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Comment: Open mike 26/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 3:39 pm, May 26th, 2025
The solution her group came up with appears to be the one that led to the comparison of librarians with fisheries officers and stretched the original scheme into the realm of fantasy. Even Hipkins isn't willing to commit to it is he? If they were extending ...Comment: Open mike 26/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 3:27 pm, May 26th, 2025
The Lake Onslow scheme never seemed to make any sense to me. What was going to happen is that we would release water, currently in a reservoir above a Hydro station and run it through the dam's turbines to produce electricity that would pump water up into ...Comment: Open mike 26/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 2:39 pm, May 26th, 2025
Is there anyone here living in the Far North Council area who knows what their Council has spent on this foolish exercise of collecting and storing plastic waste material? Now they dump it in the landfill, as they could so easily have been doing for years. ...Comment: Open mike 26/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 2:32 pm, May 26th, 2025
Apart from her own opinion of her merits can you tell us anyone else who holds the view that she is "THE leading expert" and has told you so?Comment: Open mike 25/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:06 pm, May 25th, 2025
People who are interested in the welfare of low income citizens should probably advocate the following changes to the scheme. Under no circumstances make it compulsory. If you want all your income to spend now you should be able to do it. Insist that all ...Comment: Open mike 24/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 8:43 pm, May 24th, 2025
You are replying to a comment. The post is Open Mike. The single women, or more accurately the never-married women I know are generally better of in retirement that the never married men. These men would seem to me to be at least as much in need as the ...Comment: Open mike 24/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:10 pm, May 24th, 2025
"outside to chill down overnight". For some reason I thought that you lived in the deep South. I would have thought that the bottles would have frozen and that you would have even more of a mess. Perhaps I am confusing you with another commenter.Comment: Open mike 24/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:05 pm, May 24th, 2025
"for single women" and "group of women". Why are you in favour of discrimination against single men?Comment: Open mike 23/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 10:12 am, May 23rd, 2025
The Government contribution to children's Kiwisaver accounts is completely democratic at the moment. Nobody under the age of 18 receives a Government funded contribution. It doesn't matter how rich or poor your parents are or whether you have a Kiwisaver ...Comment: Open mike 22/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:14 pm, May 22nd, 2025
Why on earth do the Universities have to increase their fees by 6%, which is much more than the general inflation rate? Is it to pay people like the Vice-Chancellor at Otago about two thirds of a million dollars a year? How many other people do they have ...Comment: Daily review 21/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 8:31 pm, May 21st, 2025
You may care to read this story which quotes the then head of the business saying, in May 2024 "Caughey, the then chairman of Smith & Caughey’s (he has now left the role), led a meeting that week of about 240 staff, where he outlined the proposal to close ...Comment: Daily review 21/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 8:22 pm, May 21st, 2025
I guess I could point out that Radfords closed in 2006, when Cullen was in the chair, and David Jones in 2022 when I suppose we have to blame Robertson? Of course we don't. The shops had outlived their time. I was living in Melbourne when Georges closed. ...Comment: Daily review 21/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:40 pm, May 21st, 2025
You are joking aren't you? If not there must be an incredible number of Finance Ministers who will have to blamed for the fact that the Department Store has almost universally died out in the last 30 or so years. James Smith, DIC, Kircaldie and Stains, ...Comment: Daily review 20/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:36 pm, May 20th, 2025
This does seem to have been a concern of Chris Hipkins though. He said "“Doing it right before the Budget makes that even more egregious. It says that those MPs can’t participate in the Budget ... It is the sort of action you’d see from a tin pot ...Comment: Daily review 20/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 6:55 pm, May 20th, 2025
I wonder if the Maori Party will turn up for the Budget, now that their suspension from Parliament has been delayed? They never even turned up last year, which seemed to show their lack of interest in Parliamentary business.Comment: What would the Greens’ inheritance/gift tax mean for farming?
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 10:19 am, May 20th, 2025
I think that what is being commented on is that the value of the property is derived from the money that was spent on it and that is what was left after tax was paid when it was first earned. Thus you pay tax on the original earned income and then pay tax ...Comment: Open mike 18/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 6:10 pm, May 18th, 2025
I never noticed the mistake with the missing "r". Mind you, I barely even noticed that he was ever in Parliament. He could drive a tractor though. Tizard stalled the one he was driving and started rolling backwards down the steps.Comment: Open mike 18/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 5:54 pm, May 18th, 2025
Oh dear. While the Green Party have been running ad's claiming the the Government are cutting nurses wages, which isn't true, they are proposing a Budget that would cut the income of the average nurse. Not by much but a cut none the less. https://www. ...Comment: Open mike 18/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 5:03 pm, May 18th, 2025
That would have been Bob Tizard, back in about 1987. The then PM and deputy PM thought it was hilarious. Bob got of scot-free. https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/69734244/tractor-protests-become-a-regular-feature-at-parliament---150-years-of-newsComment: Open mike 16/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 2:17 pm, May 16th, 2025
"and just have a good rant". You don't need a pub for that. Isn't that why people spend their time on The Standard?Comment: Open mike 16/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 2:13 pm, May 16th, 2025
'limit was waived for such aircraft in 1964'. I have never thought about the reason for developing three-engined aircraft. I didn't even think about it being because of that rule and how long it was before they dropped it. Flying the Pacific from Auckland ...Comment: Open mike 16/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 12:50 pm, May 16th, 2025
I prefer a more optimistic view. "The improved power, economy and reliability of modern jet engines meant that four engines are no longer required on long haul, wide-bodied aircraft". Comes to the same thing of course. I will miss the A380 though. It is a ...Comment: The Empire strikes back
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 12:37 pm, May 16th, 2025
" and [their] pay packets barely cover [their] student loan bills" That is an interesting claim but I would love to see how you can possibly justify it. I assume that we are only talking about people who live in New Zealand. If you live overseas your ...Comment: The Green Budget
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 10:33 am, May 16th, 2025
I'm sorry to disagree with you but when they say, as you quote "A Green Government will bring back the successful Clean Car Discount." but with the qualification on zero emissions only, I would say that they were going to bring back the old scheme and that ...Comment: Open mike 15/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:46 pm, May 15th, 2025
Are you saying that every claim that has been made is something that has nothing to do with whether women are underpaid but are based on the premise that because the librarians for example have managed to find someone who is better paid than they are there ...Comment: The Green Budget
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 7:17 pm, May 15th, 2025
There is nothing I can see in their budget that provides a figure of the extra tax they are planning to collect from these polluting vehicles. Where is it and how much is the tax going to be? The RUC was part of the subsidy scheme. They say that they are ...Comment: Open mike 15/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 5:15 pm, May 15th, 2025
She is thoroughly in favour of equal pay for equal work, as she says is the case in the Public Service. She thinks that attempting to equate librarians with fisheries officers or admin staff with mechanical engineers is ridiculous.Comment: Open mike 15/05/2025
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 2:29 pm, May 15th, 2025
You did notice that Stanford immediately apologised for her comment? What did Vance do? Or the TPM leaders for that matter? Incidentally my wife tells me that c*** is a great deal worse than b***.Comment: The Green Budget
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 1:11 pm, May 15th, 2025
I agree about the exclusion from RUC, although I wouldn't be quite so pessimistic about the weight. That is a separate matter though. This claims to be be a fully costed budget and yet here it appears to be way out. Is the rest any better?Comment: The Green Budget
Written By: alwyn - Date published: 12:52 pm, May 15th, 2025
I am interested in the economics of BEV light vehicles. The Green budget says that they will reintroduce the subsidy scheme and that it will only cost $10 million per year. I assume that it is $10 million as the budget just says 10 and I don't see anywhere ...
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- Don’t panic: the US AUKUS review could strengthen the partnership
The Trump administration has ordered a review of AUKUS to be led by Undersecretary of Defense Policy Elbridge Colby. The review has some attendant risks, but also a potential upside for the three-way partnership. The ...7 days ago
- Pre-emptive or preventative?
I do not mean to be pedantic about this sort of thing, but since it lies within my area of supposed “expertise,” here goes: Unlike what is being reported in the corporate media and by some defense officials, the Israeli strike on Iran was not “pre-emptive.” “Pre-emptive” means “a sudden ...7 days ago
- Goebbels’ favourite bird
1. What would you let David Seymour or the people he put on a board decide for you?a. Whether to order the chicken or the flounderb. Whether to watch Dept Q or Sirens on Netflixc. Whether to read Ayn Rand or smack my head with a frypand. Nothing, not one ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt overreach removes power from local councils
Ministers will now be able to override the decisions of councils and locally elected officials. ...2 days ago - ECE funding review must centre tamariki
The Government’s review of Early Childhood Education funding, announced today, is a clear and appalling reflection of its priorities, with a ministerial group being directed to balance “quality and affordability for services”. ...3 days ago - ERA changes hurt workers, pander to big business
The Green Party says proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act announced today by the Government will further undermine workers’ rights while pandering to big business. ...3 days ago
- Release: Govt Bill strips vital job protections from workers
The Employer Relations Amendment Bill will make work even less secure for Kiwis. ...3 days ago
- Release: Government is full of it on homelessness
The Government continues to deny its policies are contributing to homelessness in New Zealand, despite being told they are. ...3 days ago
- Govt’s private hospital contracts little more than Band-Aid
The Government’s directive to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts to perform elective surgeries is yet another step down the path of privatisation in our healthcare system. ...3 days ago
- Sick Leave is a Right, Not a Reward- Ngarewa-Packer
Te Pāti Māori is calling out the Government’s proposed changes to sick leave entitlements as a cruel step backwards that punishes low-income, part-time, single parents and essential workers. We staunchly support the concerns raised by PSA National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, that this move will disproportionately harm wāhine, who are most ...4 days ago
- Greens show Willis’ fiscal straight-jacket is junk, validate case for strong public investment
The Green Party has released its fiscal strategy, demonstrating how we can and must invest in the real-world needs of our country, planet and people. ...4 days ago
- Concern over signs Govt will reduce sick leave for workers
The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to stand up for workers’ rights for once and rule out reducing sick leave entitlements. ...4 days ago
- Out of Sight, Out of Mana- Rotorua Lakes Council’s Callous Attack on Homeless Whānau
Te Pāti Māori Co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi, has slammed the Rotorua Lakes Council’s treatment of homeless whānau as “inhumane and disgraceful,” following the forced police removal of people sleeping outside the Salvation Army on Amohia Street yesterday. “Our most vulnerable whānau were woken by police, trespassed like ...1 week ago
- Biodiversity credit won’t fix damage done by Luxon Govt
The Green Party says the Government’s newly announced Biodiversity Credit scheme is a tiny positive that doesn’t undo the biodiversity harm caused by the Luxon Government. ...1 week ago
- New report confirms Oranga Tamariki is failing tamariki and Government is failing Māori
A new report, ‘Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the oranga tamariki system 2023/24,’ has confirmed that Oranga Tamariki is severely failing our most vulnerable Māori youth. ...1 week ago
- Release: PM must stop changes further failing children
Today’s damning report on Oranga Tamariki shows Māori children are being left with little chance of success, or even survival, after their experiences in the state care system, and Minister for Children Karen Chhour is making it worse. ...1 week ago
- Government rightfully sued over illegal climate ‘plan’
Last week, world-leading climate scientists called out the Government’s approach to agricultural emissions. This week, climate lawyers have sued the Government because its Emissions Reductions Plans do not add up. ...1 week ago
- Release: Changes to stalking Bill important step for women’s safety
Parliament today took an important step to improve women’s safety with the Government moving closer to Labour’s position on how stalking should be defined in law. ...1 week ago
- Te Pāti Māori Demands Safe Passage of Madleen to Gaza
Te Pāti Māori condemns the Israeli navy’s armed interception of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel carrying food, medical supplies, and international activists to Gaza, including Greta Thunberg. Communications of the Madleen have been cut, and there is no knowing if the crew are safe and unharmed. This is the ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for safe passage of Madleen and Government to sanction Israel
The Green Party is calling for the safe passage of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel on course to Gaza, following the Freedom Flotilla being seized by the Israeli Military and urging the New Zealand Government to sanction Israel for its illegal occupation of Palestine. ...2 weeks ago
- Rich get much richer, driving inequality and poverty
The 2025 NBR Rich List makes immediately obvious the need for a fair tax system, says the Green Party. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Manawatū Gorge replacement opens toll-free
Thanks to a successful community-led campaign backed by Labour, Lower North Island locals are today celebrating the toll-free opening of Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt parent boost changes prioritise rich over poor
The Green Party is calling out the Government’s parent boost changes that benefit a wealthier minority while doing nothing to help reunite thousands of migrant families. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Timid tariff response fails New Zealanders
The Government is failing New Zealanders by ‘being comfortable’ with a 10 percent tariff on all goods going into the US. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party condemns decision to suspend Te Pāti Māori MPs
The Green Party condemns the unprecedented decision to suspend Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi for 21 days, and MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke for 7 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Reserve Bank predicts more job losses
The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Statement predicts a sluggish economy with higher inflation and more job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon must end climate denial speculation
The Greens welcome the open letter from world-leading climate scientists to the Prime Minister, urging his Government to abandon any plan to water down climate targets. ...2 weeks ago
- Indonesia Press Remarks – Remarks to media alongside Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono
Good Morning. It is a pleasure to be in Jakarta again today. Indonesia is an absolute priority for the New Zealand government, which is why we have now visited here four times since re-taking office as New Zealand Foreign Minister in late 2023. Indonesia is one of New Zealand’s oldest friends ...7 days ago - Foreign Minister visit strengthens ties with Indonesia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ visit to Indonesia today has secured tangible progress in New Zealand’s relationship with Southeast Asia’s most populous nation. “Indonesia is an indispensable partner for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says. “Demonstrating our commitment to the relationship, this is our fourth visit to Indonesia in the past 18 ...7 days ago
- Joint Statement: By the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Indonesia and New Zealand at the 12th J...
His Excellency Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, convened the 12th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on 13th June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Ministers welcomed meeting in person, underscoring the importance ...7 days ago
- New modular units will expand bed capacity during hospital upgrades
At least four new rapidly deployable relocatable inpatient units will be rolled out across the country to ensure hospitals can continue delivering care to patients while major infrastructure projects are underway, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “These new inpatient units – part of the Government’s $1 billion Budget 2025 investment ...7 days ago
- Skilled trades on fast track to residence
The Government is tackling talent shortages in manufacturing and boosting New Zealand’s economic recovery by fast-tracking residency for skilled tradespeople. “We know how important skilled workers are to the resilience of the manufacturing sector. When we don’t have enough people to fill these roles, productivity slows, business growth stalls and the ...7 days ago
- High Court Associate Judge appointed
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Liz Gellert as an Associate Judge of the High Court. Associate Judge Gellert graduated from the University of Auckland in 2003 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts. She was a law clerk with David Williams KC before ...7 days ago
- $33 million into more classrooms for Central North Island Schools
The Government is delivering 32 more safe, warm and dry classrooms and a major school redevelopment for Kiwi kids living in the Central North Island. “As communities continue to grow, we remain committed to future-proofing our education system so parents have certainty about where to send their child to school. ...7 days ago
- Supercharging residential solar power generation
The Government is expanding the permitted voltage range for electricity networks, so Kiwis with solar panels can send more power back to the grid. Changes are being made to clarify that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings. Councils will be required to ...7 days ago
- Successful childhood immunisation programme delivering results
A successful programme to help Māori health providers lift childhood immunisation rates will be renewed, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "The Immunising our Tamariki programme, originally launched in 2023 by Hon Dr Shane Reti, invested $50 million in Māori health providers to deliver targeted, community-based immunisation outreach. It aims to ...7 days ago
- Stronger forestry ties with India driving export growth
Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, today announced at the Fieldays Forestry Hub, both inbound and outbound forestry trade missions with India this year, aimed at strengthening trade links, deepening industry ties, and unlocking greater value for both countries’ forestry and wood processing sectors. “India is one of the ...7 days ago
- Judicial Conduct Panel to inquire into Judge’s conduct
A Judicial Conduct Panel will inquire into and report on the alleged conduct of acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken, Acting Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith says. “Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct at the Northern Club on 22 November 2024 was the subject of a preliminary examination by the Judicial Conduct Commissioner. “The ...7 days ago
- Prime Minister to visit China and Europe
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to China and Europe next week. He will be joined in Shanghai and Beijing with a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders. “China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner and a vital part of our economic story,” Mr Luxon says. The visit will focus on ...7 days ago
- Backing New Zealand’s native forest champions
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation. “This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,” Mr McClay ...1 week ago
- Operation Gallant Phoenix deployment extended
New Zealand has extended its commitment the Operation Gallant Phoenix multinational intelligence mission in Jordan, the Government announced today. The deployment of up to 10 New Zealand Defence Force and Police personnel has been extended for two years until June 2027. “This operation is essential to our commitment to a ...1 week ago
- New and improved radiology services for Auckland City Hospital
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced funding for the first stage of a major project to upgrade and expand interventional radiology services at Auckland City Hospital. “This project will significantly improve access to radiology services for patients across Auckland and beyond,” Mr Brown says. “A $41.2 million investment will ...1 week ago
- Wool carpets for state houses a win-win
The return of wool carpets to state homes has been welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson. State housing agency Kāinga Ora announced today that from next month, a new supplier agreement will deliver woollen carpets for the fit-out of new state homes. “The ...1 week ago
- Government backs voluntary nature credits
The Government is supporting the expansion of a voluntary credits nature market through the running of pilot projects across New Zealand. Establishing a market that is durable, measurable and transparent will help farmers, landowners, iwi, and conservation groups unlock new income streams for looking after nature on their land, Associate ...1 week ago
- New Zealand food and fibre exports on track to break new records
Farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report forecasts export earnings of ...1 week ago
- New Zealand hits digital economy milestone
A key milestone in the push for a more connected digital economy has been reached, with over one million businesses now registered with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. “The NZBN is a simple idea with a big impact. It gives each ...1 week ago
- Double-digit growth for aquaculture exports
New Zealand’s aquaculture sector has experienced double-digit growth in export revenue over the past year, sending a clear signal that more is to come from the enormously promising sector, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The forecast export results were released today as part of the latest Situation and ...1 week ago
- Elective boost delivers over 9,500 additional procedures so far
More than 9,500 additional procedures have now been delivered as part of the Government’s elective boost, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This is what putting patients first looks like. We are focused on increasing delivery of elective treatments – across both public and private hospitals – to reduce wait times ...1 week ago
- Foreign Minister strengthens relationship with Italy
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive visit to Italy, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Mr Peters and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome overnight and confirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship that New Zealand and Italy share. “New Zealand and Italy are long-standing ...1 week ago
- Partnership approach to FMD signed and sealed
A new agreement between the Government and key livestock industry groups marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s readiness for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “The Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement confirms how Government and industry will jointly prepare for, ...1 week ago
- Public consultation begins on legal aid review
Public consultation begins today aimed at improving the legal aid scheme for those who cannot afford advice and representation, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We have a duty to ensure all New Zealanders have access to justice by means of a fair and open process. “To do so, we need ...1 week ago
- Solar on Farms: Unlocking farm cost savings
Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced the Government’s new Solar on Farms initiative, which will support farmers in taking the next step towards installing solar and battery systems, helping them reduce energy costs, increase on-farm resilience, and allow farmers to gain greater control over their power use, leading to increased ...1 week ago
- New Zealand Grass-Fed certification to take on global competitors
New Zealand is raising its game on the global stage with a new Grass-Fed certification scheme to help our red meat and dairy producers go head-to-head with competitors in premium international markets, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “International consumers are increasingly willing ...1 week ago
- Innovative pasture project to drive farmgate returns
The Government is backing a $17 million partnership with farmers to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability by identifying the most resilient, high-performing pastures for New Zealand conditions, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. Minister McClay confirmed the Government will invest $8.269 million in the Resilient Pastures project through ...1 week ago
- Radiology backlog cleared at Taranaki Base Hospital
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the clearance of a significant radiology backlog at Taranaki Base Hospital, calling it a practical outcome that puts patients first. “In March, more than 6,000 x-ray reports were sitting unprocessed at Taranaki Base Hospital. That was causing unacceptable delays for patients needing diagnosis and ...1 week ago
- Saying yes to more housing
City-shaping changes are coming to New Zealand’s largest city, ensuring that Auckland can fully harness the economic growth benefits of the new City Rail Link, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill (the Bill) has been ...1 week ago
- Primary Sector-Government partnership to boost rural health and resilience
The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who ...1 week ago
- Applications open for $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund
Applications have opened for a $30 million fund for projects that will enhance the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping connections and help boost economic growth, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced. The Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund was established through the Government Policy Statement on land transport. Funding will ...1 week ago
- Foreign Minister focuses on Pacific resilience during visit to France
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has taken part in two major international events in Nice, France this week, focused on Pacific resilience, prosperity and security. The sixth Pacific-France Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, took place in Nice overnight. “The Summit brought together Pacific countries for discussions with France on ...1 week ago
- NZ places travel ban on extremist Israeli politicians
New Zealand has joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in placing travel bans on two extremist Israeli politicians, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. The bans will prevent Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from travelling to New Zealand. “Our action today is not against ...1 week ago
- 6th Pacific-France Summit – Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs
6th Pacific-France Summit Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters Nice, France, Tuesday 10 June 2025 Thank you, President Macron, for convening this meeting today, the sixth Pacific-France Summit. We were privileged to have also been at the second Pacific-France Summit, during the Presidency of ...1 week ago
- Tourism Growth Roadmap speech to Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)
Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025. First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. I would also like ...1 week ago
- More funding to grow international tourism
The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the ...1 week ago
- Major changes to proposed anti-stalking law
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is welcoming changes to toughen up the proposed anti-stalking law, including being triggered after two specified acts within 24 months. “This change better recognises patterns in stalking behaviour and time that can pass between incidents. For example, stalking that occurs around anniversaries would not be covered ...1 week ago
- Speech: APAC energy capital assembly, Singapore
I am delighted to be here in Singapore once again, to speak to you in my capacity as New Zealand’s Minister for Resources and Associate Minister for Energy. If you haven’t heard of me before today, I’m proud to declare myself the champion of New Zealand’s petroleum and minerals sector. ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Law Association 2025
Thank you all for the invitation to speak with you this morning. I have been looking forward to this opportunity. May is a busy month for the Government, and it is always a relief to have the Budget delivered. Today, I would like to speak about what I see as ...1 week ago
- Government backing rural resilience and wellbeing
The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. “We’re backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities’ access to primary mental health services and specialist ...1 week ago
- Government, Opposition scrap over common infrastructure ground
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has agreed to work with his counterparts on the 30-year plan, but the discussion got heated. ...1 hour ago - The Weekend: Matariki is the perfect time to start afresh
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. Mānawatia a Matariki! Congratulations, you made it. Welcome to the Māori new year. I like the idea of starting fresh on the darkest day of the year. It makes sense that after weeks of feeling the heavy weight of dark and cold, ...2 hours ago - Bestselling books at Matariki Weekend
NONFICTION 1 A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern (Penguin Random House, $59.99) “She wrote it without a ghostwriter,” her husband marvelled on social media this week, as though that was something amazing for an author to accomplish. Never mind; it’s one of the best books of the year, ...2 hours ago - Geopolitics takes centre-stage as Luxon prepares for President Xi Jinping meeting
Christopher Luxon heads into his meeting with China's President on Friday with an ever-growing list of topics to discuss. ...2 hours ago
- Why Puanga is the star of this Matariki
For many iwi, the Māori new year was never marked by Matariki – but by Puanga, a brighter star that rises first in winter. As knowledge is reclaimed and wānanga held across the country, Puanga is once again taking its place in the sky. I didn’t grow up knowing anything ...3 hours ago
- The Spinoff Essay: Becoming my own man of the year
Lorde has couched statements about her gender cautiously, but they’re still welcome and radical for women who grew up thinking traditionally masculine traits were a flaw. The first time I realised I could choose to buy men’s clothing was in April 2023. I’d worn “old man pants” in the ...3 hours ago
- The secret diary of .. Luxon in China
MONDAY “Where are your slippers?,” Amanda said. “You’ll need your slippers.” Much is at fate for the destiny and wellbeing of New Zealand as I head to China this week to deliver a set of deliverables. “I can’t find your slippers,” she said. Other great helmsmen from history must have ...3 hours ago
- The Israel-Iran conflict may not end without a regime change
Analysis: The spiral of conflict in the Middle East took another dangerous turn when Israel, seemingly unprovoked, attacked Iran last Friday on an unprecedented scale, taking the region to the brink of full-scale war as Iran retaliates. The day before Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched the still ongoing war, ...3 hours ago
- Mini crossword, Friday 20 June
The post Mini crossword, Friday 20 June appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 20 June
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 20 June appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Sussan Ley has her first big outing with the national media next week, so here ar...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra On Wednesday, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will front the National Press Club. So why is that a big deal? For one thing, her predecessor Peter Dutton never appeared there as opposition leader. For another, ...8 hours ago - A war on diplomacy itself – Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran
ANALYSIS: By Joe Hendren Had Israel not launched its unprovoked attack on Iran on Friday night, in direct violation of the UN Charter, Iran would now be taking part in the sixth round of negotiations concerning the future of its nuclear programme, meeting with representatives from the United States in ...8 hours ago
- Why New Zealand has paused funding to the Cook Islands over China deal
BACKGROUNDER: By Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor/presenter;Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific; and , New Zealand has paused $18.2 million in development assistance funding to the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year. This move is causing consternation in the ...8 hours ago
- Local board bans off-leash dogs at popular Auckland park
Many protested the decision at the board meeting. ...11 hours ago
- Egyptian crackdown on Gaza blockade busters but Kiwi activists vow to ‘defeat genocide’
SPECIAL REPORT: By Saige England in Ōtautahi and Ava Mulla in Cairo Hope for freedom for Palestinians remains high among a group of trauma-struck New Zealanders in Cairo. In spite of extensive planning, the Global March To Gaza (GMTG) delegation of about 4000 international aid volunteers was thwarted in its ...11 hours ago
- The Employment Relations Amendment Bill: A State-Sanctioned Assault On The Working Class
The bill should be understood not as a policy misstep, but as a calculated act of class warfare by a government acting as the political arm of capital. ...12 hours ago - The 28 Days Later franchise redefined zombie films. But the undead have an old, rich and varied hist...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher White, Historian, The University of Queensland The history of the dead – or, more precisely, the history of the living’s fascination with the dead – is an intriguing one. As a researcher of the supernatural, I’m often pulled aside at ...13 hours ago
- Matariki Message From HM King Charles III
Regardless of how, or whether, one marks the lunar calendar, this moment offers an opportunity to learn and share knowledge, and to embrace the diverse traditions that shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique identity. ...13 hours ago
- Is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, right? Can dancing or twerking really bring on labour?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is back in the news this week in a podcast discussing her viral “baby mama” video. The video was made four years ...14 hours ago
- It’s not just ‘chronic fatigue’: ME/CFS is much more than being tired
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Annesley, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cell and Molecular Biology, La Trobe University Edwin Tan/Getty Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is as complex as its name is difficult to pronounce. It’s sometimes referred to as simply “chronic fatigue”, ...14 hours ago
- Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones vows to restart oil, gas industry
The Associate Minister for Energy used the scrutiny week hearing to attack the previous government for banning oil and gas exploration in 2018. ...14 hours ago
- Who are Iran’s allies? And would any help if the US joins Israel in its war?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University As Israel continues its attacks on Iran, US President Donald Trump and other global leaders are hardening their stance against the Islamic Republic. While considering a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, ...14 hours ago
- Otago school expansion targeted in $27m Government spend
The investment will add 12 new classrooms to Queenstown's Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, which had repurposed its library for teaching. ...14 hours ago
- Ministers quizzed over bottom trawling, freshwater, axing Predator Free 2050
Environment and conservation funding cuts the balancing act in the management of the economy and growing jobs, opposition MPs told. ...14 hours ago
- Winston Peters tells MPs New Zealand ‘not doing enough’ on foreign affairs
Foreign Affairs is a portfolio that often receives bi-partisan respect. In an otherwise adversarial Scrutiny Week, Winston Peters' Foreign Affairs hearing was positively amiable. ...14 hours ago
- Nationwide Census Scrapped – Expert Reaction
A robust, person-centred statistical foundation is essential to restore trust and achieve fairer outcomes for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa: Public Health Communication Centre Briefing ...15 hours ago
- Scrapping the national census raises data sovereignty and surveillance fears for Māori
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Greaves, Associate Professor of Politics, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Yesterday’s announcement that the five-yearly national census would be scrapped has raised difficult questions about the effectiveness, ethics and resourcing of the new “administrative” system ...15 hours ago
- As the federal government fumbles on nature law reform, the states are forging ahead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phillipa C. McCormack, Future Making Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide Jakub Maculewicz, Shutterstock The South Australian parliament today passed a new law to conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity. It brings together native vegetation management, protection for native species and habitat, ...15 hours ago
- Overhead power lines kill millions of birds a year. Scientists found a way to help cut the devastati...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Pay, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania Wolfram Steinberg/picture alliance via Getty Images Millions of birds are killed by power lines each year. Sometimes they collide with the lines when flying and are either electrocuted or ...15 hours ago
- What to watch over the long Matariki weekend
The Spinoff writers on what you should pop on your watchlist ahead of the long weekend. Matariki mā Puanga 2025 (Whakaata Māori, TVNZ+) Stacey Morrison and Mātai Smith. Cosy up with a cuppa and a warm blanket to watch the Matariki celebrations beamed straight into your living room from 5.45am ...16 hours ago
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to media after Cook Islands funding pause
Foreign Affairs minister informed the Cook Islands government of the pause in early June, but the information only just became public. ...16 hours ago
- Horse whipping is painful and cruel. The latest incident shows why it should be banned
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Quain, Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Last week, the peak body for equestrian sport in Australia suspended a prominent member after footage allegedly depicted Australian Olympic dressage rider Heath Ryan whipping a ...17 hours ago
- Greenpeace Submits Against The Regulatory Standards Bill And Its Far-right Fringe Ideas
"At its core, this Bill is an attempt by a far-right politician to create a bill of rights for corporations, at the expense of the rights of New Zealanders, the rights of nature, and the rights of Māori guaranteed to them under Te Tiriti o Waitangi." ...17 hours ago
- Star Wars jokes and surgeries, not strategies: Inside scrutiny week, part two
The vibes were tense as ministers and officials got a grilling in the final two days of scrutiny week, where government spending is put under the microscope. Read our recap of the first two days of scrutiny week here. Health The energy was testy, to say the least, when health ...17 hours ago
- ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 19, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 19, 2025. Australian citizens in Iran and Israel are desperate to leave. Is the government required to help?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for ...17 hours ago
- Australian citizens in Iran and Israel are desperate to leave. Is the government required to help?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney As thousands of Australian citizens and permanent residents stuck in Iran and Israel continue to register for repatriation flights, the government is scrambling to find safe ...18 hours ago
- Event noticeboard: Matariki everywhere
The Spinoff’s top picks of Matariki events from around the motu. “Cbk to get up nice and early for this !!” It was Tuesday evening when the wheels of organisation in my friend’s brain started turning. It was chilly, but I was sweating from a particularly hard gym class, fatigued, ...18 hours ago
- Transport Rules Reform Welcome, But Don’t Forget Safety – MTA
MTA Head of Advocacy James McDowall says MTA has been actively involved as part of the core group of industry stakeholders engaging with the Minister and the Ministry of Transport on the work programme. ...18 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Friedlander, PhD Candidate in Sociology, University of Waikato Shutterstock/Krotnakro Period-tracking apps are popular digital tools for a range of menstrual, reproductive and general health purposes. But the way these apps collect and use data involves risk. Many apps encourage ...18 hours ago
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