What does the Government have against Māori wards?
Written By:
Date published: 1:27 pm, May 28th, 2024 - 31 comments
Categories: act, local body elections, local government, Maori Issues, Maori seats, national, nz first, Politics, same old national
Tags:
The Government is moving with urgency to reverse Labour’s repeal of referenda for Māori wards on local councils.
Open mike 29/05/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 29th, 2024 - No comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Is our investment in defence value for money?
Written By:
Date published: 4:31 am, May 29th, 2024 - No comments
Defence cost us more than $6.7 billion in 2023/24. Why does our small, remote country have such a costly defence force? Is it fit for purpose – and in 2024, what is that purpose?
Daily review 28/05/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 28th, 2024 - 20 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 28/05/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 28th, 2024 - 72 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 27/05/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 27th, 2024 - 6 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Open mike 27/05/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 27th, 2024 - 14 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 …
What is that word that starts with “C” and ends with “orruption”?
Written By:
Date published: 11:11 am, May 26th, 2024 - 46 comments
The past fortnight has seen a number of breaking stories each of which raises concerns about the motivations and goals of this Government. It makes you wonder whether the pursuit of self interest is an embedded feature as opposed to a bug.
Open mike 26/05/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 26th, 2024 - 32 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Is Shane Jones Right About Mining?
Written By:
Date published: 10:58 am, May 25th, 2024 - 34 comments
Maybe Shane Jones is at least partially right about mining.
The Luxon Government’s War on Nature
Written By:
Date published: 6:10 am, May 25th, 2024 - 10 comments
“But the truth is that real gains only ever come out of a mobilised civil society and achieving a mobilised civil society is exactly what we have to do.”
– Russel Norman
Open mike 25/05/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, May 25th, 2024 - 62 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 24/05/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 24th, 2024 - 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 24/05/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 24th, 2024 - 57 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 23/05/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 23rd, 2024 - 9 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
“It’s the end of the Tories…”
Written By:
Date published: 12:13 pm, May 23rd, 2024 - 27 comments
“and they know it”
Open mike 23/05/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, May 23rd, 2024 - 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 22/05/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 22nd, 2024 - 4 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 …
Making up for lost time
Written By:
Date published: 8:34 am, May 22nd, 2024 - 39 comments
Guest post by Nigel Haworth where he discusses Labour membership’s desire for taxation reform and why it is important that Labour decides on its position as soon as possible.
Open mike 22/05/2024
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Date published: 6:00 am, May 22nd, 2024 - 66 comments
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review 21/05/2024
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Date published: 5:30 pm, May 21st, 2024 - 16 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
National MP *forgets* to declare $178,000 in donations
Written By:
Date published: 11:23 am, May 21st, 2024 - 21 comments
In breaking news New Plymouth National MP David MacLeod apparently *forgot* to declare $178,000 in declarations to the Electoral Commission.
Speech time
Written By:
Date published: 9:02 am, May 21st, 2024 - 6 comments
In the past week Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins have both delivered future vision themed speeches. With some dramatic contrasts.
Open mike 21/05/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, May 21st, 2024 - 46 comments
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British politics – hurry up and wait for a general election
Written By:
Date published: 4:58 am, May 21st, 2024 - 16 comments
While I do not pick elections, I think it is safe to make this point. If Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party are holding on for a dramatic change in polling numbers, they are unlikely to see this happen. On current polling, even a 7% swing in their favour would not be enough to stop them from losing the election. Labour should not be complacent, but it is increasingly obvious that the voter coalition that helped the Conservatives win in 2019 has collapsed.
AUKUS. We “share values” with people committing genocide??
Written By:
Date published: 11:29 pm, May 20th, 2024 - 46 comments
Western leaders like to talk about values, shared values, common values. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) says the US and Israel have a partnership based on shared values. I believe them.
Daily review 20/05/2024
Written By:
Date published: 5:30 pm, May 20th, 2024 - 9 comments
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
A Deliberate Recession
Written By:
Date published: 1:00 pm, May 20th, 2024 - 51 comments
It is sickening to see how economic power is being used against ordinary New Zealanders right now.
Open mike 20/05/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, May 20th, 2024 - 77 comments
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Fonterra’s Brand Sale Continues to Drag New Zealand Down
Written By:
Date published: 10:16 am, May 19th, 2024 - 26 comments
Fonterra is a complete construct of the New Zealand state, but it is pulling our entire country down.
Open mike 19/05/2024
Written By:
Date published: 6:00 am, May 19th, 2024 - 31 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 Media Outlets & Millionaires Enabling The Elderly Edgelords
Hi,I am sort of loath to write this newsletter today because I fear it’s playing into the hands of a bunch of elderly edgelords. These are typically older white men who generate their income by saying the most hideous stuff they can, all while self-righteously screaming about the merits of ...16 mins ago - Film-makers follow the money on ‘disinformation’ bandwagon
Graham Adams writes that while Web of Chaos gets a rerun on TVNZ, River of Freedom is left out in the cold. If you are a film-maker looking for an injection of taxpayer cash, a pitch focused on fake news purportedly propagated by “conspiracy theorists” looks to be a good ...9 hours ago - At a glance – What is the link between hurricanes and global warming?
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...12 hours ago - Nicola Willis brings us up to date with state service job cuts – while Tamatha Paul (is this overk...
Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis has estimated the loss of around 2500 jobs from the public sector during the cost-saving since the general election last October. Another 1150 vacancies in Government departments have been removed from the books and 500 are expected to go, she said during ...15 hours ago - Bryce Edwards: Is it time for an Integrity Commission to monitor conflicts of interest?
News that the Government’s new Parliamentary Undersecretary for Health, Todd Stephenson, has been pressured today to sell his investments in pharmaceutical companies shows how New Zealand is becoming more sensitive and suspicious about politicians’ “conflicts of interest”. Yet, we need to get much more serious about creating rules and procedures ...16 hours ago - Forget the loud-hailers Minister, what you need is TikTok
Chris Trotter writes – It almost worked. “Matua Shane”, local supporters in tow, advanced down the main street of Blackball. Had the Minister for Resources, Shane Jones, been supplied with a full-sized loud-hailer to amplify his pro-mining slogans, then the photo-op would have been an unqualified success. Unfortunately, the ...18 hours ago - Did the Reserve Bank massage its OCR forecasts to help Labour keep power? (we’ve found evidence po...Rob MacCulloch writes – Last year, in the lead up to the national election, Governor Orr said in May 2023 that he was “very confident” there would not be further interest rate hikes, stating the Reserve Bank had done enough in terms of rate rises. He was interviewed by ...19 hours ago
- Parliament’s increasingly toxic ethnic identity warsBryce Edwards writes Toxicity and disinformation are becoming a big part of New Zealand politics. And much of this relates to debates about ethnicity, race, and racism. We should all be concerned about this trend. Personal abuse, dishonesty, and contempt in the public sphere are bad for democracy, ...19 hours ago
- Bernard’s Dawn Chorus and pick ‘n’ mix for Tuesday, May 28
House-building and infrastructure industry leaders are begging the Government for project-pipeline certainty and warning of a 2009/10-style exodus of skilled staff overseas. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government won last year’s election with a pledge to ‘get things done’ and ‘get New Zealand back on ...21 hours ago - Slippery People.
What's the matter with him? (He's alright)How do you know? (The Lord won't mind)Don't play no games (he's alright)Love from the bottom to the top.You’re alright, but how about her, or him? What makes them tick? Are they a solid citizen or a slippery fecker? Why are we all so ...23 hours ago - Children’s Voices in Auckland’s Future
Recently, the transport consultancy Crank publicly released a report about children’s vision for transport in Auckland. It was produced in 2023 to help shape Auckland Council’s Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) Reduction Strategy. That got me thinking, and after going back to the recent Long Term Plan Consultation Feedback results, one ...24 hours ago - Med school backdown the “right thing” says Seymour
One of National’s showpiece election promises appears to be in more trouble with Waikato University yesterday withdrawing its call for tenders to develop a new medical school. The move will delay any substantial increase in the number of doctors being trained in New Zealand. The University’s decision just over a ...1 day ago - Of ‘said’ and Dialogue Tags in Writing
Today, I ran across a Twitter thread about writerly use of the word ‘said’: https://x.com/APoetForThePyre/status/1794895108581859794 As a writer, I have my opinions about this, and since it has been a long, long time since I offered thoughts on the unwritten rules of writing, I thought I would explore the matter ...1 day ago - The silent tragedy of local restrictions on renewable energyThis story by James Goodwin was originally published by The Revelator and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. Communities across the United States may soon find themselves facing a grim scenario. By adopted local ordinances that obstruct the development of new renewable energy resources within ...2 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Parliament’s increasingly toxic ethnic identity warsToxicity and disinformation are becoming a big part of New Zealand politics. And much of this relates to debates about ethnicity, race, and racism. We should all be concerned about this trend. Personal abuse, dishonesty, and contempt in the public sphere are bad for democracy, social cohesion, and the integrity ...2 days ago
- What to say on the government’s racist Māori wards bill
I've spent the afternoon working on my submission on the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill - National's racist bill to eliminate Māori representation from local government. It's an important bill, and the timeframe for submissions is tight - only two days left! National ...2 days ago - Collins will be abroad when critics react to science funding – but Matauranga money should not be ...Buzz from the Beehive With just a few days to go before Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers her first Budget speech, her colleagues have been focused in recent days on issues beyond our shores. Education Minister Erica Stanford made the only announcement of concern to citizens who want to know ...2 days ago
- New Caledonia’s troublesJames Kierstead writes – White sand beaches. Palm trees waving in a gentle breeze. Seas of turquoise and ultramarine, cobalt and denim stretching out as far as the eye can see. Such is the view of New Caledonia that you get on travel websites. And it’s not an ...2 days ago
- The Negative social impact of taxpayer-funded partisan charitiesBryce Edwards writes – Whenever politicians dole out taxpayer funding to groups or individuals, they must do so in a wholly transparent way with due process to ensure conflicts of interest don’t occur and that the country receives value for money. Unfortunately, it’s not clear that this has ...2 days ago
- The Letter from Mayors & ChairsFrank Newman writes – Earlier this week Local Government NZ sent a letter to the leaders of the coalition parties and Ministers Simeon Brown and Tama Potaka. It was signed by 52 local government leaders (see list appended). The essence of the letter is this: Our position…is ...2 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on South Africa’s harsh election choicesT he ANC’s goal in Wednesday’s election will be to staunch the bleeding of its support. The ANC has reason to feel anxious. For months, the polls have been indicating the ANC will lose its overall majority for the first time since the Mandela election of 1994. The size of ...2 days ago
- The Kaka’s diary for the week to June 3 and beyond
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to June 3 include:PM Christopher Luxon is expected to hold his weekly post-cabinet news conference at 4:00pm today.Parliament’s Environment Select Committee resumes hearing submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm today.Auckland ...2 days ago - May-24 AT Board MeetingTomorrow the AT board meet again and I’ve taken a look through the items on their public agenda to see what’s interesting. It’s also the first meeting for two recently appointed directors, former director at Ritchies Transport, Andrew Ritchie and former mayor of Hamilton, Julie Hardaker. The public session starts ...2 days ago
- Bernard’s Dawn Chorus and pick ‘n’ mix for Monday, May 27
The Government is looking again at changing fringe benefit tax rules to make it harder to claim a personally-used double-cab ute as a company vehicle. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Having repealed the previous Government’s ‘ute tax’ last year, the new Government is looking at removing a defacto tax ...2 days ago - Some Dark Moments from Netflix's Dark Tourist
Hi,I pitched a documentary to a big streamer last week and they said “no thanks” which is a bummer, because we’d worked on the concept for ages and I think it would have been a compelling watch. But I would say that because I was the one pitching it, right?As ...2 days ago - 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #21A listing of 34 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, May 19, 2024 thru Sat, May 25, 2024. Story of the week This week's typiclal compendium of stories we'd rather were plot devices in science ficition novels but instead ...2 days ago
- National’s bulldozer dictatorship billThis National government has been aggressively anti-environment, and is currently ramming through its corrupt Muldoonist "fast-track" legislation to give three ministers dictatorial powers over what gets built and where. But that's not the only thing they're doing. On Thursday they introduced a Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, ...3 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: The Negative social impact of taxpayer-funded partisan charitiesWhenever politicians dole out taxpayer funding to groups or individuals, they must do so in a wholly transparent way with due process to ensure conflicts of interest don’t occur and that the country receives value for money. Unfortunately, it’s not clear that this has occurred in the announcement this week ...3 days ago
- My Lovely Man.
Last night began earlier than usual. In bed by 6:30pm, asleep an hour later. Sometimes I do sleep odd hours, writing late and/or getting up very early - complemented with the occasional siesta, but I’m usually up a bit later than that on a Saturday night. Last night I was ...3 days ago - Pressing the Big Red Button
Early in the COVID-19 days, the Boris Johnson government pressed a Big Red Button marked: act immediately, never mind about the paperwork.Their problem was: not having enough PPE gear for all the hospital and emergency staff. Their solution was to expedite things and get them the gear ASAP.This, along with ...3 days ago - Of Pensioners and Student Loans: An Indictment on New ZealandUp until 1989, you could attend a New Zealand University, and never need to pay a cent for your education. That then changed, of course. The sadists of the Fourth Labour Government introduced substantial fees for study, never having had to pay a cent for their own education. The even ...3 days ago
- Putting children firstEle Ludemann writes – Minister for Children Karen Chhour is putting children first: Hon KAREN CHHOUR: I move, That the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Social Services and Community Committee to consider the bill. It’s a privilege ...4 days ago
- Te Pati Maori go personalDavid Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Applause and cheers erupted in the House on Wednesday afternoon as Children’s Minister Karen Chhour condemned Te Pāti Māori’s insults about her upbringing. Chhour, who grew up in state care, is repealing section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act – sparking uproar from ...4 days ago
- Threads of Corruption
I could corrupt youIt would be uglyThey could sedate youBut what good would drugs be?Good Morning all,Today there’s a guest newsletter from Gerard Otto (G). By which I mean I read his post this morning and he has kindly allowed me to share it with you.If you don’t already I ...4 days ago - The days fly by
4 days ago - Aotearoa, you’re being dismantled… so take the blinkers off and start talking honestly about it.
Is the solution to any of the serious, long term issues we all have to face as a nation, because many governments of all stripes we can probably all admit if we’re deeply truthful with ourselves haven’t done near enough work at the very times they should have, to basically ...4 days ago - Has Labour Abandoned the Welfare State They Created in 1938?
The 2018 Social Security Act suggests that Labour may have retreated to the minimalist (neo-liberal) welfare state which has developed out of the Richardson-Shipley ‘redesign’. One wonders what Michael Joseph Savage, Peter Fraser and Walter Nash would have thought of the Social Security Act passed by the Ardern Labour Government ...5 days ago - Bryce Edwards: MPs’ financial interests under scrutinyMPs are supposed to serve the public interest, not their own self-interest. And according to the New Zealand Parliament’s website, democracy and integrity are tarnished whenever politicians seek to enrich themselves or the people they are connected with. For this reason, the Parliament has a “Register of Pecuniary Interests” in ...5 days ago
- Mastering FLICC – A Cranky Uncle themed quizBy now, most of you will have heard about the FLICC taxonomy of science denial techniques and how you can train your skills in detecting them with the Cranky Uncle game. If you like to quickly check how good you are at this already, answer the 12 quiz questions in the ...5 days ago
- Shane Jones has the zeal, sure enough, but is too busy with his mining duties (we suspect) to be ava...Buzz from the Beehive The hacks of the Parliamentary Press Gallery have been able to chip into a rich vein of material on the government’s official website over the past 24 hours. Among the nuggets is the speech by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and a press statement to announce ...5 days ago
- Cut the parliamentary termWhen Labour was in power, they wasted time, political capital, and scarce policy resources on trying to extend the parliamentary term to four years, in an effort to make themselves less accountable to us. It was unlikely to fly, the idea having previously lost two referendums by huge margins - ...5 days ago
- More terrible media ethicsDavid Farrar writes – The Herald reports: When Whanau Ora chief executive John Tamihere was asked what his expectations for the Budget next Thursday were, he said: “All hope is lost.” Last year Whānau Ora was allocated $163.1 million in the Budget to last for the next four years ...5 days ago
- Bringing our democracy into disreputeOn Monday the government introduced its racist bill to eliminate Māori represntation in local government to the House. They rammed it through its first reading yesterday, and sent it to select committee. And the select committee has just opened submissions, giving us until Wednesday to comment on it. Such a ...5 days ago
- The censors who’ll save us from ourselves… yeah right!Nick Hanne writes – There’s a common malady suffered by bureaucracies the world over. They wish to save us from ourselves. Sadly, NZ officials are no less prone to exhibiting symptoms of this occupational condition. Observe, for instance, the reaction from certain public figures to the news ...5 days ago
- The case for commissioners to govern the capital cityPeter Dunne writes – As the city of Tauranga prepares to elect a new Mayor and Council after three and a half years being run by government-appointed Commissioners, the case for replacing the Wellington City Council with Commissioners strengthens. The Wellington City Council has been dysfunctional for years, ...5 days ago
- Thoughts about contemporary troubles.
This will be s short post. It stems from observations I made elsewhere about what might be characterised as some macro and micro aspects of contemporary collective violence events. Here goes. The conflicts between Israel and Palestine and France and … Continue reading ...5 days ago - Gordon Campbell On Blurring The Lines Around Political CorruptionIt may be a relic of a previous era of egalitarianism, but many of us like to think that, in general, most New Zealanders are as honest as the day is long. We’re good like that, and smart as. If we’re not punching above our weight on the world stage, ...5 days ago
- MPs own 2.2 houses on averageBryce Edwards writes – Why aren’t politicians taking more action on the housing affordability crisis? The answer might lie in the latest “Register of Pecuniary Interests.” This register contains details of the various financial interests of parliamentarians. It shows that politicians own real estate in significant numbers. The ...5 days ago
- King Mike & Mike King.
I built a time machine to see you againTo hear your phone callYour voice down the hallThe way we were back thenWe were dancing in the rainOur feet on the pavementYou said I was your second headI knew exactly what you meantIn the country of the blind, or so they ...5 days ago - Bryce Edwards: MPs own 2.2 houses on averageWhy aren’t politicians taking more action on the housing affordability crisis? The answer might lie in the latest “Register of Pecuniary Interests.” This register contains details of the various financial interests of parliamentarians. It shows that politicians own real estate in significant numbers. The register published on Tuesday contains a ...5 days ago
- How much climate reality can the global financial system take without collapsing?Microsoft’s transparency about its failure to meet its own net-zero goals is creditable, but the response to that failure is worrying. It is offering up a set of false solutions, heavily buttressed by baseless optimism. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in ...5 days ago
- Weekly Roundup 24-May-2024Another Friday, another Rāmere Roundup! Here are a few things that caught our eye this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday, our new writer Connor Sharp roared into print with a future-focused take on the proposed Auckland Future Fund, and what it could invest in. On ...5 days ago
- Earning The Huia Feather.
Still Waiting: Māori land remains in the hands of Non-Māori. The broken promises of the Treaty remain broken. The mana of the tangata whenua languishes under racist neglect. The right to wear the huia feather remains as elusive as ever. Perhaps these three transformations are beyond the power of a ...5 days ago - Bernard’s Dawn Chorus and pick ‘n’ mix for Friday, May 24
Posters opposing the proposed Fast-Track Approvals legislation were pasted around Wellington last week. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: One of the architects of the RMA and a former National Cabinet Minister, Simon Upton, has criticised the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals bill as potentially disastrous for the environment, arguing just 1% ...5 days ago - The Hoon around the week to May 245 days ago
- Beijing troubleshooter’s surprise visitThe importance of New Zealand’s relationship with China was surely demonstrated yesterday with the surprise arrival in the capital of top Chinese foreign policy official Liu Jianchao. The trip was apparently organized a week ago but kept secret. Liu is the Minister of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) International Liaison ...5 days ago
- UK election a foregone conclusion? That’s why it’s interesting
With a crushing 20-plus point lead in the opinion polls, all the signs are that Labour leader Keir Starmer will be the PM after the general election on 4 July, called by Conservative incumbent Rishi Sunak yesterday. The stars are aligned for Starmer. Rival progressives are in abeyance: the Liberal-Democrat ...5 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #21 2021Open access notables How much storage do we need in a fully electrified future? A critical review of the assumptions on which this question depends, Marsden et al., Energy Research & Social Science: Our analysis advances the argument that current approaches reproduce interpretations of normality that are, ironically, rooted in ...6 days ago
- Days in the life
We returned last week from England to London. Two different worlds. A quarter of an hour before dropping off our car, we came to a complete stop on the M25. Just moments before, there had been six lanes of hurtling cars and lorries. Now, everything was at a standstill as ...6 days ago - Forget about its name and focus on its objective – this RMA reform bill aims to cut red tape (and ...Buzz from the Beehive A triumvirate of ministers – holding the Agriculture, Environment and RMA Reform portfolios – has announced the introduction of legislation “to slash the tangle of red and green tape throttling development in key sectors”, such as farming, mining and other primary industries. The exact name of ...6 days ago
- More National corruptionIn their coalition agreement with NZ First, the National Party agreed to provide $24 million in funding to the charity "I Am Hope / Gumboot Friday". Why were they so eager to do so? Because their chair was a National donor, their CEO was the son of a National MP ...6 days ago
- Submit!The Social Services and Community Committee has called for submissions on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. Submissions are due by Wednesday, 3 July 2024, and can be made at the link above. And if you're wondering what to say: section 7AA was enacted because Oranga Tamariki ...6 days ago
- Reading the MPS numbers thinking about the fiscal situationMichael Reddell writes – The Reserve Bank doesn’t do independent fiscal forecasts so there is no news in the fiscal numbers in today’s Monetary Policy Statement themselves. The last official Treasury forecasts don’t take account of whatever the government is planning in next week’s Budget, and as the Bank notes ...6 days ago
- Charter Schools are a worthwhile addition to our school system – but ACT is mis-selling why they a...Rob MacCulloch writes – We know the old saying, “Never trust a politician”, and the Charter School debate is a good example of it. Charter Schools receive public funding, yet “are exempt from most statutory requirements of traditional public schools, including mandates around .. human capital management .. curriculum ...6 days ago
- Paranoia On The Left.How Do We Silence Them? The ruling obsession of the contemporary Left is that political action undertaken by individuals or groups further to the right than the liberal wings of mainstream conservative parties should not only be condemned, but suppressed.WEB OF CHAOS, a “deep dive into the world of disinformation”, ...6 days ago
- Budget challengesMuriel Newman writes – As the new Government puts the finishing touches to this month’s Budget, they will undoubtedly have had their hands full dealing with the economic mess that Labour created. Not only was Labour a grossly incompetent manager of the economy, but they also set out ...6 days ago
- Rishi calls an Election.
Today the British PM, Rishi Sunak, called a general election for the 4th of July. He spoke of the challenging times and of strong leadership and achievements. It was as if he was talking about someone else, a real leader, rather than he himself or the woeful list of Tory ...6 days ago - Photo of the Day: GNR6 days ago
- Choosing landlords and the homeless over first home buyersThe Government may struggle with the political optics of scrapping assistance for first home buyers while also cutting the tax burden on landlords, increasing concerns over the growing generational divide. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government confirmed it will dump first home buyer grants in the Budget next ...6 days ago
- Orr’s warning; three years of austerityYesterday, the Reserve Bank confirmed there will be no free card for the economy to get out of jail during the current term of the Government. Regardless of what the Budget next week says, we are in for three years of austerity. Over those three years, we will have to ...6 days ago
- An admirable U-turnIt doesn’t inspire confidence when politicians change their minds. But you must give credit when a bad idea is dropped. Last year, we reported on the determination of British PM Rishi Sunak to lead the world in regulating the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. Perhaps he changed his mind after meeting ...6 days ago
- Climate Adam: Can we really suck up Carbon Dioxide?This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Is carbon dioxide removal - aka "negative emissions" - going to save us from climate change? Or is it just a ...7 days ago
- Public funding for private operators in mental health and housing – and a Bill to erase a bit of t...Headed for the legislative wastepaper basket… Buzz from the Beehive It looks like this government is just as ready as its predecessor to dip into the public funds it is managing to dispense millions of dollars to finance – and favour – the parties it fancies. Or ...7 days ago
- Why has Einstein Medalist Roy Kerr never been Knighted?Rob MacCulloch writes – National and Labour and ACT have at various times waxed on about their “vision” of NZ as a high value-added world tech center What subject is tech based upon? Mathematics. A Chicago mathematician just told me that whereas last decade ...7 days ago
- Contestable adviceEric Crampton writes – Danyl McLauchlan over at The Listener on the recent shift toward more contestability in public policy advice in education: Education Minister Erica Stanford, one of National’s highest-ranked MPs, is trying to circumvent the establishment, taking advice from a smaller pool of experts – ...7 days ago
- Release: National Government takes anti-housing stance
In six short months the Minister for Housing has shrunk the pool of potential home owners in New Zealand, removed housing security for renters, re-introduced competition on existing stock between investors and speculators, and served power and billions of dollars to landlords on a silver platter, says Labour housing spokesperson ...2 days ago - Speech: Commemoration of 145th Anniversary of Girmit in Fiji...2 days ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to protect Freedom of Speech
Today New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect New Zealanders' right of free speech. The “Protection of Freedom of Expression Bill” will ensure that no organisation or individual, when acting within the law, is unreasonably denied use of a public venue for an organised event or ...5 days ago - Government trying to rush Māori wards legislation through without public say
The Green Party unequivocally condemns the governing parties’ attempts to limit the public’s say on the controversial Māori wards legislation, after the select committee considering the legislation set a deadline for submissions of just five days. ...5 days ago - Release: Statement from housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty“Today it sounds like the Minister for Housing and his associate are announcing 500 homes that already exist,” Kieran McAnulty said. ...5 days ago
- Release: Mining on conservation land will take NZ backwardsShane Jones’s speech today demonstrates once again that he will put his political theatrics ahead of New Zealand’s workers and their futures. ...5 days ago
- Release: Disabled children latest to lose access to fundingDisabled children and families nationwide have recently found out they’re no longer able to use disability support funding for programmes during school hours in another quiet update from the Government. ...5 days ago
- Coalition of coal will prove catastrophic for climateThe Government’s plans to ramp up coal mining in the heat of a climate crisis will see our chances of a liveable future melt away. ...6 days ago
- Aotearoa must follow in the footsteps of countries recognising Palestinian statehoodThe Green Party is calling on the Government to follow in the footsteps of Ireland, Spain and Norway in recognising Palestinian statehood. ...6 days ago
- Release: Time to make stalking a crimeFollowing a horrific case of stalking that ended in tragedy, Labour’s police spokesperson Ginny Andersen has drafted a bill that would add stalking to the Crimes Act. ...7 days ago
- $24 million for free mental health counselling for young kiwisThe Rt Hon Winston Peters, joined by Mike King, has announced $24 million over four years for the ‘I Am Hope Foundation’, and will provide young people aged between 5 to 25 years with free mental health counselling services. This funding will help I Am Hope’s ‘Gumboot Friday’ initiative give ...7 days ago
- Release: Strong support for disability fundingTwo thirds of Kiwis in a new poll want funding flexibility reinstated for disabled people and carers. ...7 days ago
- Petition launched to save Māori babies and their right to be with whakapapaTe Pāti Māori have launched a petition to stop the repeal of Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act. This announcement comes prior to the first reading of the Section 7AA repeal bill in Parliament today. “Section 7AA forces the Government to adhere to Te Tiriti o Waitangi with respect ...1 week ago
- Government introduces Bill to roll back Māori WardsThe Green Party has sounded the alarm over the Government’s introduction of legislation to remove Māori Wards and roll back years of progress. ...1 week ago
- Release: Pre-Budget Speech: Barbara Edmonds...1 week ago
- Release: Another announcement, still no funding for more public housesThe Government has yet again failed to do the one thing that needs to happen to ensure houses can be built – commit to ongoing funding, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...1 week ago
- Government must build more public houses, not find excuses to sell themThe Green Party says the Government must use the review of Kāinga Ora as a platform to build more homes, not an excuse to sell them off. ...1 week ago
- Government must build more public houses, not find excuses to sell themThe Green Party says the Government must use the review of Kāinga Ora as a platform to build more homes, not an excuse to sell them off. ...1 week ago
- Release: Treasury advice show flaws in Fast Track Approvals BillTreasury officials have outlined many ways in which the Fast Track Approvals Bill is deeply flawed, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking says. ...1 week ago
- State of the Planet speeches, 2024Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick used this year's State of the Planet to call on the Government to prioritise people and planet as the delivery of the Budget approaches. A full transcript of their speeches can be found below. ...1 week ago
- State of the Planet: Government must be guided by values not moneyGreen Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick have used their State of the Planet speeches to challenge the Government to prioritise people and planet over profit as the delivery of the Budget approaches. ...1 week ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins’ speech: New Zealand in 2040 – A vision worth fighting for...1 week ago
- Release: 4,500 jobs lost – and countingMore than 4,500 jobs are set to go as the National Government continues its deep cuts to services to pay for irresponsible and ill-timed tax cuts. ...2 weeks ago
- No-cause evictions leave no hope for rentersThe Government’s introduction of legislation that would enable landlords to end tenancies with no reason marks a dark day for the 1.4 million people who rent their home in Aotearoa. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National winding back mental health workThe Minister for Mental Health has found the Suicide Prevention Office and mental health support for 111 calls slipping through his fingers, says Labour spokesperson for Mental Health Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Government ignorant of evidence in neglect of tamarikiToday’s justification from the Minister for Children for scrapping protections for our tamariki was either a case of ignorance or deliberate deception. ...2 weeks ago
- Gang policy setting communities up for failureThe Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. ...2 weeks ago
- Statement from police spokesperson Ginny Andersen“With Police pay negotiations still unresolved after six months in Government, Mark Mitchell has today rolled the Commissioner out for a rebrand of their approach to gang crime,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. ...2 weeks ago
- Charter schools not a serious solutionWe need serious investment and solutions into our education system, not a vanity project from David Seymour. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ideological charter schools won’t increase achievementThe Government bringing back 50 charter schools will not increase achievement and is a distraction from the core mission of the education system, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Visas needed for Palestinians with family in New ZealandThe Government must show some compassion and create a special visa to allow Palestinians with family in New Zealand to be reunited with them here. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt’s stubbornness will harm Māori childrenGovernment has remained stubborn and is ramming its Bill into the House today, which the Waitangi Tribunal has said will hurt vulnerable children. ...2 weeks ago
- ‘Lucky dip’ process too casual for hearing critical submissions on Fast Track approvals billTe Pāti Māori is showing extreme concern over the Environment Select Committees adoption of a lucky dip draw to determine hearings for the Fast Track Approvals bill. Of the 27,000 submissions, 2,900 requested to present. All organisations will be heard; however, the remaining 2,350 submitters will be subject to a ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to protect women’s spacesToday New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect women’s spaces. The ‘Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill’ will require, primarily in the interest and safety of women and girls, that all new non-domestic publicly accessible buildings provide separate, clearly demarcated, unisex and single sex bathrooms. This Bill ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Support for climate adaptation inquiryLabour supports a Notice of Motion in the House today to move the Finance and Expenditure Committee to conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. ...3 weeks ago
- Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptationThe Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Sexual violence prevention among hundreds of job cuts at ACCThe National Government plans to cut 390 jobs at ACC, including roles in the areas of prevention of sexual violence, road safety and workplace safety. ...3 weeks ago
- Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdownThe Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries. ...3 weeks ago
- Minister of Finance reheats austerity politicsThis morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans. ...3 weeks ago
- Super Fund to get more investment opportunities
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the passage of legislation giving the New Zealand Superannuation Fund a wider range of investment opportunities. The New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Controlling Interests) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament today. “The bill removes a section in the original act that ...9 hours ago - Crown and iwi settle three decades of negotiationsThree decades of negotiations between iwi and the Crown have been settled today as the Whakatōhea Claims Settlement Bill passes its third reading in Parliament, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “While no settlement can fully compensate for the Crown’s past injustices, this settlement will support the aspirations and prosperity ...13 hours ago
- New Zealand to support PNG landslide responseNew Zealand will support Papua New Guinea’s response to the devastating landslide in Enga Province, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have announced. “Ever since learning of the horrendous landslide on Friday, New Zealand has been determined to play our part in assisting Papua New Guinea’s ...14 hours ago
- Government to consult on regulation of shooting clubs and rangesThe Government is consulting New Zealanders on a package of proposals for simple and effective regulation of shooting clubs and ranges, Associate Minister of Justice, Nicole McKee announced today. “Clubs and ranges are not only important for people learning to operate firearms safely, to practice, and to compete, ...16 hours ago
- Successful New Caledonia repatriation winds up, need for dialogue remainsOver 300 people have been successfully flown out of New Caledonia in a joint Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) operation. As of today, seven New Zealand government aircraft flights to Nouméa have assisted around 225 New Zealanders and 145 foreign nationals ...18 hours ago
- Minister to Singapore for defence, technology talksDefence and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins departs for Singapore tomorrow for defence and technology summits and meetings. First up is the Asia Tech X Singapore Summit, followed by the Five Power Defence Arrangements Defence Ministers Meeting and wrapping up with the Shangri-La Dialogue for Defence Ministers from ...2 days ago
- Major investment in teacher supply through Budget 24Over the next four years, Budget 24 will support the training and recruitment of 1,500 teachers into the workforce, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today. “To raise achievement and develop a world leading education system we’re investing nearly $53 million over four years to attract, train and retain our valued ...3 days ago
- Joint statement on the New Zealand – Cook Islands Joint Ministerial Forum – 20241. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters; Minister of Health and Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Dr Shane Reti; and Minister for Climate Change Hon Simon Watts hosted Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Hon Tingika Elikana and Minister of Health Hon Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown on 24 May ...4 days ago
- Middle East, Africa deployments extendedThe Government has approved two-year extensions for four New Zealand Defence Force deployments to the Middle East and Africa, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today. “These deployments are long-standing New Zealand commitments, which reflect our ongoing interest in promoting peace and stability, and making active ...5 days ago
- Climate Change Commission Chair to retireThe Climate Change Commission Chair, Dr Rod Carr, has confirmed his plans to retire at the end of his term later this year, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Prior to the election, Dr Carr advised me he would be retiring when his term concluded. Dr Rod Carr has led ...5 days ago
- Inaugural Board of Integrity Sport & Recreation Commission announcedNine highly respected experts have been appointed to the inaugural board of the new Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission is a new independent Crown entity which was established under the Integrity Sport and Recreation Act last year, ...5 days ago
- A balanced Foreign Affairs budgetForeign Minister Winston Peters confirmed today that Vote Foreign Affairs in Budget 2024 will balance two crucial priorities of the Coalition Government. While Budget 2024 reflects the constrained fiscal environment, the Government also recognises the critical role MFAT plays in keeping New Zealanders safe and prosperous. “Consistent with ...5 days ago
- New social housing places to support families into homesNew social housing funding in Budget 2024 will ensure the Government can continue supporting more families into warm, dry homes from July 2025, Housing Ministers Chris Bishop and Tama Potaka say. “Earlier this week I was proud to announce that Budget 2024 allocates $140 million to fund 1,500 new social ...5 days ago
- New Zealand’s minerals futureIntroduction Today, we are sharing a red-letter occasion. A Blackball event on hallowed ground. Today we underscore the importance of our mineral estate. A reminder that our natural resource sector has much to offer. Such a contribution will not come to pass without investment. However, more than money is needed. ...5 days ago
- Government sets out vision for minerals futureIncreasing national and regional prosperity, providing the minerals needed for new technology and the clean energy transition, and doubling the value of minerals exports are the bold aims of the Government’s vision for the minerals sector. Resources Minister Shane Jones today launched a draft strategy for the minerals sector in ...5 days ago
- Government progresses Māori wards legislationThe coalition Government’s legislation to restore the rights of communities to determine whether to introduce Māori wards has passed its first reading in Parliament, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says. “Divisive changes introduced by the previous government denied local communities the ability to determine whether to establish Māori wards.” The ...6 days ago
- First RMA amendment Bill introduced to ParliamentThe coalition Government has today introduced legislation to slash the tangle of red and green tape throttling some of New Zealand’s key sectors, including farming, mining and other primary industries. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says the Government is committed to unlocking development and investment while ensuring the environment is ...6 days ago
- Government welcomes EPA decisionThe decision by Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the continued use of hydrogen cyanamide, known as Hi-Cane, has been welcomed by Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. “The EPA decision introduces appropriate environmental safeguards which will allow kiwifruit and other growers to use Hi-Cane responsibly,” Ms ...6 days ago
- Speech to Employers and Manufacturers Association: Relief for today, hope for tomorrowKia ora, Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou kātoa Tāmaki Herenga Waka, Tāmaki Herenga tangata Ngā mihi ki ngā mana whenua o tēnei rohe Ngāti Whātua ō Ōrākei me nga iwi kātoa kua tae mai. Mauriora. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the EMA for hosting this event. Let me acknowledge ...6 days ago
- Government invests in 1,500 more social homesThe coalition Government is investing in social housing for New Zealanders who are most in need of a warm dry home, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. Budget 2024 will allocate $140 million in new funding for 1,500 new social housing places to be provided by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), not ...7 days ago
- $24 million boost for Gumboot FridayThousands more young New Zealanders will have better access to mental health services as the Government delivers on its commitment to fund the Gumboot Friday initiative, says Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey. “Budget 2024 will provide $24 million over four years to contract the ...7 days ago
- Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill passes first readingThe Coalition Government’s Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which will improve tenancy laws and help increase the supply of rental properties, has passed its first reading in Parliament says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The Bill proposes much-needed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 that will remove barriers to increasing private ...1 week ago
- Montecassino Commemorative Address, Cassino War CemeteryStanding here in Cassino War Cemetery, among the graves looking up at the beautiful Abbey of Montecassino, it is hard to imagine the utter devastation left behind by the battles which ended here in May 1944. Hundreds of thousands of shells and bombs of every description left nothing but piled ...1 week ago
- First Reading – Repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989I present a legislative statement on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill Mr. Speaker, I move that the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Social Services and Community Committee to consider the Bill. Thank you, Mr. ...1 week ago
- First reading of 7AA’s repeal: progress for childrenThe Bill to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has had its first reading in Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the care and safety of children in care, says Minister for Children Karen Chhour. “When I became the Minister for Children, I made ...1 week ago
- China Business Summit 2024Kia ora koutou, good morning, and zao shang hao. Thank you Fran for the opportunity to speak at the 2024 China Business Summit – it’s great to be here today. I’d also like to acknowledge: Simon Bridges - CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. His Excellency Ambassador - Wang ...1 week ago
- Assisted departures from New CaledoniaForeign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home. “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing them ...1 week ago
- Assisted depatures from New CaledoniaForeign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home. “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing ...1 week ago
- Government to rollout roadside drug testingThe Coalition Government will introduce legislation this year that will enable roadside drug testing as part of our commitment to improve road safety and restore law and order, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In ...1 week ago
- Minister responds to review of Kāinga OraThe Government has announced a series of immediate actions in response to the independent review of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “Kāinga Ora is a large and important Crown entity, with assets of $45 billion and over $2.5 billion of expenditure each year. It ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelvesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased that Pseudoephedrine can now be purchased by the general public to protect them from winter illness, after the coalition government worked swiftly to change the law and oversaw a fast approval process by Medsafe. “Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their ...1 week ago
- New Zealand-China Business SummitTēnā koutou katoa. Da jia hao. Good morning everyone. Prime Minister Luxon, your excellency, a great friend of New Zealand and my friend Ambassador Wang, Mayor of what he tells me is the best city in New Zealand, Wayne Brown, the highly respected Fran O’Sullivan, Champion of the Auckland business ...1 week ago
- New measures to protect powerlines from treesEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events. “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...2 weeks ago
- Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming awardWairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...2 weeks ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...2 weeks ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...2 weeks ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...2 weeks ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...2 weeks ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...2 weeks ago
- Broadcasting Act Turns 35, And Is Showing Its Age
The Broadcasting Standards Authority's vision of freedom of expression without harm is as relevant as ever as the nation’s broadcasting regulator turns 35, but legislation is stuck in the pre-internet age, the Authority says. ...40 mins ago - How much can tax cuts do to ease the cost of living?
It's the centrepiece of National's response to rising household costs. But how far can tax cuts really go in making ends meet? ...1 hour ago - $250m Queenstown highway upgrade does less with more
The announcement was met with relief. When a $250 million transport package for Queenstown was confirmed a few weeks ago, the Otago Daily Times newspaper reported the project had “survived” a Government shake-up of Labour’s programme. The fast-growing tourist town’s prayers – for something to be done about crippling congestion ...2 hours ago - What the budget has in store for health
During the election campaign, the National Party made a lot of promises about healthcare. Will they follow through in Budget 2024? Healthcare spending is always a key area of focus in budgets, and 2024 is no different. Prime minister Christopher Luxon has said there will be more money for “healthcare ...2 hours ago - What can we expect from National’s long-promised tax cuts?Tax cuts are definitely coming in Thursday’s budget, the government says. But questions remain about who they will benefit, where the money will come from, and what effect they will have on the economy. Liam Rātana explains. Remind me, what even are tax cuts? Tax cuts reduce the amount of ...2 hours ago
- The right way to plan for the next pandemicOpinion: An international pandemic agreement is in reach but I worry we are losing the sense of urgency The post The right way to plan for the next pandemic appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Why the Budget might not have much for the climateThere will be ‘a little bit’ in the Budget for climate – but is that because the Government isn’t ambitious or for another reason? The post Why the Budget might not have much for the climate appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Sun sets on Switzerland and rises for NZAs a young girl, Lulu Sun would run around the fields of the South Island embracing farm life. Now, after leaving New Zealand at the age of five, she’s back representing the country of her birth and taking her tennis to the world stage. Sun, now 23, was born in ...2 hours ago
- A new model for science fundingOpinion: New Zealand science is at a crunch point. The coalition Government is looking for a new model to provide increased efficiency and effectiveness. Over the last few weeks, we have been part of a small group of senior scientists and engineers who have got together to think about what ...2 hours ago
- Tech export initiatives on the chopping blockTwo initiatives to help tech exports have been scrapped as part of the Government’s savings exercise The post Tech export initiatives on the chopping block appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- How universities are losing control of teacher educationOpinion: The coalition Government is spending $53 million to expand teacher training. It predicts a shortfall in the number of teachers and wants to ensure supply. But it is not simply about numbers of teachers. There is a message about how best to prepare teachers. As the Government announcement explained: ...2 hours ago
- A health budget fit for primary care, and NZOpinion: New Zealand’s health service is set up for failure due to the demands currently placed on the system. The concentration of these demands is focused on hospital or secondary care. Demand for hospital level care is too high. We’re seeing huge waiting lists and patient deterioration due to our ...2 hours ago
- Disgraced property investor fails to appeal director banBusinessman Greg Olliver hasn’t been allowed to direct or manage a company since 2021 over a perceived risk to the public The post Disgraced property investor fails to appeal director ban appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- A crisis at Kāinga OraA financial commentator says Kāinga Ora could be seen as a “stonking financial success”. That analysis is a far cry from the headlines over the past week, which have criticised the Government’s social housing agency for “underperforming” and being “not financially viable”. Today on The Detail, financial journalist Bernard Hickey analyses ...2 hours ago
- Is Australia a racist country? We asked 5 experts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin Bergman, International Affairs Editor Over the weekend at the Sydney Writers’ Festival, high-profile political journalist Laura Tingle told the audience Australia is a racist country, and always has been. It prompted widespread media coverage and criticism from Coalition politicians and media ...8 hours ago - New Zealand’s role in helping bring peace to Kanaky New CaledoniaCOMMENTARY: By Teanau Tuiono There is an important story to be told behind the story Aotearoa New Zealand’s mainstream media has been reporting on in Kanaky New Caledonia. Beyond the efforts to evacuate New Zealanders lies a struggle for indigenous sovereignty and self-determination we here in Aotearoa can relate to. ...8 hours ago
- View from The Hill: Albanese says cabinet ‘crafting an offer for the second term’ as Ed Husic po...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A few days ago, after yet more early election speculation, the prime minister was indicating he plans to run full term, which would put the election in May next year, with another budget before it. ...9 hours ago
- Married at First Sight NZ Power Rankings: Four weddings and a guinea pigJoin us at the altar for yet another season of Married at First Sight NZ power rankings. When the experts said “people need to buckle up” for this season of Married at First Sight NZ, little did we know it was because we had all boarded a one way express ...11 hours ago
- Public service cuts: Taxpayers' Union urges government to axe more jobsThe Taxpayers' Union wants to see the public service pared back to at least 2017 levels. ...11 hours ago
- Catching public transport in Queensland will soon cost just 50 cents. Are cheap fares good policy?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Abraham Leung, Senior Research Fellow, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University haireena/Shutterstock As part of a six-month trial, public transport fares in Queensland will soon be slashed to just 50 cents per trip for everyone. The cheap fares will apply to ...11 hours ago
- Coalition consults with specific groups on gun reform changesThe coalition's plan to repeal some regulations on gun clubs and ranges is being put out for stakeholder consultation. ...11 hours ago
- Coaltion consults with specific groups on gun reform changesThe coalition's plan to repeal some regulations on gun clubs and ranges is being put out for stakeholder consultation. ...11 hours ago
- Replanting trees can help prevent devastating landslides like the one in PNG – but it’s not a s...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Raj Sharma, Lecturer, Civil Engineering, CQUniversity Australia More than 2,000 people are now feared dead after a huge landslide buried a village in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, Australia’s nearest neighbour. Rescue efforts are being stymied by the fact the land ...12 hours ago
- Stand by for a pay rise on top of a tax cut. Here’s why things will feel better from JulySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Pormezz/Shutterstock At the moment, things look awful. The latest Bureau of Statistics count of retail spending (spending online and in shops) released Tuesday shows we spent less in April ...12 hours ago
- Māori strike: 'We've allowed them to domesticate us' – Te Pāti Māori leadersTe Pāti Māori leaders Deb Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi talk to Mihingarangi Forbes about their nationwide activation to disrupt Budget 2024. ...12 hours ago
- Parliament's Speaker refuses to apologise after accusations of broken tikangaA moment of unity in Parliament has been tainted by accusations of broken tikanga, with the assistant speaker facing calls to apologise from all opposition parties. ...13 hours ago
- Australia’s new consent campaign gets a lot right. But consent education won’t be enough to stop...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Waling, Senior Lecturer & Research Fellow, Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University Daniel Thomas/Unsplash The Australian government has recently launched Consent Can’t Wait, a campaign focused on supporting sexual consent communication between adults and young people. Advertisements will run ...13 hours ago
- From Mary Poppins to Winnie the Pooh, Richard Sherman wrote the soundtrack of life for generations o...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Narelle Yeo, Associate Professor in Voice, Opera and Stagecraft, Director Music Theatre, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney Walt Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman, who has died aged 95, wrote some of Hollywood’s greatest film musical songs and brightened the days ...13 hours ago
- Public Service Cuts Must Be Put In ContextResponding to numerous reports in media relating to the number of jobs cuts in the Public Service, the Taxpayers’ Union is encouraging the media to put those cuts in context by referencing the more than 18,000 FTE growth in the bureaucracy since ...13 hours ago
- Changing native vegetation laws to allow burning on private land is good fire managementSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabriel Crowley, Adjunct associate professor in geography, University of Adelaide Bushfires cause catastrophic biodiversity loss across Australia. In the Black Summer of 2019–20 alone, 103,400 square kilometres of habitat went up in flames. The irony is, laws to protect native vegetation ...13 hours ago
- 'Hours of unpaid labour' to qualify: Teachers, health, social workers call for paid placem...Teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers have marched to Parliament pleading for payment while they train for the job. ...13 hours ago
- PNG landslide: Thousands on standby for evacuation amid fears of new crisisRNZ Pacific Close to 8000 people have been told to be on standby for evacuation from a landslide-prone area in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Enga provincial disaster committee chairperson and provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka told RNZ Pacific some were already being evacuated, but that number was not clear. ...13 hours ago
- Rethinking roads as public spaces – what NZ cities can learn from Barcelona’s ‘superblock’ u...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Kingham, Professor of Human Geography, University of Canterbury Shutterstock/Stanislavskyi New Zealand is one of the most car-centric countries in the world. With the exception of the capital Wellington, New Zealand cities have some of the highest rates of car ownership ...14 hours ago
- The Daily Blog hacked – NZ’s most important left media outlet silenced for a dayPacific Media Watch The Daily Blog, New Zealand’s most important leftwing website of news, views and analyses at the heart of the country’s most conservative mediascape in years, has been hacked. It was silenced yesterday for several hours but is back up and running today. The Daily Blog editor and ...14 hours ago
- What causes landslides? Can we predict them to save lives?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pierre Rognon, Associate Professor, University of Sydney A devastating landslide struck several remote villages in the mountainous Enga province in Papua New Guinea late last week. While it is too early for official confirmation, estimates place the death toll between 690 and ...15 hours ago
- ‘Play well, win well’: new Australian sports chair Kate Jenkins faces challenges and opportuniti...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Gowthorp, Associate Professor of Sport Management, Bond Business School, Bond University The Australian Sport Commission (ASC) has appointed Kate Jenkins as its new board chair, replacing Josephine Sukkar, who was the first female chair appointed to the ASC board in 2021. ...16 hours ago
- Mad Max: Fury Road was a pioneering portrayal of disability. Furiosa is a letdownSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Ellis, Professor in Internet Studies, Curtin University Warner Bros. Pictures Furiosa, the latest instalment of the Mad Max franchise, has arrived a decade after the release of George Miller’s groundbreaking reboot Fury Road (2015). As we demonstrated in our ...16 hours ago
- Luxon’s Govt Destroying Right To Safe Drinking Water, Swimmable RiversThe Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which is set to have its first reading in Parliament today, will scrap the requirement for consents to comply with the water protection principles set out in the National Policy Statement ...16 hours ago
- ‘Container’ homes suddenly uncool now that poor people might live in themIs the whole of Sandringham upset about some basic new apartments or is there another, bleaker reason for the story, asks Madeleine Chapman. There are some things that are considered unacceptable when done by poor people and extremely cool and normal (or at least ignored) when done by rich people. ...16 hours ago
- No, sugar doesn’t make your kids hyperactiveSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Reichelt, Senior Lecturer (Adjunct), Nutritional neuroscientist, University of Adelaide Sharomka/Shutterstock It’s a Saturday afternoon at a kids’ birthday party. Hordes of children are swarming between the spread of birthday treats and party games. Half-eaten cupcakes, biscuits and lollies litter the ...17 hours ago
- ACT MP Todd Stephenson sells his sharesTodd Stephenson has called claims about his interests in the pharmaceutical industry baseless. ...17 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon warns striking to join Budget hui would be illegalThe Prime Minister and Labour's Chris Hipkins are both warning people not to break the law this week - but some in Labour say it's up to individuals. ...18 hours ago
- Is Luxon Lying Or Out Of The Loop On St John Funding?FIRST Union has confirmed following the Prime Minister’s interview that Hato Hone St John Chief Executive, Peter Bradley, says the organisation is seeking 100% of all St John operating costs and key infrastructure to be funded by the Government. ...18 hours ago
- BookTube, Bookstagram and BookTok: How to find social media’s best books contentLifelong reader turned bookseller Melissa Oliver on the online book communities she loves and recommends. I’ve been reading all my life. But I’m also a yapper, so as long as I’ve been reading I’ve also been telling people about what I’ve been reading. My family, librarians and friends are all ...19 hours ago
- Politics live: Pledge to fund new cancer drugs in question ahead of Budget 2024"When we've got the funding to be able to start that initiative, we will," the Health Minister said when asked about this week's Budget. ...19 hours ago
- Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: Macron lifts state of emergency ‘for time being’By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the 12-day state of emergency imposed in New Caledonia on May 15 would not be extended “for the time being”. The decision not to renew the state of emergency was mainly designed to “allow the ...19 hours ago
- NZ is changing faster than the census can keep up – the four big trends to watchThe first data from the 2023 census will be released on May 29 – and not before time. We will see how successful – or not – the census exercise was in achieving participation and coverage. It’s no secret past censuses have faced real challenges. We would not want to ...20 hours ago
- Norway, Spain and Ireland have recognised a Palestinian state – what’s stopping NZ?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Mehigan, Associate Professor in Law, University of Canterbury Getty Images Norway, Spain and Ireland will formally recognise the state of Palestine today (May 28). While 143 of the 193 United Nations member states already recognise Palestine, this is a significant ...21 hours ago
- Animal activists want decision on greyhound racing ban following latest deathMore greyhounds are dying while the government makes a decision on whether to end the racing industry, animal activists say. ...21 hours ago
- ACC boss takes $32k taxpayer-funded trip amid job cutsThe head of ACC is heading to Europe for a work trip as the government asks departments to find savings. ...21 hours ago
- Finance And Expenditure Committee Meeting On Cash Use, Digital Cash And Community Cash TrialsReserve Bank of New Zealand Director of Money and Cash Ian Woolford and Manager of Money and Cash Policy Robbie Taylor are due to appear before Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee on Wednesday, 29 May 2024 from 9:45am to 10:45am. They ...21 hours ago
- New Zealand 'ready to help' Papua New Guinea following major landslide, killing hundredsNo specific aid had been announced by the government at this stage, but "we are very happy to help in anyway we can", the PM says. ...21 hours ago
- Future Made in Australia will boost sustainable growth and create jobs as far as it goes, but it doe...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sanjoy Paul, Associate Professor, UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney kamal Abdelhafeez/Shutterstock The shift towards net zero emissions and greater international competition have created new opportunities for clean energy industries – poised to shape the global economy in the coming ...22 hours ago
- Who really was Mona Lisa? More than 500 years on, there’s good reason to think we got it wrongSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University A Mona Lisa painting from the workshop of Leonardo da Vinci, held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. Collection of the Museo del Prado In the pantheon of Renaissance ...22 hours ago
- St Peter's Post-Budget Breakfast Hui: BUDGET 2024: The Social Justice PerspectiveThe Coalition Government's first budget will be analysed and discussed at a post-budget breakfast hui to be held at St Peter's Anglican Church, Willis Street, Wellington, on Friday (May 31st). ...22 hours ago
- The cost of being: A reformed tightwad who loves at-home cocktailsAs part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a small town office manager explains how she spends and saves. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female Age: 33 Ethnicity: Pākehā Role: Full time office ...22 hours ago
- Politics live: 'More cuts is not the answer,' public workers' union saysChristopher Luxon says he simply does not know how many more public sector job cuts are coming. ...22 hours ago
- How do I keep my fruit, veggies and herbs fresh longer? Are there any ‘hacks’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Senaka Ranadheera, Associate Professor, The University of Melbourne Dragon Images/Shutterstock We all know fresh produce is good for us, but fruit, vegetables and herbs have a tendency to perish quickly if left uneaten. This is because even after harvesting, produce from ...22 hours ago
- Why is the Gaza war tearing us apart?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University The recent Gaza war protests and counterprotests roiling universities around the world have attracted vocal supporters and critics alike. Protesters have occupied buildings on campuses from Los Angeles to Paris ...22 hours ago
- Cost of living: if you can’t afford as much fresh produce, are canned veggies or frozen fruit just...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia New Africa/Shutterstock The cost of living crisis is affecting how we spend our money. For many people, this means tightening the budget on the weekly ...22 hours ago
- Buried kelp: seaweed carried to the deep sea stores more carbon than we thoughtSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Pessarrodona Silvestre, Research Fellow in Ecology, The University of Western Australia Loredana Caputo/Shutterstock Deep in the ocean lies the world’s largest active carbon reservoir, which plays a pivotal role in buffering our planet’s climate. Of the roughly 10 billion tonnes ...22 hours ago
- Politics live: One budget won't get the ship back on track – David SeymourThe total number of public sector job cuts will remain unclear, even after Budget Day, the Finance Minister says. ...23 hours ago
- Hapu Condemn “Legislative Ram Raid” To Pass Whakatohea Treaty Settlement BillNgai Tamahaua Hapu’s Waitangi Tribunal and Marine and Coastal Area claimants have come together to condemn the New Zealand Government’s signalled move to pass the controversial Whakatohea Claims Settlement Bill through the two remaining stages ...23 hours ago
- The Broadcasting Act turns 35 and critics say an update is long overdueIs it time for tougher regulation of what gets shared online? Stewart Sowman-Lund explains in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Happy birthday to the Broadcasting ...23 hours ago
- Hunger Striker And PSNA National Chair To Speak At Protest Outside Rakon TodayWill Alexander (on Day 10 of his hunger strike for Gaza) and John Minto , PSNA National Chair, will address a protest at lunchtime today outside the Mt Wellington office of military hardware supplier Rakon. The address is 8 Sylvia Park Road, Mt Wellington, ...24 hours ago
- Politics live: 'Unrealistic' for government to think it would create more jobs than cut &#...The total number of public sector job cuts will remain unclear, even after Budget Day, the Finance Minister says. ...24 hours ago
- Māori who speak with the deadMy Father was a Spitfire pilot in WWII, a decorated flight lieutenant in the RNZAF 485 Squadron. When he was recently arrived in the UK, while training, his aircraft’s engine failed. With zero options available, he had to bail into farmland in Hertfordshire, colliding with a tree before his plane ...1 day ago
- ‘There is a strong matakite line in my family’My Father was a Spitfire pilot in WWII, a decorated flight lieutenant in the RNZAF 485 Squadron. When he was recently arrived in the UK, while training, his aircraft’s engine failed. With zero options available, he had to bail into farmland in Hertfordshire, colliding with a tree before his plane ...1 day ago
- There’s something about Mary, at 98Some people wait a long time for their five minutes of fame. In Mary Cutler’s case, hers didn’t arrive until the age of 98. Not that anyone who’s seen the viral video of her boogieing with Olympic weightlifter David Liti would think she was anywhere near that age. Nor would ...1 day ago
- Introducing Francisco Hernandez, the Member for Posting who’s logged offThe newest Green MP on Catholicism, climate change, and why he is taking a break from Twitter. At 17th on the Green Party list, first-time candidate Francisco Hernandez was always a long shot for parliament. A promising up-and-comer, he was supposed to run a strong race in Dunedin and position ...1 day ago
- Ten things I learned while reading 17,000 words of pre-budget speechesAnna Rawhiti-Connell finds little light in the darkness before the budget day dawn. When Taylor Swift announced at the Grammys in February that she had a new album coming out, it was two and half months before the album itself was released. Very little happens these days without a relentless ...1 day ago
- Tech failure led to more than 100,000 unnecessary census visitsAs census day approached, the Stats NZ data system had a one-million-form backlog which took more than a month to clear The post Tech failure led to more than 100,000 unnecessary census visits appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 day ago
- How to deal with digital distractionOpinion: New technologies can offer a range of engaging and creative tools as part of a balanced school curriculum, but in many schools screens have come to dominate many hours of the school day. These are important matters for young New Zealanders, who have among the highest rates of screen ...1 day ago
- More money to come in big education BudgetAnalysis: The Government has been rolling out education pre-Budget announcements, but that doesn’t mean there will be nothing left to announce on Thursday. The post More money to come in big education Budget appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 day ago
- Ahead of Budget 2024, infrastructure heads just want commitmentInfrastructure heads want more funding and more projects, but mostly they just want a commitment The post Ahead of Budget 2024, infrastructure heads just want commitment appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 day ago
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