National’s new leader is …
Written By:
Date published: 2:06 pm, November 30th, 2021 - 89 comments
Categories: bill english, brand key, Christopher Luxon, don brash, john key, national, same old national, Simon Bridges, todd muller
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Chris Luxon is set to be the next leader of the National Party.
Wanted: a new Leader of the Opposition
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Date published: 7:12 am, November 30th, 2021 - 69 comments
Categories: chris bishop, Christopher Luxon, humour, Satire, Simon Bridges, uncategorized
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National needs a new leader of the opposition. The Standard has been leaked a list of the necessary qualifications …
Daily review 30/11/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 30th, 2021 - 1 comment
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 30/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 30th, 2021 - 106 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 29/11/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 29th, 2021 - 37 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 29/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 29th, 2021 - 338 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 …
National’s factional problem
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Date published: 9:18 am, November 28th, 2021 - 90 comments
National’s basic problem is that it has three discrete factions, christian conservatives, urban liberals and the country grouping. And no coherent vision to reconcile these totally disparate groupings.
Open mike 28/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 28th, 2021 - 106 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 …
Class oppression and discrimination
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Date published: 12:45 pm, November 27th, 2021 - 79 comments
A brief analysis of power.
What National Needs To Do
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Date published: 9:04 am, November 27th, 2021 - 83 comments
Since the left are experts at internal knifing, National should learn from the left about how to recover. What National needsto do to recover.
Open mike 27/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 27th, 2021 - 64 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 26/11/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 26th, 2021 - 49 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 26/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 26th, 2021 - 59 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 …
The winners and losers from National’s leadership spill
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Date published: 8:12 pm, November 25th, 2021 - 146 comments
The winners and losers of today’s National Party leadership spill are …
Daily review 25/11/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 25th, 2021 - 34 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 …
How many centrist votes go to Labour?
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Date published: 12:38 pm, November 25th, 2021 - 105 comments
Judith Collins lost a vote of confidence. David Farrar seems to think that Act will get the inevitable flow. Sounds unlikely. The far right and nutbar fringe has already vacated to Act – who represent them so well. But Labour overwhelming won last election on a vote from previous National voters. History repeats in 2023?
National’s civil war reerrupts
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Date published: 7:35 am, November 25th, 2021 - 131 comments
National’s civil war which has been simmering for a while erupted last night after Judith Collins demoted Simon Bridges for making inappropriate comments to Jaqui Dean five years ago.
Open mike 25/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 25th, 2021 - 109 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 …
National – let the virus rip
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Date published: 8:29 pm, November 24th, 2021 - 21 comments
There is no other explanation, and this week Paul Goldsmith gave the game away, National thinks that we should let the Corona virus rip.
Daily review 24/11/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 24th, 2021 - 43 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 …
He Waka Eke Noa?
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Date published: 8:32 am, November 24th, 2021 - 14 comments
While a core of farmers protested a few days ago against farm environmental regulation with long lines of tractors, the organised form of agribusiness, Maori and government working together have concluded that making a climate different isn’t possible.
See what happens when you put a woman in charge?
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Date published: 7:41 am, November 24th, 2021 - 120 comments
Remarkably low Covid death and infection rates, good and improving vaccination rates, low unemployment and debt to GDP …
Glen Greenwald on why he covers what he does
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Date published: 6:21 am, November 24th, 2021 - 46 comments
“From the time I began writing, I focused on what was being under-covered, not echo what everyone was saying”
Open mike 24/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 24th, 2021 - 53 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 23/11/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 23rd, 2021 - 35 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 …
BORA vs pandemic mandate
Written By:
Date published: 2:30 pm, November 23rd, 2021 - 13 comments
The Bill of Right Act (BORA) is an interesting because it is what I would call a balancing act. It enshrines certain individual rights but they are not absolutes against community needs. So far the decisions about challenges to the vaccine mandate balance are supporting the Crown.
Stop being a dick Barry
Written By:
Date published: 7:31 am, November 23rd, 2021 - 54 comments
At yesterday’s post Cabinet Press Conference Barry Soper overtalked a number of reporters, demanded answers to his questions, and then stormed out of the press conference. And then immediately wrote a piece accusing Jacinda Ardern of overtalking reporters …
Open mike 23/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 23rd, 2021 - 93 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 22/11/2021
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Date published: 5:30 pm, November 22nd, 2021 - 27 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 22/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 22nd, 2021 - 213 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 …
Open mike 21/11/2021
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Date published: 6:00 am, November 21st, 2021 - 90 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 …
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2 weeks ago- Sing Song about Hard Times
Celebrating Poet Anne KennedyThe 2021 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement for Poetry went to Anne Kennedy. I have enjoyed her work since her first collection Sing Song. The poems’ setting is in the domestic life of a family of four, told from the mother’s perspective: moving house, the gruelling ...2 weeks ago- A good problem to have
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Angry? Are you talkin’ to ME? Of late, the Code Red levels of resentment inspired by the government’s Covid policy almost make one hanker for the days when people could write best-selling books about New Zealanders being The Passionless People. Not anymore. A hissy fit arms race seems to be ...2 weeks ago- No, vaccinated people are not ‘just as infectious’ as unvaccinated people if they get COVID
Jack Feehan, Victoria University and Vasso Apostolopoulos, Victoria University Some recent studies have shown similar peak viral loads in vaccinated people compared to unvaccinated people who contract COVID. This has raised concerns for the efficacy of vaccines for preventing transmission. How concerned should we be? Are vaccinated people just ...2 weeks ago - Sing Song about Hard Times
- What is the traffic light system? Your questions answeredWe’re taking the next steps in our COVID response, with our plan to safely and carefully reopen. The COVID Protection Framework has been designed to protect lives and livelihoods while ensuring we can do more of what we love. New Zealand’s move into the framework, on Friday 3 December, marks ...22 hours ago
- The next steps in our COVID-19 response planOver the past two years, keeping Kiwis safe from COVID-19 has been a key focus of the Government. As we move into a new phase of our COVID response, the traffic light system, protecting lives and livelihoods remains our priority. ...4 days ago
- Green Party seeks post-enactment review for COVID BillThe Green Party is calling on Labour to commit to a review of the COVID legislation that will pass through Parliament today under urgency. ...6 days ago
- Test and refine COVID traffic light system firstThe Green Party says Labour should test and refine the COVID Protection Framework before opening the Auckland border. ...1 week ago
- Auckland border should remain in place for nowThe Green Party says the Labour Government is making a mistake by committing to opening the Auckland border before vulnerable communities are ready. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must expand drug harm reduction initiatives nationwideThe Green Party is calling on the Government to roll out the successful drug harm reduction programme Te Ara Oranga nationwide, going further than the Eastern Bay of Plenty extension announced today. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Mātāwaka: Oversight of Oranga Tamariki needs to be independent of GovernmentThe Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People's Commission Bill will have its first reading today, but the Green Party will not be supporting it. ...3 weeks ago
- Welcome repeal of Three Strikes Law demands further actionThe Green Party welcomes the long overdue repeal of the archaic Three Strikes law and calls on the Government to follow this move with more transformative reform of our broken justice system. ...3 weeks ago
- More Vietnam Veterans to receive compensation for Agent Orange ExposureMinister for Veterans, the Hon Meka Whaitiri announced today that two new conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure have been added to the Prescribed Conditions List. Under the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Crown and representatives of Vietnam veterans and the Royal New Zealand RSA. Vietnam veterans in ...4 hours ago
- Government commits to international effort to ban and regulate killer robotsMinister of Disarmament and Arms Control Phil Twyford announced today that New Zealand will push for new international law to ban and regulate autonomous weapons systems (AWS), which once activated can select and engage targets without further human intervention. “While the evidence suggests fully autonomous weapons systems are not yet ...6 hours ago
- New freedom camping rules – right vehicle, right placeTougher freedom camping laws will be introduced to prevent abuse which has placed an unfair burden on small communities and damaged our reputation as a high quality visitor destination. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has confirmed that new legislation will be introduced to Parliament following an extensive round of public consultation ...7 hours ago
- Government invests to support a classic Kiwi summerVaccinated New Zealanders can look forward to Kiwi summer events with confidence, while artists and crew will have more certainty, following the launch of details of the Arts and Culture Event Support Scheme, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “The Government recognises that the arts and ...7 hours ago
- Grace period for expired driver licences cruises into 2022Due to the ongoing Delta outbreak and extended lockdowns, all New Zealand driver licences and licence endorsements that expired on or after 21 July 2021 will now be valid until 31 May 2022, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. “This further extension to the validity of driver licenses recognises that ...8 hours ago
- Delivered: 1,000 extra transitional homesA further 1,000 transitional homes delivered New housing development starts in Flaxmere, Hastings The Government has delivered the next 1,000 transitional housing places it promised, as part of its work to reduce homelessness. Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods is marking the milestone in Hastings at a new development that includes ...8 hours ago
- Traffic light levels announcedThe levels at which different parts of New Zealand will move forward into the COVID-19 Protection Framework this Friday have been announced. Northland, Auckland, Taupō and Rotorua Lakes Districts, Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki Districts, Gisborne District, Wairoa District, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts will move in at Red The rest of ...1 day ago
- Financial support to move to traffic light systemA new transition payment will be made available particularly for affected businesses in Auckland, Waikato and Northland to acknowledge the restrictions they have faced under the higher Alert Levels. Transition payment of up to $24,000 as businesses move into traffic light system Leave Support Scheme and Short Term Absence Payment ...1 day ago
- New Ambassador to Russia announcedForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of Sarah Walsh as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Russia. “Aotearoa New Zealand and Russia have a long-standing relationship, engaging on a range of regional and global interests including disarmament and Antarctica issues. We also work together as members of the East ...1 day ago
- New Permanent Representative to the UN announcedForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of Carolyn Schwalger as Permanent Representative to the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. “Aotearoa New Zealand is a founding member of the UN and we have worked hard to ensure our stance on human rights, ...1 day ago
- Further COVID-19 economic support for Cook Islands and Fiji announcedForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced a further package of support for the Cook Islands and Fiji for COVID-19 economic support and recovery. “Aotearoa New Zealand remains committed to supporting our Pacific fanau and vuvale to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 on their economies, and move towards long-term ...2 days ago
- New law will clear the air for tamariki in vehiclesFrom today, it’s illegal to smoke or vape in most vehicles carrying children aged under 18 years old - whether the vehicle is moving or not. “Second-hand smoke poses an unacceptable risk to our tamariki and rangatahi,” Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall said. “We know children in vehicles ...2 days ago
- Nine countries designated very high riskNine southern African countries are being added to the very high risk countries list following public health advice around the newly discovered COVID-19 variant Omicron, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said. This afternoon, a public health risk assessment was carried out to assess the emerging evidence and any risk to ...2 days ago
- Foreign Affairs Minister concludes final stage of world tripForeign Affairs Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta today departed North America to return home to Aotearoa, concluding the last stage of her 17-day world trip. The final leg of her trip saw her visit the United States of America and Canada for a number of high-level discussions. While in Washington D.C., ...3 days ago
- Milestone launch of Pacific Languages UnitToday’s official launch of the Pacific Languages Unit is a milestone for our Pacific communities, the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio said. The Pacific Languages Unit brings together a new set of language supports within the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to provide advice, commission research, maintain standards, promote ...3 days ago
- Public Health Lecture – University of OtagoPublic Health - Lessons from New Zealand’s COVID-19 response and opportunities for the future E nga mana, E nga reo, E nga iwi. Tēna koutou katoa. Ka huri ki nga mana whenua o te rohe nei. Tēna koutou. He mihi hoki ki a tatou kua tau mai nei I raro I ...4 days ago
- New Zealand statement on situation in Honiara, Solomon IslandsAotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned by the events which have been unfolding in Honiara, Solomon Islands, since Wednesday. “New Zealand is a long-standing partner of Solomon Islands, and there are deep and enduring connections between our two countries,” Acting Foreign Affairs Minister David Parker said. “Our engagement in Solomon ...4 days ago
- Nailed it! Over 500 apprentices get jobs boostOver 500 apprentices and cadets have been placed into work across New Zealand thanks to the Government’s booming build programme, that’s both constructing public houses, and maintaining older homes. Housing Minister Megan Woods announced the milestone today at a public housing construction site in Riccarton, Christchurch. “This Government’s investment in ...4 days ago
- Investment to support maternal mental healthAssociate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced an investment to help expand maternal mental health services in five District Health Boards. “Supporting parent’s mental wellbeing during their child’s first 1000 days, from conception to two years of age, is critical to the long-term emotional, mental and physical wellbeing ...4 days ago
- Workplace vaccination requirements extended to cover Police and NZ Defence ForceWith the support of the organisations, additional vaccination requirements will cover sworn members, recruits and authorised officers of the New Zealand Police, and all New Zealand Defence Force staff. First doses of the vaccine for workers in these organisations are required by 17 January 2022, and second doses by 1 ...4 days ago
- Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada to pursue greater Indigenous collaborationDuring her visit to Ottawa, the Honourable Nanaia Mahuta, New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Associate Minister for Māori Development, met with the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Canadian Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Canadian Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, to further expand and develop the positive relationship ...4 days ago
- Māori vaccination rates reach 80% first doseAssociate Minister of Health (Māori) Hon Peeni Henare today confirmed that Māori across the motu have now reached 80 percent for first doses of the COVID-19 vaccination nationally. “We have seen a huge increase in vaccinations for Māori throughout November, since the beginning of the month the increase for first ...5 days ago
- Subsequent Children legislation to changeThe Government has today introduced legislation that will reverse provisions in the Oranga Tamariki Act as part of a path to rebuild trust and confidence in the organisation. “The Oranga Tamariki Amendment Bill makes a number of changes but by far the most important is the partial repeal of the ...5 days ago
- Security Information in Proceedings Legislation Bill introduced to ParliamentThe Minister of Justice has confirmed the introduction of the Security Information in Proceedings Legislation Bill to Parliament. National security information is information which, if disclosed, would be likely to prejudice New Zealand’s security, defence, or international relations. “This Bill adds to the Government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s protections ...5 days ago
- Shortcomings revealed in power cut investigationNo household should have had their power disconnected 18 recommendations, mostly EA and Transpower related The EA must strengthen its oversight of the system operator An investigation into power cuts that left more than 34,000 households without electricity on one of the coldest nights of the year has found that ...5 days ago
- COVID-19 Protection Framework supported by new testing and contact tracing strategyWider use of rapid antigen testing from 1 December Increasing daily laboratory capacity to 60,000 PCR tests Q1 2022 A new national telehealth case investigation service with 475 investigators A nearly $1 billion investment in testing, contact tracing and case investigation A new national testing strategy will provide better protection ...5 days ago
- Supporting New Zealanders to recover from COVID-19 in the community$300 million boost to Pharmac to buy new medicines to treat COVID-19 Care in the Community approach will see most cases receive initial contact from a healthcare provider wiithin 24 hours Support pack provided within 48 hours Regular health checks throughout recovery The Government is increasing the support for New ...5 days ago
- Additional support for people isolating at homeNew regional MSD COVID-19 welfare teams to coordinate social service support for those isolating at home Regional teams working alongside other government agencies, iwi/Māori and community providers for housing, food and income support Government investment of $204.1m into welfare system support for Care in the Community Minister for Social Development ...5 days ago
- Tax bill provides vital support for familiesA boost to Working for Families tax credits, as part of a package of financial support that will see 346,000 families better off, has been passed into law late last night. Revenue Minister David Parker said the measures would lift the incomes of those receiving the Family Tax Credit, the ...5 days ago
- New text service to support disabled peoples’ vaccinationsEfforts to support disabled peoples’ vaccinations go from strength-to-strength with the launch of a new text service, Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni announced today. The service, run by Whakarongorau Aotearoa on behalf of the Ministry of Health, is in response to feedback from the disability community and is an ...5 days ago
- Proactive Calendar Release – October 2021...5 days ago
- Pacific community reach vaccination milestonePacific communities across the nation have rolled up their sleeves and played their part to reach a major vaccination milestone, 90 percent have now had their first vaccination, Aupito William Sio, Minister for Pacific Peoples and Associate Minister of Health said. “Reaching this milestone reflects the work Pacific Health Providers ...6 days ago
- Reconnecting New Zealand – the next stepsFully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from Australia without staying in MIQ from 11.59pm Sunday, 16 January 2022 Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from all other countries from 11.59pm Sunday, 13 February 2022 All fully vaccinated individuals will be ...6 days ago
- Shot in the arm for Canterbury tourismA brand new tourism attraction launched in the Canterbury high country is designed to transform the regional economy from seasonal peaks and troughs of past visitor trends. Regional Economic Development and Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has officially opened the Ōpuke Pools at Methven, which received government backing from the Provincial ...6 days ago
- Combined efforts connecting locals to natureA Government investment in six community and iwi-led projects across the Hawke’s Bay district will provide nature-based jobs for more than 60 locals, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. “Combined, these projects are contributing to a really ambitious conservation effort across the region, while at the same time up-skilling and offering ...6 days ago
- Empowering Diverse CommunitiesMinister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson has approved five funding grants to support national-level family violence and sexual violence prevention initiatives for LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, older people and new migrant communities. “Local community initiatives are a key lever in reducing violence. The Government ...6 days ago
- Moriori Claims Settlement Bill passes Third ReadingThe Moriori Claims Settlement Bill has passed its third reading at Parliament, marking the completion of the historical Treaty of Waitangi settlement process for Moriori. “This is the final milestone for Moriori and the Crown and is a new beginning in our relationship,” Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew ...1 week ago
- Permanent drug-checking law passed and new providers appointedDrug-checking services will continue to operate legally at festivals, pop-up clinics, university orientation weeks and other places this summer and beyond, thanks to a law passed today, Health Minister Andrew Little says. The services have been legal since last summer under temporary legislation that expires next month. The Government’s Drug ...1 week ago
- Pacific communities supported to transition to the COVID-19 Protection FrameworkThe Government has agreed to support Pacific health providers and communities’ transition to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, Minister for Pacific Peoples and Associate Minister of Health, Aupito William Sio said. The Government recognises that there is a clear need to prepare new systems and healthcare approaches, to protect and ...1 week ago
- Government helps Pasifika Festivals to ride the COVID waveAs we transition into a new way of managing COVID and take steps towards giving vaccinated New Zealanders more freedoms to enjoy Aotearoa’s arts and culture, 19 Pasifika festivals across the motu are receiving funding through the Pasifika Festivals Initiative, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni said. These ...1 week ago
- ‘Strollout’ has gathered pace, romping home as the Macquarie word of the year. I’d have gone f...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roslyn Petelin, Course coordinator, The University of Queensland Shutterstock In a break from the usual tradition, Macquarie asked the public to choose their word of the year in advance of the committee’s decision. The pundits were betting on a COVID-19 ...1 hour ago
- Watch: National Party's new leader Chris Luxon and deputy Nicola Willis speak after voteMP for Botany Christopher Luxon has become the National Party's new leader, and Nicola Willis the deputy after MPs voted this afternoon. ...1 hour ago
- Who decides when parliament sits and what happens if it doesn’t?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Twomey, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Sydney Mick Tsikas/AAP Complaints have been ringing out about how few days the federal parliament is proposed to sit in the first half of next year. The parliamentary sitting calendar for ...2 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Analysis – Basic Universal Income and Economic RightsAnalysis by Keith Rankin. Keith Rankin. “Broad growth is only going to come when you put money in the hands of people, and that’s why we talk about a Universal Basic Income”. [Ritu Dewan, Indian Society of Labour Economics]. (From How long before India’s economy recovers, ‘Context India’, Al Jazeera, ...2 hours ago
- Watch live: National Party's new leader Chris Luxon speaks after voteMP for Botany Christopher Luxon has become the National Party's new leader, and Nicola Willis the deputy after MPs voted this afternoon. ...2 hours ago
- Taxpayers' Union Congratulates Chris LuxonThe New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has congratulated Chris Luxon on his successful bid for the National Party leadership. Union spokesman Jordan Williams says, "It is to Chris Luxon’s credit that he is one of the few MPs to have taken a pay cut ...2 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon voted new National Party leader as Simon Bridges withdrawsChristopher Luxon has been voted the new leader of the National Party after main rival Simon Bridges moved to support him. ...3 hours ago
- Luxon takes the controls – can the former Air NZ CEO make National straighten up and fly right?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics, Massey University Chris Luxon, new leader of the National Party. Image, wikimedia. Hands up if you know anything about Christopher Luxon other than he was once CEO of Air New Zealand, he’s been hailed as the new ...3 hours ago
- Climate activism has gone digital and disruptive, and it’s finally facing up to racism within the ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Hall, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Johns Hopkins University Lynn Grieveson/Getty Images To understand the agreement states reached at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow earlier this month, it’s important to explore how climate activism has grown and changed ...3 hours ago
- Freedom Campers DisappointedResponsible campers association inc, (RCAi) was today disappointed to learn that Tourism Minister Stuart Nash intends to push ahead with his ill-considered proposals to place the onus for responsible freedom camping on the mode of camping and not ...3 hours ago
- Timaru Port Workers Issue Strike NoticeMembers of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) working at the Port of Timaru have this afternoon issued notice of a 24 hour full strike on 16th December. RMTU South Island Organiser John Kerr says the decision to issue notice follows on from ...3 hours ago
- Government keen to play lead role in banning and regulating killer robotsMinister of Disarmament and Arms Control Phil Twyford says the prospect of having a machine decide when to take a human life is inconsistent with New Zealand's interests and values. ...3 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon set to be new National Party leader as Simon Bridges withdrawsChristopher Luxon is all but guaranteed to be the new leader of the National Party after main rival Simon Bridges moved to support him. ...4 hours ago
- Luxon likely National leader after Bridges withdrawsNational newcomer Christopher Luxon looks set to be the new Opposition leader after Simon Bridges announced he's withdrawn from the race The National Party caucus is set to meet at 3pm on Tuesday where it looks likely that Chris Luxon will be made leader of the party. It had been down ...4 hours ago
- If Ardern’s lights let you drive to the Bay of Islands, you will be halted by no-go areas imposed ... Monitoring the Ministers – Whee! Vaccinated New Zealanders can look forward to Kiwi summer events with confidence…. Those were the opening words of a press statement from Carmel Sepuloni. speaking as Minister for ... 4 hours ago
- Jacinda Ardern in Hamilton to boost vaccination efforts, meet with business leadersPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern is in Hamilton to support vaccination efforts, take part in a business roundtable and turn the sod for the Waikato Regional Theatre. ...5 hours ago
- NZ Killer Robots Policy Welcome At Critical JunctureThe Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign to Stop Killer Robots (ANZKRC) welcomes New Zealand’s new policy position on autonomous weapon systems (AWS), released by the Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control today, which states that New Zealand will push for ...5 hours ago
- NZNO Protests Cancelled After DHBs Agree To Pre-Christmas Pay OutsMember-led protest action by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) at three district health board (DHB) head offices, planned for today, has been called off. The protest action at the corporate offices of Canterbury, West Coast and Waikato ...6 hours ago
- NZ Not Any Safer Following Legislation Against Firearm OwnersContinuing firearm violence means New Zealanders are no safer despite the promises made of legislation passed against licensed firearm owners, according to COLFO. Note: See COLFO's stance on general Police arming here. COLFO spokesperson ...6 hours ago
- Jacinda Ardern in Hamilton to boost vaccination efforts, meet businessesPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern is in Hamilton to support vaccination efforts, take part in a business roundtable and turn the sod for the Waikato Regional Theatre. ...6 hours ago
- White Ribbon: Shining A Light On The Shadows Of Whānau HarmIn the wake of White Ribbon Day (November 25), Te Hiku whānau are being urged to continue to take courage and be vigilant in shining a light on whānau harm. Te Rarawa Chairman and Whiria Te Muka Iwi Leader Haami Piripi says whānau harm acts like a ...7 hours ago
- New Report Highlights ‘the Most Important Climate Policy You’ve Never Heard Of’A new report from Energy Resources Aotearoa is highlighting a fundamental change to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) which makes nearly every other climate policy redundant. "The ETS now has a cap on total emissions allowed. This is great ...7 hours ago
- Making Sure People Are Up To Play With Freedom Camping Changes – MBIEPeople interested in finding out how the proposed improvements to freedom camping might affect them are being invited to an information-sharing webinar. The webinars, hosted by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), will give people ...8 hours ago
- Improvements To Gross Domestic Product September 2021 Quarter – Methods PaperThis page provides technical users with information about upcoming changes to data and methods applied to the forthcoming release of Gross domestic product: September 2021 quarter (scheduled for 16 December 2021). It provides an early indication of ...8 hours ago
- NZ to push for autonomous weapons treatyAotearoa is stepping up in the battle against killer robots, with the Government confirming it will join calls for an international treaty on the use of autonomous weapons systems New Zealand will join the push for an international treaty banning and regulating the use of autonomous weapons, the Government has ...8 hours ago
- Government taking 'cautious' approach to traffic light system – Andrew LittleHealth Minister Andrew Little says officials will make a human judgement rather than set specific criteria for regions to shift down in the traffic light system. ...8 hours ago
- PNG’s police deployment in Honiara ‘vital’ for regional securityBy Jeffrey Elapa in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea’s deployment of 37 police and Correctional Services staff to Solomon Islands on Friday was done on the back of a regional police-to-police engagement arrangement to help stem the civil unrest in Honiara. Police Commissioner David Manning, who returned to Port Moresby ...8 hours ago
- Liz MacPherson Appointed As Deputy Privacy Commissioner To Manage TransitionPrivacy Commissioner John Edwards is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz MacPherson as Deputy Privacy Commissioner, while the recruitment for his replacement takes place. This is the first time that a Deputy Privacy Commissioner has been appointed. ...8 hours ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – November 30 2021Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. You can sign up to NZ Politics Daily as well as New Zealand Political Roundup columns for free here. Today’s content National Party Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): Luxon’s Disney fairytale ...9 hours ago
- Omicron variant reinforces labour shortages – Reserve Bank economistDespite difficulties recruiting and rising payroll costs, the Reserve Bank is slow to tighten monetary policy ...9 hours ago
- National Party caucus arrives for leadership decisionFormer National Party leader Simon Bridges, who is again contesting the leadership, is feeling "really good" heading into today's caucus decision. ...10 hours ago
- Community Housing Supply Boosted By $200m Impact Investment Joint VentureCommunity housing sector peak body, Community Housing Aotearoa (CHA) is celebrating the news of a joint venture between Positive Capital, global investors Alvarium and KiwiSaver provider Pathfinder which will see 200 million dollars of funding become ...10 hours ago
- Up to half of Earth’s water may come from solar wind and space dustSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Daly, Lecturer in Planetary Geoscience, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow Curtin University Water is vital for life on Earth, and some experts say we should all drink around two litres every day as part of ...10 hours ago
- It looks like Omicron causes milder illness – is this how COVID becomes endemic?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hamish McCallum, Director, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University AP Photo/Denis Farrell These are very early days in terms of our understanding the Omicron variant. What is known is that it has a large number of mutations, ...10 hours ago
- As Aucklanders anticipate holiday trips, Māori leaders ask people to stay away from regions with lo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dion O’Neale, Lecturer – Department of Physics, University of Auckland; Principal Investigator – Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland Phil Walter/Getty Images Despite the emergence of the new Omicron variant, New Zealand will move to a new COVID-19 Protection Framework ...10 hours ago
- Photos from the field: leaving habitats unburnt for longer could help save little mammals in norther...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Corey, Adjunct Research Associate, Charles Darwin University Monjon, a small, native mammal in the tropical savanna under threat from fire David Bettini, Author provided Environmental scientists see flora, fauna and phenomena the rest of us rarely do. In this series, we’ve ...10 hours ago
- 2 out of 3 members of university governing bodies have no professional expertise in the sector. Ther...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alessandro Pelizzon, Senior Lecturer, School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University Shutterstock To say Australian universities are in crisis is to state the obvious. A common narrative suggests the most immediate cause of the current crisis is “reduced international ...10 hours ago
- Viral marketing: Kiwi brands go dark to dodge the Omicron bulletBusinesses named Omicron say they won't trade under that brand while the variant sweeps the globe ...11 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 30 November13 hours ago
- Newsroom daily crossword, Tuesday 30 November...13 hours ago
- A magic dwells in every platitudeOur model country for MMP, Germany has a new Government from three different political stripes and a coalition agreement magically vague on many policies, writes Oliver Hartwich ...13 hours ago
- Crass emissions: Suburban helicopters fly into choppy airAnna Mowbray and Ali Williams' bid to build a helipad in their suburban Auckland garden sparks calls for restrictions ...13 hours ago
- Luxon's Disney fairytale draws close, but Bridges lurksAs National’s moment of reckoning draws near, the identity of its next leader appears far from a foregone conclusion. The caucus faces a choice between a known quantity (for better and worse) and a tempting risk, Sam Sachdeva writes The Covid-19 traffic light system may not kick into effect until ...13 hours ago
- Peaceful decolonisation at risk from New Caledonia referendumNew Zealand must urge France to rethink its stance on New Caledonia’s Independence Referendum, argues Dr Adrian Muckle The determination of French President Emmanuel Macron’s government to proceed with the December 12 referendum on self-determination in New Caledonia—against the wishes of New Caledonia’s pro-independence parties and despite growing regional concern—is a ...13 hours ago
- Building supply shortage impedes climate targetsSupply problems are being blamed for unambitious updates to wall insulation standards in new homes ...13 hours ago
- We need to be one step ahead of the next coronavirus outbreakAs the pandemic races towards an unenviable two-year milestone, the Otago Global Health Institute’s Covid-19 Masterclass Series is bringing together a network of experts to discuss key Covid-19 topics. We'll be running a piece daily until December 5. Despite scientists forecasting for years that new viruses will continue to ...13 hours ago
- Football's Flea leaps between roles in women's gameOne of New Zealand's footballing greats, Annalie Longo has taken on a new role to grow the game for women and girls across the country. But she's not ready to hang up her boots yet, with a home World Cup still calling. Befitting her footballing nickname, 'Flea', Annalie Longo is ...13 hours ago
- The mystery of Peng ShuaiThe mysterious disappearance of Peng Shuai – and her unconvincing 'reappearance' - has sparked unprecedented high level commentary The disappearance of Peng Shuai is one of the biggest and most mysterious sports stories in the world at the moment. Today on The Detail, Emile Donovan speaks to Newstalk ZB sports ...13 hours ago
- Traffic lights: The next phase of the pandemicNew Zealand is moving into the next phase of the pandemic, where it's hoped that high vaccination rates can keep hospitalisations and deaths down. Will it work? Marc Daalder reports Analysis: Elimination bought us crucial time. New Zealand enjoyed a pre-Covid lifestyle for 18 months longer than the rest of the world, ...13 hours ago
- Stephen Stratford, by Vincent O'SullivanA tribute to Stephen Stratford, who died suddenly at his Cambridge home last weekend When I went to work at the Listener in 1980, it might have been a far more daunting change from what some journalists regarded as the cushioned perks of academe, if it hadn’t been for the ...13 hours ago
- Scanlon survey shows community fears about COVID can spike quickly, as governments face OmicronSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australians’ concern about the pandemic ebbs and flows dramatically as waves come and go, according to research that also shows that COVID has not shaken the nation’s social cohesion. The Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s 2021 ...16 hours ago
- NZ’s new covid traffic light settings unveiled – omicron variant in spotlightRNZ News New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced which regions will move into red and which into orange as the new traffic light system comes in on Friday. Ardern confirmed that all of Northland would join the Auckland region in red, along with Taupō, Rotorua Lakes, Kawerau, Whakatāne, ...17 hours ago
- Border opening for skilled workers, students delayed a fortnightSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra John Mackintosh/Shutterstock The Morrison government has delayed its plan to open the international border on Wednesday to skilled workers and students, as it awaits more information about the Omicron variant of COVID. Cabinet’s ...18 hours ago
- There is an alternative to Trump. It looks like thisWolfgang Munchau is a favourite European political commentator. You have to love a guy who ran the argument that Germany and Britain should team up to run the European Union. Naturally you’d like to know his views on the new German governing coalition, which has just published its 178-page ...19 hours ago
- As it selects a new leader, National needs to remember one thing – confidence doesn’t always equ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suze Wilson, Senior Lecturer, Executive Development/School of Management, Massey University National Party interim leader Dr Shane Reti, flanked by colleagues, prepares to announce Judith Collins has been removed as party leader. GettyImages Many will know the definition of insanity as “doing the ...21 hours ago
- Solomon Islands: China mouthpiece blames Australia for ‘fomenting riots’Asia Pacific Report newsdesk An editorial in the Chinese English-language mouthpiece Global Times has accused Australia — and the United States — of “conniv[ing] with and even encourag[ing] the unrest” in the Solomon Islands after three days of rioting last week destroyed much of Chinatown in the capital Honiara. “Even ...22 hours ago
- Dan McGarry: It’s how, not who in Melanesian politicsTHE VILLAGE EXPLAINER: By Dan McGarry in Port Vila One of the key characteristics of Melanesian politics is its ability to remain formless and chaotic right up until the point where, after a strange and often obscure catalysing moment, it abruptly transforms itself. More than a few people will attribute ...22 hours ago
- UN relationship with Samoa under a cloud over ‘political breaches’By Johnny Blades, RNZ Pacific journalist The United Nations has glaring problems in Samoa where the government is calling for the UN’s role in the country to be reviewed. The most pressing immediate problem concerns the UN Resident Co-ordinator in Samoa, Simona Marinescu, and the local government’s allegation that she ...22 hours ago
- Here’s to the ladies who lunch: one of Sondheim’s greatest achievements was writing complex wome...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Narelle Yeo, Senior Lecturer in Voice and Stagecraft, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney Getty Images The most eclectic of music theatre composers was not only a gifted wordsmith and lyricist, but also had a truly original compositional voice. ...23 hours ago
- Chris Luxon front runner as National Party seeks saviour after years of bitter infightingPower Play - Some believe Luxon could have a better shot at uniting a caucus riven with distrust and resentment after its most recent bout of self-flagellation, writes Jane Patterson. ...24 hours ago
- Australian booksellers are facing a supply chain ‘crisis’. Here’s how books get into your hand...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Jackson, Senior Lecturer in Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Curtin University Pj Accetturo/Unsplash Australians have been warned to do their Christmas shopping early, as international supply chain issues are impacting global shipping. One industry under particular pressure is that ...24 hours ago
- Watch traffic light settings update: Red for Auckland, Northland and parts of central North IslandWatch - No region is expected to be in the green setting of the new Covid-19 protection framework over the summer period, the prime minister has announced. ...24 hours ago
- Does AstraZeneca’s COVID vaccine give longer-lasting protection than mRNA shots?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathan Bartlett, Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle Last week, AstraZeneca’s chief executive officer said the company’s COVID vaccine may provide longer-lasting protection than mRNA vaccines like Pfizer’s, especially in older people. CEO Pascal Soriot said this ...1 day ago
- Royal Society of NZ is split by disciplinary action taken against prominent professors who signed le...Let’s meet Professor Garth Cooper, described on the University of Auckland website as one of New Zealand’s foremost biological scientists and biotechnology entrepreneurs. He is professor of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry at the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland, where he also ...1 day ago
- The government’s planned ‘anti-troll’ laws won’t help most victims of online trollingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Beckett, Lecturer in Media and Communications, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Yesterday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Attorney-General Michaelia Cash announced proposed new legislation aimed at making online “trolls” accountable for their actions. Over the past few weeks, ...1 day ago
- Jacqui Dean says she did not set out to cause turmoil within National PartyWaitaki MP Jacqui Dean says she "took no pleasure in being caught up in a political power-play" within the National Party. ...1 day ago
- Burnout by design? Warehouse and shipping workers pay the hidden cost of the holiday seasonSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher O’Neill, Research fellow, Monash University What’s the meaning of Christmas? For many, it’s about feasting, family, and napping while watching the cricket. But for e-commerce giants like Amazon, Christmas is the most lucrative time of the year. During the 2020 ...1 day ago
- Are new COVID variants like Omicron linked to low vaccine coverage? Here’s what the science saysSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Juno, Senior research fellow, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Shutterstock The emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, Omicron, has reignited global discussions of vaccine distribution, virus mutation, and immunity against new virus strains. ...1 day ago
- The Fire Trucks Will Always Turn Up For Our CommunitiesThe United Fire Brigades’ Association represents 693 different brigades including urban and rural volunteers, defence, airport and industry brigades - supporting nearly 14,000 individuals. 89% of volunteers are vaccinated. Unvaccinated members of volunteer ...1 day ago
- Australia’s new agricultural work visa could supercharge the forces of exploitationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Sherrell, Deputy Program Director (Migration), Grattan Institute Shutterstock The Australian government’s new temporary visa for agricultural workers is meant to fix labour shortages in the agricultural sector. But it’s a risky approach that could lead to more exploitation of ...1 day ago
- Green Building Council Response To Building Code Energy Efficiency ChangesToday’s government announcement on warmer, healthier, energy efficient homes and buildings highlights is welcome, but the changes don’t require enough insulation for it to be warmly welcomed, say the Green Building Council today. The not-for-profit ...1 day ago
- Aucklanders Are Less Concerned With CovidIn reaction to commentary that Aucklanders are at breaking point after more than 100 days in lockdown and that compliance with the rules is under threat, AUT Emeritus Professor of Sociology Charles Crothers says: “Systematic research of feelings ...1 day ago
- National Library Reconsiders Agreement With Internet ArchiveTe Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa National Library is reconsidering its plans for the Overseas Published Collections in light of concerns raised by interested parties, including issues associated with copyright. The National Library will not export ...1 day ago
- Yes, it’s rocket science: Australia needs eyes in space to monitor our tinderbox landscapeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marta Yebra, Associate professor, Australian National University Shutterstock As climate change worsens, bushfires are likely to become more intense and frequent. We must find new ways of managing bushfires to prevent catastrophic events altogether. Satellite data can help in this ...1 day ago
- Police Must Be Armed“The shooting incident in West Auckland is just the latest in a string of firearms offences, shootings and gang-related aggression spiraling out of control across the country,” says Darroch Ball Leader of Sensible Sentencing Trust. “This should ...1 day ago
Monitoring the Ministers – Whee! Vaccinated New Zealanders can look forward to Kiwi summer events with confidence…. Those were the opening words of a press statement from Carmel Sepuloni. speaking as Minister for ... 
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