visitors in what must be one of the most ridiculous examples of corporate welfare to date. Jordan ...14 hours ago
- LABOUR FOLDS TO FARMING LOBBYIn electoral desperation, the Labour Party yesterday abandoned any attempt to address one of the greatest concerns facing New Zealanders, the ongoing pollution of our waterways. ...14 hours ago
- Southland plan gets ministerial go-aheadThe Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan has received sign-off by the Minister of Civil Defence Gerry Brownlee. This means it will set the scene for Emergency Management Southland and its partners for the next five years. ...14 hours ago
- Shameful $19 Million Clean-up Bill For TaxpayersEnvironment Minister Nick Smith today provided a little good news and far more frustratingly bad news for our shameful national scrap tyre problem. ...15 hours ago
- Green Party to run campaign to unseat Nick Smith in NelsonThe Green Party is today announcing that its Nelson candidate, second term local councillor Matt Lawrey, will run to win the electorate and unseat Nick Smith in September’s election. ...17 hours ago
- Green Party Run Campaign to Unseat Nick Smith in NelsonThe Green Party is today announcing that its Nelson candidate, second term local councillor Matt Lawrey, will run to win the electorate and unseat Nick Smith in September’s election. ...17 hours ago
- Government announces false solution for tyre woesAfter rejecting an industry-designed workable product stewardship scheme for end of life tyres, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today the government would allocate $19 million taxpayer dollars into a false solution instead - most of the ...1 day ago
- More than 1000 place names taken forwardThe New Zealand Geographic Board made decisions on 1109 New Zealand, Antarctic and Undersea place names at its recent meeting on 18 May 2017. ...1 day ago
- Two Reports Show Health & Poverty Gaps WideningTwo reports released last week show need for real concern about widening children’s health & poverty gaps, according to the Closing the Gap organisation. ...1 day ago
- Simple, nation-wide window-washer rules needed – WDCWhangarei District has reiterated that window washers at intersections are a significant problem in the District and that simple, low-cost, nation-wide laws are needed to manage them. Speaking to the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee ...2 days ago
- Auditor-General’s report, Border securityThe Auditor-General’s report Border security: Using information to process passengers was presented to the House of Representatives today. This report looks at whether staff working on the frontline at major ports have the information they need to effectively ...2 days ago
- Police Association launches election year policy documentPolice Association launches 2017 election year policy document: Towards a Safer New Zealand ...2 days ago
- New zone plan for Taupō catchmentA new high-level plan to guide Waikato Regional Council’s work to promote a healthy catchment in the crucial Lake Taupō zone has been approved by the integrated catchment management committee today. ...2 days ago
- Chinese fishing vessels fined for tuna offencesChinese fishing vessels fined close to NZD$1m for tuna offences near NZ waters 22 June 2017 Chinese authorities have deregistered and fined a Chinese commercial fishing company approximately NZD$825,000 for misreporting bluefin tuna catches and fishing ...2 days ago
- Last week for local board plan feedbackFeedback on Auckland Council’s 21 draft local board plans 2017 closes on Friday 30 June – so don’t miss the chance to have your say on the future of your community. ...2 days ago
- Statement from Matt McCarten, Campaign for ChangeIn May this year my contract with the Labour Party ended and I left to run a programme called the Campaign for Change. The programme was supported by the Labour Party in Auckland, however I led and managed it. ...2 days ago
- If You Want a Farming Future You Know What To Do …Certainly there will be many more people at Palmerston North’s Convention Centre, this Sunday at 2pm, when New Zealand First launches its Campaign for the Regions. ...2 days ago
- Record new arrivals as net migration tops 72,000Annual net migration reached 72,000 in the May 2017 year, Stats NZ said today. Migrant arrivals numbered 130,400 and migrant departures numbered 58,400 in the year ended May 2017. ...2 days ago
- LGNZ Welcomes New Move to Deal with Used TyresA new National Environmental Standard to deal with New Zealand’s millions of waste tyres is an excellent step towards reducing the harmful impacts of used tyres. ...2 days ago
- Mixed views on Christchurch stock transferCommunity Housing Aotearoa (CHA) says the shortlisting of consortia is the expected next step in seeing state housing in Christchurch transferred to a new provider, yet the process remains fraught. ...2 days ago
- The biggest privatisation of state assets in NZ historyIn a particular shameful act the Christchurch City Council is helping the National government facilitate the biggest privatisation in Zealand history – our $18 billion of state house assets. ...2 days ago
- Rural tourist routes an accident waiting to happenThe government must urgently upgrade unsafe rural roads used by tourists, says the car review website dogandlemon.com . ...2 days ago
- For Green Nationalism in New ZealandThe South Island’s New National NZ will field a candidate in Christchurch in this years general election. ...2 days ago
- Assisted Suicide Opponent to Visit New ZealandProfessor the Baroness Ilora Finlay of Llandaff will be visiting New Zealand Monday, 26 June through Friday, 30 June. The Welsh professor of palliative medicine and cross-bench member of the House of Lords was last in New Zealand in 2012, ...2 days ago
- Founder of HPV Vaccine guest of honour at ParliamentFounder of HPV Vaccine guest of honour at Parliamentary Dinner. Professor Ian Frazer founder of the HPV vaccine is the guest speaker at the Medicines New Zealand Parliamentary dinner this evening, hosted at Parliament by the Chair of Health Committee, ...3 days ago
- SSC statement on Ombudsman’s school closures reportFollowing the release of the Ombudsman’s report today, the Ministry of Education has apologised for failing to provide the information it should have during its early engagement with the Christchurch community over school re-organisation in the wake ...3 days ago
- Contempt report protects right to a fair trialFreedom of expression does not include the right to undermine fair trials says Law Commission President Douglas White. ...3 days ago
- Skills for SuccessINSIGHTS ABOUT THE NEWS - NZ's low labour productivity and its lack of improvement in comparison with its international partners is the focus of many initiatives. At the presentation of the OECD Economic Survey of NZ last week, OECD chief ...3 days ago
- CEOs Gear up to Support Fight Against Human TraffickingSome of New Zealand’s top CEOs are putting their bodies on the line in the fight against human trafficking by riding in this year’s Tearfund Poverty Cycle Challenge. ...3 days ago
- At least be honest that you’re evicting the birdsThe Point England Development Enabling Bill is being debated in its final stages this week in Parliament. National is trying to have its cake and eat it too by saying that this Bill will provide more housing at the same ...3 days ago
- Future-Focused Plan for NZ Infrastructure Needed, LGNZ saysNew Zealand’s infrastructure is at a crossroads and needs to be a key focus in the upcoming election, Local Government New Zealand says. ...3 days ago
- Careful Mr Peters, you don’t come to this with clean handsThe Taxpayers’ Union says that it’s a bit rich of Winston Peters to criticise the National Party for using its taxpayer-funded leader's fund to pay ‘hush money’ when that is precisely what he used his leader's fund for in late ...3 days ago
- How Legalising Cannabis Can Help SocietyLeading drug researcher Associate Professor Chris Wilkins from Massey University’s SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre is calling for the adoption of a not-for-profit public health model for recreational cannabis. It would allow regulated cannabis ...3 days ago
- Corrections Accused of Cover Up over New Torture ReportsThe prisoner advocacy organisation No Pride in Prisons is “outraged” by what it sees as an attempt by the Department of Corrections to avoid transparency and undermine the Official Information Act (OIA). ...3 days ago
- Conservative Party Appeals Broadcasting AllocationThe Conservative Party of New Zealand has appealed the level of broadcasting allocation decided by the Electoral Commission. “The level of allocation is a slap in the face for democracy and justice,” says Party Leader, Leighton Baker. ...3 days ago
- ‘Give a Home’: Massive global concert series1,000 musicians to play at Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds events globally in September ...3 days ago
- Celebrating the Positive Contributions of RefugeesThe Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS), in partnership with the Auckland Resettled Community Collation (ARCC) is celebrating World Refugee Day and the positive contributions of refugees to New Zealand. ...3 days ago
- Kiwis asked to listen to the story of a refugeeWorld Refugee Day 2017: Human Rights Commission asks Kiwis to take the time to listen to the story of a refugee ...4 days ago
- Nats all ‘say’ and no ‘do’ on equal rightsA flyer challenging Prime Minister Bill English’s record on a single standard of citizenship went out to 1.6 million households today. ...4 days ago
- IHC congratulates new Disability Rights CommissionerMedia release 20 June 2017 IHC New Zealand warmly welcomes Paula Tesoriero as the country’s new Disability Rights Commissioner. ...4 days ago
- Barclay payment not the firstIn addition to other parties using leaders' funds to hush former staff, it appears the Todd Barclay episode is not the only time a National Party leader has used taxpayers' money to prevent legal action in relation to allegations of ...4 days ago
- Shine on the Family Violence Death Review Committee findingsShine’s on the ground experience is echoed in the Family Violence Death Review Committee findings ...4 days ago
- GCSB’s process for determining foreign intelligence activityThe Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Cheryl Gwyn, released the public report of her inquiry into the Government Communications Security Bureau’s (GCSB) processes for determining its foreign intelligence activity today. This inquiry was ...4 days ago
- Economic migrants just as legitimate as refugeesToday on World Refugee Day, the Greens have released a policy to double the quota twice, with a target of 5,000 refugees. The Migrant and Refugee Rights Campaign (MARRC) welcome this policy, but say that economic migrants must also be ...4 days ago
- Time for “diseased” electricity industry overhaulTuesday, June 20: Greenpeace has called for an overhaul of the electricity industry after a complaint against a tax on solar was quashed in court. ...4 days ago
- ‘Many of us have had positive experiences’ – US intern
An American intern has denied accusations that a Labour Party internship scheme is treating students poorly. ...7 hours ago - Green Party to contest Nick Smith’s Nelson seatThe Green Party will fight National's Nick Smith for the Nelson seat in this year's election, the first time the party has tried to win a seat since 1999. ...9 hours ago
- Complaints made to HRC over leafletsThe Human Rights Commission has received complaints about a series of leaflets including from Hobson's Pledge, a group fronted by Don Brash, which aims to end what it calls 'race-based privilege'. ...9 hours ago
- PMC to host visiting Pacific exchange student journalists
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz University of the South Pacific’s Linda Filiai filming in the Fiji National Sports Stadium … “once in a lifetime” opportunity. Image: PCF Pacific Media Watch News Desk The Pacific Media Centre will host three student ...10 hours ago - The angel investor breakdown: do you really need millions of dollars?
Business is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand, with the interview available as both audio and ...10 hours ago - Emily Writes on the couch with a clinical psychologist
Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes is an anxious mess, which is why she’s constantly talking about mental health in mothers and the need to get help if you need it. She recently spoke to a clinical psychologist who specialises in ...10 hours ago - All the music-related bits of Dominic Hoey’s novel Iceland (and a playlist!)Dominic Hoey shares the music-related parts of his new novel Iceland and makes a playlist so you can play along while reading.Music features heavily in my novel Iceland and since we’re living in the future, I thought I’d put together ...12 hours ago
- The Unity Books best-selling chart for the week ending June 23The best-selling books at the two best bookstores known to God. WELLINGTON UNITY1 The Whole Intimate Mess: Motherhood, Politics & Women’s Writing by Holly Walker (Bridget Williams Texts, $15)“There is nothing normal about crawling up the hallway, screaming and hitting yourself ...13 hours ago
- 40 years of PNG independence – ‘why are our women still dying?’Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz Gulf Regional candidate, Ruben Giusu (right) refuses to sit on the chair made for him by the people but instead carries a young boy on it. The PNG elections begin tomorrow. Image: Loop PNG By ...13 hours ago
- The Friday-Figure Quiz: Put on your red socks… and take this quizWith the countdown on to this weekend’s big deciding race, test your knowledge of all things America’s Cup related, from boats to Bermuda.Having trouble viewing the quiz? Take it here. ...13 hours ago
- Ed Kindred: The Aussie Gent Behind Duke
CAPTION: Ed Kindred used to programme UKTV and BBC World channels for New Zealand. Ed Kindred arrived in New… The post Ed Kindred: The Aussie Gent Behind Duke appeared first on ZagZigger. ...13 hours ago - Ryan Rathbone: Leaning Over The EdgeCAPTION: Ryan Rathbone is National Content Director for the top rating music station, The Edge FM. Ryan Rathbone was headed… The post Ryan Rathbone: Leaning Over The Edge appeared first on ZagZigger. ...14 hours ago
- ‘The culture of politics can take a few lessons from rugby’: Kiri Allan kicks off full-time camp...
In her second candidate diary for the Spinoff, Kiri Allan writes about the emotional rollercoaster after chucking in the day job, growing a layer of skin to deal with the scrutiny, a gathering of women who get shit done, and rugby as ...15 hours ago - We found New Zealand’s greatest sports song (and it’s not the one you’re thinking of)
In part two of The Spinoff Music’s two-is-not-a-thing sports series, Steve Newall goes in search of that most elusive beast: the great sports song. Read part one, in which Gareth Shute writes a new All Blacks supporters’ song, here. New ...16 hours ago - Pomegranate Kitchen’s Rebecca Stewart on how food can change the world
Today, as part of a week-long series chatting to Wellingtonians about what they’re up to in the windy city, Alex Casey talks to Rebecca Stewart of Pomegranate Kitchen about social enterprise and doing good in the community, one meal at ...16 hours ago - The Friday Poem: ‘Last words’ by Bill ManhireNew verse – he wrote it on Wednesday, actually – by Wellington writer Bill Manhire. Last words It’s nice out there,says the dying man. Yes, says the doctor,not too bad at all. Bill Manhire, 2017The Spinoff Review of Books is brought to you by ...16 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards Analysis: Todd Barclay’s downfall – who loses and why
16 hours ago - I turned on the television and watched only the ads for five hours
Tara Ward does the unthinkable: turning on her television and looking for nothing but sweet, sweet ads. Television advertisments are often overlooked and misunderstood — until now, my friends. I love a challenge like I love a Coronation Street weekend omnibus, ...17 hours ago - Labour Party programme ‘got out of control’A senior Labour Party official has admitted a scheme to bring international students to the country to help with its election campaign got out of control. ...18 hours ago
- Labour Party intern programme ‘got out of control’A senior Labour Party official has admitted a scheme to bring international students to the country to help with its election campaign got out of control. ...18 hours ago
- Pacific pension advice wording ‘unfortunate’Self-sufficiency and independence have been described as foreign concepts to Pacific cultures by New Zealand's own Ministry for Pacific Peoples. ...20 hours ago
- National aims to put Barclay affair behind themSenior members of the National Party are confident this weekend's annual conference won't be overshadowed by the controversy around Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay. ...21 hours ago
- National aims to put Barclay affair behind itSenior members of the National Party are confident this weekend's annual conference won't be overshadowed. ...21 hours ago
- ‘I have not quantified the benefits’: the astonishing truth about NZ’s most expensive road eve...
Remember that proposed new highway from Penrose to Onehunga, the East-West Link, set to cost close to $2 billion? Turns out no one has worked out, using current figures, if it’s worth the money – and it’s most likely no ...22 hours ago - Defence Minister visits forces stationed in IraqThe Defence Minister has visited New Zealand troops at Camp Taji near Baghdad in Iraq. ...1 day ago
- Little says Labour Party interns situation ’embarrassing’The Labour Party admits it's been embarrassing to have dozens of interns, brought to New Zealand to campaign for the party complain about sub-standard living conditions. ...1 day ago
- ‘The whole team went rogue’: the gruesome political reality of Labour’s campaign for change
It demands a Herculean effort to shift the spotlight from a scandal engulfing a government MP, but New Zealand Labour’s shonky intern scheme might just have done it, writes Toby Manhire.Campaign for Change is a pithier title, but the universe has today ...1 day ago - Nats’ internal scars could bite worse than BarclayOpinion - The Todd Barclay affair has left its scars on the Prime Minister and the National Party, but the internal wounds could prove more costly writes Rob Hosking ...1 day ago
- Your different brain: How we will tell our child about her diagnosis
Jessie Moss has written for The Spinoff Parents before about her daughter’s syndrome and her quest for a diagnosis. Here she writes about a new stage in their lives – how she and her partner will tell their precious child ...1 day ago - Kiwis of Snapchat: Chris Harper-Ludes, small business owner (WATCH)In our video series Kiwis of Snapchat, comedian Tom Sainsbury sources exclusive Snapchat footage of Kiwi citizens making the news. Today, small business owner Chris Harper-Ludes offers the voters of New Zealand a new choice this election.This content is brought to ...1 day ago
- Here are the first 30 Paperboy covers – notice what’s missing?
Paperboy launched late last year as a stylish free weekly magazine by and for Auckland. We at The Spinoff noticed what they were and were not doing with their covers – all 30 of them run below – and asked ...1 day ago - Peters lays complaints over Barclay sagaThe NZ First leader has filed two privileges complaints against the Prime Minister, claiming he has misled Parliament with his answers to questions about Todd Barclay. ...2 days ago
- Unprecedented outpouring of grief at funeral for Vanuatu presidentArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Following a funeral service in the Parliamentary rotunda, beloved and admired President Baldwin Lonsdale was farewelled by a massive crowd lining the route to the airport. Image: Dan McGarry/Vanuatu Daily Post By Dan McGarry in ...2 days ago
- Brownlee to visit Colombia to talk tradeThe Trade and Foreign Ministers will fly to Colombia next week as part of efforts to get New Zealand into the Pacific Alliance. ...2 days ago
- Book of the Week: Marion McLeod reviews a true-crime thriller about a Glasgow serial killer
Marion McLeod reviews an ‘icy-cold’ account of a Scottish serial killer by the brilliant Denise Mina.Scottish writer Denise Mina has been dubbed Glasgow’s answer to Edinburgh’s Ian Rankin. Having written a dozen crime novels, several plays and films, a comic (Hellblazer) ...2 days ago - Book of the Week: Marion McLeod reviews a thriller about a Glasgow serial killerMarion McLeod reviews an ‘icy-cold’ account of a Scottish serial killer by the brilliant Denise Mina.Scottish writer Denise Mina has been dubbed Glasgow’s answer to Edinburgh’s Ian Rankin. Having written a dozen crime novels, several plays and films, a comic (Hellblazer) ...2 days ago
- Remembering ‘paintergate’, and what Bill English had to say about it
The Todd Barclay affair has prompted many memory lapses, but perhaps none as powerful as Prime Minister Bill English’s now-forgotten objections to cover-ups and deceit. Branko Marcetic looks back to 2002, when Helen Clark’s Paintergate and Corngate scandals were making ...2 days ago - A daytime soap set to glorious music: in praise of the ridiculous, sublime Carmen
Opera – especially an opera like Carmen – is the world turned upside down: being good makes you miserable and being in love is a sure portent of doom. And it’s fabulous, says Simon Wilson.The best way to listen to ...2 days ago - Bill English rejects MP cover-up allegationsPrime Minister Bill English has rejected allegations of a cover-up over the controversy around National MP Todd Barclay. ...2 days ago
- Labour Party officials step in to help disgruntled internsSenior officials are stepping in to deal with dozens of interns brought to New Zealand to work on the election campaign, after complaints about living conditions. ...2 days ago
- Watch LIVE: PM to face questions on Todd BarclayPrime Minister Bill English is expected to face further questions about National MP Todd Barclay's decision to step down. Watch the media stand-up live here. ...2 days ago
- ‘The artist is the original precariat’: Jo Randerson, Tom LaHood and the barbarians coming for W...
Today, as part of a week-long series chatting to Wellingtonians about what they’re up to in the windy city, Alex Casey talks to Jo Randerson and Thomas LaHood of Barbarian productions about making theatre on the fringe.Here’s the beginning of ...2 days ago - Govt plans to burn millions of waste tyres every yearThe government plans to burn millions of tyres each year as a heat source to make cement, in a bid to deal with the "long-standing" problem of waste tyres. ...2 days ago
- All black everything: A new song for the All BlacksGareth Shute delved into the history of All Blacks songs, found them wanting, so wrote his own.New Zealand is a rugby-mad nation but, despite many attempts, there has yet to be a song written for our national team that’s had ...2 days ago
- Health Minister defends chief executive after DHB criticismHealth Minister Jonathan Coleman is defending the leadership of his ministry's chief executive, despite DHBs claiming their relationship has hit rock bottom. ...2 days ago
- Coleman grilled over ‘in progress’ Health Ministry reviewA performance review of the embattled Ministry of Health is expected to be highly critical of the ministry's leadership team, according to sector sources. ...2 days ago
- PM’s opponents salt the Barclay woundThe embattled National MP Todd Barclay may have fallen on his sword, but opposition politicians are adamant the Prime Minister is not off the hook. ...2 days ago
- ‘Anticipation, excitement’ sweep PNG as election polling loomsArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Papua New Guinea gears up for election polling this weekend. Image: Development Policy Centre Pacific Media Centre News Desk Polling in Papua New Guinea’s 2017 national election begins this weekend. On Saturday, voters will take ...2 days ago
- Barclay’s murky departure casts shadows on PMPower Play - Effectively resigning from Parliament was the only option left to National MP Todd Barclay, writes RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson. ...2 days ago
- Barclay’s murky departure casts shadow on PMPower Play - Effectively resigning from Parliament was the only option left to National MP Todd Barclay, writes RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson. ...2 days ago
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