Electric Shock
Written By:
Date published: 8:43 am, December 2nd, 2024 - 29 comments
Categories: climate change, Deep stuff, public transport, science, transport
Tags:
New Zealand is one of the slowest countries in the developed world to transition from combustion to electric vehicles. The shocks we are seeing in Europe to car makers and car buyers herald more trouble ahead.
Open mike 04/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 4th, 2024 - No comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 03/12/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, December 3rd, 2024 - 5 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 03/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 3rd, 2024 - 61 comments
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Daily review 02/12/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, December 2nd, 2024 - 9 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 02/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 2nd, 2024 - 24 comments
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Hipkins’ Conference speech
Written By:
Date published: 4:35 pm, December 1st, 2024 - 29 comments
Text of Chris Hipkins’ speech to the 2024 Labour Party Conference.
Open mike 01/12/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, December 1st, 2024 - 42 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Curia exited RANZ because Family First are unbalanced
Written By:
Date published: 4:49 pm, November 30th, 2024 - 6 comments
David Farrar’s company Curia abruptly exited the Research Association of New Zealand (RANZ) in August. It was triggered by a complaint about the fairness of the wording of a question in a April poll. This was a really bad poll, and this question a particularly egregious breach of any fairness. The question was paid for by Family Fi(r)st.
Reti secretly wants to privatise Health
Written By:
Date published: 8:20 am, November 30th, 2024 - 20 comments
Shane Reti has said publicly that privatising health is not his overt policy. Which suggests strongly that it is his covert policy, especially given that he wants to increase the relationship with and outsourcing to private operators.
Open mike 30/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 30th, 2024 - 63 comments
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Caption contest
Written By:
Date published: 6:34 pm, November 29th, 2024 - 31 comments
Keep it seemly.
Daily review 29/11/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 29th, 2024 - 6 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
The Australian under 16 social media ban
Written By:
Date published: 9:22 am, November 29th, 2024 - 23 comments
what did the Australians just do?
Open mike 29/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 29th, 2024 - 66 comments
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Economy Nose Dives
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Date published: 6:42 pm, November 28th, 2024 - 24 comments
The economy is tanking and Treasury has downgraded the forecasts again after “the government inherited finances in better shape than expected” in January. So who is Nicola Willis blaming, and Winston Peters too?
Daily review 28/11/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 28th, 2024 - 29 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
It’s almost like we shouldn’t leave the climate crisis to the market
Written By:
Date published: 6:10 am, November 28th, 2024 - 59 comments
The collapse of SolarZero is a massive red flag.
Open mike 28/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 28th, 2024 - 33 comments
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Daily review 27/11/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 27th, 2024 - 2 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 dodgy health announcements
Written By:
Date published: 4:09 pm, November 27th, 2024 - 18 comments
National yesterday made great fanfare about an extra $30 million being spent on doctors and nurses. But news today of 1,500 health job cuts in the pipeline clearly shows how the extra funds are to be sourced.
If Seymour succeeds what happens to Ngāpuhi’s Treaty claim?
Written By:
Date published: 1:49 pm, November 27th, 2024 - 3 comments
If David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill is passed it may complicate Ngapuhi’s outstanding claim.
Open mike 27/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 27th, 2024 - 39 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 26/11/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 26th, 2024 - 8 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 26/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 26th, 2024 - 32 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 25/11/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 25th, 2024 - 8 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 25/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 25th, 2024 - 13 comments
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END GAME
Written By:
Date published: 7:03 pm, November 24th, 2024 - 30 comments
What is the game plan for the Coalition government? What characteristics can we observe and what is the “end game?”
Open mike 24/11/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 24th, 2024 - 51 comments
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A guide to making a submission on the Treaty Principles Bill
Written By:
Date published: 12:04 pm, November 23rd, 2024 - 10 comments
Want to make a submission opposing David Seymour’s dog whistle Treaty Principles Bill? Here’s how.
Open mike 23/11/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, November 23rd, 2024 - 26 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
CommentsOpinions
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- Luxon Takes A Beating
The latest polls are in.Mountain Tui is a reader-supported publication. And who could have guessed that a government that destroys the economy (‘economic vandalism on steroids’), tears up our public health system (‘National is BAD for health’), de-stabilises Crown-Māori relations (‘largest protest in modern history’), eviscerates environmental progress and protections ...35 minutes ago - It’s not easy being green
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..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.One bad poll for a government can be dismissed as “rogue”. Two? That’s damaging.A recent Talbot Mills done for the Labour Party - released on 1 December - had startling results that would’ve raised ...9 hours ago - Sabin 33 #5 – Is solar energy worse for the climate than burning fossil fuels?
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- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #48
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- The Meaning of MAGA
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Guidance for workers and union officials regarding high temperatures at work Working in high temperature can be hazardous. Exposure to excessive heat either indoors or outside can pose risks to worker health and safety. If temperatures at your work are creating a serious and immediate to your safety – you ...5 days ago
- Unity for 2025
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- The Hoon around the week to November 29
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- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #48 2024
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- Under his eye
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- How to make a submission on the Treaty Principles Bill
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- RBNZ loosening as Govt tightening
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- Look out Nicola, your surplus is slipping
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- RBNZ data highlights weak economy and labour market
“Unemployment is forecast to remain elevated until the end of 2025 and isn’t expected to fall back to its pre-recession lows within the forecast period. Without a plan to reduce it, we are choosing a permanently higher unemployment rate in New Zealand. It’s no wonder so many Kiwis are emigrating ...7 days ago
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The Reserve Bank will be announcing a change to the Official Cash Rate this afternoon, with most economists expecting a cut of around 50 basis points. The Government is reallocating $30,000 towards more senior doctors and specialist nurses, but some including the NZNO say that this is a “sticking plaster” ...7 days ago
- NZTA pushing for PT fare hikes and service cuts
How does an up to 70 percent hike in public transport fares sound, or maybe a lower increase but a big cut to services? That could be the reality of a new policy from Waka Kotahi outlined in a discussion document last week to public transport authorities (PTAs) like Auckland Transport. ...7 days ago
- Bishop cautious on guaranteeing social housing bonds
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- These Days
Soon enough it comesHere it is againThe slowly creeping handOf time and its commandSoon enough it comesAnd settles in its placeIt's shadow in my faceUndignified and lameSongwriters: Jon Coghill, John Collins, Bernard Fanning, Ian Haug, Darren Middleton.This morning, I woke to incessant, high-pitched whining, as if someone had turned on ...7 days ago - What Nicky Kaye’s death means for National
The former Auckland Central National MP Nicky Kaye, 43, who died on Saturday was a critical figure in the recent history of her party. An outpouring of tributes to her from both present and past MPs and leaders of her party and from her political opponents testified to her crucial ...1 week ago
- Government by google
In this year's Budget, cancer Minister Casey Costello gave Philip Morris a $216 million tax cut for their heated tobacco products, on the basis of "independent advice" which contradicted that produced by the Ministry of health. When she finally produced this "independent advice", it did not support her case at ...1 week ago
- Will Luxon let ACT privatise the health system?
The racist piece of shit government is a year old this week, so there's a bunch of retorspectives and looking forwards and so on. Today it was Rimmer's turn - and in addition to gloating about how he's setting the policy agenda and making all the decisions, and about his ...1 week ago
- Our Surgical Waiting List: A Story In Screenshots
...1 week ago - Luxon’s Breakfast
Cover me with kisses, babyCover me with loveRoll me in designer sheetsI'll never get enoughEmotions come, I don't know whyCover up love's alibiSongwriters: Giorgio Moroder / Deborah HarryThis morning, TVNZ realised that they couldn’t credibly put forward Jenny May to interview the Prime Minister again as the possum in the ...1 week ago - Seymour rides high – realising the dreams of Don Brash and Sean Wright – While The Wreck...
1. Seymour rides high David Seymour told RNZ that it wields “disproportionate’ influence in government, claiming credit for “half the ideas” of government, and for helping to lower inflation. "ACT is always there; putting the pressure on.”Seymour also continues to claim "massive support" for the government's Treaty Principles Bill, citing ...1 week ago - ‘Guarantee us and we’ll build thousands of social homes’
Social housing in central Wellington, next to the site of the now-abandoned Arlington redevelopment. To get the building of social housing back on track, a new funding agency has been launched. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / TheKakaKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy ...1 week ago
- Release: Nicola Willis being sneaky with new taxes
Nicola Willis is refusing to rule out putting sneaky new taxes on Kiwi households. ...17 hours ago - Release: Govt benefit target even further out of reach
Christopher Luxon has once again failed to read the room and claimed success while life gets harder for everyday Kiwis. ...21 hours ago
- Govt continues to punch down
The Government’s new initiative to get people off the benefit won’t address the core drivers of poverty such as low incomes, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of employment opportunities. ...21 hours ago - Release: Labour urges ACC to pull investments in Israel’s illegal settlements
Labour is urging ACC to divest from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in the building and maintenance of Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 days ago
- Release: Further evidence to stop school lunch cuts
A new report provides further proof that David Seymour should not be messing with the free school lunch programme. ...2 days ago
- Jamie Arbuckle: Inquiry into Banking Competition
This week was the start of the bank inquiry hearings into banking competition. The inquiry was confirmed in the NZ First/National Coalition agreement. 140 submissions were received on the inquiry, and we will hear from over 60 submitters including all the major banks. ANZ, New Zealand's largest bank, was first ...2 days ago - Casey Costello: What Once Was…
Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...2 days ago
- Casey Costello: International Day of Older Persons
Throughout New Zealand it is difficult to think of a sports club, charity, church group, festival, foundation, or service organisation that does not owe its existence, effectiveness, or success to the contribution of older New Zealanders. October 1st is International Day of Older Persons so please take a moment to consider ...2 days ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 days ago
- Tanya Unkovich: It’s time to start the debate on palliative care as a ‘right’
There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...2 days ago
- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...2 days ago
- Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS
New Zealand will not sign up to the nuclear-powered pillar one, or the pillar two of AUKUS under a Labour Government. ...2 days ago
- Release: Labour will build Dunedin Hospital
Labour will build Dunedin Hospital as it was committed to prior to election 2023. ...2 days ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech to Labour Party Conference 2024
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira ma Tena koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa ...2 days ago
- Luxon Folds on ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, is calling Luxon’s leadership a joke after it was revealed this morning on Q+A that ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill was not a bottom line. "New Zealand officially has a laughing-stock Prime Minister whose leadership folded as he trades away the rights of tangata whenua ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister shirks responsibility on global climate commitment
In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. ...3 days ago
- Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Government’s latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...5 days ago
- COURT OF APPEAL RULING: SFO METHODS “OVERREACH, UNLAWFUL, OPPRESSIVE”
Today the Court of Appeal has found the Serious Fraud Office has been acting indiscriminately and unlawfully throughout an eight year long investigation. The SFO has shown their incompetence and arrogance and shown to be abusing their authority to conduct its own overreaching and unlawful fishing expeditions. The Court of Appeal said the SFO has relied on its misuse of compulsory interview ...5 days ago
- Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...6 days ago
- Waititi Orders Police Withdraw from Matapihi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki is demanding that the Police Minister immediately remove the heavy Police presence in the Matapihi community, as hundreds of officers saturate the Western Bay of Plenty area. “Minister Mitchell must intervene immediately and order the removal of the armed Police presence in ...6 days ago
- Release: Opposition parties unite on way forward to protect ECE
Early childhood education needs to be treated as a public good, say Labour, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori in their newly released report of findings from public hearings they held into the Government’s ECE Regulatory Review. ...6 days ago
- Government’s First Year a ‘Catastrophe for Māori’
Te Pāti Māori is calling the Government’s first year a catastrophe for Māori, following a year of policies that have done nothing but marginalise tangata-whenua. Today marks one year since the coalition was sworn into power. “This year has been an absolute catastrophe for Māori. This Government has fast-tracked us back ...7 days ago
- Release: 1500 Te Whatu Ora cuts will hurt New Zealanders’ health
Massive cuts across Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora demonstrate National’s willingness to risk the health of New Zealanders. ...7 days ago
- Release: Government to make public transport more expensive… again
The Government’s decision to push for significant fare increases on buses and trains over the next few years is a huge blow to communities across the country. ...7 days ago
- Release: National has given up on climate action
Climate action is missing from the list of things National is patting themselves on the back for one year on from becoming government. ...7 days ago
- Public transport fare hikes a disaster
The Government’s directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for communities across the country. ...7 days ago
- Release: Minister leaves Community Housing Providers out in the cold
Housing Minister Chris Bishop’s speech to Community Housing Providers today should have been titled ‘we want you to build houses, but we refuse to spend money so you’re on your own’. ...1 week ago
- Green Party appalled by woeful Government offer to school support staff
Support staff across Aotearoa have been dealt yet another devastating blow with the release of the latest collective agreement offer from the Government. ...1 week ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins sad to hear about Nikki Kaye
"The news today that Nikki Kaye has passed away after her long battle with cancer is incredibly sad," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government should be transparent on live exports
Targeted consultation on reinstating live cattle exports by sea won’t allow the New Zealand public to have their say. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ’s global climate rankings plummet as Govt removes agriculture from ETS
The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoa’s reputation on climate action plummets. ...2 weeks ago
- Failed boot camp experiment must end
As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi. ...2 weeks ago
- Gender-affirming care must centre evidence and health needs, not political posturing
The Ministry of Health has today released an evidence brief regarding the use of puberty blockers in gender-affirming healthcare, amid moves by the government to limit access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National doesn’t care about manufacturing
The National Government is walking away from our manufacturing sector with constant reports of closures and job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: David Parker speech – Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change
David Parker's speech from the University of Auckland's forum on Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change in September 2024. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Youth mental wellbeing no longer a priority for Child Poverty Minister
Louise Upston has revealed her diminished vision for vulnerable youth against a backdrop of snubbed advice, scrapped priorities, shifted goal posts and thousands more children projected to fall into poverty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s lack of climate action taking NZ backwards
National Government’s backward-looking climate policy has seen New Zealand fall seven places on the Climate Change Performance Index to 41 out of 63 countries measured. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Simple reason for drop in emergency housing
When the Government says it has reduced the number of people in emergency housing, what it means is it is stopping people from accessing it in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt’s child wellbeing strategy ‘shallow and shameful’
The Government is turning its back on children by not only weakening child poverty reduction targets, but also removing child mental wellbeing as a priority focus in their Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: A historic win for Samoan communities
Labour warmly welcomes the Restoring Samoan Citizenship Bill as it passes its third reading, before becoming law. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech to Early Childhood Education sector– Reducing red tape and barriers to ECE
When I was delegated responsibility for the ECE Sector from the Minister for Education it became immediately clear that my focus had to be on reducing red tape and regulatory obstacles for the early learning sector. While there is huge demand for ECEs from families across New Zealand, numbers show ...12 hours ago - Democracy restored to transport in Auckland
The Government is restoring democratic accountability to transport decision-making in Auckland, ensuring voters can hold their elected representatives responsible for the city's transport policies, Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say."Aucklanders have become increasingly frustrated with how transport decisions are made and how little their ...14 hours ago
- Health NZ makes progress on financial recovery
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand is making encouraging progress recovering from a financial shambles left behind by the previous government. “Health NZ reported today that its revised budget for 2024/25 is a $1.1 billion deficit,” Dr Reti says. “That’s significantly lower than the $1.76 billion deficit they ...15 hours ago
- Wait times for veterans improve
Additional funding in Budget 2024 has reduced the waiting list of veterans seeking medical and rehabilitation support, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. “When we were elected a year ago, the Government made a commitment to improve New Zealand’s public services. As Veterans Minister this means improving access for veterans to ...15 hours ago
- 30 per cent growth in international visitor spend
The latest International Visitor Survey shows that New Zealand continues to bounce back and the economy is benefiting from the shifting trends in international visitation, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. International Visitor Survey results for the year ending September 2024 released today show a promising increase of 30 ...18 hours ago
- New data shows fewer victims of violent crime
New data shows an encouraging reduction in the number of victims of violent crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 14,000 fewer victims of crime nationwide over the 12 months to August 2024, than there were over the 12 months ...21 hours ago
- Government open for business on market-led infrastructure proposals
The Government has released new guidelines for market-led proposals to clarify how market participants can contribute innovative ideas for solving New Zealand’s infrastructure problems, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. A market-led approach is where a private sector player wishes to deal directly with Government with ...2 days ago
- Speech to Stuff Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...2 days ago
- Speech to The Post Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...2 days ago
- Targets data positive but action needed on welfare
The second quarterly update on the nine Government targets shows a range of areas moving in the right direction but underlines the need for robust measures to get people off welfare and into work, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “The Government’s ambitious targets put Kiwis first by driving outcomes that ...2 days ago
- More support to help people on benefit into work
Up to 70,000 job seekers are to receive a new, more comprehensive needs assessment of the challenges holding them back from finding work and a personalised job plan to help overcome them. “Individual Job Plans are a significant step forward in the Government’s efforts to provide welfare that works for ...2 days ago
- New Funding and Financing Framework released
Cabinet has agreed to an ambitious new Funding and Financing Framework to help the Crown make smarter and more informed funding and financing decisions, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “Improving the way we fund and finance infrastructure will help drive better value for money from public investment, make public investment ...2 days ago
- Open work rights unlocked for Partners of Skilled Migrants
The Government has today taken steps to ensure New Zealand attracts and retains the workers and skills it needs by returning open work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants. “Starting today, the partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders in higher-skilled roles will be eligible for open work rights. ...2 days ago
- ‘Twelve Days of Giving’ to encourage generosity
Growing the amount of philanthropic giving across New Zealand is the aim of the Twelve Days of Giving campaign launched today alongside Philanthropy New Zealand, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “New Zealand is one of the most charitable countries in the world, with an estimated $3.8 billion worth of ...2 days ago
- NZ welcomes Singapore food security delegation
Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today welcomes a delegation from Singapore, who are in New Zealand for a food security mission. “The visit will strengthen our trade and investment ties and demonstrate how New Zealand’s world-leading agri-food ecosystem can support Singapore’s long-term food security. “This mission will elevate ...2 days ago
- Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopens to walkers
The Government has delivered on its promise to restore public walking access to the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove in time for Summer 2024-2025. The walking track to the famous Coromandel beach - renowned for its natural rock arch feature and idyllic waters – was severely damaged by extreme weather events ...3 days ago
- Increased medicines access continues following budget boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see further increased availability of medicines for Kiwis following the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When this Government assumed office, ...3 days ago
- New infrastructure agency up and running
From today the Government’s new national infrastructure agency is up and running, acting as the shopfront for investors into public infrastructure and the centre of expertise on funding and financing for infrastructure projects, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “National committed to a national infrastructure agency during the 2023 election campaign, ...3 days ago
- NZ and United Kingdom strengthen partnership
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy held the inaugural annual New Zealand-United Kingdom Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue today in London. “The United Kingdom is our oldest, and one of our closest and most trusted partners,” Mr Peters says. “While we are separated ...4 days ago
- Minister reminds public health officials of priorities
Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says the National Public Health Service should concentrate its focus on prioritising serious public health issues facing New Zealanders. “Earlier this week I was informed about an 8-page submission by the southern arm of the NPHS regarding a proposed fast food outlet in Wanaka,” ...5 days ago
- World class visitor centre for Punakaiki
Sightseers to the iconic Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track) will enjoy a richer experience thanks to a world class visitor experience centre run by local Iwi, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. This state-of-the-art facility provides visitors to the West Coast with a high-quality experience and helps boost the region’s ...5 days ago
- Healthy Homes Initiative improves health of more than 200,000 people
A five-year evaluation of the Healthy Homes Initiative has demonstrated the positive impact of warm, dry homes on the health and wellbeing of more than 200,000 people. The Healthy Homes Initiative, led by Health New Zealand, helps families living in cold, damp homes, providing support like education, beds and bedding, ...5 days ago
- A year of concrete progress for infrastructure and transport
In a busy year of delivery, the Government has made concrete progress toward improving the foundations of the infrastructure system and addressing New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit, and is streets ahead when it comes to getting transport back on track, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown say. “It ...5 days ago
- Mining stats show a sector delivering for NZ
New figures on mining activity across New Zealand show the Crown collected nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue in the 2023/24 financial year, bolstered by royalties collected from petroleum and gold, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The statistics, released this morning by the Ministry of Business, Innovation ...5 days ago
- Safer ports – approved code of practice for loading and unloading cargo takes effect today
Today marks a significant milestone for the port and maritime sector, with the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon Brooke van Velden, and the Associate Minister of Transport celebrating the Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP) coming into effect. “The ...5 days ago
- Red Tape tipline gets over 300 reports in first week
In just its first week, over 300 people have reported red tape issues to the new Red Tape tipline, Regulation Minister David Seymour says. “Red tape wastes valuable time, money and sanity. I am not surprised to see an outpouring of discontent from Kiwis who are sick of the tangle ...5 days ago
- More flexible dismissal process for high-income employees
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says an upcoming change to the Employment Relations Act will enable employers to ensure they have the right fit for their high impact leadership and specialist roles. This policy delivers on the ACT-National coalition to set an income threshold above which personal ...5 days ago
- NZ and Germany deepen cooperation
New Zealand and Germany are committed to enhancing their partnership, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our discussions in Berlin over the last few days have underlined the broad range of interests that New Zealand and Germany share,” says Mr Peters, following his meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. ...5 days ago
- Chemical weapons and Iranian missiles targeted in new Russia sanctions
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced new sanctions in response to Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine – and joined partners in a Call to Action on sanctions-evading ‘shadow fleet’ activities. “These new sanctions respond to recent findings by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that illegal ...5 days ago
- Exporters benefit from new trade system
The modernisation of New Zealand’s trade certification system, which supports $33 billion of exports, is making selling top Kiwi products overseas more reliable and adaptable for the future, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.“New Zealand food and wine is admired around the world and brings jobs, money, and opportunities into ...6 days ago
- Whanganui to benefit from the latest health technologies
Today’s opening of a new MRI facility at Whanganui Hospital is the latest in a number of health infrastructure projects designed to improve healthcare services for the people of Whanganui and surrounding districts, says Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti. “I’m really pleased to have been able to deliver on ...6 days ago
- Strengthening timber trade with new assurance system
The Government is delivering on its commitment to combat trade in illegally harvested timber, with consultation starting today on operational details to implement New Zealand’s legal harvest assurance system, Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today. “The system will limit the risk of importing illegally harvested timber and provide the international ...6 days ago
- Royal Commission into COVID-19 phase 1 report received
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has today received the report from phase 1 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19. “The delivery of the phase 1 report marks the conclusion of phase 1 of the Inquiry. Phase 1 Commissioners Professor Tony Blakely and John Whitehead have now ...6 days ago
- More support in reading and maths for Kiwi kids
The Government is ensuring more Kiwi kids get extra support with their reading and maths by boosting the level of targeted interventions in classrooms around the country. “We are relentlessly focused on giving more Kiwi kids confidence at school so they can achieve their potential. Due to high demand, we’re ...6 days ago
- SH1B Telephone Road to reopen next year
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed that State Highway 1B (SH1B) Telephone Road in Waikato will reopen in 2025, following agreement by KiwiRail and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) on a package of improvements to enable the road and rail crossing to function safely and effectively together. “Economic growth, productivity, and ...6 days ago
- Growth of clinical psychology pipeline welcomed
The University of Canterbury is to be commended for increasing its intake of clinical psychology students, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmonds say. “This Government is focused on increasing access to support and growing the workforce is critical to this,” Mr ...6 days ago
- NZ and France agree to intensify close relationship
New Zealand and France have renewed efforts to work together more intensively in the Indo-Pacific and on issues of mutual importance, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It’s been a seriously productive few days in Paris, with New Zealand and France redoubling our efforts on bilateral relations, strategic alignment and ...6 days ago
- Squeezing more bang for buck from blackcurrants
The Government is backing a project to squeeze more value out of New Zealand blackcurrants, Associate Minister for Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “We’re investing in a two-year project with PharmaZen Limited to add value to our blackcurrant industry by piloting a processing facility in Canterbury which will allow growers to ...7 days ago
- First charter school announced to open Term 1 2025
Associate Education Minister David Seymour today announced Christchurch-based Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki as the first new charter school set to open in term one 2025. “This announcement is a significant step in the Government’s efforts to lift educational achievement in New Zealand,” says Mr Seymour. “Charter schools will ...7 days ago
- More relief for Kiwi families
The latest drop in the official cash rate will mean more relief for Kiwis’ backpockets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The 50 point drop in the rate is the third drop since August, meaning the rate has fallen 125 basis points in that time. “That is good news for families ...7 days ago
- Auckland Transport shake-up: ‘There’s not much room to get worse’ – mayor
Auckland's mayor is promising the shake-up of the city's transport is great news for residents - but some see risks in the change. ...43 minutes ago - Act had disproportionate influence in year one, says David Seymour. Is he right?
We dust off the abacus. There was a bit of throat clearing and chest thumping about the leader interviews to mark last week’s first birthday of the first fully fledged three-party coalition government in New Zealand. Among them was David Seymour, who told RNZ: “I think we’ve made a disproportionate ...1 hour ago - A journey through the 26 times Luxon said ‘what I say to you is’ on Q+A
The prime minister said ‘what I’m saying to you’ 26 times in 30 minutes last weekend. But what did he actually say? On Sunday morning, Christopher Luxon finally appeared on TVNZ’s Q+A for the first time since he was elected prime minister in 2023. The live television interview lasted 30 ...1 hour ago
- PM on the most ‘emotionally challenging’ part of his year
Christopher Luxon talk jobs, coalition dynamics and reading the Royal Commission report, ahead of swapping his suit for shorts this summer The post PM on the most ‘emotionally challenging’ part of his year appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago - NZ’s housing system makes homeless women invisible
Opinion: Housing policy must take into account the gendered experience of homelessness The post NZ’s housing system makes homeless women invisible appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 4 December
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 4 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 4 December
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- Politicians must avoid defence spending ‘train wreck’
A top official advises ‘deep breaths’ on NZ involvement in Aukus, as military budgets face scrutiny The post Politicians must avoid defence spending ‘train wreck’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago
- Health ministry vets board appointees on union membership, political views
The change comes after a high-profile conflict of interest was improperly handled, but Labour says it looks like political screening The post Health ministry vets board appointees on union membership, political views appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago
- Seabed mining left out of regional plan for Taranaki
To steal a phrase from movie star Gwyneth Paltrow, has Taranaki pulled off a “conscious uncoupling”?The Taranaki regional development plan has been launched and seabed mining has been excluded from its key initiatives.It follows the Government’s decision to include seabed mining off Taranaki’s coast on the Government’s fast-track projects list ...1 hour ago
- On Luxon’s smile, by Tusiata Avia
The SmileI am sitting at the airport/at departures/stranded between the café and the gate/in a wheelchair/those airport wheelchairs that only someone else can control/when a phalanx of policemen/a paranoia of personal bodyguards speaking into their own ears/arrive/like a curtain opening/ or the seas parting/not for Taylor Swift or Donald Trump/not for ...1 hour ago
- Calls for change dominate Retirement Villages Act submissions
Findings from 11,114 submissions on the retirement village review show wide-ranging support for the Government’s priority areas The post Calls for change dominate Retirement Villages Act submissions appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago
- Pharmac must fund more options for hormone therapy, not fewer
Analysis: The recent Pharmac decision to exclusively fund Mylan oestrogen patches without consulting major stakeholders has generated significant concern among users who fear a resurgence of debilitating menopausal symptoms, with significant physical, mental and socioeconomic implications. As health professionals who prescribe Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT, formerly known as HRT), we ...1 hour ago
- NZ’s Foreign Minister Peters embarks on three-day visit to New Caledonia
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was expected to arrive in New Caledonia today for a three-day visit. His schedule in New Caledonia will include meetings with “a wide range of government, political, business and civil society leaders” from December ...6 hours ago - Norway halts seabed mining, putting more pressure on NZ to do same
Asia Pacific Report Norway is stopping the first licensing round for deep sea mining in Arctic waters — and Greenpeace Aotearoa says this is putting pressure on the Luxon government to follow suit. “This move by Norway to stop the seabed mining in its tracks is a historic win for ...6 hours ago
- View from The Hill: Paul Fletcher’s rant against the teals risks insulting voters the Liberals nee...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Liberal frontbencher Paul Fletcher got a big shock last election in his Sydney seat of Bradfield. Teal candidate Nicolette Boele pushed the result to preferences, leaving her within striking distance for next year’s poll. She ...8 hours ago
- New course planned to help Pacific media professionals counter disinformation
Pacific Media Watch An Aotearoa New Zealand-based community education provider is preparing a new course aimed to help media professionals in the Pacific region understand and respond to the complex issue of disinformation. The eight-week course “A Bit Sus (Pacific)”, developed by the Dark Times Academy, will be offered free ...8 hours ago
- With the world distracted by conflicts elsewhere, the Syrian civil war flares up again
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mehmet Ozalp, Associate Professor in Islamic Studies, Director of The Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and Executive Member of Public and Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University The forgotten Syrian civil war has again flared up with the spectacular capture of Aleppo ...9 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Simon Birmingham on Liberal moderates, regrets, and Donald Trump
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Opposition Senate leader and former senior minister in the Coalition government Simon Birmingham has announced he will quit parliament at the election. Birmingham, one of the few remaining moderates in the Liberals’ ranks, is shadow ...10 hours ago
- A Global Joint Statement Condemns Cancellation of International Religious Event in South Korea
Source: Shincheonji New Zealand Gyeonggi Provincial Government’s Sudden Cancellation Raises Concerns of Bias and Violation of Rights An administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom. On November 27, religious leaders and opinion leaders delivered a joint protest statement to ...11 hours ago
- What is Visanne, the endometriosis drug just added to the PBS?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Kaspars Grinvest/Shutterstock The drug Visanne (also known as dienogest) is the first endometriosis treatment to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 30 years. Endometriosis is a chronic and often ...11 hours ago
- Fast Track Bill: Students march on Parliament to voice dissent
Students are marching to Parliament during rush hour to oppose the bill which is expected to become law by year's end. ...12 hours ago
- Plans for slimmed down Office for Māori Crown Relations discussed by select committee
The Māori Affairs Select Committee has heard how the Office for Māori Crown Relations is planning to slim down. ...12 hours ago
- Operation to remove fuel from sunken Manawanui set to begin on 16 December
The Defence Force says the operation to remove fuel from the sunken survey ship off Samoa should begin on 16 December. ...13 hours ago
- New research shows how long, hard and often you need to stretch to improve your flexibility
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lewis Ingram, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of South Australia Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels Can you reach down and touch your toes without bending your knees? Can you reach both arms overhead? If these sound like a struggle, you may be lacking flexibility. ...14 hours ago
- Beyond ‘Depopulation’: The Brutal Truth Of New Zealand’s Bird Flu Outbreak
Bird Flu Bombshell: 80,000+ Chickens Set to Die – When Will We Wake Up? ...14 hours ago - Norway Stops Seabed Mining, Putting More Pressure On NZ To Follow
Greenpeace spokesperson Juan Parada says, "This move by Norway to stop the seabed mining in its tracks is a historic win for ocean protection and for the growing movement opposed to the damaging new extractive industry, and puts the spotlight firmly on ...14 hours ago
- Santas descend on Parliament with Dunedin Hospital wish list
Christmas has arrived early at Parliament, with a posse of 20 santas bringing their own southern wish list to the capital. ...14 hours ago
- Watch: Regional transport policy and planning returning to Auckland Council
The government is introducing "significant reforms" for the city's transport policies. ...14 hours ago
- Christchurch Airport Firefighters To Strike Over Poor Pay Offer
The firefighters will refuse to carry out a range of duties over a 21-day period, beginning 8am Wednesday 18 December 2024 and ending 6pm Wednesday 8 January 2025. ...14 hours ago
- Luxon says Israeli PM would be arrested if he visits New Zealand
Asia Pacific Report Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has told a media conference Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he entered New Zealand “We support the ICC [the International Criminal Court],” Luxon said yesterday. “We believe in the international rules-based system, we support the ICC, and we would ...15 hours ago
- An alternative summer reading list for the prime minister
Books editor Claire Mabey has some additions and alternatives to this year’s New Zealand Institute of Economic Research summer reading list for the PM. Look, it’s fine. A panel of five men and one woman have chosen books they think prime minister Christopher Luxon should read. “This year’s list emphasises ...16 hours ago
- Review: Troye Sivan turns Spark Arena into a sexy, sweaty spectacle
Alex Casey reviews the Something to Give Each Other tour as it touches down for its final stop in Aotearoa. Even the foyer at a Troye Sivan show comes with the kind of organically-generated sparkle and spectacle that Coldplay probably hired a whole department for. Digital camera flashes bounced off ...17 hours ago
- To map the vibration of the universe, astronomers built a detector the size of the galaxy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Miles, Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics, Swinburne University of Technology Carl Knox, OzGrav, Swinburne University of Technology and South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Using the largest gravitational wave detector ever made, we have confirmed earlier reports that the fabric of ...17 hours ago
- Tax changes for charities to be announced in next Budget
The Finance Minister says new tax revenue streams can't be ruled out, especially given the issue of charities' tax breaks are already being investigated. ...17 hours ago
- Kāinga Ora building homes at ‘far greater cost’ than private sector – Finance Min...
"Despite all of that cheap Crown capital, despite all of that scale, they've been building houses at a far greater cost," Nicola Willlis says. ...17 hours ago
- A new tool maps Aotearoa with a Māori lens
A new interactive map from Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, challenges colonial ideas of land ownership. Land is important. Our view of the world is shaped by the way we view land. Our legal system – what society defines as right and wrong – assumes that public and private ...18 hours ago
- 97% of adult Australians have limited skills to verify information online – new report
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sora Park, Professor of Communication, News & Media Research Centre, University of Canberra An example of an Instagram post used in the study. Instagram/Park et al. 2024 Australians now use social media more often than any other type of media, including TV, ...18 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Opinion – Bidenomics and Luxonomics
Keith Rankin – Opinion. Keith Rankin, trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Joe Biden struggled to understand why his presidency was unpopular; especially why so many regarded his economic legacy as weak when he thought it was ...19 hours ago
- Health NZ says cuts will keep going to 2027, reports $722m deficit
Te Whatu Ora has announced it's extending its cost cutting plan as it reports a $722m deficit. ...19 hours ago
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