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Comment: Posturing is not policy. How the West doomed Ukraine.
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 6:13 pm, March 24th, 2025
In inferring that, realism is simply window dressing for support for a particular Russian authoritarian policy, the question must be in which ways it has been unrealistic. The suggestion, as I interpret it, was that the West had limited ability to exhert ...Comment: Posturing is not policy. How the West doomed Ukraine.
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 3:21 pm, March 24th, 2025
Make sure you are sitting down before you look up the winner of the US election.Comment: Open mike 18/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 4:26 am, March 19th, 2025
Jesus gives the first recorded MMT lecture right there.Comment: Blink twice if you are being held hostage
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 8:58 am, March 13th, 2025
So, your argument is that Russia swung the election (using essentially legal means) with an extremely successful targeted advertising campaign. There are however a few issues with this, a) Both Republican and Democrat (and others) already do this ...Comment: Open mike 09/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 7:14 pm, March 9th, 2025
You are presumably aware that the DOGE rampage tactics are highly destructive to public sector productivity. Other countries are getting relatively ahead of the US by just not stuffing up their own public sectors.Comment: Open mike 09/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 12:51 pm, March 9th, 2025
From what I know, which is somewhat limited, in Ukraine the weapons systems need network connectivity. This could be replaced by a system other than Starlink but in the near term would need to be another country stepping in rather than something Ukraine ...Comment: Open mike 09/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 12:09 pm, March 9th, 2025
Usually the control is less direct. The UK could launch Trident autonomously at targets they select, but are dependent on parts keeping it operating. Most of the hardware used in Ukraine needs a connection to targeting, guidance systems making its military ...Comment: Open mike 08/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 8:39 am, March 9th, 2025
We can add to wanting to control what Palestinians wear, also wanting to control who the leaders of Palestine are allowed to be.Comment: Open mike 08/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 12:08 am, March 9th, 2025
Maybe the AI should read the whole link then, it says just as I said.Comment: Open mike 08/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 11:32 pm, March 8th, 2025
Plunkett's lack of knowing anything is not actually relevant. Keffiyeh were worn and already symbols of Palestinian resistance, well before the existence of a PLO. Unsurprising that Yassir Arafat would style himself that way, though he was far from ...Comment: Open mike 08/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 10:19 pm, March 8th, 2025
Israel better stop annexing Palestine or they are going to end up with an antisemitic symbol for their countries geography quite soon. Will the remaining Palestinians Arabs be allowed to wear a representation of their country at that point?Comment: Open mike 08/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 8:11 pm, March 8th, 2025
Very good. I don't expect Plunkett to express respect for any kind of symbols either actually, I'm pretty sure he doesn't respect any kind of symbols when it suites his purposes to denigrate them. He was there however attempting to connive with his guest ...Comment: Open mike 08/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 5:50 pm, March 8th, 2025
Particularly enjoyed Plunkett first referring to the keffiyeh as a 'Hamas Tea Towel', bringing on Cumin to say that's entirely correct and raise the specter of map iconography, and then questioning the apparent amount of connivance involved in council ...Comment: Open mike 08/03/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 1:29 pm, March 8th, 2025
You will have to tell us precisely how appalled you are before we can find out any equally or more appalled parties. If you want some unsolicited advice, go for I'm so appalled I could not care less, and then literally everyone is at least as appalled as ...Comment: Blink twice if you are being held hostage
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 10:23 am, March 6th, 2025
And you are definitely claiming this switched the election result from Biden, then Harris to Trump?Comment: Blink twice if you are being held hostage
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 8:55 pm, March 5th, 2025
You do realise that Trump being a Russian asset doesn't in any way suggest how he then became installed as US president at Putin's whim?Comment: Blink twice if you are being held hostage
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 7:09 pm, March 5th, 2025
@Mickey, is the final sentence implying Putin decided the latest US election outcome?Comment: USA – unreliable, undemocratic, and its citizens are not free compared to me
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 8:15 am, February 27th, 2025
Trump Lost. Vote Suppression Won. - Greg PalastComment: USA – unreliable, undemocratic, and its citizens are not free compared to me
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 7:11 am, February 27th, 2025
Greg Palast has investigated the scale of vote suppression tactics in the most recent US election. He plausibly claims 3.5million votes for Harris were not counted, including a lot in key swing states. The new tactic was resurrecting Jim Crow era laws ...Comment: Open mike 03/02/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 5:48 pm, February 6th, 2025
You're the only one getting ahead of things here. Yes, NZ has an obligation to try IDF soldiers who arrive here where there is reasonable evidence they have committed war crimes. That doesn't merely include those directly on the arrest list of the Hague. ...Comment: Open mike 03/02/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 11:08 pm, February 3rd, 2025
NZ has the same obligation to prosecute criminals of foreign armies as other countries have. Thats, for example, one of the obligations of NZ being a member of the ICC.Comment: Open mike 03/02/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 9:31 pm, February 3rd, 2025
You are drawing an equivalence in that the NZ govt is apparently prosecuting neither class of child killers (even despite its legal obligations to do so in both cases).Comment: Open mike 20/01/2025
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 9:27 pm, January 20th, 2025
Much as I think, what Craig said is a reasonable description of the main stream belief that inflation and unemployment are directly related, the validity of the main-stream belief is vastly over-stated. I suspect Craig would agree actually. Another way to ...Comment: Luxon’s panicked reshuffle
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 1:50 pm, January 20th, 2025
Mickey, you have clearly missjudged Nicola Willis, she is against economic growth and has killed it off at every opportunity presented this term.Comment: Open mike 22/12/2024
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 9:08 pm, December 22nd, 2024
Netanyahu as the PM is ultimately responsible for the occupation. He is also responsible if the occupation is implemented with such a racist attitude to resistance capacity that the IDF is completely over-run.Comment: Open mike 13/12/2024
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 6:53 pm, December 13th, 2024
The police harassment only began after Starmer became PM. Most likely its an initiative of one of his appointments related to police.Comment: Open mike 13/12/2024
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 12:57 pm, December 13th, 2024
Risky, I think he must have sensibly pocketed the chicken sandwiches at one of his school lunch publicity events. That's also considered best practice for children exposed to Compass lunch products and much safer than eating them.Comment: Open mike 13/12/2024
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 8:13 am, December 13th, 2024
No one will be surprised to discover that Greenstein is an ex-member of the UK Labour party and Jewish.Comment: Open mike 30/11/2024
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 7:31 pm, November 30th, 2024
Should be a model of a party which purged most of its left wing before taking office in a historically low turnout election?Comment: Open mike 30/11/2024
Written By: Nic the NZer - Date published: 12:45 pm, November 30th, 2024
The plan for a giant sun umbrella turned out to be impractical.
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- tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753486518085091399.post-2287094456929079731
Chris Trotter is now on Substack visit him at christrotter418256.substack.com ...1 day ago - Australia should work with South Korea to secure undersea cables
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Every time that I see ya,A lightning bolt fills the room,The underbelly of Paris,She sings her favourite tune,She'll drink you under the table,She'll show you a trick or two,But every time that I left her,I missed the things she would doSongwriters: Kelly JonesThis morning, I posted - Are you excited ...2 days ago - Bernard’s Soliloquy for the week to March 23
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Political fighting in Taiwan is delaying some of an increase in defence spending and creating an appearance of lack of national resolve that can only damage the island’s relationship with the Trump administration. The main ...4 days ago
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Open access notables The severe 2020 coral bleaching event in the tropical Atlantic linked to marine heatwaves, Rodrigues et al., Communications Earth & Environment: Marine heatwaves can amplify the vulnerabilities of regional marine ecosystems and jeopardise local economies and food resources. Here, we show that marine heatwaves in the tropical ...5 days ago
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Figures released by Statistics New Zealand today showed that the economy grew by 0.7% ending the very deep recession seen over the past year, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “Even though GDP grew in the three months to December, our economy is still 1.1% smaller than it ...5 days ago
- Maybe there’s a connection?
What is going on with the price of butter?, RNZ, 19 march 2025: If you have bought butter recently you might have noticed something - it is a lot more expensive. Stats NZ said last week that the price of butter was up 60 percent in February compared to ...5 days ago
- I, too, got a few things wrong
I agree with Will Leben, who wrote in The Strategist about his mistakes, that an important element of being a commentator is being accountable and taking responsibility for things you got wrong. In that spirit, ...5 days ago
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Two recent foreign challenges suggest that Australia needs urgently to increase its level of defence self-reliance and to ensure that the increased funding that this would require is available. First, the circumnavigation of our continent ...6 days ago
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Here’s my selection1 of scoops, breaking news, news, analyses, deep-dives, features, interviews, Op-Eds, editorials and cartoons from around Aotearoa’s political economy on housing, climate and poverty from RNZ, 1News, The Post-$2, The Press−$, Newsroom/$3, NZ Herald/$, Stuff, BusinessDesk/$, Politik-$, NBR-$, Reuters, FT/$, WSJ/$, Bloomberg/$, New York Times/$, The Atlantic-$, The ...6 days ago - Gordon Campbell on Winston Peters’ bad trip, and the return of the PPPs zombie
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Up until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of "Climate Fresk" and at a guess, this will also be the case for many of you. I stumbled upon it in the self-service training catalog for employees at the company I work at in Germany where it was announced ...6 days ago
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Japan and Australia talk of ‘collective deterrence,’ but they don’t seem to have specific objectives. The relationship needs a clearer direction. The two countries should identify how they complement each other. Each country has two ...6 days ago
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The NZCTU strongly supports the OPC’s decision to issue a code of practice for biometric processing. Our view is that the draft code currently being consulted on is stronger and will be more effective than the exposure code released in early 2024. We are pleased that some of the revisions ...6 days ago
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Australia’s export-oriented industries, particularly agriculture, need to diversify their markets, with a focus on Southeast Asia. This could strengthen economic security and resilience while deepening regional relationships. The Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on ...6 days ago
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In what has become regular news, the quarterly ETS auction has failed, with nobody even bothering to bid. The immediate reason is that the carbon price has fallen to around $60, below the auction minimum of $68. And the cause of that is a government which has basically given up ...6 days ago
- Trump’s tariffs challenge India’s economic balance
US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats have dominated headlines in India in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Trump announced that his reciprocal tariffs—matching other countries’ tariffs on American goods—will go into effect on 2 April, ...6 days ago
- NZ’s First #MeToo Case Wants To Practise Law Again
Hi,Back in June of 2021, James Gardner-Hopkins — a former partner at law firm Russell McVeagh — was found guilty of misconduct over sexually inappropriate behaviour with interns.The events all related to law students working as summer interns at Russell McVeagh:As well as intimate touching with a student at his ...6 days ago - Climate sceptic ACT MP attacks National
Climate sceptic MP Mark Cameron has slammed National for being ‘out of touch’ by sticking to our climate commitments. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories shortest: ACT’s renowned climate sceptic MP Mark Cameron has accused National of being 'out of touch' with farmers by sticking with New Zealand’s Paris accord pledges ...7 days ago - Libertarian Jesus
Now I've heard there was a secret chordThat David played, and it pleased the LordBut you don't really care for music, do you?It goes like this, the fourth, the fifthThe minor falls, the major liftsThe baffled king composing HallelujahSongwriter: Leonard CohenI always thought the lyrics of that great song by ...7 days ago - People matter—especially when frigate crews are too small
People are getting carried away with the virtues of small warship crews. We need to remember the great vice of having few people to run a ship: they’ll quickly tire. Yes, the navy is struggling ...7 days ago
- Greens question Govt commitment to environmental protection with RMA reform
The Greens are calling on the Government to follow through on their vague promises of environmental protection in their Resource Management Act (RMA) reform. ...1 day ago - Release: Govt must tackle meth use crisis
New data shows methamphetamine use is spiralling out of control while the Government sits on its hands. ...2 days ago - “Make New Zealand First Again”
“Make New Zealand First Again” Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, thank you for being here today. We know your lives are busy and you are working harder and longer than you ever have, and there are many calls on your time, so thank you for the chance to speak ...2 days ago - Release: Govt’s continued lack of action on Gaza condemned
Hundreds more Palestinians have died in recent days as Israel’s assault on Gaza continues and humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, is blocked. ...4 days ago
- Release: National at sea over Defence jobs
National is looking to cut hundreds of jobs at New Zealand’s Defence Force, while at the same time it talks up plans to increase focus and spending in Defence. ...5 days ago
- Release: National standards returning by stealth
It’s been revealed that the Government is secretly trying to bring back a ‘one-size fits all’ standardised test – a decision that has shocked school principals. ...5 days ago
- Release: Kiwis still struggling as economy stumbles along
Kiwis aren’t feeling any better off despite figures showing a very slight growth in GDP in the December quarter. ...5 days ago
- Greens call for compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe
The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison. ...6 days ago
- Another failed ETS auction, another indictment on the Govt’s climate credibility
The ETS auction’s failure today is yet another clear sign that the Government is failing us all on climate action. ...6 days ago
- Release: Luxon quick to give away principled position on nukes
Christopher Luxon seems to have thrown New Zealand’s principled anti-nuclear advocacy under a bus. ...6 days ago
- NZ must act on Israel’s slaughter of children
The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza. ...7 days ago
- Release: Still no certainty for disability communities
One year on from the Government’s abrupt and callous changes to disability funding, the community still has no idea what the future holds. ...1 week ago
- Green Party backs volunteer firefighters in their call for ACC recognition
The Green Party stands in support of volunteer firefighters petitioning the Government to step up and change legislation to provide volunteers the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid counterparts. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Palestine: A Call to Action Against Israels Treacherous Attack
At 2.30am local time, Israel launched a treacherous attack on Gaza killing more than 300 defenceless civilians while they slept. Many of them were children. This followed a more than 2 week-long blockade by Israel on the entry of all goods and aid into Gaza. Israel deliberately targeted densely populated ...1 week ago
- MP Views: Living Strong, The Economy, Servicing Our Nation, The Golden Egg, and 4 Year Terms
Living Strong, Aging Well There is much discussion around the health of our older New Zealanders and how we can age well. In reality, the delivery of health services accounts for only a relatively small percentage of health outcomes as we age. Significantly, dry warm housing, nutrition, exercise, social connection, ...1 week ago
- Shane Jones has no shame
Shane Jones’ display on Q&A showed how out of touch he and this Government are with our communities and how in sync they are with companies with little concern for people and planet. ...1 week ago
- Release: National botches health funding numbers
Health Minister Simeon Brown’s claim that the Government has put $16.68 billion into the health system over three years is wrong. ...2 weeks ago
- Government tramples on the rights of disabled migrant children
The Green Party is condemning the Government’s move to tighten access to visas for disabled children. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Auckland needs second harbour crossing
Labour supports Minister Chris Bishop’s call for input on the second Waitematā Harbour crossing. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds’ speech to NZ Investment Summit 2025
I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak to you today about how we make overseas investment work for all New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour does not support PPPs for prisons
Labour does not support the private ownership of core infrastructure like schools, hospitals and prisons, which will only see worse outcomes for Kiwis. ...2 weeks ago
- Dunedin Futures report should be a wake-up call
The newly released report on the South Dunedin Future Programme must be a wake-up call for our Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Members’ Bill makes wage theft a crime
Workers will now be able to go to the Police and report their employer if they are not being paid wages they’re owed. ...2 weeks ago
- Missed opportunity to stop the stealing of Māori land
The Green Party is disappointed the Government voted down Hūhana Lyndon’s member’s Bill, which would have prevented further alienation of Māori land through the Public Works Act. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports sanctions against Israel’s illegal occupation
The Labour Party will support Chloe Swarbrick’s member’s bill which would allow sanctions against Israel for its illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt procurement plan cuts wages and trashes the environment
The Government’s new procurement rules are a blatant attack on workers and the environment, showing once again that National’s priorities are completely out of touch with everyday Kiwis. ...2 weeks ago
- Procurement proposals pose risk to people and planet
The Green Party is concerned by the impact the Government’s proposed changes to procurement processes could have on people and planet. ...2 weeks ago
- Just six Government MPs needed to pass Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill
With Labour and Te Pāti Māori’s official support, Opposition parties are officially aligned to progress Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in Palestine. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour’s approach to Māori economy benefits all
Under Labour, the Māori economy went from strength to strength according to the latest report released by MBIE. ...2 weeks ago
- 20 Years of Success Down the Drain: Govt Gut Whānau Ora
Te Pāti Māori extends our deepest aroha to the 500 plus Whānau Ora workers who have been advised today that the govt will be dismantling their contracts. For twenty years , Whānau Ora has been helping families, delivering life-changing support through a kaupapa Māori approach. It has built trust where ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party launches petition to allow Pacific whānau visa-free access
The Green Party is launching a petition calling on the Government to extend visa-free travel to visitors from Pacific Island nations. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes reinstatement of Heath NZ board
Labour welcomes Simeon Brown’s move to reinstate a board at Health New Zealand, bringing the destructive and secretive tenure of commissioner Lester Levy to an end. ...3 weeks ago
- NZ’s Public Health system dealt yet another blow
This morning’s announcement by the Health Minister regarding a major overhaul of the public health sector levels yet another blow to the country’s essential services. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins’ State of the Nation address
Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa It is a great pleasure to be here with you this morning. ...3 weeks ago
- NZ First Introduces Bill to Remove Woke ‘DEI’ Regulations from Public Service
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will ensure employment decisions in the public service are based on merit and not on forced woke ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ targets. “This Bill would put an end to the woke left-wing social engineering and diversity targets in the public sector. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour outlines priorities of next Govt
The next Labour Government will prioritise jobs, health and homes so Kiwis and Kiwi businesses have the opportunity to thrive. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Refreshed team to drive Labour’s 2026 priorities
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has unveiled a new economic team as part of a caucus reshuffle. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for end to police referrals to Destiny programmes
Police have referred 20 offenders to Destiny Church-affiliated programmes Man Up and Legacy as ‘wellness providers’ in the last year, raising concerns that those seeking help are being recruited into a harmful organisation. ...3 weeks ago
- New planning laws to end the culture of ‘no’
The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment, say Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court. “The RMA is broken and everyone knows it. It makes it too hard to build ...1 day ago - New Zealand & India Comprehensive FTA consultation begins
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today launched a public consultation on New Zealand and India’s negotiations of a formal comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. “Negotiations are getting underway, and the Public’s views will better inform us in the early parts of this important negotiation,” Mr McClay says. We are ...1 day ago
- Cost of living support coming for 1.5 million New Zealanders
More than 900 thousand superannuitants and almost five thousand veterans are among the New Zealanders set to receive a significant financial boost from next week, an uplift Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says will help support them through cost-of-living challenges. “I am pleased to confirm that from 1 ...1 day ago
- Iwi join discussion on geothermal potential
Progressing a holistic strategy to unlock the potential of New Zealand’s geothermal resources, possibly in applications beyond energy generation, is at the centre of discussions with mana whenua at a hui in Rotorua today, Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is in the early stages ...4 days ago
- Building consent data shows need for bold reforms
New annual data has exposed the staggering cost of delays previously hidden in the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I directed Building Consent Authorities to begin providing quarterly data last year to improve transparency, following repeated complaints from tradespeople waiting far longer than the statutory ...5 days ago
- Reining in water price increases for Aucklanders
Increases in water charges for Auckland consumers this year will be halved under the Watercare Charter which has now been passed into law, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The charter is part of the financial arrangement for Watercare developed last year by Auckland Council ...5 days ago
- Strong interest in modernising biosecurity law
There is wide public support for the Government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity protections, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The Ministry for Primary Industries recently completed public consultation on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act and the submissions show that people understand the importance of having a strong biosecurity ...5 days ago
- New independent review function for civil aviation decisions
A new independent review function will enable individuals and organisations to seek an expert independent review of specified civil aviation regulatory decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Director of Civil Aviation, Acting Transport Minister James Meager has announced today. “Today we are making it easier and more affordable ...5 days ago
- Enhanced urgent care service for Napier
The Government will invest in an enhanced overnight urgent care service for the Napier community as part of our focus on ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown has today confirmed. “I am delighted that a solution has been found to ensure Napier residents will continue to ...5 days ago
- Construction begins on new adult mental health building in Christchurch
Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey attended a sod turning today to officially mark the start of construction on a new mental health facility at Hillmorton Campus. “This represents a significant step in modernising mental health services in Canterbury,” Mr Brown says. “Improving health infrastructure is ...5 days ago
- It’s official: Kiwis can look forward to better days
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed confirmation the economy has turned the corner. Stats NZ reported today that gross domestic product grew 0.7 per cent in the three months to December following falls in the June and September quarters. “We know many families and businesses are still suffering the after-effects ...5 days ago
- Sealing improves safety on Forgotten World Highway
The sealing of a 12-kilometre stretch of State Highway 43 (SH43) through the Tangarakau Gorge – one of the last remaining sections of unsealed state highway in the country – has been completed this week as part of a wider programme of work aimed at improving the safety and resilience ...5 days ago
- NZ – US relations on strong footing
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters says relations between New Zealand and the United States are on a strong footing, as he concludes a week-long visit to New York and Washington DC today. “We came to the United States to ask the new Administration what it wants from ...6 days ago
- International Anti-Money Laundering rule changes support government reforms
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed changes to international anti-money laundering standards which closely align with the Government’s reforms. “The Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) last month adopted revised standards for tackling money laundering and the financing of terrorism to allow for simplified regulatory measures for businesses, organisations and sectors ...6 days ago
- New electronic system to support pharmacy efficiency
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says he welcomes Medsafe’s decision to approve an electronic controlled drug register for use in New Zealand pharmacies, allowing pharmacies to replace their physical paper-based register. “The register, developed by Kiwi brand Toniq Limited, is the first of its kind to be approved in New ...6 days ago
- RIF delivering for regional NZ, more to come
The Coalition Government’s drive for regional economic growth through the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund is on track with more than $550 million in funding so far committed to key infrastructure projects, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “To date, the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) has received more than 250 ...6 days ago
- Comments following bilateral with US Secretary of State Rubio
[Comments following the bilateral meeting with United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; United States State Department, Washington D.C.] * We’re very pleased with our meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this afternoon. * We came here to listen to the new Administration and to be clear about what ...6 days ago
- New State Highway 2 roundabout to improve road safety in Eastern Bay of Plenty
The intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be made safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight with the construction of a new and long-awaited roundabout, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. “The current intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road is ...7 days ago
- Ocean Race returning to Auckland
The Ocean Race will return to the City of Sails in 2027 following the Government’s decision to invest up to $4 million from the Major Events Fund into the international event, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand is a proud sailing nation, and Auckland is well-known internationally as the ...7 days ago
- New associate psychology role to grow the mental health workforce
Improving access to mental health and addiction support took a significant step forward today with Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announcing that the University of Canterbury have been the first to be selected to develop the Government’s new associate psychologist training programme. “I am thrilled that the University of Canterbury ...1 week ago
- First stage of Manukau Health Park expansion open to patients
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened the new East Building expansion at Manukau Health Park. “This is a significant milestone and the first stage of the Grow Manukau programme, which will double the footprint of the Manukau Health Park to around 30,000m2 once complete,” Mr Brown says. “Home ...1 week ago
- Proceeds of crime to fund safety measures in central Auckland
The Government will boost anti-crime measures across central Auckland with $1.3 million of funding as a result of the Proceeds of Crime Fund, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “In recent years there has been increased antisocial and criminal behaviour in our CBD. The Government ...1 week ago
- Consultation on options to strengthen food waste for pigs regulations
The Government is moving to strengthen rules for feeding food waste to pigs to protect New Zealand from exotic animal diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD), says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. ‘Feeding untreated meat waste, often known as "swill", to pigs could introduce serious animal diseases like FMD and ...1 week ago
- PMs Luxon & Modi deepen NZ-India ties
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks in New Delhi today. Fresh off announcing that New Zealand and India would commence negotiations towards a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the two Prime Ministers released a joint statement detailing plans for further cooperation between the two countries across ...1 week ago
- New Zealand & India strengthen forestry ties
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the forestry sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...1 week ago
- New Zealand & India strengthen horticultural ties
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the horticulture sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...1 week ago
- Family Court Judges appointed
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new Family Court Judges. The new Judges will take up their roles in April and May and fill Family Court vacancies at the Auckland and Manukau courts. Annette Gray Ms Gray completed her law degree at Victoria University before joining Phillips ...1 week ago
- New High Dependency Unit will expand critical care services in Wellington
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened Wellington Regional Hospital’s first High Dependency Unit (HDU). “This unit will boost critical care services in the lower North Island, providing extra capacity and relieving pressure on the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency department. “Wellington Regional Hospital has previously relied ...1 week ago
- RAISINA DIALOGUE 2025: KĀLACHAKRA – PEOPLE, PEACE AND PLANET
Namaskar, Sat Sri Akal, kia ora and good afternoon everyone. What an honour it is to stand on this stage - to inaugurate this august Dialogue - with none other than the Honourable Narendra Modi. My good friend, thank you for so generously welcoming me to India and for our ...1 week ago
- Speech to NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit
Check against delivery.Kia ora koutou katoa It’s a real pleasure to join you at the inaugural New Zealand infrastructure investment summit. I’d like to welcome our overseas guests, as well as our local partners, organisations, and others.I’d also like to acknowledge: The Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and other Ministers from the Coalition ...2 weeks ago
- Albanese government bids for votes with ‘top-up’ tax cuts for all
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Tax cuts are the centrepiece of the Albanese government’s cost-of-living budget bid for re-election in May. The surprise tax measures mean taxpayers will receive an extra tax cut of up to A$268 from July 1 ...35 minutes ago - At a glance: the 2025 federal budget
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Digital Storytelling Team, The Conversation, The Conversation What’s the theme? Many budget measures are aimed at easing cost of living. The headline announcement is tax cuts: everyone will get one, but not until July 1 2026. Other major spends are on ...35 minutes ago
- The 2025 budget has few savings and surprises but it also ignores climate change
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bartos, Professor of Economics, University of Canberra By the standards of pre-election budgets, this one is surprisingly modest. There are only a handful of new revenue and spending initiatives. The Budget Paper 2 book, which contains new measures, is a slim ...35 minutes ago
- Tax cuts are coming, but not soon, in a cautious budget
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Today’s budget is a cautious and responsible response to the cost-of-living pressures facing voters. As noted ahead of budget night, many of the major spending initiatives had already ...35 minutes ago
- Fiji solidarity group condemns Rabuka plans for Israeli embassy in Jerusalem
Asia Pacific Report A Fiji-based Pacific solidarity group supporting the indigenous Palestine struggle for survival against the Israeli settler colonial state has today issued a statement condemning Fiji backing for Israel. In an open letter to the “people of Fiji”, the Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network (F4P) has warned “your ...2 hours ago
- Why is the US group chat on Houthi attack plans so concerning? A military operations expert explains
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University A report in The Atlantic today sent shockwaves through Washington and beyond: senior US officials shared military operations for a bombing campaign against Houthi ...3 hours ago
- Iwi Says RMA Reforms Is ‘Open Attack On Māoridom’
Ngāti Ruanui’s Crown-mandated agency said the south Taranaki iwi wasn’t opposed to improving the resource management system. But Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui kaiwhakahaere Rachel Arnott said they totally rejected not carrying over Treaty obligations. ...3 hours ago - Politics: Papua New Guinea PM and Christopher Luxon hold media conference after meeting
PNG PM James Marape and Christopher Luxon held a signing ceremony and media conference following a bilateral meeting ...3 hours ago - Petition launched against ‘horrible, disgusting and inedible’ school lunches
"We've just had enough," lawyer Tania Waikato told RNZ. ...3 hours ago
- A budget splash to conserve 30% of Australia’s lands will save species – if we choose the right ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Watson, Professor in Conservation Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland Hans Wismeijer/Shutterstock In 2022, Australia and many other nations agreed to protect 30% of their lands and waters by 2030 to arrest the rapid decline in biodiversity. ...3 hours ago
- Politics live: Papua New Guinea PM and Christopher Luxon hold media conference after meeting
PNG PM James Marape and Christopher Luxon are holding a signing ceremony and media conference following a bilateral meeting ...3 hours ago
- The House: Hunker down for a week of urgent plod sprinkled with chaos
MPs will spend the week debating bills under urgency. We outline the key legislation proposed. ...4 hours ago
- Labour’s Greg O’Connor plans to stick around even if his Ōhāriu seat is carved up
Under proposals released by the Representation Commission, the electorates of Ōhāriu, Mana, and Ōtaki will be scrapped, and replaced by two new seats: Kenepuru, and Kāpiti. ...4 hours ago
- Will RMA change mean cheaper houses?
Planned changes to the Resource Management Act should reduce house prices and improve supply - provided they are able to be enacted. ...4 hours ago
- Primary health organisations taking up too much health spending at GPs’ expense – report
Top-heavy PHOs are siphoning off too much funding before it gets to frontline GPs, according to an independent report. ...4 hours ago
- Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem Condemns Swarbrick’s Sanctions Bill Against Israel
"Swarbrick’s bill is antisemitic as it denies Israel, the world’s only Jewish state, the right to self defense, a right granted to all other sovereign states." ...6 hours ago
- Victim Support ditching volunteers from July
Manaaki Tāngata Victim Suppport is phasing out its 37-year-old volunteer-based service in favour of a fully staff-based workforce. ...6 hours ago
- Technology has shaped human knowledge for centuries. Generative AI is set to transform it yet again
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Vivienne Bentley, Research Scientist, Responsible Innovation, Data61, CSIRO Cristóbal Ascencio & Archival Images of AI & AIxDESIGN/Better Images of AI, CC BY-SA Where would we be without knowledge? Everything from the building of spaceships to the development of new therapies ...6 hours ago
- Māori Development Minister unaware government ruled out Treaty clause in RMA reform
The Minister of Māori Development didn't know Cabinet had agreed not to include the clause in the coalition's proposed legislation. ...6 hours ago
- Wage theft is now a criminal offence in NZ – investigating it shouldn’t be left to the police
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Irene Nikoloudakis, PhD Candidate in Law, University of Adelaide Getty Images Being robbed is a horrible experience under any circumstances. But being robbed by your employer involves a unique betrayal of trust. So it was a sign of real progress when ...7 hours ago
- Politics: Luxon lashes Health NZ over 11-year-old’s mistaken identity
The PM fielded questions in Parliament on a day where a case of mistaken identity has put the heat on police and Health NZ. ...7 hours ago
- PNG ‘test ban’ blocks Facebook – governor Bird warns of tyranny risk
By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent The Papua New Guinea government has admitted to using a technology that it says was “successfully tested” to block social media platforms, particularly Facebook, for much of the day yesterday. Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the “test” was done under the framework ...7 hours ago
- The ICC showed its might by arresting Rodrigo Duterte. Its reputation will take longer to fix
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria, Lecturer in International Law, Curtin University Only five days after the arrest warrant against former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was issued, he was apprehended and immediately put on a plane to The Hague to face charges before the International Criminal ...7 hours ago
- Help: I’m being haunted by the Skinny AI ad
The new campaign features an AI customer clone ‘to keep prices low’. But what is the real cost? Everywhere I look at the moment, I see her. She lurks on The NZ Herald homepage, her digital grin jarring with the horror-filled headlines about Destiny Church protestors and missing women abroad. ...8 hours ago - Nerve-wracking twists, remarkable stardom and jet-black comedy: the 5 best films of the 2025 French ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben McCann, Associate Professor of French Studies, University of Adelaide The Divine Sarah Bernhardt. Memento This year’s Alliance Française French Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of films from blockbusters and biopics to comedies and gripping thrillers for Australian audiences. I’ve ...8 hours ago
- Māori Development Minister unaware Goverment ruled out Treaty clause in RMA reform
The Minister of Māori Development didn't know Cabinet had agreed not to include the clause in the coalition's proposed legislation. ...8 hours ago
- Why does my kid eat so well at childcare but not at home?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, University of Sydney Maria Symchych/Shutterstock If you’ve ever picked up your child from childcare and wondered if they’re living a double life, you’re not alone. Parents often receive rave reports ...9 hours ago
- REVEALED: Ministry Funnels $3.8 Million To Eco-Lobbyists
Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said: “This isn’t environmental protection—it’s a taxpayer-funded activist slush fund.” ...9 hours ago
- Minister closes inner Hauraki Gulf to fishing of rock lobster
Shane Jones says the closure, starting from April 1, is to allow the lobster population to restore itself. ...9 hours ago
- What’s the difference between freckles, sunspots and moles?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mike Climstein, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University Cottonbro Studio/Pexels You’ve got a new brown spot on your face, but is it a freckle or a sunspot? Or perhaps you’ve found a spot on your back that looks like ...10 hours ago
- Spy agency minister Judith Collins refuses to release Pacific cyber security documents
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has been warning Pacific partners that China's growing influence in the region presents foreign interference and espionage risks. ...10 hours ago
- ‘Horrific’: Luxon won’t rule out heads rolling over girl’s mistaken identity
An 11-year-old was taken to a mental health facility after being mistaken for a 20-year-old. The PM wants to know why it took two weeks to tell the minister. ...10 hours ago
- A vision of two New Zealands: The ‘war on woke’ and a hīkoi for trans healthcare
As hundreds marched to parliament to protest possible restrictions on gender-affirming care for youth, NZ First leader Winston Peters promised his party would continue to fight against the use of puberty blockers. In his state of the nation speech in Christchurch on Sunday, Winston Peters used the term “woke” about ...10 hours ago
- ‘Horrific’: Luxon lashes Health NZ over mistaken identity
An 11-year-old was taken to a mental health facility after being mistaken for a 20-year-old. The PM wants to know why it took two weeks to tell the minister. ...10 hours ago
- Wellington to lose an electorate as shake-up of local seats proposed
Three electorates would vanish and two new ones would be set up in the capital as lines for local seats are redrawn. ...11 hours ago
- Review: Fazerdaze at The Powerstation – a dream-pop dream come true
Liv Sisson reviews a milestone gig for an ascendant New Zealand act. On Saturday night, Fazerdaze headlined Auckland’s Powerstation for the very first time. “This is my favourite venue in the whole world,” Amelia Murray (aka Fazerdaze) told the crowd. Playing it clearly meant a lot to her. During the ...11 hours ago
- Politics live: Luxon lashes Health NZ over 11-year-old’s mistaken identity
An 11-year-old was taken to a mental health facility after being mistaken for a 20-year-old. The PM wants to know why it took two weeks to tell the minister. ...12 hours ago
- Fifty years of Polyfest: A legacy of culture, community, and connection
From its humble beginnings to becoming the world’s largest Polynesian cultural festival, ASB Polyfest has shaped generations of young people, strengthened cultural connections, and fostered community resilience. I remember being a fresh-faced 13-year-old as the smell of dry cow dung – used to dye the fibres on our piupiu – ...12 hours ago
- Labour market optimism sinks down to post-Covid lows
Labour market pessimism has deepened as workers worry about holding to their job, the difficulty in finding work, and slowing wage growth. ...12 hours ago
- A close read of the ‘Grenon letter’ – a billionaire’s vision for the future of the NZ Herald
In early March an 11-page letter sent shockwaves through media giant NZME. Duncan Greive analyses its withering critique of the business, and the plan to redirect its news direction after ripping out the board. New Zealand’s sharemarket is typically a fairly sleepy place. Stocks rise and fall, sometimes abruptly – ...12 hours ago
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