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Comment: Open mike 05/06/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:31 pm, June 5th, 2025
Symptoms of full-on derangement syndrome: a PM who resigned over 2 years ago, and has played no part whatsoever in NZ politics since, but still lives rent-free in your head ... Let her go.Comment: Open mike 04/06/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 7:22 pm, June 4th, 2025
The PM probably didn't know. But Forbes was working for National Ministers long before his recent job in the PM's office. The complaint was made last year. But Forbes carried on in various jobs, knowing what he had done, and knowing that his behaviour had ...Comment: Daily review 09/04/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 7:14 pm, April 9th, 2025
Andrea Vance did the journalism. Maiki Sherman did not. The stark contrast between the two perfectly summed up what is and is not a reporter's job. Actively investigating, versus uncritically repeating (and thereby rewarding the vile troll).Comment: Daily review 08/04/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 8:19 pm, April 8th, 2025
For the hundredth time, we have to wonder why parties don't seem to do the most basic homework before picking candidates. Especially a party like National who wouldn't be short of wannabe MPs. You either do full disclosure before it hits the news, or you ...Comment: The RNZ-Reid Research poll
Written By: observer - Date published: 2:35 pm, April 1st, 2025
The problem with all these polls is that they will change as soon as National remove their most obvious problem: Luxon. The 3 opposition parties can't simply assume that the most unpopular PM in modern history will stay and keep offering them free gifts. ...Comment: Open mike 31/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 2:19 pm, March 31st, 2025
Agree (with Weka). In order of importance: The frenzy (death threats etc) is vile and the enablers should be called out. We know what they're doing (including the deputy PM, alas), the media know, and nobody should pretend there's any good faith in this ...Comment: Where Is the Resistance to Privatisation and Austerity?
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:43 pm, March 12th, 2025
The link to the asset sales protests is not an accurate comparison. The timeline then was: 1) Key rules out asset sales in 1st term. 2) Key proposes asset sales in 2nd term. 3) Key wins 2nd term (for various other reasons but not asset sales, where polls ...Comment: Open mike 11/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 4:11 pm, March 11th, 2025
Usual caveats, it's only Roy Morgan, but still ... the same story in every poll now: https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9863-nz-national-voting-intention-february-2025 Trend down for Luxon & co.Comment: Labour to campaign on tax reform
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:15 pm, March 11th, 2025
Cutting the regressive GST isn't neo-liberalism. Switching tax burden from work to property isn't neo-liberalism. Which is why I mentioned them.Comment: Open mike 10/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 5:35 pm, March 10th, 2025
But even an Aussie "spill" includes the nomination of candidates and revealing the actual voting numbers. History here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_spill When National pick a new leader they refuse point-blank to even tell the public what the ...Comment: Open mike 10/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 2:24 pm, March 10th, 2025
Canada's Liberals have a new leader, and new PM to be. And guess what? The leader was chosen by ... a party leadership election! Yes, that's how it's done in the vast majority of democracies around the world, including Right-wing parties like the UK Tories ...Comment: Open mike 10/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 2:05 pm, March 10th, 2025
And an amusing aside on that poll ... it tells us 8.6% want Winston to be PM, but only 5.1% want to vote NZF. You wonder what those extra 3.5% are thinking ... vote National, get Winston as PM?Comment: Labour to campaign on tax reform
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:41 pm, March 10th, 2025
Labour must sell a tax cut. There are several options (e.g. a cut in GST, reversing Key's increase, or as others have suggested, income tax at the bottom). And/or they could offer a radical indirect saving, like free dental care (see the Greens 2023). But ...Comment: Open mike 10/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:25 pm, March 10th, 2025
I wish they'd hurry up and roll him, because Luxon can give the opposition a false sense of security. When you're facing the worst and most unpopular new PM this century (and arguably, in NZ polling history) then you're going to poll well without saying or ...Comment: Another blow against decency and truth: the flourishing of evil.
Written By: observer - Date published: 6:40 pm, March 8th, 2025
Yes, Peters aligns himself with Trump (and not just on foreign policy). It's shameful. But the famous old definition of an ambassador is "somebody sent abroad to lie for his country". Goff's job was to represent a terrible government. He didn't resign on ...Comment: Another blow against decency and truth: the flourishing of evil.
Written By: observer - Date published: 4:59 pm, March 8th, 2025
Goff overstepped. He was foolish. But really the only question here, once we strip away all the posturing and political theatre, is ... "Would he have been sacked if Peters/Luxon really wanted to keep him?". If he was important, to them. Of course not. A ...Comment: Luxon’s Untenable Grasp
Written By: observer - Date published: 4:46 pm, March 8th, 2025
... them". I wouldn't. It's just observing the obvious. Seymour is a [ ...Comment: Open mike 06/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 4:36 pm, March 6th, 2025
Goff probably overstepped, though that seems like a lesser crime than kissing Trump's butt. He'll have both public opinion (now) and (later) history on his side. A bigger story, which continues a familiar narrative, is that yet again the "PM in name only" ...Comment: Blink twice if you are being held hostage
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:30 pm, March 5th, 2025
Always remember that John Key, that sensible moderate guy with a great grasp of economics, endorsed Trump in 2024. Next time he does another jokey blokey photo-op, perhaps a reporter could ask why he wanted a global trade war. (And if his answer is "Oh, I ...Comment: Open mike 04/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 6:29 pm, March 4th, 2025
It's still early at this stage, but it's pretty clear that there's some careful distancing from Seymour going on. When National replace Luxon the message to the swing voters will be "new management, not beholden to Seymour, centre-right, nice Nats, you can ...Comment: Daily review 04/03/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 5:38 pm, March 4th, 2025
Obviously "marmite sandwich" will lead the news tonight (see 6 pm, shortly). But a bigger point is being missed. It's not what kids should have for lunch, but what Luxon promised they would have. (You could argue for a right-wing, small government approach ...Comment: Radio NZ’s bizarre handling of the Bayly fiasco
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:34 pm, February 26th, 2025
There's a transcript here. The man is just weird. Stubborn, stupid. https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/02/26/mediawatch-luxon-train-wreck-interview-with-mike-hosking-is-so-embarrassing-it-hurts/Comment: Radio NZ’s bizarre handling of the Bayly fiasco
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:33 pm, February 26th, 2025
Luxon can lose RNZ, but much worse, he has now lost Mike Hosking (see NZ Herald, Stuff etc). That's fatal for a National PM. And there's no indication at all that Luxon learns from these media failures. He doesn't change his robotic, repetitive ...Comment: Daily review 24/02/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 10:15 pm, February 24th, 2025
And for the record, Ardern visited the Cook Islands shortly after taking office, when she was pregnant and derided by the Nats as the "part time PM". The super dynamic man-gets-things-done not-pregnant PM Luxon hasn't bothered going there yet. https://www. ...Comment: Bayly goneburger
Written By: observer - Date published: 3:54 pm, February 24th, 2025
Summary of the day: Bayly: "I resign". Reporters: "What happened?" Bayly: "Not saying, that's all. Bye." Reporters to Luxon: "What happened?" Luxon: "What he said." So inept it's laughable.Comment: Bayly goneburger
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:59 pm, February 24th, 2025
Bayly has just given a very brief and meaningless press conference - not even that, a couple of Qs and then walks away, after reading the same statement word-for-word that is already in the media. Another one who "doesn't get it". Talk like a robot, say ...Comment: Bayly goneburger
Written By: observer - Date published: 1:24 pm, February 24th, 2025
If you tell NZ citizens who have been here for decades to "go back to [wherever]" then you stay in Luxon's cabinet. No problem, says the PM. On that scale, Bayly must have done something really bad. Or (and we can guess this is the real story) what he did ...Comment: Open mike 14/02/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 2:23 pm, February 14th, 2025
Back when the Director-General of Health was Ashley Bloomfield and the PM was competent, a common response from the Right to the life-saving competence was ... "oh, it's not that hard, it would have happened anyway if our lot had been in power". The D-G ...Comment: Open mike 14/02/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 2:11 pm, February 14th, 2025
The flaw in Hooton's musings is that historically NZF has only switched sides after a bust-up with the Nat/Lab governing party and a spell in opposition, or even out of Parliament completely. 1999 - below 5%, holds an electorate (Tauranga), then 6 years in ...Comment: Daily review 10/02/2025
Written By: observer - Date published: 8:05 pm, February 10th, 2025
As usual, TVNZ (1 News) bury the lede even when reporting on their own poll. Do they really have no memory of previous PMs, or the ability to Google results in their own polls? The story is right there, but they miss it, while doing meaningless vox pops ...
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Nobody's got the heart to tell you where to goBut in all honestyFuck offFuck offJust F-U-C-K O-F-F, fuck offSong: Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt & Tré Cool.A disclaimer: Please be aware that this newsletter is about David Seymour and therefore contains swear words; however, not the one that is forever ...6 days ago - “Quick, Dirty and Affable” Chris Bishop
Opinion/Analysis:Chris Bishop, the man who wants to be PM, is not interested in “local control, local democracy” anymore now that Labour have been turfed from power. Subscribe nowNor does he appear interested in democracy at all.Similarly changed is the organisation his father, the late John Bishop, helped to set up ...6 days ago - Treasury’s Austerity Advice Should Be Ignored
The National-led government, under Christopher Luxon’s watch, is steering New Zealand toward a grim horizon, guided by Treasury’s cold, austerity-obsessed hand. It’s a betrayal of ordinary Kiwis, workers, families, small businesses, who are being financially crushed to pad the pockets of the ultra-wealthy. The 2025 NBR Rich List exposes the ...6 days ago
- What if Clausewitz had a sister?
Carl von Clausewitz’s On War remains one of the foundational texts on strategy. It’s quoted in war colleges, cited in white papers, and clutched by officers the world over trying to sound profound in briefings. ...6 days ago
- Submission on Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill
The NZCTU opposes the Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill. The Bill will implement another significant restructure of the vocational education and training (VET) sector, even though the reforms of the previous government have only finally started to bed in. This will increase change fatigue in ...6 days ago
- Taiwan’s accession to Pacific trade pact would uphold economic order
The Indo-Pacific’s economic and security architecture is under strain. Strategic competition, supply chain fragility and the contesting of trade norms demand bold moves—greater efforts in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties and supporting the rules-based order. ...6 days ago
- Govt’s $200mill fossil fuel handout in breach of trade agreement
Legal advice commissioned by the Green Party shows the coalition Government’s $200 million “investment” in new gas fields is a clear breach of the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS). ...7 hours ago - Release: Minister should fess up on cuts
Simeon Brown needs to be honest about how much more money he expects Health New Zealand to cut from its budget to get back in the black. ...1 day ago - Greens call on Govt to condemn US for attack on Iran
The Green Party is calling on the Government to condemn the United States for its illegal bombing of Iran and inflaming tensions across the Middle East. ...1 day ago
- Luxon’s Complicity Puts Aotearoa at Risk: Te Pāti Māori Stands Against Global Military Aggressio...
Te Pāti Māori stands firmly against the rising tide of global military aggression. While the Luxon scrambles to appease Trump and Israel, we choose peace, sovereignty, and an independent foreign policy grounded in justice and truth. More than 56,000 Palestinians have been murdered by Israel over the past 20 months. ...1 day ago
- Release: Govt overreach removes power from local councils
Ministers will now be able to override the decisions of councils and locally elected officials. ...6 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”. ...1 week 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. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt Bill strips vital job protections from workers
The Employer Relations Amendment Bill will make work even less secure for Kiwis. ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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 ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...3 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. ...3 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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, ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks ago
- A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Aust...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Brear, Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, The University of Melbourne Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images Moving people and things around the world by sea has a big climate impact. The shipping industry produces almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – roughly ...2 hours ago - The war won’t end Iran’s nuclear program – it will drive it underground, following North Korea...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Burke, Professor of Environmental Politics & International Relations, UNSW Sydney The United States’ and Israel’s strikes on Iran are concerning, and not just for the questionable legal justifications provided by both governments. Even if their attacks cause severe damage to ...2 hours ago
- Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohiuddin Ahmed, Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University Dylan Carr/Unsplash In recent days, Iranians experienced a near-complete internet blackout, with local service providers – including mobile services – repeatedly going offline. Iran’s government has cited cyber security concerns ...2 hours ago
- Hauntingly familiar? Why comparing the US strikes on Iran to Iraq in 2003 is off target
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Isakhan, Professor of International Politics, Deakin University HECTOR MATA/AFP via Getty Images On June 21, the United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan – pounding deeply buried centrifuge sites with bunker-busting bombs. ...2 hours ago
- Search and rescue operations get $76m funding boost
The money to be split among 12 organisations will equip volunteers, train specialist staff and maintain infrastructure. ...3 hours ago - ‘Baths, wine, and sex make life worth living’: how ancient Romans used public baths to relax, wo...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Edwell, Associate Professor in Ancient History, Macquarie University iLongLoveKing/Shutterstock Standing in the vast ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, hundreds of gulls circle above. Their haunting cries echo voices from 1,800 years ago. Today, the bare shell of ...3 hours ago
- Data gaps and demographic change: the end of the NZ census will create big blind spots
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Spoonley, Distinguished Professor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images Ending the New Zealand census as we’ve known it will save money – it was “no longer financially viable”, according to Statistics ...4 hours ago
- Here’s why some people suffer from motion sickness – and which remedies actually work
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Moro, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, Bond University EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Cars may be a modern phenomenon, but motion sickness is not. More than 2,000 years ago, the physician Hippocrates wrote “sailing on the sea proves that motion disorders ...4 hours ago
- ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 24, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 24, 2025. Calls for New Zealand to denounce United States attack on IranBy Lillian Hanly, RNZ News political reporter Prominent lawyers are joining opposition parties as they call for the New Zealand government to denounce the ...4 hours ago
- Review: Marlon Williams’ first ever stadium show was glorious
On Saturday night Marlon Williams played at the Spark Arena with The Yarra Benders, Kommi and Ngā Mātai Pūrua. As his Te Whare Tīwekaweka tour nears its end, it felt like a beginning. “Lets try some stadium shit,” Marlon Williams told the crowd. He was alone on the stage, perched ...5 hours ago - New Stats NZ Groundwater Reporting Highlights Serious Risk To Public From Govt Proposal To Weaken Fr...
“Given the state of our groundwater, where many of our communities draw their drinking water from, this Government proposal will inevitably increase the health risks to people. It’s unbelievably irresponsible.” says Choose Clean Water spokesperson ...5 hours ago - Treaty Negotiations Minister says settlements with iwi can’t be ‘open ended’
It comes as NZ First is drafting a member's bill forcing Ngāpuhi into a single commercial settlement. ...5 hours ago
- Calls for New Zealand to denounce United States attack on Iran
By Lillian Hanly, RNZ News political reporter Prominent lawyers are joining opposition parties as they call for the New Zealand government to denounce the United States attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian New Zealander and lawyer Arman Askarany said the New Zealand government was showing “indifference”. It comes as acting ...5 hours ago
- GPs, nurse practitioners will soon be allowed to diagnose and treat ADHD
GPs and nurse practitioners have been given the green light to diagnose and treat ADHD from February next year. ...5 hours ago
- Warm-ups, layered clothes, recovery: 4 tips to exercise safely in the cold
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Harry Banyard, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Swinburne University of Technology Maridav/Shutterstock Temperatures have dropped in many parts of Australia which means runners, cyclists, rowers, hikers, or anyone physically active outside need to take extra precautions to stay safe ...6 hours ago
- Feds Call On Minister Watts To Rule Out Yet Another Tax
Under the proposal, organisations like Federated Farmers would be taxed on their membership subscription income for the first time. ...6 hours ago
- Sharks freeze when you turn them upside down – and there’s no good reason why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jodie L. Rummer, Professor of Marine Biology, James Cook University Rachel Moore Imagine watching your favourite nature documentary. The predator lunges rapidly from its hiding place, jaws wide open, and the prey … suddenly goes limp. It looks dead. For some ...6 hours ago
- Nicola Willis rules out fuel subsidies for New Zealand amid global oil price surge
The previous Labour government cut 25 cents a litre off fuel prices in 2022, in the aftermath of Russia invading Ukraine. ...6 hours ago
- Ethnic community groups call on government to toughen hate speech laws
Community leaders call on the government to implement a sustained strategy for social cohesion in response to the Auckland rally. ...6 hours ago
- Covert recordings of sex workers happen all the time. What needs to be done?
Adult entertainment labour rights collective Fired Up Stilettos solicited stories of sex workers being recorded, filmed or photographed at work. The response was overwhelming, writes founding member Melody Montague. Michael Forbes’ non-consensual audio recordings of a sex worker sparked widespread outrage earlier this month. But for sex workers, the news ...7 hours ago
- NZ Government Out Of Touch On Employment Rights
While the international community comes together to support platform workers, Brooke van Velden has introduced a new Employment Relations Amendment Bill that will undermine the rights of those very workers in Aotearoa, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary ...7 hours ago
- How to tell if an image or video has been created by AI – and if we still can
Explainer - AI-generated images are unavoidable these days. If you're not a computer expert, how do you even know what's real anymore? ...7 hours ago
- Government Accused Of Acting Like An Authoritarian Regime
Survivors need legal representation. We have seen time and time again that when a self-represented claimant approaches the agency that abused them, they are told ‘nothing to see here’ and that they do not have grounds for redress, Ms Cooper and Senior ...8 hours ago
- Drone footage captured orcas crafting tools out of kelp – and using them for grooming
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanessa Pirotta, Postdoctoral Researcher and Wildlife Scientist, Macquarie University Sara Jenkins/500px/Getty The more we learn about orcas, the more remarkable they are. These giant dolphins are the ocean’s true apex predator, preying on great white sharks and other lesser predators. ...8 hours ago
- The ghost of 1995: that Rugby World Cup final, 30 years on
On the 30th anniversary of one of rugby’s most memorable days, James Borrowdale reflects on what it all meant. According to Rian Malan, the great South African journalist whose classic of memoir and reportage My Traitor’s Heart meditated on the horror and stupidity of Apartheid while diagnosing the predicament of ...8 hours ago
- The Fold: TVNZ turns to sport – will it turn away from Shortland Street?
Glen Kyne joins Duncan Greive to recap the big takeaways from a new interview with TVNZ CEO Jodie O’Donnell. TVNZ is back in profit and looking at rugby and the Olympics, with an intriguing pay-per-view model on the horizon. Duncan Greive and Glen Kyne talk through what it means ...8 hours ago
- Fury of the Small: A royal wedding
In episode eight, a wedding day approaches and a dangerous plan for revenge is set in motion. Fury of the Small blends radio drama, improv comedy and tabletop roleplaying into a unique audio experience. In our story, four stalwart heroes delve into a goblin den seeking fame and fortune. ...8 hours ago
- Business leaders deliver mixed verdict on Luxon’s China visit
Where some can identify areas of success, others point to sectors that won't secure significant gains. ...9 hours ago
- Gas exploration fund ‘clear breach’ of international trade agreement – Green Party
Last month resources Minister Shane Jones revealed a $200 million fund had been set aside over four years for co-investment in new gasfields. ...9 hours ago
- Shane Jones says bill is being drafted forcing Ngāpuhi into a single commercial settlement
Shane Jones said the bill would ensure there was no mention of hapū sovereignty in any settlement with Ngāpuhi. ...9 hours ago
- The cost of being: A (mostly) retired nurse living alone
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a mostly retired registered nurse explains where their money goes. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 73. Ethnicity: Tangata Tiriti. Role: Registered nurse, mostly retired, ...10 hours ago
- Inaccurate and misogynistic: why we need to make the term ‘hysterectomy’ history
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong Panuwat Dangsungnoen/Getty Images Have you had a tonsillectomy (your tonsils taken out), appendectomy (your appendix removed) or lumpectomy (removal of a lump from your breast)? The suffix “ectomy” denotes surgical removal ...10 hours ago
- More women are using medical cannabis – but new research shows barriers push some into illegal mar...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vinuli Withanarachchie, PhD candidate, College of Health, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images The number of women using medicinal cannabis is growing in New Zealand and overseas. They use cannabis treatment for general conditions such as pain, anxiety, ...10 hours ago
- It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth: maybe our pampered pets would be better off without us
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nancy Cushing, Associate professor, University of Newcastle ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images Pet-keeping is often promoted for the benefits it brings humans. A close association with another animal can provide us with a sense of purpose and a daily dose of ...10 hours ago
- Work, wages and apprenticeships: sifting for clues about the lives of girls in ancient Egypt
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Hamilton, Lecturer in History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Weavers in the Tomb of Khnumhotep II, Beni Hassan, Egypt. Painted by Norman de Garis Davies (MMA 33.8.16) We know surprisingly little about the lives of children in ancient Egypt. And what ...10 hours ago
- Archetyp was one of the dark web’s biggest drug markets. A global sting has shut it down
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elena Morgenthaler, PhD Candidate, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Operation Deep Sentinel Last week, one of the dark web’s most prominent drug marketplaces – Archetyp – was shut down in an international, multi-agency law enforcement operation following years ...10 hours ago
- How do sleep trackers work, and are they worth it? A sleep scientist breaks it down
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean J. Miller, Senior Lecturer, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Many smartwatches, fitness and wellness trackers now offer sleep tracking among their many functions. Wear your watch or ring to bed, and you’ll wake up to a detailed sleep report ...10 hours ago
- ‘It feels like I am being forced to harm a child’: research shows how teachers are suffering mor...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Glenys Oberg, PhD candidate in education and trauma, The University of Queensland SolStock/Getty Images Australia is in the grip of a teacher shortage. Teachers are burning out, warning the job is no longer sustainable and leaving the profession. We know ...10 hours ago
- People of Kāinga Ora: The big state housing sell-down
Analysis: Kāinga Ora had demolished 5000 homes; now it’s decided to not proceed with 3500 planned new-builds – and it’s the tenants who have been left without a voice The post People of Kāinga Ora: The big state housing sell-down appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago - GPs to get extra funding in agreement government hopes will lead to faster healthcare
Health Minister Simeon Brown the increase this year was the biggest - by more than double - since the current funding system began. ...11 hours ago
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