National’s Bennett problem
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Date published: 8:17 am, July 27th, 2017 - 87 comments
Categories: accountability, national, paula bennett
Tags: benefit fraud, paula bennett, questions
Graham Adams at Noted on Paula Bennett: “Nevertheless, these questions are not going to go away and what is certain is that Bill English can not afford to have Bennett share billboard space with him until they are answered satisfactorily”.
Daily Review 27/07/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, July 27th, 2017 - 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 …
Paula Bennett gets owned by Phil Twyford in question time
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Date published: 4:35 pm, July 27th, 2017 - 11 comments
This afternoon in Parliament during question time Paula Bennett showed clearly that this Government has no idea what to do about the housing crisis.
ETS – That’s our coffin they’re talking about
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Date published: 12:29 pm, July 27th, 2017 - 4 comments
Professor Euan Mason of the University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry in response to the proposed changes: “This is the nail in the coffin of our ETS.”
Raging at Metiria is not about the fraud – it’s that she sided with the lepers
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Date published: 7:01 am, July 27th, 2017 - 257 comments
Graham Cameron cuts through the obsession over fraud to the cultural values of the last 30 years and the fear beneath.
Open Mike 27/07/2017
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Date published: 6:00 am, July 27th, 2017 - 76 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 26/07/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, July 26th, 2017 - 76 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 …
Lies. Damned Lies. And Diesel.
Written By:
Date published: 2:12 pm, July 26th, 2017 - 48 comments
Britain follows France in banning the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles from 2040. Good news?
National will distort MMP for its own benefit, again
Written By:
Date published: 12:02 pm, July 26th, 2017 - 80 comments
Without a cup of tea in sight National has announced that it will asking supporters to vote for Act leader David Seymour in Epsom and United Future leader Peter Dunne in Ohariu.
Did English break the law during Dotcom debacle?
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Date published: 11:15 am, July 26th, 2017 - 44 comments
David Fisher on the Dotcom spying debacle: “But the legal action which disclosed the extended spying also targets English specifically, saying he acted “unlawfully” when he signed a ministerial certificate intended to bury the spying operation forever.”
The Democrats and Russia
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Date published: 7:30 am, July 26th, 2017 - 66 comments
The Trump presidency appears to be in a death spiral because of the Russia issue. But the Democrats are not taking advantage. Why?
Beneficiary reduction targets, homelessness and suicide
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Date published: 7:01 am, July 26th, 2017 - 39 comments
Most people would be shocked to learn that each WINZ case manager is assigned the target of getting a certain number of people off the benefit every month. This is one of the reasons why we have such a punitive and aggressive welfare system. Fewer than half of those removed from the benefit go to jobs. The Nats neither know nor care what happens to the rest, but links to the rising number of homeless and our shocking suicide statistics should be investigated.
Open Mike 26/07/2017
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Date published: 6:00 am, July 26th, 2017 - 196 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 25/07/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, July 25th, 2017 - 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 …
How much is Mike Hosking paid by TVNZ?
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Date published: 9:29 am, July 25th, 2017 - 106 comments
Mike Hosking does not want there to be a debate on how much he earns from TVNZ and thinks that there would be an adverse irrational response from the public if the information was released. This is the best reason yet why disclosure should occur.
Let’s get rid of these clowns
Written By:
Date published: 7:30 am, July 25th, 2017 - 46 comments
The Government’s failure to do anything about the housing crisis or about zombie cannabis is evidence they should be removed from office.
Greens: Grandparents and children deserve better than National’s ‘penal welfare’
Written By:
Date published: 7:13 am, July 25th, 2017 - 34 comments
National’s ‘penal welfare’ approach is failing kids, failing caregivers and failing New Zealand.
The truth behind job numbers
Written By:
Date published: 7:04 am, July 25th, 2017 - 25 comments
Bruce Munro’s excellent piece in the ODT, looks in to the truth behind the Nats’ job numbers: “It does not take much digging in Statistics New Zealand’s latest Household Labour Force Survey to uncover a growing world of low-paid work, insufficient working hours, financial struggles and unfulfilled lives”.
Transport in Auckland and National’s deliberate incompetence
Written By:
Date published: 6:58 am, July 25th, 2017 - 35 comments
National appear to be completely uninterested in spending Aucklander’s transport taxes on Auckland. Instead they want to put in roads that have no economic measurable benefits for Auckland except to increase the road congesting trucks on our roads. Why do National hate Auckland?
Open Mike 25/07/2017
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Date published: 6:00 am, July 25th, 2017 - 19 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 24/07/2017
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Date published: 5:30 pm, July 24th, 2017 - 67 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 MoU and social intelligence
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Date published: 12:23 pm, July 24th, 2017 - 122 comments
The deputy leader of the Labour Party wants to be the Minister for Children and to put a progressive government ahead of her own career. This is the kind of politician we need in government.
Willie Jackson: The Orewa Speech
Written By:
Date published: 10:30 am, July 24th, 2017 - 2 comments
Details of a fundraiser for Rodney Labour and Willie Jackson will give his take on Don Brash’s infamous Orewa speech.
National again subsidises their land banking contributors from taxpayer funds.
Written By:
Date published: 8:41 am, July 24th, 2017 - 25 comments
The announcement that National were granting infrastructure funds to develop housing projects in the far north and south of Auckland caused me some amusement. Wisely Auckland council resisted this boondongle that only benefits land bankers, speculators and their political party (National) for some time. To the point where National used taxpayer funds instead.
The Nuk Korako Cover Up
Written By:
Date published: 7:56 am, July 24th, 2017 - 46 comments
Will Nuk Korako blame his children this time?
Delivering pizza for NZ
Written By:
Date published: 7:19 am, July 24th, 2017 - 16 comments
Full marks to Nathaniel Watson for what Newshub called “an incredible work of graphic design satire”:
Nat U-turn on immigration must include protection from exploitation
Written By:
Date published: 7:02 am, July 24th, 2017 - 24 comments
The Nats have U-turned on their immigration restrictions. It must come with better protection for migrant workers. The way we exploit them in NZ is shameful.
Open Mike 24/07/2017
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Date published: 6:00 am, July 24th, 2017 - 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 …
Rain doesn’t cause most floods, humans do
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Date published: 12:11 pm, July 23rd, 2017 - 50 comments
What to do with all the water falling from the sky? Some choices are smarter than others.
Imagine the world without America
Written By:
Date published: 10:00 am, July 23rd, 2017 - 63 comments
America used to be the most powerful nation in the world. But things are changing.
Nats won’t follow Australia and UK in crackdown on multinational tax avoidance
Written By:
Date published: 9:30 am, July 23rd, 2017 - 14 comments
Collins’ excuse is just waffle. Why won’t the Nats follow Australia and UK in a crackdown on multinational tax avoidance?
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- Nats blow the Budget on motels after bowling state housesNational is spending $140,000 a day putting homeless families in motels, the legacy of nine years of selling off and knocking down state houses, says Labour Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...1 week ago
- New revelations in Joanne Harrison reportThe State Services Commission’s report into the treatment of whistle-blowers by Joanne Harrison has revealed new accusations against the convicted fraudster, says Labour MP Sue Moroney. “The report found that four staff inside the Ministry of Transport who had raised ...1 week ago
- Snafu at Princess MargaretJonathan Coleman has to stop the stalling over a new building for mental health services in Christchurch to replace the quake damaged Princess Margaret Hospital, says Labour’s Health spokesperson David Clark. “The Government must accept that Christchurch is still recovering ...1 week ago
- Labour’s fiscal plan to build a fairer New ZealandLabour will re-build our housing, health and education while responsibly managing New Zealand’s finances, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “Under Labour’s Fiscal Plan we will deliver big investments in the services we all need and care about, invest ...1 week ago
- Nats show they’re the tax dodgers’ best friendsThe government is taking the knife to IRD at a time when we need a highly skilled department to ensure that multinationals and speculators don’t get away with dodging tax, says Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Michael Wood. ...1 week ago
- Labour secures the future for NZ SuperA Labour Government will secure the future for New Zealand Superannuation so we can continue to provide superannuation to those retiring at age 65, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “One of the first things a Labour-led Government will ...1 week ago
- Multinationals must pay fair share of taxA Labour Government will crack down on multinational companies that are dodging paying their fair share of tax, says Labour Leader Andrew Little. “New Zealanders are missing out by hundreds of millions according to the IRD because multinational companies can ...1 week ago
- ACT’s approach to children backward and ill informedAct’s new deputy leader’s claim that Labour’s support for families could “extend the misery of child poverty and even child abuse” is ill informed and offensive, says Labour’s Deputy Leader Jacinda Ardern. ...2 weeks ago
- Canterbury hatchet job a disgraceThe Government’s glib acceptance of advice that the Canterbury District Health Board doesn’t need more money is a hatchet job and a disgrace, says Labour’s Health Spokesperson David Clark. “To claim that the DHB was using tactics to leverage more ...2 weeks ago
- Quality for Kiwi kids at ECEAfter more than a decade of rapid growth in the number of children participating in Early Childhood Education (ECE), it’s time to take stock and map out a clear plan for the future, says Labour’s Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour to boost ECE qualityLabour will ensure kids get the best start in life by boosting funding for Early Childhood Centres to employ 100 per cent qualified and registered teachers, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour will stump up a million dollars for Maniototo HospitalA Labour led Government will make a million dollars available to rebuild the Maniototo Base hospital in Ranfurly, says the Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “This will be a much needed boost for a long overdue rebuild that has ...2 weeks ago
- No vision for the West CoastThe West Coast welcomes any Government investment in our region but the lack of any real alternative vision for the West Coast’s economy is disappointing, says Damien O’Connor Labour’s West Coast-Tasman MP. “The establishment of a Mining Research Unit will ...2 weeks ago
- National’s youth work scheme too little too lateAfter nine years, National’s belated attempt to provide work opportunities for unemployed youth should be seen for what it is, a half-hearted, election gimmick from a party that’s ignored the problem till now, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. ...2 weeks ago
- Kiwis won’t fall for Joyce’s spinSteven Joyce’s embarrassingly obvious spin on Labour’s Families Package won’t fool anyone, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour prioritises families and public servicesLabour’s Families Package delivers a bigger income boost to more than 70 per cent of families with children than Budget 2017. By not spending $1.5 billion a year on tax cuts, Labour is able to do more for lower and ...2 weeks ago
- Kiwis can’t sleep in your ghost houses, NickThe Government’s housing infrastructure announcement is another Nick Smith special – over-promising with no detail on delivery, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour helps older New Zealanders and low income families with winter heating billsLabour will further boost its commitment to warm, healthy housing with a Winter Energy Payment for superannuitants and people receiving main benefits, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “Everyone deserves a warm, healthy home to live in. But that’s ...2 weeks ago
- Call for climate commission and carbon budgeting welcomed
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- Immigration: Disappointing but there’s hope, says DairyNZImmigration announcement: Disappointing but there’s hope, says DairyNZ DairyNZ is disappointed that today’s announcement by Government has not addressed the concerns raised about migrant staff. However, DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says there ...8 hours ago
- LGNZ welcomes call for independent climate change commissionLGNZ welcomes call for independent climate change commission Local Government New Zealand agrees with the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s statement today that climate change is the “ultimate intergenerational issue” and requires ...9 hours ago
- National’s Proposed New Equal Pay Law DisappointsMedia release: Pay Equity Coalition (Wellington) National’s Proposed New Equal Pay Law Disappoints The Employment (Pay Equity and Equal Pay) Bill tabled yesterday by the Government doesn’t do what the Government promises it would do, says the ...9 hours ago
- Government’s Fiddling With Immigration Doesn’t Help Rural NZCalls from a united primary sector for the government’s latest round of immigration changes to address significant labour shortages in rural areas have obviously fallen on deaf ears. ...10 hours ago
- Democracy – Yeah RightWhen does a job become an occupation? The answer is when you are employed by the NZ Government. Under Section 70 Social Security Act 1964, Government occupational pensions are not subject to direct deduction whereas overseas jobs that have self-funded ...10 hours ago
- Feds Finds Useful Suggestions in PCE Report-- The report released today suggesting New Zealand needs a Climate Change Commission, like the UK’s, has qualified support from Federated Farmers. ...10 hours ago
- Next Parliament must heed call for new climate lawYouth organisation Generation Zero is calling for Parliament to heed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s recommendations to establish a historic new climate change law, which align very closely with the group’s Zero Carbon Act proposal ...11 hours ago
- Thames firm facing up to 100 job lossesThe loss of up to 100 jobs at one of Thames' oldest engineering businesses, A & G Price, has seen the communities and agencies swinging into action quickly to support those affected. ...11 hours ago
- ETS review may reduce forest plantingForest owners and wood processors say they appreciate the government needs to fine tune the Emissions Trading Scheme, but they believe present uncertainty in the ETS might lead to a reduction in forest planting, just when it needs to increase. ...11 hours ago
- EDS strongly supports call for Climate CommissionEDS strongly supports call for Climate Commission The Environmental Defence Society has strongly endorsed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s call for the establishment of a Climate Commission. ...11 hours ago
- Fishing company to pay $122,252 for breaches in NZ WatersA Japanese fishing company must pay $122,252 for breaching employment law while in New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), following a Labour Inspectorate investigation. ...11 hours ago
- Conservation organisations welcome PCE callWWF-New Zealand, Forest & Bird and Oxfam New Zealand welcome the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's (PCE) report, ‘Stepping Stones to Paris and Beyond’, released today. The PCE report identifies an historic opportunity for the next New Zealand ...11 hours ago
- Z urges business, cross-party support for Climate ActZ Energy today urged businesses and all political parties to back a recommendation to enshrine carbon reduction targets in law and set carbon budgets to enable clear measurement. ...11 hours ago
- Carbon budgets would provide ‘certainty’ for dairy sectorDairyNZ has welcomed the release today of a report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, which recommends New Zealand approach climate change in a similar manner to the United Kingdom. Dr Jan Wright recommends Government set up an independent ...11 hours ago
- Meridian welcomes advocacy for action on climate changeMeridian Energy today welcomed Stepping stones to Paris and beyond: Climate change, progress, and predictability, a report from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that outlines opportunities to strengthen New Zealand’s action on climate ...11 hours ago
- How NZ Adapts to Climate Change Needs Stronger PushThe Insurance Council of New Zealand says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s recommendations on long-term planning for climate change fell short in not dealing with how New Zealand should adapt to climate change. ...11 hours ago
- Time to take a historic step for climate change: PCETime to take a historic step for climate change, says Environment Commissioner The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright, has issued a rallying call to MPs of all parties: it’s time to come together to tackle climate change. ...12 hours ago
- Pragmatic response to employers call for temporary work visaPragmatic response to employers call for temporary work visas -- The setting of more realistic bands for temporary work visas is a pragmatic response for employers struggling to find staff. ...12 hours ago
- Making Rail Great AgainIt seems politicians lose their grip on economic reality at election time. Already they are pouring out pledges of what they will do if they are in a coalition governing after the Sept 23 poll. ...14 hours ago
- Green Party adopts fake “left” posture ahead of electionNew Zealand’s establishment political parties have recently begun releasing their policy statements ahead of the September 23election. ...15 hours ago
- Immigration Needs Long Term Strategy, Not Knee Jerk ReactionWhile many parties are advocating for higher immigration numbers, there are some valid reasons to curb immigration, not the least of these being that we haven’t got the houses for them to live in. 2 + 2 does not equal ...15 hours ago
- Rising prices for essentials hit beneficiaries the hardestHigher prices for housing and household utilities and food are hitting beneficiaries the hardest, while overall prices are dipping slightly for top earners, Stats NZ said today. ...15 hours ago
- REINZ Welcomes Healthy Homes Bill moving to Next StageReal Estate Institute welcomes Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill moving to next stage The Real Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) welcomes the announcement that the Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill (No. 2) has passed its second reading last night, as the organisation ...15 hours ago
- Submissions sought on state sector productivityThe Productivity Commission is seeking submissions on its inquiry into measuring and improving state sector productivity. ...16 hours ago
- Greens Launch Manawatū – Hawke’s Bay Rail PlanThe Green Party today launched a plan to trial a new twice-daily passenger train from Palmerston North to Napier, while the Manawatū Gorge is closed to road traffic, as well as a commitment to increase funding to reduce fares on ...16 hours ago
- E tū seeks answers over Prices Foundry closureE tū which represents workers at Prices Foundry in Thames says it will be working alongside its members as they deal with the aftermath of yesterday’s closure. ...16 hours ago
- The True Story About Synthetic Cannabis and Drugs“My husband and I see the damage done to youth from synthetic cannabis and drugs first hand. We don’t read about it, we don’t hear about it, we’ve lived with it for over 15 years”, says Conservative Party Candidate for ...17 hours ago
- Shocking History of Chemical Herbicide Use PublishedYears of unremitting and insidious manoeuvres to deflect and suppress community wishes and deliberately fudge, sidestep and evade implementing adopted policy are exposed in a shocking history of the use of chemicals for weed and vegetation control in ...17 hours ago
- Kiwis with Intellectual Disabilities Faced Systemic AbuseThe release of a new report into state abuse shows the mistreatment was systemic, enduring and an everyday reality for New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities who lived in institutions and special schools. ...18 hours ago
- Twyford & Genter 31 July – Peter O’Connor 27 JulyRemiinder - Prof. Peter O’Connor - Resetting the focus and values of New Zealand Education - 27 July - AKL ...1 day ago
- Women will fight hurdles to equal pay26 July 2017 Women in education will fight the Government's attempt to create new hurdles that make it harder for us to achieve fair pay, NZEI Te Riu Roa says. The Government released the text of its Employment (Pay Equity ...1 day ago
- Serious concerns with Nationals proposed new equal pay lawThe Government has today tabled the Employment (Pay Equity and Equal Pay) Bill with the first reading expected next week. CTU Vice President Rachel Mackintosh has serious concerns about the content and direction of this Bill, “we are carefully examining ...1 day ago
- Immigration New Zealand encourages plain English in new awarImmigration New Zealand will be sponsoring this year’s Best Plain English Turnaround Award as part of the WriteMark Plain English Awards. The Awards celebrate New Zealand’s clearest communicators and encourage the use of plain English as a common practice ...1 day ago
- Kiwi school leavers not equipped to engage with AsiaResearch released today by the Asia New Zealand Foundation has found less than 10 percent of school leavers are ‘Asia-ready’ and only 36 percent are ‘in the zone’ when it comes to Asia readiness*. ...1 day ago
- Manurewa Candidate Hohaia: Let’s get legal on homelessnessMāori Party candidate for Manurewa Tasha Hohaia will be supporting the hīkoi for homelessness happening this Saturday in the local community. Hohaia notes “As with all movements that raise awareness though, we need to consider what we can make happen ...2 days ago
- Migration, diversity and the changing face of New ZealandThe changing face of migration in an increasingly diverse society will be the focus of this year’s University of Auckland Winter Lecture series, Nation Transformed: the place of migration in 21st century Aotearoa-New Zealand. Marking 30 years since ...2 days ago
- Emissions Trading Scheme review – Expert reactionThe Government has announced a package of changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) following a review of the system. ...2 days ago
- >Animal Testing Would Not Prevent Synthetic Cannabis DeathsIn relation to the recent deaths in Auckland caused by synthetic cannabis use, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne has stated that ‘…the testing regime is now in place, but it is not functional because the Government banned the use of ...2 days ago
- WINZ Needs to Get Off The Couch and Go See Fraudster MP26 JULY 2017 - Taxpayers want to know why WINZ hasn't sat down with Metiria Turei yet and worked out how much she owes the taxpayer or pressed charges? ...2 days ago
- Gold Fever Comes In Many FormsINSIGHTS ABOUT THE NEWS - A “massive find of quality gold” valued in the tens of millions of dollars in NZ might be greeted by some with as much enthusiasm as Team NZ winning the America’s Cup. Instead, the headlines ...2 days ago
- Labour Force Survey Estimated Working-age PopulationThis table provides the working-age population estimate of the usually resident, non-institutionalised, population of New Zealand aged 15 years and over. This estimate is the benchmark figure for the number of people in the labour market each quarter ...2 days ago
- LGNZ Set to Use Ratepayer Money to Lobby for “Cat Tax”LGNZ set to use ratepayer money to lobby for "cat tax" ratepayers don't want ...2 days ago
- New Tools to Help Meet Climate Change TargetsClimate Change Minister Paula Bennett is today announcing a package of changes that the Government will make to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to ensure it puts New Zealand in the best possible position to achieve its ambitious 2030 emissions ...2 days ago
- Voluntary Suspension of Fuji Xerox NZ from AoG ContractsFuji Xerox New Zealand (FXNZ) has agreed a voluntary suspension from all current All-of-Government contracts. ...2 days ago
- Facelift not enough for Wainuiomata High SchoolThe government is announcing that Wainuiomata High School is due for a facelift, but anything less than a total rebuild will not be enough, claims Ginny Andersen, Labour candidate for Hutt South. ...2 days ago
- Rural Recycling Needs Collection, Minister!https://beehive.govt.nz/release/125m-boost-recycling-farm-plastic-waste?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+beehive-govt-nz%2Freleases+%28Releases+-+beehive.govt.nz%29 ...2 days ago
- Chris Leitch Calls for Gang Hui in WhangareiThe gangs who were involved in the boxing night in Whangarei on Saturday should be invited back for a series of hui to address the issues that contribute to gang involvement like unemployment, poor education, and a family environment of ...2 days ago
- Research Association NZ Political Polling GuidelinesWith the election only two months away the noise around political polling is getting understandably louder. So Research Association New Zealand (RANZ) is providing a helpful little guide on reading and reporting polls for journalists which you can ...2 days ago
- Only 10% NZ school leavers ‘Asia-ready’ and just one-third ‘in zone’
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz Only 37 percent of New Zealand school leavers believe Asia-related skills and knowledge will be important for the country’s future workforce. Image: Asia NZ Foundation Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk Less than 10 percent of school ...5 hours ago - The Real Pod: Matilda Rice would definitely lose to Brodie Kane in a Fight for LifeWith some literal last minute planning, Duncan Greive and Jane Yee are once again joined by producer Madeleine Chapman for a slightly delayed episode of the Real Pod.In a genuine attempt to be more professional, Jane takes one (the only ...8 hours ago
- Transport Minister avoids criticism over OIA secrecy
KiwiRail has been criticised after it appeared to roll over when Transport Minister Simon Bridges' staff asked for a report to be kept secret, while the minister himself has been cleared. ...9 hours ago - A courageous voice against the nuclear threat
The world's response to the threat of nuclear war needs leadership of the highest order, writes Sir Geoffrey Palmer. ...9 hours ago - Kiwis of Snapchat: Bill and Paula have a message for the youth of NZ (WATCH)
In our video series Kiwis of Snapchat, comedian Tom Sainsbury sources exclusive Snapchat footage of Kiwi citizens making the news. Today: Bill English and Paula Bennett have a plan to target the youth vote.Click here for all our Kiwis of ...9 hours ago - BoJo’s NZ visit mere lip service for all involvedBritish Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's short visit to small fry NZ is a political footnote and a sign of the man's ornamental impotence in his role, writes David Townsend. ...10 hours ago
- Immigration law changes set to go aheadThe government will go ahead with a change to immigration rules forcing migrants to exit the country after three years, despite complaints from the dairy industry. ...10 hours ago
- How a dental hygienist gets her kids to brush their damn teeth
Getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a nightmare – an unending, soul-destroying nightmare (*emphasis mine* – Emily Writes, Spinoff Parents editor and hater of brushing my child’s teeth). As part of Oral Health Month, dental hygienist and ...10 hours ago - The leadership industry has infected our health sector and nobody has the cure‘Leadership’ positions are reportedly set to skyrocket under a new DHB restructure plan. But what’s needed isn’t yet more overpaid leaders, writes Andrew Dickson – it’s efficient and effective managers.I was staring blankly at the departure screen at Auckland airport, ...11 hours ago
- Politicians to decide Auditor-General’s fateThe next steps to be taken over whether the Auditor-General is fit to remain in the job will be decided in a Parliamentary Committee this afternoon. ...11 hours ago
- How Burger Burger are giving hospo staff the respect they deserveBusiness is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand, with the interview available as both audio and ...11 hours ago
- Constable Jimmy dies in PNG elections ambush – ‘being a cop’s no mistake’Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz Highlands police colleagues with the body of Constable Glenn Jimmy, shot in an elections ambush at Wabag. Image: EMTV News By Elizah Palme in Wabag, Papua New Guinea Duty called for two police officers and ...11 hours ago
- Book of the week: an essay by Paula Morris on race and literature
Paula Morris responds to the ‘glorious, painful, sharp and funny’ anthology of Māori writing, Black Marks on a White Page.Nobody likes a Māori writer.First of all, nobody knows who we are. Nobody knows the names of any writers, apart from ...13 hours ago - NZ linked to North Korea cyber attacks in report
Analysis raises concerns about "large and active" North Korean presence in NZ - but Govt suggests there is a benign explanation. ...13 hours ago - Where are the stars of Y2K-era New Zealand show Being Eve now?
After watching an episode of the slightly weird teen-oriented show while on painkillers (legitimate medical reasons), Sam Brooks goes on an internet investigation to find out what the cast are doing now.Being Eve was a strange beast of a show, ...14 hours ago - Top of the Lake and high in the mountains: NZFF filmmakers pick their highlights
Philippa Campbell introduces the second series of Jane Campion’s Top of the Lake and Hugh Macdonald gets outdoors in a different way. Part six of our Film Festival filmmaker’s choice series.Producer Philippa Campbell on Top of the Lake: China Girl and her ...15 hours ago - Govt ‘not satisfied’ with synthetic cannabis death handlingPolice and the coroner's office should have told the government about the deaths linked to the drugs much sooner, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne says. ...15 hours ago
- The rot goes deep: more blatant ‘political fraud’ for Patrick Gower to investigate
Patrick Gower has slammed Metiria Turei for trying to ‘get attention’ and ‘win votes’ just ‘eight weeks out from an election’. Hayden Donnell lifts the lid on just how deep this rabbit hole goes.Most of the people criticising Metiria Turei ...16 hours ago - Greens’ potential partners keep distance from Turei controversyLabour stresses the party is separate and has its own campaign, while NZ First won't be drawn on whether it would work in a Cabinet with Ms Turei. ...19 hours ago
- Change brewing for tertiary sector
The tertiary education sector is in for a shake-up, but the Government won’t be adopting some of the more radical suggestions from a recent report. ...19 hours ago - US Chief Justice talks ‘confining’ constitutions in NZ
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts didn't talk Trump, but shared his thoughts on written constitutions and the legal challenges facing the US. ...19 hours ago - Scientists build DNA from scratch to alter life’s blueprint
Scientists are using yeast to build DNA from scratch - and alter life's blueprint. ...19 hours ago - Auckland’s marshmallow experiment
Auckland's leaders have found the city's hunger for public transport is rather pressing. ...19 hours ago - Coalition planning gathers pace ahead of election
National has outlined its preferences for dance partners, with no surprises but one example of the oddness of politics. ...20 hours ago - Emma Espiner: Don’t set this haystack on fire
Abolishing the Māori seats would cause more disruption than modern New Zealand has seen, maybe since the Springbok Tour. ...20 hours ago - Winston Peters criticises use of te reo in ParliamentNew Zealand First leader Winston Peters has criticised Te Ururoa Flavell for using te reo Māori in Parliament during question time. ...20 hours ago
- Finally revealed: report shows rail destroys roading for Auckland freight
The business case for greater freight efficiency in South Auckland has finally been released, and it turns out that a new “Third Main” rail line is the best of 10 options. Guess what’s worst? Putting greater reliance on road freight. So ...21 hours ago - Keith Rankin Analysis: What’s happened to Labour Productivity?
Keith Rankin Analysis: What’s happened to Labour Productivity? Productivity plummets despite high annual growth. Graph copyright 2017, Keith Rankin.Labour productivity is an important economic concept, that should equate to living standards. It is rising labour productivity that makes it possible to ...1 day ago - We need a Mother’s Union: how society is failing to support parents
Parenting, in particular motherhood, can be a really tough ride. The Opportunities Party’s Jennie Condie writes about why she’s entered politics to try to make a difference.“How many times have you worked with co-workers you loved but hated the job?”This ...1 day ago - Politics podcast: Metiria Turei’s Winz confession, Labour’s alt-budget and the Māori seatsOur answer to the ‘Black Hands’ podcast is ‘Rainbow Hands’, in which the Gone By Lunchtime team scoff so many M&Ms that their fingers get covered in artificial colouring. Also they discuss politics.With less than two months to polling day, Annabelle ...1 day ago
- No mercy for Indonesian drug dealers, says Widodo in ‘just shoot’ policyArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Indonesian President Joko Widodo … “no mercy” drug policy announcement mirrors Duterte’s “war on drugs”. Image: Amnesty International By Dames Alexander Sinaga in Jakarta President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered law enforcers to shoot drug ...1 day ago
- Top scientist urges govt action on youth suicideThe Prime Minister's chief science adviser has asked the government to do more to ensure kids can cope with stress in order to reduce the youth suicide rate. ...1 day ago
- Diana, Our Mother: a (mostly) wasted opportunity to explore the life of a hugely complex woman
Last night’s screening of the HBO documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy, was reportedly one of Three’s most-watched shows of the year so far. If only its participants had been a bit braver, writes Christopher Stratton.Among my friends, ...1 day ago - Secondary school rugby players to be tested for drugs
For the first time in NZ school sports history, players at this year’s National 1st XV semi-finals will be subject to anti-doping testing, reports Scotty Stevenson.The New Zealand Secondary School Sports Council (NZSSSC) and Drug Free Sport NZ (DFSNZ) have ...1 day ago - Finding feminist heroes in after-school TV anime shows of the early 2000s
New Zealand was spoiled for choice of after school anime shows in the early 2000s. Lucy Zee remembers the female heroes who shaped her childhood.Cartoons rule my life. You name it and I’ve probably watched it, seen the comic, bought ...1 day ago - Making art out of shit jobs: a writer’s story
Whangarei writer Michael Botur describes how the shit jobs he’s had have provided valuable material for his new collection of short stories, Lowlife.It was hard moving to Northland in 2015 and finding income and inspiration in its very small economy. ...2 days ago - Greens co-leader Metiria Turei’s benefit history investigatedGreen Party co-leader Metiria Turei has confirmed the Social Development Ministry is investigating her benefit history. ...2 days ago
- An unapologetic Chainsmokers fangirl counts down her Chainsmokers top 10
Chainsmokers superfan Kate Robertson has campaigned for the bros to come to New Zealand for years. In celebration of today’s news of an Auckland show, she shares her top 10 bangers.Everyone has an opinion on the Chainsmokers. At the height ...2 days ago - ‘We haven’t seen deaths like this in ten years of synthetics’
Another death overnight has been attributed to the ‘synthetic cannabis crisis’ tearing through Auckland and New Zealand at large. But the situation isn’t as clear as it seems, the Drug Foundation’s Ross Bell tells Don Rowe, and hard facts are few ...2 days ago - A look back at the ‘toxically compelling’ 90s teen drama Popular
Now one of the most lauded television producers in the world, Ryan Murphy didn’t start well. Sam Brooks was there in the 90s to witness the hot mess that is Popular.It’s strange to sit in 2017 and see Ryan Murphy ...2 days ago - PM gives nod to Seymour and Dunne for electorate votesPrime Minister Bill English has told his party's voters to support the ACT and United Future leaders in their electorates this election. ...2 days ago
- Why the attacks on National over poverty and inequality are unfounded – mostlyIt is well-known that poverty and inequality have soared under National. Well-known – and unsupported by the evidence. What matters is at the extremities, writes Max RashbrookeYesterday’s Household Incomes Report, the annual record of inequality in New Zealand, is a ...2 days ago
- Bigger than Ben Hur! Introducing Kim Dotcom, the movie
Director Annie Goldson introduces her Dotcom documentary and the one she calls its antithesis; and Julian Boshier talks about working with Wellington band Head Like a Hole for 15 years. Welcome to part five of our Film Festival filmmaker’s choice ...2 days ago - Noelle McCarthy on making a podcast about immigration (and creating a new NZ citizen)
Noelle McCarthy and John Daniell talk about the challenges – eg Winston Peters – they confronted in creating their new series for RNZ, Slice of Heaven.There are few more vexatious issues than immigration. Particularly in the wake of recent political ...2 days ago - Global media freedom summit slams Gulf states, supports Al JazeeraArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz International media freedom conference delegates inside Al Jazeera’s main studio in Doha. The network broadcast messages of support from conference delegates. Image: Joseph M Fernandez/PMC By Dr Joseph M Fernandez in Doha, Qatar The international ...2 days ago
- Greens’ Turei calls for amnesty for beneficiaries who break lawAn amnesty for beneficiaries is needed so they are not threatened with more poverty if they reveal their circumstances, the co-leader says. ...2 days ago
- Review: ‘Attitude’ shows New Zealand lives we rarely see on screenAttitude is nearing 500 episodes over 13 years, and its current mental health series shows that it deserves a far better timeslot than 8.30am Sunday, writes Duncan Greive.New Zealand has been getting more comfortable confronting difficult issues in primetime. Last ...2 days ago
- Govt apologises to Transport Ministry fraud whistleblowersThe government has apologised to staff bundled out of the ministry after speaking out about a manager later convicted for stealing nearly $650,000. ...2 days ago
- A toxic mix of low wage growth and fast-rising rents
The NBR rich list and the official Incomes report show how two New Zealands have diverged. Property owners are rich, while renters with children are poor. ...2 days ago - The risky business of risk in business
Assessing risk is a crucial but often tricky part of investing. If the formula is wrong, the consequences could be dire. ...2 days ago
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