Hipkins is doing his SotN speech in about a week's time. I believe it is taking place in South Auckland. In the meantime he did this 30 min. stand-up for the media at Labour's recent retreat. No comparison to Luxon. Hipkins talks substance. Luxon favours platitudes and hyperbole over substance:
Despite those dire times the government, which for part of this time included NZF, managed the economy so that it survived relatively intact. In particular the lockdowns enabled the economy to keep working pretty much as normal except for tourism. We were the envy of the world.
Now we have Luxon and Peters rewriting economic history without a mention of Covid. In fact Robertson's handling of government debt levels over this period put NZ in a much better state than most of the OECD economies.
New Zealand should not be afraid of borrowing and spending more money because the government books are one of the tidiest the world, a senior economist says.
Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr told Morning Report high net migration was great, but infrastructure was not keeping up.
The problem is that, although the OECD countries only had a rise in their debt levels in 2020 Robbo, having got a severe case of borrow and waste, just kept going. Other countries have lower levels of borrowing than they did at the end of 2020. We are, thanks to Robertson, much more in debt than we were in 2020.
It isn't the $20 billion or so that we borrowed and spent in 2020 that is the problem. It is the much greater amount that he got through in the 3 years when Labour Governed alone.
Where did it all end up? We certainly don't have anything to show for it?
The first graph in Michael Reddell's link (Croaking Cassandra) shows exactly what I said. New Zealand debt rose in a nearly straight line from about 4% in 2019 to around 16% in 2023. It never declined at all and was forecast, by the OECD to keep going up if Labour Party policy continued in 2024-2025
The median result for OECD countries rose from about 30% to 38% in 2020 and then dropped abruptly to around 26% in 2023. They stopped throwing money away and we kept going.
There was no need to keep going as Robertson did. The worst of Covid was over by the beginning of 2021. We just wouldn't accept it.
There are two complications. NZ has the Cullen Fund. I don't know if it is now being drawn upon, but I suspect it is the closest we have got to a Sovereign Fund such as Norway have. Good investment Returns are what got the current Governor of the Reserve Bank his job; that fund and other government actions resulted in us having an increase in net GDP despite higher borrowing on at least one occasion. New Zealand has a higher level of private debt than most countries – and now sadly a higher level of companies operating in New Zealand but substantially owned by overseas shareholders. Tis sees us sending a lot of profit overseas rather than having it to help us through hard times. Hence the discussion about why it would make sense to retain at least some NZ ownership of assets like the Wellington Airport, and similar organisations in other cities.
I don't accept that argument at all Alwyn. You are again parroting Luxon, Seymour and (to his shame) Peters.
Recovering from Covid required some serious government intervention. We are already in a GDP per capita recession despite all of that government spending-it would have been a full-blown economic death-spiral without it.
The Croaking Cassandra graph shows NZ's net government liabilities as a percentage of GDP at 19% versus 28% for the OECD in 2025, which is creditable, and not the disaster you and your C of C friends paint it.
Your argument appears to be that the NZ debt percentage line would have continued to go up after 2025. That would not have happened. As the post-covid economic recovery became complete a Labour-led government would have eased expenditure.
Yes, and I also realise that the interest we have to pay on the $100 billion or so that Robbo borrowed isn't making it any easier to get to a budget surplus. It might not matter if it had actually been invested in something useful but it just seems to have been tossed out with the dishwater.
Things such as upgrading schools and infrastructure, road safety improvements to name just a few. Keeping everyone in jobs during and after COVID. Wasted?
You really want to see waste. Just hold my beer, for the next three years. Watch the recession, happening right now that National, ACT and the reserve Bank have talked the country in to over the past year.
As Key borrowed for tax cuts for the wealthy, while neglecting infrastructure, health, education and other investments for the future. Even road maintenance. While bringing in hundreds of thousands to give the illusion of a growing economy, while leaving a huge spending deficit for a future Government to repair, this Government is determined to go down the same path.
Out of her depth – feel sorry for the kids, missing out on their movies.
Here's how Willis reacted when asked about how much she stood to personally receive from her party’s tax cut proposals:
’In our family of two incomes we’d get $80 a fortnight. And kids, that means instead of movie night meaning DVDs and Tip Top at home, we might go out to the movies.”
Can you give me the exact make up of what that $100 billion was spent on please?
In reality it is a number plucked from the air by Luxon to berate Labour with, when in fact, despite the Covid Crash and despite the Ukraine war induced cost of living/inflation/high interest rates crisis, Robertson kept NZ government borrowing well below the OECD average as the graph I posted above demonstrates.
I have no idea where Robertson squandered all the money he borrowed. I doubt if even he could tell you.
Of course the borrowing was below the OECD average. That was because when he started we had almost no debt. According to the graph you posted it must have been about 1% of GDP
I have no idea where Robertson squandered all the money he borrowed.
Alwyn, if you have no idea, then why would you believe the money was "squandered"? Is it just that not enough dosh was squandered on you?
Our self-serving CoC govt is bent, on squandering tax cuts on landLords.
Optics and illusions in politics [16 March 2024]
There must have been at least some degree of political discomfort about a tax break for landlords coming when so many New Zealanders who don’t own rental properties are “doing it tough”, as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon likes to say. It didn’t help that it came just days after a previous optical failure. That was when Luxon was tangled up in an entirely foreseeable story about claiming a $52,000 accommodation allowance rather than staying in Premier House, in order to live instead in his own mortgage-free Wellington apartment.
Luxon kept repeating that he was “entitled” to the allowance until he saw the light. “Entitled” proved to be an unfortunate choice of word.
Officials side with Government on rent debate, but Treasury wants effective capital gains tax [15 March 2024]
“Treasury considers it unlikely that landlords will pass on the tax change through lower rents in the short run,” the statement said.
…
There was a sting in the tail. The Government is also reducing the 10-year bright-line test, which taxes the capital gains made on rental properties if they are sold within 10 years, back to just two years. Treasury said the Government should can that idea and double the bright-line test to 20 years, or consider extending it even longer, turning it into a capital gains tax on rental property in all but name.
That is what really incensed the, laughably called "centre right" .
The country had an example of the effectiveness of Government putting people first, ahead of 'their' profits. A people working together for good, instead of for the increased wealth of those with the real power.
That can never be forgiven, and must be rubbished as soon as possible. Propaganda mouthpieces and "useful idiots" endlessly chanting the same memes about "economic incompetence" and ‘debt" until people internalise them. Funding and insidious support for US style cookers, to undermine the narrative of the COVID effort. Before we, as a country, remember how "looking after each other" once gave us one of the highest standards of living in the world.
The concerted effort of the right, the enquiry being one, to destroy any idea of the real achievements of the Adern Government over COVID and after, is to ensure that "never again"! are "people to be put before profit." And never again are we to be reminded of the effectiveness of "Governments power for good" if a Government chooses to use it.
“How dare a Government prioritise the ongoing welfare of the people they represent, over short term corporate advantage”.
I have zero sympathy for those who voted for NAct and NZ1. Your example BG is a case in point.
The media are well aware of the CoC's lies and deceit, but they seem afraid to say so – with the surprising exception of Tova O'Brien. It will be interesting to see if her career is affected in any way.
It's happened before. The most notable: when Muldoon banned Tom Scott from media interviews and his speeches – not sure now whether that included the Parliamentary Press Gallery. Fortunately Scott's brilliant writing ability in particular saved his career from disintegrating.
Not sure it works like that Ad. There is virtually nothing Hipkins could do at the moment that would get "mainstream cut-through" – unless it's something that reflects badly on him, the Labour Party or the left generally.
To view the media as a neutral sounding board ignores most of what we know about it. It will change, but the coalition of crackpots has to go even more bonkers and sustain it for longer. Hipkins should still do it of course – no white flags should be raised.
Because most of the the media don't really have any interest in ideas. They are like sports commentators. So for now it's all about how Labour got smashed in an election – will they change leaders, how do they recover, how is their morale, are their fans deserting them, blah blah blah. That story will just get tired – and it eventually becomes that National are underperforming, making mistakes, missing tackles while Labour have new talent and is the new talent up to it, etc. So much of it is rooted in the primacy of personalities over ideas. In that sort of culture, losers are meant to be contrite and ask for forgiveness.
Oh please. What it simply requires is for Hipkins to try. Here's how Hipkins looked so far from Steve Braunias on the weekend:
'Winning an election does not entitle you to act like a dictatorship.
To act like a dictatorship, you need to lose an election. One of the first things I did after leading Labour to a catastrophic loss is that I gathered the few MPs lift standing, and said to them:
"You have no fight left in you. You are without hope. You are weak, in a bad way, finished. The last thing you want to do right now is mount any kind of leadership challenge.
Just go about your business. Walk in circles. Hide in dark corners. The important thing to remember is that I am the leader of the Labour Party. I will always be the leader of the Labour Party. You are feeling sleepy. Close your eyes. I am the leader of the Labour Party. I will always be the leader of the Labour Party. Sleep now. Sleep."
It's worked really well.'
The contrast to Chloe Swarbrick last week could not be starker.
You only have to imagine what an integrated State of the Nation summit with Labour, Greens and TMP would look like.
Unfortunately that's not happening so imagining is all we've got.
It does require that – as I said. But for a period after a heavy election defeat, that is usually not enough. And it’s part of the broader culture which the media reflects back at us – recent losers are worthless, everything they say is to be discounted. Every story, as I said above, is about how down and out they are.
I realize that many of you will not want to read this excellent article byYvonne Van Dongen because it was published on The Platform.
So I will summarize.
Puberty Blockers have been banned for under 18 years in the UK (unless as part of a high quality research study). These drugs are prescribed off label and there is concerning long term side effects and questions over the impact of these drugs on the developing brain.
The Wpath Files. A whistle blower supplied to journalists video chat and email correspondance between members of Wpath, showing that these members of WPath know that kids can't consent to treatments such as PBs, that side effects of hormones include liver cancer.
Comedy genius Graham Lineham who wrote the IT crowd and Father Ted visited NZ and despite having many media interviews lined up, the msm didn't cover his visit. Why? Because he stood up against trans rights activists, speaking up for women and girls and against gender affirming care and was disgracefully de platformed.
You mean the MSM that cheerfully reported various reckons that Posie Parker was a transphobe and Nazi adjacent? That amplified the voices of several politicians that were happy to do a bit of bandwagon jumping, and wave their virtue signaling and ignorant opinions around?
The same cowardly and captured bunch that called Shane Toko (Ashley) Winter a woman and showered him with female pronouns all through his trial, conviction and sentencing for the torture and murder of a vulnerable young woman?
That same media Visubversa! There will be questions asked surely when what some are suggesting is the greatest medical scandal ever, i.e. the medical transition of vulnerable children is exposed. Such as "why didn't we know?" However that excuse wears a bit thin, where sites such as the Standard have allowed us to exercise our free speech rights and allowed us to publish GC stuff and I truly thank the Standard for that
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nicola Willis denies the $5.6 [billion] shortfall, but says she won't guarantee promised tax cuts will arrive in July until the policy has been discussed by Cabinet.
There seems to be some debate about just how big Willis' hole is – hope more service cuts and infrastructure project cancellations aren’t on the cards.
The fiscal gap of $5.6bn currently identified is very likely an underestimate. Climate change funding is supposed to provide $2.4bn for tax cuts. That's now in doubt – with the Climate Commission calling ETS revenue "not a reliable source of income"
Seeing as (going on his words) it is luxons life- mission to give tax cuts to the poor/working class ..(he never mentions the already rich..who of course are lined up for the lions share of those cuts)..
And it seems they haven't got enough dosh to do this..
So here's an idea:..
Yes..give the cuts to those he says he cares the most about..
..but don't give them to the already rich…who don't really need them anyway..
..they are just being greedy/uncaring bastards..if they claim they do..
Anyhoo..that will take care of much of that fiscal hole..eh..?
..and will bring luxons life mission to fruition..
NAct1st talk about reducing taxes, but I do wonder how much greater net income someone on average earnings will have after paying 15% higher rates (either directly or through rent), and paying higher costs for running a vehicle. Then a similar calculation for a beneficiary having the same increase in rates, but higher costs for public transport (and even more if a child was getting free rides . . .
Did National follow through on putting charges back on prescriptions?
big banner headlines in todays WAirarapa Times Age. $375 Million to maintain the wairarapa railway line. how many owners have NZ Rail had since 1984 and why has there been no maintenance done till now?
Open access notablesA Global Increase in Nearshore Tropical Cyclone Intensification, Balaguru et al., Earth's Future:Tropical Cyclones (TCs) inflict substantial coastal damages, making it pertinent to understand changing storm characteristics in the important nearshore region. Past work examined several aspects of TCs relevant for impacts in coastal regions. However, ...
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Its a law like gravity: whenever a right-wing government is elected, they start attacking democracy. And now, after talking to their Republican and Tory and Fidesz chums at the International Democracy Union forum in Wellington, National is doing it here, announcing plans to remove election-day enrolment. Or, to put it ...
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The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...
David Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
Hon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...
The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Bennett, Professor of Music, Australian National University Richard P J Lambert/flickr, CC BY The future belongs to the analogue loyalists. Fuck digital. As a tsunami of CDs, DAT tapes and samplers swept the recording industry in the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate professor, Music Industry, RMIT University This week American rapper Macklemore released a new track, Hind’s Hall, which has gained a lot of attention because of its explicitly political nature. The track is unapologetically pro-Palestine. It declares the artist’s ...
Explainer - The government from 2025 is mandating how state schools teach children to read. But what is structured literacy and how does it compare to other teaching methods? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danica Jenkins, Lecturer in European Studies, University of Sydney On a freezing spring night in March, Georgia’s national soccer team beat Greece in a nail-biter penalty shootout to qualify for the Euro 2024 championships. The atmosphere on the streets of the capital ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam G. Arian, Lecturer (Accounting & Finance), Australian Catholic University Loic Manegarium/Pexels Imagine every ton of carbon dioxide a company emits is slowly inflating its costs — not just in terms of potential fines or fees but in the capital it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Somwrita Sarkar, Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation, University of Sydney The “latte line” is the infamous, invisible boundary that divides Sydney between the more affluent north-east and the south-west. Historically, people north of the line enjoy better access to jobs and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dowdy, Principal Research Scientist in Extreme Weather, The University of Melbourne Nomad_Soul/Shutterstock In media articles about unprecedented flooding, you’ll often come across the statement that for every 1°C of warming, the atmosphere can hold about 7% more moisture. This ...
RNZ Pacific Former Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to one year in prison, Fiji media are reporting. Bainimarama, alongside suspended Fiji Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho appeared in the High Court in Suva today for their sentencing hearing for a case involving their roles in blocking a police ...
Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo says, “Addressing violence and abuse remains New Zealand’s most significant human rights issue affecting women. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Symons, Macquarie School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University Michael Schiffer / Unsplash Life has transformed our world over billions of years, turning a dead rock into the lush, fertile planet we know today. But human activity is currently transforming Earth ...
One woman’s quest to watch Challengers without ruining her body clock. Every Saturday morning, I wake up with a screaming demon inside my head urging me to “Do. Something. This. Weekend.” I run through the possibilities in my head in a defensive mental crouch, reminiscent of that one time I ...
The PSA is alarmed that ACC is proposing to shed 309 jobs including 29 dedicated injury prevention jobs at a time when the number and cost of injuries is rising. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tom Baker, Associate Professor in Human Geography, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images As local and regional councils struggle with inadequate infrastructure and unsustainable costs, New Zealand will be hearing a lot more about the potential solution offered by ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gary Sacks, Professor of Public Health Policy, Deakin University Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock In recent years, there’s been increasinghype about the potential health risks associated with so-called “ultra-processed” foods. But new evidence published this week found not all “ultra-processed” foods are linked ...
Fears that New Zealand is relying too heavily on low-cost forests to absorb its carbon dioxide emissions have been reignited by a report from the OECD. ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed the total dollar savings target from public sector cuts has been met, but the reductions have not been felt evenly across public agencies. Government departments were told to make savings set at 6.5 percent or 7.5 percent where headcount had grown by more than ...
She doesn’t have a single kind word for me and it’s getting under my skin.Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,I have two amazing friends that I absolutely adore. Grace (all names have been changed) and I lived together across 2023 and Olivia moved in with us this ...
Can Western science and Māori science work together to support our well-being? The Te Ohu Mō Papatūānuku (TOMP) Trials Project was a landmark case for healing the land and people with the guidance of Māori science and leadership. This is what happened when Papatūānuku (Earth) was contaminated by toxic discharge, ...
The District Plan is a blueprint for a bigger, better Wellington, through tens of thousands of new apartments and townhouses and a new approach to urban growth. Joel MacManus lays out the vision. The process of putting together Wellington’s new District Plan has been long and excruciating. As a city, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Williams Veazey, ARC DECRA Research Fellow, University of Sydney DavideAngelini/Shutterstock In the 2007 film The Bucket List Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play two main characters who respond to their terminal cancer diagnoses by rejecting experimental treatment. Instead, they go ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohan Singh, Professor of Agri-Food Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences at the University of Melbourne., The University of Melbourne Tanja Esser/Shutterstock Australia’s vital agriculture sector will be hit hard by steadily rising global temperatures. Our climate is already ...
The Acumen Edelman Trust barometer reported that New Zealand’s political trust score now sits below the global average, a topic explored in a recent discussion paper by Maxim Institute. ...
Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman says, "The Fast-Track Bill is the most damaging piece of environmental legislation any Government has introduced in living memory. People are angry, and it’s time to march." ...
The school lunches programme has been retained – and will be extended to some preschoolers. So how is it going to cost $107 million less? To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. The minister with many hats David Seymour wears a number of hats, but this week ...
“Show us the bird,” I found myself muttering at times while reading Hard by the Cloud House by Peter Walker, a deeply thoughtful, often hilarious, at times rambling – but somehow delightfully so – search for the story of a big bird. But not just any bird: the bird. This ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition DPVUE .images/Shutterstock Your home was probably designed for a climate that no longer exists. As long as humanity continues to burn fossil fuel, padding the heat-trapping blanket of gases in Earth’s atmosphere, the ...
A senior lawyer has filed a complaint about tikanga becoming a required law school module. Law lecturer Carwyn Jones explains what he’s getting wrong. “…the first law of Aotearoa, a law that served the needs of tangata whenua for a thousand years before the arrival of tauiwi.”– Ani Mikaere ...
In 2019, an Auckland woman woke up from surgery to find that she had undergone a treatment she didn’t consent to. She tells Alex Casey about her experience. From her very first period at the age of 14, Laura experienced “debilitating” levels of pain that forced her to withdraw from ...
Comment: Concerns about the state of the economy are creeping up to the top of firms’ list of challenges. That’s evident in both surveys and the tone of our recent client discussions. Skimming the past few weeks of eco-news, it’s not hard to see why. – Retail card spending fell ...
Opinion: Could former co-leader James Shaw still make a difference to working with National? The post How the Greens could be contenders appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Opinion: What if we got rid of our existing drug laws and replaced them with a new law that legalised and carefully regulated all psychoactive substances, from cannabis to MDMA, methamphetamine and LSD to magic mushrooms? And which also included legal drugs such as alcohol and nicotine. “Wow,” you might ...
In the gloom following director-general Al Morrison’s job cuts in 2013, the Department of Conservation restructured its operations arm. Eleven conservancy districts were whittled into six new “conservation delivery” regions, under which the Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands area, comprising 40 scattered islands more than 800km east of Christchurch, was tethered to the ...
One of th e country’s top litigation lawyers says New Zealand is seeing a lift in court action between companies. Chapman Tripp partner Justin Graham, who oversees a team of around 80 litigation specialists, says the courts are now so log-jammed that it’s taking over two years to get cases ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government is talking up the crucial role of gas as a transition fuel “through to 2050 and beyond”. In a gas strategy to be released on Thursday, the government envisages the fuel’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Next week the government will again next try to get its legislation through to deal with non-citizens who won’t cooperate with efforts to deport them. The bill, which the opposition and crossbench refused to rush ...
A long-term project that will set out an alternative vision for Aotearoa that looks beyond the narrow confines of the policy straight jacket adopted by successive governments. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bree Hurst, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Law, QUT, Queensland University of Technology TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock A much-awaited report into Coles and Woolworths has found what many customers have long believed – Australia’s big supermarkets engage in price gouging. What started ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Ghezelbash, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney The Albanese government wanted to avoid an inquiry into its migration amendment bill. The report, handed down yesterday by a senate committee that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne Lobbying is at the heart of government. Who has access to and influence over key government officials shapes the decisions governments make – and how they make them. The ability to influence ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myfany Turpin, Associate Professor, Ethnomusicology, Linguistics and Ethnobiology, University of Sydney The act representing Australia at this year’s Eurovision contest has sadly not qualified for the grand final. Yet for Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross, the duo that makes up Electric Fields, ...
In announcing changes to the school lunches programme, David Seymour said kids would no longer be served ‘woke’ foods. To clear up any confusion, The Spinoff has compiled a guide to the wokeness levels of some common food items. Apple = NOT WOKE Avocado = WOKE Avocado, smashed = EVEN ...
The Minister Responsible for GCSB and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security have been notified of this review, and have been provided a finalised Terms of Reference. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Minglu Chen, Senior Lecturer, Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Robert Way/Shutterstock As the past few years have illustrated so clearly, the Australia-China relationship is complicated. As such, it is crucial for Australians to develop a more nuanced understanding of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mariana Campbell, Research Lecturer, Conservation, Charles Darwin University Marilyn Connell Australian freshwater turtles are facing an alarming trend. Almost half of these species are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. The Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) is one of Australia’s ...
Curious to see the Deputy Prime Minister do a "state of the nation" speech a week after the Prime Minister did one.
To get a little rise out of mainstream media in politics these days, you need set piece moves like this.
Surely it's time Hipkins did his own "state of the nation" speech, to get similar mainstream cut-through.
Hipkins is doing his SotN speech in about a week's time. I believe it is taking place in South Auckland. In the meantime he did this 30 min. stand-up for the media at Labour's recent retreat. No comparison to Luxon. Hipkins talks substance. Luxon favours platitudes and hyperbole over substance:
Look forward to it.
What gets up my nose about Luxon and his coalition followers is their lies about the NZ economy.
For instance, in the second quarter of 2020, due to Covid, NZ's GDP fell a massive 12.2%, "by far the highest on record."
https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/covid-19-sees-record-12-2-percent-fall-in-new-zealands-economy
Despite those dire times the government, which for part of this time included NZF, managed the economy so that it survived relatively intact. In particular the lockdowns enabled the economy to keep working pretty much as normal except for tourism. We were the envy of the world.
Now we have Luxon and Peters rewriting economic history without a mention of Covid. In fact Robertson's handling of government debt levels over this period put NZ in a much better state than most of the OECD economies.
https://croakingcassandra.com/2023/12/02/government-net-debt-how-does-nz-compare/
I wish that they would stop telling lies.
is the MSM calling NACTF out on this?
Of course not….that seems to be the job of the Standardistas.
feel like writing a Guest Post?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/511766/independent-infrastructure-body-will-help-sustain-record-immigration-economist
https://twitter.com/cameronbagrie/status/1768521403392012389
Too right!! Lying conniving name calling righties we are coming for you.
The problem is that, although the OECD countries only had a rise in their debt levels in 2020 Robbo, having got a severe case of borrow and waste, just kept going. Other countries have lower levels of borrowing than they did at the end of 2020. We are, thanks to Robertson, much more in debt than we were in 2020.
It isn't the $20 billion or so that we borrowed and spent in 2020 that is the problem. It is the much greater amount that he got through in the 3 years when Labour Governed alone.
Where did it all end up? We certainly don't have anything to show for it?
I love right wing tragics when they are being satirical.
I'm afraid that it was Robertson's two terms as Minister of Finance that demonstrated the truth of Karl Marx's statement. To paraphrase what he said.
Robertson's two terms were an example of history repeating. His first term was tragedy. His second was repeating it as farce.
That is not what the graphs show that I posted above Alwyn. You are just perpetuating the lies of your masters.
All 3 years of that Labour-only government was affected by Covid or Covid recovery.
The first graph in Michael Reddell's link (Croaking Cassandra) shows exactly what I said. New Zealand debt rose in a nearly straight line from about 4% in 2019 to around 16% in 2023. It never declined at all and was forecast, by the OECD to keep going up if Labour Party policy continued in 2024-2025
The median result for OECD countries rose from about 30% to 38% in 2020 and then dropped abruptly to around 26% in 2023. They stopped throwing money away and we kept going.
There was no need to keep going as Robertson did. The worst of Covid was over by the beginning of 2021. We just wouldn't accept it.
There are two complications. NZ has the Cullen Fund. I don't know if it is now being drawn upon, but I suspect it is the closest we have got to a Sovereign Fund such as Norway have. Good investment Returns are what got the current Governor of the Reserve Bank his job; that fund and other government actions resulted in us having an increase in net GDP despite higher borrowing on at least one occasion. New Zealand has a higher level of private debt than most countries – and now sadly a higher level of companies operating in New Zealand but substantially owned by overseas shareholders. Tis sees us sending a lot of profit overseas rather than having it to help us through hard times. Hence the discussion about why it would make sense to retain at least some NZ ownership of assets like the Wellington Airport, and similar organisations in other cities.
I don't accept that argument at all Alwyn. You are again parroting Luxon, Seymour and (to his shame) Peters.
Recovering from Covid required some serious government intervention. We are already in a GDP per capita recession despite all of that government spending-it would have been a full-blown economic death-spiral without it.
The Croaking Cassandra graph shows NZ's net government liabilities as a percentage of GDP at 19% versus 28% for the OECD in 2025, which is creditable, and not the disaster you and your C of C friends paint it.
Your argument appears to be that the NZ debt percentage line would have continued to go up after 2025. That would not have happened. As the post-covid economic recovery became complete a Labour-led government would have eased expenditure.
You do realise that the government is no better placed as to reaching a budget surplus and debt levels than Labour?
And not only are we below OECD average debt
https://data.oecd.org/gga/general-government-debt.htm
We are one of the few with net wealth
https://data.oecd.org/gga/general-government-financial-wealth.htm#indicator-chart
"You do realise that ….. "
Yes, and I also realise that the interest we have to pay on the $100 billion or so that Robbo borrowed isn't making it any easier to get to a budget surplus. It might not matter if it had actually been invested in something useful but it just seems to have been tossed out with the dishwater.
Things such as upgrading schools and infrastructure, road safety improvements to name just a few. Keeping everyone in jobs during and after COVID. Wasted?
You really want to see waste. Just hold my beer, for the next three years. Watch the recession, happening right now that National, ACT and the reserve Bank have talked the country in to over the past year.
As Key borrowed for tax cuts for the wealthy, while neglecting infrastructure, health, education and other investments for the future. Even road maintenance. While bringing in hundreds of thousands to give the illusion of a growing economy, while leaving a huge spending deficit for a future Government to repair, this Government is determined to go down the same path.
Was Willo unaware of the impact of this 'technical number' on tax cuts?
Out of her depth – feel sorry for the kids, missing out on their movies.
Reddell notes, as he did last year, that the governments revenues plans are in ruins. So no tax cuts.
The KiwiBank economist says we need to spend more on infrastructure. So not tax cuts, deficit spend (have higher debt) on the right stuff.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/18/ex-reserve-bank-economist-says-nows-not-the-time-for-tax-cuts/
Can you give me the exact make up of what that $100 billion was spent on please?
In reality it is a number plucked from the air by Luxon to berate Labour with, when in fact, despite the Covid Crash and despite the Ukraine war induced cost of living/inflation/high interest rates crisis, Robertson kept NZ government borrowing well below the OECD average as the graph I posted above demonstrates.
I have no idea where Robertson squandered all the money he borrowed. I doubt if even he could tell you.
Of course the borrowing was below the OECD average. That was because when he started we had almost no debt. According to the graph you posted it must have been about 1% of GDP
Alwyn, if you have no idea, then why would you believe the money was "squandered"? Is it just that not enough dosh was squandered on you?
Our self-serving CoC govt is bent, on squandering tax cuts on landLords.
Not so many dead people Alwyn. That is something to show.
That is what really incensed the, laughably called "centre right" .
The country had an example of the effectiveness of Government putting people first, ahead of 'their' profits. A people working together for good, instead of for the increased wealth of those with the real power.
That can never be forgiven, and must be rubbished as soon as possible. Propaganda mouthpieces and "useful idiots" endlessly chanting the same memes about "economic incompetence" and ‘debt" until people internalise them. Funding and insidious support for US style cookers, to undermine the narrative of the COVID effort. Before we, as a country, remember how "looking after each other" once gave us one of the highest standards of living in the world.
The concerted effort of the right, the enquiry being one, to destroy any idea of the real achievements of the Adern Government over COVID and after, is to ensure that "never again"! are "people to be put before profit." And never again are we to be reminded of the effectiveness of "Governments power for good" if a Government chooses to use it.
“How dare a Government prioritise the ongoing welfare of the people they represent, over short term corporate advantage”.
I have zero sympathy for those who voted for NAct and NZ1. Your example BG is a case in point.
The media are well aware of the CoC's lies and deceit, but they seem afraid to say so – with the surprising exception of Tova O'Brien. It will be interesting to see if her career is affected in any way.
It's happened before. The most notable: when Muldoon banned Tom Scott from media interviews and his speeches – not sure now whether that included the Parliamentary Press Gallery. Fortunately Scott's brilliant writing ability in particular saved his career from disintegrating.
Why do you have zero sympathy for those voters?
We need a large number of them and come back and vote for Labour/Green if we ever want to see the back of this government.
6 months in and not many of them (if any) seem like they are in a hurry to move left.
I'm reading Tom Scott's autobiography at the moment. Looking forward to the parts where he meets Muldoon.
What is it called BG? I would like to read it.
Suspect it's "Drawn out" by Tom Scott.
You can get it from Auckland Libraries
yep…"Drawn Out"
…how history gets written by election victors
Not sure it works like that Ad. There is virtually nothing Hipkins could do at the moment that would get "mainstream cut-through" – unless it's something that reflects badly on him, the Labour Party or the left generally.
To view the media as a neutral sounding board ignores most of what we know about it. It will change, but the coalition of crackpots has to go even more bonkers and sustain it for longer. Hipkins should still do it of course – no white flags should be raised.
why at the moment?
Because most of the the media don't really have any interest in ideas. They are like sports commentators. So for now it's all about how Labour got smashed in an election – will they change leaders, how do they recover, how is their morale, are their fans deserting them, blah blah blah. That story will just get tired – and it eventually becomes that National are underperforming, making mistakes, missing tackles while Labour have new talent and is the new talent up to it, etc. So much of it is rooted in the primacy of personalities over ideas. In that sort of culture, losers are meant to be contrite and ask for forgiveness.
Oh please. What it simply requires is for Hipkins to try. Here's how Hipkins looked so far from Steve Braunias on the weekend:
'Winning an election does not entitle you to act like a dictatorship.
To act like a dictatorship, you need to lose an election. One of the first things I did after leading Labour to a catastrophic loss is that I gathered the few MPs lift standing, and said to them:
"You have no fight left in you. You are without hope. You are weak, in a bad way, finished. The last thing you want to do right now is mount any kind of leadership challenge.
Just go about your business. Walk in circles. Hide in dark corners. The important thing to remember is that I am the leader of the Labour Party. I will always be the leader of the Labour Party. You are feeling sleepy. Close your eyes. I am the leader of the Labour Party. I will always be the leader of the Labour Party. Sleep now. Sleep."
It's worked really well.'
The contrast to Chloe Swarbrick last week could not be starker.
You only have to imagine what an integrated State of the Nation summit with Labour, Greens and TMP would look like.
Unfortunately that's not happening so imagining is all we've got.
It does require that – as I said. But for a period after a heavy election defeat, that is usually not enough. And it’s part of the broader culture which the media reflects back at us – recent losers are worthless, everything they say is to be discounted. Every story, as I said above, is about how down and out they are.
If that really is the case then all of those Opposition MPs should resign.
But I know they are capable of more.
I also think the voters don't want to know about labour..
..and what they have to say….
They are losers…thrown out of office for non-delivery..
..just yesterday..in term terms..
And I think this will last for about 18 months..
..when hopefully a coherent coalition of the left will be standing there…
..all primed and ready to go..
..and of course hipkins must keep on trying..
..but until then he is pretty much pissing into the prevailing political winds..
..I see ms. swarbrick as the banner-flyer for now..
..as I said..interest in what labour has to say couldn't be lower..
..this leavened with a degree of impatience..that they are even speaking…
I don't know, calling out winstink for acting like the drunk uncle is gold,
I think Peters has finally lost his touch.
Even more curious is that he said there is a 5.6 billion dollar hole facing the present government, which Finance Minister Nicola Willis denies.
Obviously you can't go ahead with tax cuts with such a hole, assuming you don't want to create a banana republic economy, so who's right?
Is Peters giving us advanced notice that National's biggest promise – tax cuts – will no longer be possible?
Or is he just mouthing off, talking a load of nonsense because the audience that he addressed yesterday wouldn't know the difference?
Either is possible.
Peters today retorts that "Hipkins would get drunk on a wine biscuit."
That's Winston's Cossie Club comedy schtick slipping from a groove to a rut.
I thought that both hipkins's 'drunk uncle' jibe..
..and peter's ' drunk on a wine biscuit' retort..
..had comedic merit…
https://theplatform.kiwi/opinions/sex-is-real
I realize that many of you will not want to read this excellent article byYvonne Van Dongen because it was published on The Platform.
So I will summarize.
Puberty Blockers have been banned for under 18 years in the UK (unless as part of a high quality research study). These drugs are prescribed off label and there is concerning long term side effects and questions over the impact of these drugs on the developing brain.
The Wpath Files. A whistle blower supplied to journalists video chat and email correspondance between members of Wpath, showing that these members of WPath know that kids can't consent to treatments such as PBs, that side effects of hormones include liver cancer.
Comedy genius Graham Lineham who wrote the IT crowd and Father Ted visited NZ and despite having many media interviews lined up, the msm didn't cover his visit. Why? Because he stood up against trans rights activists, speaking up for women and girls and against gender affirming care and was disgracefully de platformed.
You mean the MSM that cheerfully reported various reckons that Posie Parker was a transphobe and Nazi adjacent? That amplified the voices of several politicians that were happy to do a bit of bandwagon jumping, and wave their virtue signaling and ignorant opinions around?
The same cowardly and captured bunch that called Shane Toko (Ashley) Winter a woman and showered him with female pronouns all through his trial, conviction and sentencing for the torture and murder of a vulnerable young woman?
That same media Visubversa! There will be questions asked surely when what some are suggesting is the greatest medical scandal ever, i.e. the medical transition of vulnerable children is exposed. Such as "why didn't we know?" However that excuse wears a bit thin, where sites such as the Standard have allowed us to exercise our free speech rights and allowed us to publish GC stuff and I truly thank the Standard for that
Forget about “the technical numbers” – it's all about "the vibe"
There seems to be some debate about just how big Willis' hole is – hope more service cuts and infrastructure project cancellations aren’t on the cards.
She’s still digging…
Craig Renney
@CLRenney
The fiscal gap of $5.6bn currently identified is very likely an underestimate. Climate change funding is supposed to provide $2.4bn for tax cuts. That's now in doubt – with the Climate Commission calling ETS revenue "not a reliable source of income"
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/climate-change-commission-gives-government-a-burping-taxing-inflationary-headache/4QK4JGCHM5DZPAOH2PLG3GWZJ4/
( https://archive.li/BeZMg )
https://twitter.com/CLRenney/status/1769476092182880498
Chaser.
@CLRenney
Please note the date.
https://twitter.com/CLRenney/status/1769476087615303681
We live in a mirror image of a Robin Hood society, one in which resources are indeed being redistributed, not downward, from rich to poor, as Robin Hood was reputed to do, but upward, from poor to rich," Case and Deaton argued.
Seeing as (going on his words) it is luxons life- mission to give tax cuts to the poor/working class ..(he never mentions the already rich..who of course are lined up for the lions share of those cuts)..
And it seems they haven't got enough dosh to do this..
So here's an idea:..
Yes..give the cuts to those he says he cares the most about..
..but don't give them to the already rich…who don't really need them anyway..
..they are just being greedy/uncaring bastards..if they claim they do..
Anyhoo..that will take care of much of that fiscal hole..eh..?
..and will bring luxons life mission to fruition..
..win win..all around..
NAct1st talk about reducing taxes, but I do wonder how much greater net income someone on average earnings will have after paying 15% higher rates (either directly or through rent), and paying higher costs for running a vehicle. Then a similar calculation for a beneficiary having the same increase in rates, but higher costs for public transport (and even more if a child was getting free rides . . .
Did National follow through on putting charges back on prescriptions?
It's national the bottom 75% will get a block of cheese at best, while the 25% get huge amounts ,
big banner headlines in todays WAirarapa Times Age. $375 Million to maintain the wairarapa railway line. how many owners have NZ Rail had since 1984 and why has there been no maintenance done till now?