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Comment: Open mike 18/05/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 11:20 am, May 18th, 2025
YesComment: Open mike 18/05/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 11:05 am, May 18th, 2025
Editing caused the loss of the comment. Android 15 not 14 Motorola g54 5gComment: Open mike 18/05/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 10:55 am, May 18th, 2025
No problem. Motorola g54 5g Android 14Comment: We’ve Lost Australia
Written By: Macro - Date published: 4:32 pm, May 12th, 2025
My mokopuna are Aussie citizens now. They have spent most of their life in Australia despite being born in NZ. Indeed my eldest is hoping to join the RAN and train as a marine engineer. She could have come back here .Comment: The beginning of the end
Written By: Macro - Date published: 12:46 pm, May 12th, 2025
:roll: Your comment is complete trash. Maybe you would be better employed taking it out to where it belongs in the tip.Comment: Get ready for the Regulatory Standards Bill
Written By: Macro - Date published: 12:40 pm, May 12th, 2025
That is it in a nut shell.Comment: Open mike 07/05/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 11:17 am, May 7th, 2025
The Bird Brain of Alcatraz 😂 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2025/may/06/pete-songi-donald-trump-proposed-foreign-films-tariffs-cartoon#img-1Comment: Open mike 05/05/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 10:32 am, May 5th, 2025
As a young person straight out of University after a period in research I changed direction to work with people rather than machines (computers). My first venture was as a social worker in what was then Child Welfare and my case load of around 100 young ...Comment: Open mike 02/05/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 10:50 am, May 2nd, 2025
Only 41 years later - the new "Ministry of Truth" is established. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/01/white-house-trump-news-website Won't be long before Big Brother. Ooops! He is already keeping an eye on you. 👁Comment: Open mike 30/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 12:43 pm, April 30th, 2025
Just in case you missed it. Articles of impeachment issued against Trump! - By a Democrat - let's hope that it gets some traction from the moderate Republicans who are cringing with embarrassment over the past 100 days. The resolution includes seven ...Comment: Open mike 23/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 11:11 am, April 23rd, 2025
Mind you the latest offering is particularly uglyComment: Open mike 23/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 11:01 am, April 23rd, 2025
It's been a major lesson in how to piss off the "woke left" - the primary purchasers of what was a state of the art EV - by the richest prick, currently still destroying assistance to "bottom feeders" in the US. Long may the decline continue, there are now ...Comment: 50501
Written By: Macro - Date published: 5:25 pm, April 20th, 2025
I gather that the plan is for the US to acquire land in El Salvador and have El Salvador build prison upon it and then have El Salvador run them on behalf of the US. The idea being that if the prison is on "US land" then it is within the provision of the ...Comment: Open mike 19/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 10:47 am, April 19th, 2025
So maybe it's short-sighted penny-pinching as well as not caring if people don't properly understand what their rights and entitlements actually are? Almost certainly both. Goodness me - why spend money on helping people to understand their rights!Comment: Open mike 16/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 12:48 pm, April 16th, 2025
I listened to the Minister of Health this morning and it made me sick. 🤮Comment: Open mike 13/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 1:42 pm, April 13th, 2025
Even Paeroa has new developments Including the old race course - now being turned into more housing (I suspect another retirement village).Comment: Open mike 12/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 5:02 pm, April 12th, 2025
No worries! The Chump knows where hurricanes are headed.Comment: The Trump Shock: Why the US President Crashed the Global Economy
Written By: Macro - Date published: 4:01 pm, April 12th, 2025
I recently watched a screening of "The Last Showgirl". A sad movie with very little to inspire, but as a commentary on everyday life for a sector of American populace - it left me with an understanding of just how, so many, could possibly vote for Trump. ...Comment: The Trump Shock: Why the US President Crashed the Global Economy
Written By: Macro - Date published: 1:21 pm, April 12th, 2025
He is no genius. Just a horrible child who has never grown up and still likes to rip the wings off butterflies and tip baby birds out of their nests. But in saying this he's the most dangerous person to walk this planet since Hitler and needs to be ...Comment: Open mike 11/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 4:08 pm, April 11th, 2025
Meanwhile - here is a kiwi author who isn't going to the US because of ... Ideas https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/books/why-bestselling-korean-nz-author-graci-kim-had-to-cancel-us-tourComment: Open mike 11/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 3:51 pm, April 11th, 2025
Don't think about trying to enter the US these days if you have ever posted anything contrary to MAGA "doctrine". https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/02/neil-young-fears-us-ban-donald-trump-criticismComment: The maniac president blinks, but for a moment…
Written By: Macro - Date published: 3:41 pm, April 11th, 2025
Apparently China has a stack of US bonds as well. So maybe they are holding out and looking to really punish the US. https://ticdata.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/tic/Documents/slt_table5.htmlComment: The maniac president blinks, but for a moment…
Written By: Macro - Date published: 9:06 am, April 11th, 2025
Totally. Bonhoeffer's theory of stupidity is being proven on a daily basis.Comment: Trump Schadenfreude
Written By: Macro - Date published: 3:48 pm, April 6th, 2025
I'm thinking of the Bonhoeffer movie at the moment. Yes many bit over egged in the name of poetic license - but still pertinent to today. Must see movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZM90izJ8sIComment: Trump Schadenfreude
Written By: Macro - Date published: 1:49 pm, April 6th, 2025
True. So much social media. movies, and gaming these days is violent and aggressive which is hardly conducive to empathy, caring, and working towards social cohesion.Comment: Trump Schadenfreude
Written By: Macro - Date published: 1:34 pm, April 6th, 2025
Further to my comment above. Cory Booker urges action in first event since historic speech: ‘This is a moment for America’ Democratic senator calls on voters to get creative in pushing back against Trump at town hall in New Jersey ... One of the loudest ...Comment: Vilification of Russia not good for peace in Europe.
Written By: Macro - Date published: 12:56 pm, April 6th, 2025
Comment: Open mike 06/04/2025
Written By: Macro - Date published: 12:47 pm, April 6th, 2025
perhaps this means sweet fa Essentially yes. But it is significant that some of the repugnants are beginning to wake up to the chaos they have allowed to evolve in the white house. There are even a few in the House of Reps who are now beginning to look a ...Comment: Trump Schadenfreude
Written By: Macro - Date published: 8:37 am, April 6th, 2025
The push back against his demented "policies" is taking off. I posted about this here the other day Hands Off’ protests take off across US and Europe to oppose Trump agenda – live https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/apr/05/hands-off-protests-trump- ...Comment: Trade Like You Mean It: How Aotearoa Can Lead with Values in a Volatile World
Written By: Macro - Date published: 10:59 am, April 5th, 2025
Is it time for Fonterra et al to shift their Head Office to the Kermadecs or the Campbell Islands or Raoul? https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/03/donald-trump-tariffs-antarctica-uninhabited-heard-mcdonald-islands No "trade" recorded from them on ...
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- How very dare you
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Starlink is great for developing countries, offering connectivity without costly infrastructure. But it’s a challenge for their national security, since authorities can’t monitor the traffic it carries. This policy conflict arose in Sri Lanka in ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt risks hospice care by cutting women’s pay
The Government’s decision to cut women’s pay could result in an exodus of palliative care nurses from the profession. ...23 hours ago - Release: Govt leaves sexual abuse survivors out in the cold
The Government is quietly cutting more services for women, this time it’s ACC support for survivors of sexual abuse and pausing the expansion of a major sexual violence prevention programme. ...23 hours ago
- Report shows Govt’s callous lack of support for system at breaking point
A new report from Aotearoa Educators’ Collective, released today, has confirmed what teachers, students, and whanau have been calling out for years–our learning support system is overstretched, underfunded, and simply not working. ...23 hours ago - Prime Minister must scrap the Regulatory Standards Bill
The Green Party is urging the Prime Minister to get rid of the Regulatory Standards Bill after the Waitangi Tribunal found that the Bill breaches the Crown’s Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. ...2 days ago
- Release: Women in funded sector unlikely to get pay equity
The Government is unlikely to fund pay equity for hospice and Plunket nurses, care and support workers and other workforces made up of mostly women. ...2 days ago
- Chris Hipkins Speech Auckland regional conference
Tēnā koutou katoa. It’s fantastic to be here with you all—grassroots campaigners, organisers, union members, councillors, MPs, and Labour whānau. ...4 days ago
- Release: Minister’s rash orders fail frontline providers
The Auditor-General has found serious failings in the Government’s review of frontline providers such as counselling and prevention services. ...5 days ago
- Release: Prices keep rising while National cuts women’s pay
Prices for essentials, like milk, butter and electricity continue to get more expensive under National, at the same time as the Government takes money from women’s pockets to save their budget. ...5 days ago
- Te Pāti Māori Condemns Fast-Track Approval of Seabed Mining
Te Pāti Māori is gravely concerned by the Government’s approval of the Trans-Tasman Resources (Taranaki VTM) seabed mining project under its fast-track regime. This marks the first time a commercial shallow seabed mining operation has been approved anywhere in the world- pushed through with no transparency, no public input, and ...5 days ago
- Social Security Amendment Bill pushes poverty on people
The Government’s just-passed Social Security Amendment Bill is set to create more benefit sanctions that will push families deeper into poverty. ...6 days ago
- Report exposes damage of rushed cuts to Oranga Tamariki
Today’s report into last year’s Oranga Tamariki contract procurement process confirms the Government’s brutal cuts were rushed, poorly managed, and made with no concern for the impact on tamariki. ...6 days ago
- 210,000 Māori Silenced: Committee Delivers Harshest Punishment in Parliament History
Today the Privileges Committee handed down a severe punishment. Te Pāti Māori Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer have been suspended for 21 days, and MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke has been suspended for 7 days. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt finally admits 180,000 in line for a pay cut
The Government finally admitted late last night that roughly 180,000 people will be affected by its decision to halt pay equity claims. ...7 days ago
- Release: Admin nearly a quarter of entire FamilyBoost spend
Nearly a quarter of the money spent on the Government’s flagship FamilyBoost policy has gone to administration, not to families to help with childcare. ...7 days ago
- Green Budget: Free GPs for all
The Green Party has launched its plan for Free GPs as part of its Green Budget. ...1 week ago
- Green Budget for a country worth fighting for
The Green Budget shows how much better our lives could be under a Green Government, instead of one dominated by corporate greed. ...1 week ago
- Green Budget: Early Childhood Education for Everyone
The Green Party has unveiled its new plan to make Early Childhood Education (ECE) free. ...1 week ago
- Green Budget delivers for Māori
The Green Party is delivering for Māori with its Green Budget. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins: Pre-Budget speech
Tēnā koutou katoa. Good morning. I read recently that one of the keys to success in life is to do the hard stuff first thing in the morning. ...1 week ago
- Release; Budget should not be paid for by working women
The Government must do three things in Budget 2025 if it is genuinely going to turn things around for New Zealanders. ...1 week ago
- Release: Peeni Henare takes over foreign affairs
Labour’s Peeni Henare will pick up the foreign affairs portfolio, following David Parker’s departure from Parliament. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt better at crushing women’s rights than cars
Rehashing old laws around boy racers is not going to make our communities safer, or distract New Zealanders from the appalling decision to cut women’s pay. ...1 week ago
- No Justice for State Abuse Survivors- Kapa-Kingi
Te Pāti Māori MP for Te Tai Tokerau calls out the government’s decision to keep funding state abuse, turning their backs on justice and real change for abuse in care survivors. “The government has committed to throwing $744 million down the drain, reinforcing a violent regime of disrespect against the ...2 weeks ago
- Govt’s War on Te Tiriti Continues as Review of Treaty Act Announced
Te Pāti Māori is absolutely disgusted by the Government’s announcement to review the Waitangi Tribunal- a deliberate and dangerous escalation in its ongoing campaign to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and silence tangata whenua. “The Government’s onslaught against Te Tiriti continues with this latest move to review the Treaty of ...2 weeks ago
- Tribunal review an attack on Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The Government’s plans to limit the powers and scope of the Waitangi Tribunal is a disgrace. ...2 weeks ago
- Tribunal review an attack on Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The Government’s plans to limit the powers and scope of the Waitangi Tribunal is a disgrace. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour asks why Govt is silent on Gaza
Labour is asking the Government why it is silent on Israel’s deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, saying New Zealand should be speaking out. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt ignores the voices of survivors
Survivors of abuse in state care have a right to feel disappointed and sidelined by the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Redress announcement leaves little justice for survivors
The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s decision to severely underfund financial compensation for survivors of abuse in state care. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Bill launched to stop tobacco industry lobbying
Labour is launching a members’ bill to stop the Government from putting tobacco industry interests ahead of public health. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fights for firefighters
The Labour Party backs volunteer firefighters who are currently not covered by ACC for workplace disease and mental injury and is drafting policy to put this right when the party wins the election in 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Wildlife law change a deep betrayal of public trust
The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s use of urgency to rewrite the Wildlife Act–without consultation, without an impact statement, and in direct response to a court ruling in favour of protecting wildlife. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National cuts women’s pay
National has forced through a law change that will take money out of women’s pockets. ...2 weeks ago
- ‘Govt’s Pay Bill Entrenches Discrimination Against Women’ – Kemp
Te Pāti Māori stands in staunch and emotional opposition to the Government’s so-called Equal Pay Amendment Bill, calling it a calculated attack on working women and a cruel betrayal of the generations who have fought for pay equity in Aotearoa. “This bill doesn’t just undermine equal pay — it completely ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Fewer jobs and opportunities for Māori, again
In the last 12 months life has only got worse for Māori under Christopher Luxon’s Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More than one in 10 Pacific people unemployed under National
There are more Pacific people unemployed as the rate increases to a staggering 10.8% under National. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Unemployment remains high under National
Job losses remain stubbornly high under National, as their attack on jobs, wages, and women rages on. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt for the rich is failing the unemployed
The latest job market statistics show that unemployed people are being failed by a Government more focused on punishing the poor than creating jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- RSE Draft Erases Rainbow and Takatāpui Youth
Te Pāti Māori is demanding urgent changes to the draft Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) framework, calling it a dangerous step backwards for Takatāpui, trans, and rainbow rangatahi. “This draft erases Takatāpui voices, ignores whānau diversity, and delays consent education. It’s not just inadequate, it’s unbelievably unsafe” said Te Pāti ...2 weeks ago
- RSE Draft Erases Rainbow and Takatāpui Youth
Te Pāti Māori is demanding urgent changes to the draft Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) framework, calling it a dangerous step backwards for Takatāpui, trans, and rainbow rangatahi. “This draft erases Takatāpui voices, ignores whānau diversity, and delays consent education. It’s not just inadequate, it’s unbelievably unsafe” said Te Pāti ...2 weeks ago
- Stepping up in a changing global environment
Good evening. Thank you to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs for organising this event, and for your efforts to foster New Zealand’s understanding of international affairs. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak here today. As keen observers and practitioners of international relations, you will all ...2 weeks ago - New High Commissioner to Kiribati announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Pati Gagau as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Kiribati. “Our diplomats play a critical role in advancing New Zealand’s interests overseas,” Mr Peters says. “Nowhere is this truer than in the Pacific, where we strive to work with our Pacific partners to forge a more ...2 weeks ago
- Changes to improve pay equity process
The Government is amending the Equal Pay Act [the Act] to make the process of raising and resolving pay equity claims more robust, workable and sustainable, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. Pay equity is achieved when women and men are paid the same for work ...2 weeks ago
- Proposals to strengthen biodiversity released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to better protect our precious biodiversity and its economic benefits for future generations, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is releasing two discussion documents for public consultation, and I ...2 weeks ago
- Trade negotiations with India commence
Following significant engagement over the last month, the first in-person round of negotiations towards a comprehensive India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will take place in India this week. This follows the highly successful visit to India last year by Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters and the formal launch ...2 weeks ago
- NZ-EU trade deal delivers export growth
The early entry into force of the New Zealand–European Union Trade Agreement (FTA) is paying off, with Kiwi goods exports to the EU surging by 28 per cent during the first year. “In the last 12 months our goods exports to the EU surged from $3.8 billion to over $4.8 ...2 weeks ago
- Celebrating New Zealand Sign Language
Now is the time for Kiwis to give New Zealand Sign Language a go as we take a week to celebrate the language, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week. The theme is that “anyone can sign anywhere”. “NZSL is an official ...2 weeks ago
- Boosting high-tech exports with advanced technology
New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. “Advanced technology research leads to life-changing innovation,” says Dr Reti. “The breakthroughs that can be achieved through areas like ...2 weeks ago
- Post-Cabinet Press Conference: Monday 5 May 2025
POST-CABINET PRESS CONFERENCE: Monday, 5 May 2025 EPIQ TRANSCRIPT PM: Well, look, good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to be joined this afternoon by our awesome Trade Minister, Todd McClay, who’s doing some incredible work. As you know, it’s a big sitting block with the Budget at the end of ...2 weeks ago
- Parent Portal launched to empower parents
Every parent wants to see their child thrive at school — to feel confident, supported, and capable. Today, the Government is taking a major step toward making that aspiration a reality with the launch of a new Parent Portal: an online resource designed to enable families to play their part ...2 weeks ago
- New helicopters a commitment to global security
The Defence Force’s ageing maritime helicopters will be replaced to increase the defensive and offensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. “The replacement of the Seasprite helicopters will also extend the Navy’s ability to support non-combat tasks such as humanitarian assistance and ...2 weeks ago
- Prime Minister congratulates Albanese and Wong
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has congratulated Anthony Albanese on winning the Australian Federal Election, and Lawrence Wong on winning the Singaporean election. “I have been in touch with both Mr Albanese and Mr Wong to offer my congratulations on retaining office,” Mr Luxon says. “When we spoke, Mr Albanese and ...2 weeks ago
- Hunting and Fishing Minister joins game bird season opening hunt
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has joined the thousands of New Zealanders taking part in the annual game bird hunting season opening. He spent the morning at Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau / Sinclair Wetlands, a 315-hectare portion of the Lakes Waihola-Waipori wetland south of Dunedin, hosted by Fish & ...3 weeks ago
- Attendance dashboard shows early insights into term 2
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that new up-to-date attendance data is helping provide fresh insights into student attendance. For example, data for the first week of term 2 shows the effect of wild weather and which regions were standouts. The average attendance across week 1 is 87.1 per cent. ...3 weeks ago
- New air ambulance helicopter for Auckland and Northland
A new air ambulance helicopter commissioned today will significantly enhance emergency medical response capabilities across Auckland and Northland, Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello and ACC Minister Scott Simpson announced today. “This state-of-the-art helicopter represents a major advancement in aeromedical service delivery, and we are pleased to see it become ...3 weeks ago
- Oranga Tamariki showing clear progress on key performance targets
Public reporting on key performance indicators for Oranga Tamariki show the Ministry is making strong progress on its most important goals. In its second public reporting on key performance indicators, Oranga Tamariki has made progress across all four key priority areas emphasised by Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “In 2024, ...3 weeks ago
- New Member appointed to Waitangi Tribunal
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka today confirmed the appointment of Gerrard Albert of Whanganui, Ngā Paerangi, to the Waitangi Tribunal for a three-year term to fill a vacancy. Mr. Albert is the former Chair of Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, the post-settlement governance body for Te Awa Tupua. He has ...3 weeks ago
- Raising achievement & closing the equity gap at school
The Government is continuing to raise achievement and close the equity gap in schools across the country, so all Kiwi kids have the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to reach their full potential, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. The Governments’ ambitious changes reflect the responsibility we have to these ...3 weeks ago
- Developing a new Action Plan for unpaid carers
The Government is taking action to better support unpaid and informal carers, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Penny Simmonds says. Every morning across New Zealand, unpaid carers are helping loved ones get ready for the day — preparing meals, arranging medication, assisting with transport, and offering vital support, ...3 weeks ago
- Deputy PM concludes constructive visit to New Caledonia
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive and positive visit to New Caledonia - New Zealand’s closest geographical neighbour. Mr Peters met the French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, and the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga. “We came to listen and ...3 weeks ago
- Third procedure room to expand endoscopy capacity in Hawke’s Bay
Endoscopy services at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital are set to expand, with the addition of a third procedure room, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Improving New Zealand’s health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government, to ensure all Kiwis can access timely, high-quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says. ...3 weeks ago
- Government remains on track to ban full Farm-to-Forest conversions
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has confirmed that restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on LUC 1-6 farmland will be in place this year, and reaffirmed that they will take effect from 4 December 2024 - the date of the original announcement. Enabling legislation will be introduced to Parliament during ...3 weeks ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 participants announced
The 123 Youth Members of Parliament and 20 Youth Press Gallery members officially announced for 2025 represent the best of New Zealand, Youth Minister James Meager says. “Our Youth MPs come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each have their own unique story, bringing diverse points of view to ...3 weeks ago
- Saudi Ministerial visit sends strong signal for NZ Trade and Investment growth
Trade, Investment and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up a successful programme hosting Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, in Auckland this week for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission. “This visit builds on growing momentum in our trade ...3 weeks ago
- New data highlights progress in childhood immunisation rates
New data released today shows steady improvements in childhood immunisation rates across the country, highlighting the Government’s commitment to ensuring every child gets the best start in life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving childhood immunisation rates is a priority for our Government. The latest quarterly figures show immunisation coverage ...3 weeks ago
- Better banking competition one step closer for Kiwis
The Government is moving swiftly to ensure Kiwis will be able to benefit from open banking by Christmas this year, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson. “Recently our Government passed the Customer and Product Data Act – one of the items in our Quarter 1 Action Plan to ...3 weeks ago
- Rural Health Roadshow coming to Wairoa
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is pleased to be in Wairoa today as part of the Rural Health Roadshow across the country. “I was pleased to begin the roadshow in Levin recently where I had the opportunity to hear from ...3 weeks ago
- ‘An atrocious idea’ – outcry over taxpayer-funded octopus farming research
Octopus are wild and solitary. Plans to farm them are therefore cruel, say animal rights advocates. ...1 hour ago - Spotify continues to change music. What’s next – will AI musicians replace music made by humans?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Spotify was started, according to its official claims, because its founders “love music and piracy was killing it”. In Mood Machine, music journalist Liz Pelly argues this is ...2 hours ago - Feats of the human body behind Tom Cruise’s stunts in Mission: Impossible movies
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol He’s leapt from cliffs, clung to planes mid-takeoff and held his breath underwater for as long as professional freedivers. Now, at 62, Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt for ...2 hours ago
- After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham After a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 19, US president Donald Trump took to social media to declare that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ...2 hours ago
- The public service has a much smaller gender pay gap than the private sector. It’s a big achieveme...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Canberra NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock After two years of publishing the gender pay gaps of Australia’s private-sector companies, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has released public-sector employer data for the first time. The report shows ...2 hours ago
- From tikanga to ‘protocol’: Luxon’s war on the Māorification of Aotearoa
The prime minister insists his government is clamping down on the spread of Māori language and culture in the public sector. But beneath the tough talk, what’s really changing – and who is he trying to win over? Our government is halting the Māorification of Aotearoa. This isn’t an opinion, ...2 hours ago - Winston Peters joins allies in demanding Israel allow aid into Gaza
The Foreign Affairs Minister says "intolerable" supplies into Gaza have been blocked for weeks: "We've just simply had enough of it". ...2 hours ago
- For making stars, it’s not just how much gas a galaxy has that matters – it’s where it’s hid...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Catinella, Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), The University of Western Australia One of the galaxies mapped by WALLABY: the red shade shows the atomic hydrogen gas content of the galaxy, overlaid on an ...2 hours ago
- The Queensland melioidosis outbreak is still growing. What’s keeping this deadly mud bug active?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Western Sydney University ap-studio/Shutterstock The outbreak of the deadly “mud bug” melioidosis in north Queensland has not yet abated since it began at the start of this year. So far there have been 221 cases ...2 hours ago
- ‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jun Eric Fu, Senior Research Fellow, Youth Research Collective, The University of Melbourne LBeddoe/Shutterstock Australia’s school system – and whether it is doing its job – is often under the microscope from politicians, experts and parents. The most recent ...2 hours ago
- Up for debate: Which party gains from haka privileges surprise?
Analysis - The government blindsided the opposition by postponinga debate about punishments for Te Pāti Māori, but the delay gives all sides time to plan. ...3 hours ago
- Greens must reject ‘tokenism’ to connect with marginalised communities – Chloe Swa...
"People are right to be frustrated," the co-leader tells Guyon Espiner. But she says "tokenism" isn't the answer. ...4 hours ago
- Housing market in holding pattern as budget day looms
With a number of policies already in place, the government looks set to give housing short shrift on Thursday – though speculation continues about an end to the foreign buyer ban, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...4 hours ago
- Labour’s Ingrid Leary claims Casey Costello is not doing her job as Minister for Seniors
Labour's Ingrid Leary claims Costello has done more to help tobacco companies than Seniors. ...4 hours ago
- Taxpayer-funded climate satellite MethaneSAT finally reveals what’s behind delays
MethaneSAT got $29 million from the government, with the aim of growing the space industry. ...4 hours ago
- New Zealanders across political spectrum want increased spending on public services, poll finds
More than three-quarters said government spending on key public services, such as hospitals, schools and the police should go up. ...5 hours ago
- Around 1000 protested proposed exclusion of Te Pāti Māori MPs
A lawyer representing Te Pāti Māori says its MPs were using haka in Parliament to express their frustration with the Treaty Principles Bill. ...6 hours ago
- Can there ever be a renter’s market in a landlord’s world?
A slew of recent articles and data releases have suggested the property market has skewed in favour of renters. The supply of available rentals has hit a 10-year high. But does that really mean renters have power? Only 3.2% of The Spinoff’s readership supports us financially. We need to ...6 hours ago
- Why the electricity balance between the North Island and South Island is shifting
With the cable that links New Zealand’s islands together electrically due for replacement, and our electricity needs expected to grow enormously, Shanti Mathias explores the major shift under way in how we generate it. Only 3.2% of The Spinoff’s readership supports us financially. We need to grow that to 4% ...6 hours ago
- NZ-backed trade plan picks up steam
Trade Minister talks US tariffs, and the Indo-Pacific working with Europe on trade The post NZ-backed trade plan picks up steam appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago - They said it couldn’t be done: Gene editing breakthrough preempts new law
Scion has just planted the world’s first field test of gene-edited pine trees The post They said it couldn’t be done: Gene editing breakthrough preempts new law appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Tom Scott farewells Bob Jones
I detested Bob Jones for many years. My loathing had its genesis in the run-up to the 1975 election when Bob was the brains and financial brawn behind billboards mushrooming across the capital depicting Labour leader, the able, affable and unfailingly courteous Bill Rowling as a timid mouse. It was a ...6 hours ago
- NZ unemployment will be the worst in Asia-Pacific – IMF
Economist says the loss of our key working-age population is contributing to labour market weakness The post NZ unemployment will be the worst in Asia-Pacific – IMF appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Minister shelves faster phase-out of $70m carbon subsidies
Removing carbon subsidies for industries like rose growers, which may no longer be emissions-intensive, isn’t a priority for Climate Change Minister Simon Watts The post Minister shelves faster phase-out of $70m carbon subsidies appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- The high cost of getting high in New Zealand
Emily Duncan was just 17 when she had her first hit of meth.By 21, she was smoking it every day.“The first hit is the biggest rush anyone will ever get, and then you are always chasing it … and you never actually get that first incredible hit again,” she tells ...6 hours ago
- The rise and rise of class actions
https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.jsThe entry of litigation funders – firms that pay the costs of people taking legal action in return for a percentage of any damages awarded – has seen class actions become a regular feature in the New Zealand courts.Some argue that class actions offer access to justice – allowing ...
6 hours ago - Govt should defuse NZ’s social timebomb – but won’t
Analysis: As the coalition Government’s second Budget approaches, we should question where New Zealand is heading. The 2024 Budget laid out the strategy. Tax cuts and landlord subsidies were prioritised with a focus on cuts to social and infrastructure spending. Most of the tax package went to the well-off, while ...6 hours ago
- Te Pāti Māori put ‘on remand’ as debate on punishment postponed
Analysis: Government ministers looked relaxed when they walked into the House on Tuesday, despite the possibility of a New Zealand-style filibuster hanging over Budget week. It turns out they knew something others didn’t.A little over an hour later, Leader of the House Chris Bishop revealed his plan to push the ...6 hours ago
- The coalition Govt just doesn’t care about women
Analysis: In the 1970s, female workers the world over came together for the Wages for Housework campaign. Beginning in Italy and spreading globally, the campaign focused on the invisible and unpaid labour of housework primarily done (then and now) by women.The domestic sphere, and the domestic labour required for society ...6 hours ago
- Culture at the core: examining journalism values in the Pacific
ANALYSIS: By Birte Leonhardt, Folker Hanusch and Shailendra B. Singh The role of journalism in society is shaped not only by professional norms but also by deeply held cultural values. This is particularly evident in the Pacific Islands region, where journalists operate in media environments that are often small, tight-knit ...10 hours ago
- ACT asked for advice on range of punishments for Te Pāti Māori MPs – including imprisonment
A spokesperson said while the party did not argue for imprisonment, it liked to keep its options open. ...11 hours ago
- The band is breaking up: has the Coalition stopped making sense?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University I remember seeing footage, several years ago, of a jubilant Malcolm Turnbull, then prime minister and Liberal leader, speaking in Tamworth to loyal members of the National Party. These were the rank and ...12 hours ago
- Health chief ‘conductor of an orchestra who’s never played an instrument’
ANALYSIS: By Ian Powell In February 2025, Dr Diana Sarfati resigned, not unexpectedly, as Director-General of Health after only two years into her five-year term. As a medical specialist, and in her role as developing the successful cancer control agency, she had extensive experience in New Zealand’s health system. However, ...13 hours ago
- Victorian budget has cash to splash on health, transport but new levies, job cuts, rising debt signa...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University There was not a lot of cheer in the media reporting ahead of the 2025/6 Victorian budget released on Wednesday. Debt and deficits dominated the coverage. All eyes turned to new treasurer, Jaclyn ...15 hours ago
- RBA cuts interest rates, ready to respond again if the economy weakens further
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock speaks at a forum during the World Bank/IMF meetings in Washington in April. Jose Luis Magana/AP The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the ...15 hours ago
- The Coalition is on a break, but the Nationals risk finding their former partner doesn’t want them...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University In the weeks since the federal election, there’s been much speculation about the future of the Coalition agreement. In their soul-searching, it seemed possible the Liberals might pull the pin, ...16 hours ago
- Israel slammed over ‘cynical’ sidestep of global rulings on Gazan humanitarian aid
Asia Pacific Report Israel has been accused of “manipulation” and “cynical” circumvention of global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the besieged Gaza enclave. “In a clear act of defiance against international humanitarian obligations, the occupying state has permitted only nine aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip ...16 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Analysis – The Aratere and the New Zealand Main Trunk Line
Analysis by Keith Rankin. Keith Rankin, trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Government-owned Kiwirail is supposed to be presiding over the New Zealand Main Trunk (Railway) Line, from Auckland to Invercargill. As such it runs a ferry ...16 hours ago
- Billions Missing From Health Budget
“We have examined the spending decisions and announcements of the Minister of Health over the past few months. These demonstrate a pattern of making a new service promise but not providing any new funding for that new service,” said NZCTU Economist Craig ...16 hours ago - The government wants to contain NDIS growth. But ineligible people with disability also need support
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Ensuring the provision of high quality disability services will pose a significant challenge for the Albanese government’s second term. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) cost A$43.9 billion ...16 hours ago
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