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Comment: Luxon Takes A Beating
Written By: thinker - Date published: 2:43 pm, December 4th, 2024
Luxon would be concerned if this were true. It's not. Luxon knows the real stats and they're a lot better than this. The majority of voters support what this government is doing. What I will say is don't listen to polls unless they are in your favour.Comment: Open mike 03/12/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:36 pm, December 3rd, 2024
And her popularity is still 44% while Luxon is at 29% (I didn't know he had such a big family) https://youtu.be/SmsLVaxyMqU?si=PJqKCC97c6b30SLdComment: Open mike 03/12/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:30 pm, December 3rd, 2024
By the airforces 757 as far as PNG and a chartered 747 from there... 7. On his sleigh (not)Comment: Open mike 03/12/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:24 pm, December 3rd, 2024
There's lots of exciting stuff in the poll (unless you're Christopher Luzon, who says they're all wrong. Only he has the right information and his star's on the rise). But the best thing for me is that although the government likes to badmouth Jacinda ...Comment: Open mike 03/12/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 10:53 am, December 3rd, 2024
Normally, you would think it would be better to be Deputy PM going into the 2026 election campaign, but Seymour gets that slot. So, how does Peters get heard, when the other two have the job titles? He'll have to shout down the others ability to govern, to ...Comment: Open mike 03/12/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 8:02 am, December 3rd, 2024
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/535469/new-poll-delivers-hung-parliament-bad-news-for-christopher-luxon-as-preferred-pm I opened this item from yesterday. The slight lead that Hipkins has over Luxon is based on the favour ability scores. In the middle ...Comment: Hipkins’ Conference speech
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:26 am, December 2nd, 2024
It was good to see the start of Hipkins' educating the uneducated to watch for false promises and divergent responses from Luxon et al, coming up to the election. Jack Tame also reminded viewers that, leading up to the election, Luxon would be promising ...Comment: Hipkins’ Conference speech
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:23 am, December 2nd, 2024
Watch it again and notice how the eyes blink around all the points you mentioned... When Prince Andrew did 'that' interview, blink rate was considered by many of the experts as an important signal of inaccurate responses.Comment: Reti secretly wants to privatise Health
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:41 pm, November 30th, 2024
This is definitely just my opinion, but I'm not sure Shane Reti has the capacity to secretly want to do anything. He seems to just do what the little voice on his shoulder is telling him to do. And, despite winning the biggest share of the vote, the little ...Comment: Caption contest
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:28 pm, November 30th, 2024
"I just had this surgically removed from my shoulder" 2. "Where's Willy?" 3. "Would you buy a used car from this man?" 4. "There is no good and evil. There is only power, and those too weak to seek it"Comment: Economy Nose Dives
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:24 pm, November 29th, 2024
Anything that can be massaged into good news is a credit to the coalition 2. Anything that is an obvious flopout is the fault of the government that last governed the country 14 months ago (nearly half the political term, do you 'get that'?) 3. Luxon is ...Comment: National’s dodgy health announcements
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:50 pm, November 27th, 2024
If half of the data team is going bye-bye, is that a euphemism for outsourcing the function? Surely not, because this government championed cuts to the use of consultants.Comment: END GAME
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:42 pm, November 27th, 2024
I think the real book Dirty Politics would be close to your imaginary book "Corporate Greed For Dummies"...Comment: END GAME
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:27 pm, November 25th, 2024
@Chris Why don't you just re-cover your copy of Hagar's "Dirty Politics"?Comment: END GAME
Written By: thinker - Date published: 10:03 am, November 25th, 2024
Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in All the Presidents Men is on Netflix and I watched it again recently, wondering if what they did would be the same today or whether they would be stopped before they began. In NZ we face the additional hurdle of ...Comment: END GAME
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:23 am, November 25th, 2024
The nearest I've got to seeing 'it' is General Smedley Butler's "War is a Racket". I'll put links to his wikipedia bio and to the document itself below. My own belief is that we (no longer based on race or skin colour, but rather the bottom x% of wealthy) ...Comment: Open mike 22/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 4:47 pm, November 22nd, 2024
A crucial factor is that I see things through brown skin eyes where I am the hated minority whereas you are always safe being part of the acceptable White majority. I hope one day you'll be able to take those blinkers off, my friend, and see that the world ...Comment: Open mike 22/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 7:46 am, November 22nd, 2024
I reckon. What does it for me is the line about Luxon being too weak to kill the bill rather than introduce it. As if Luxon represented National's leadership unilaterally during the coalition negotiations. Seems to me it's washing day and someone may be ...Comment: Open mike 22/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 7:28 am, November 22nd, 2024
Hmmm. I wonder whose tent Hootons camped outside. He must have a preferred alternative. Addendum. I just worked it out. National knows the bill was a disaster and may be tossing Luxon under the bus?Comment: Daily review 21/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 10:52 pm, November 21st, 2024
I sympathize... Standing up for the rights of the end user got me 'performance not met' for 3 years running, which resulted in no cost of living adjustments and would have started Performance Management, had I not left after 27 years. Virtue is definitely ...Comment: On the whining and treason of David Seymour
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:29 pm, November 20th, 2024
Yes, the treaty is between Maori and the Crown. To that extent, as a pakeha, I should be a bit at arm's length from this, supportive but not the one having the finger pointed directly at me. But, as the process of campaigning, coalition-ing and now ...Comment: The great gaslighter
Written By: thinker - Date published: 10:44 pm, November 19th, 2024
"The fact that the majority of Whites voted for a massive Right wing landslide victory in 2023 based on Maori bashing..." Given that what you call the Maori-bashing bill was an ACT party condition of the coalition agreement it's clear that the majority of ...Comment: The great gaslighter
Written By: thinker - Date published: 4:58 pm, November 19th, 2024
Being a qualified engineer, maths is probably one of Seymour's top subjects, so maybe he's wanting a maths debate. I'm guessing all those hikoi participants would have him marked as a maths debater. đComment: The great gaslighter
Written By: thinker - Date published: 11:40 am, November 19th, 2024
https://youtu.be/mLRjFWDGs1g?si=saap00SpIznneOFxComment: Open mike 19/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 11:28 am, November 19th, 2024
Is he deluding himself or trying to delude the rest of us by thinking those who aren't in the hikoi are supporters of the bill? It seems to me the reaction ACT expected is not what they got and they're trying to do a cover up job and pass the blame. The ...Comment: Open mike 19/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 8:20 am, November 19th, 2024
Following the hikoi with interest. 2pm it is supposed to be at parliament. Much of the commentary by participants and media is interesting. It makes it sound as if the treaty is something that is about Maori - comments like 'thanks to the pakeha who are ...Comment: Open mike 18/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:54 pm, November 18th, 2024
This has to be the lowest point in politics since Douglas's neoliberalism and Richardson's mother of all budgets. â˘The real prime minister absent from the introduction of the most controversial race-based bill in living memory, ⢠The Act leader who ...Comment: Daily review 18/11/2024
Written By: thinker - Date published: 6:08 pm, November 18th, 2024
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/act-party-leader-david-seymour-takes-aim-at-high-ranking-critics-of-treaty-principles-bill/4TXY6TNEMRBUHH73SJ6UFUW324/#google_vignette So now it's everyone else who is being divisive. I think the reaction to this bill, ...Comment: Justified outrage
Written By: thinker - Date published: 5:29 pm, November 15th, 2024
In future he'll be able to watch reruns of the approval of fast track projects and David Seymour dissing Maori and indigenous rights. Still repulsive, but much cheaper for the taxpayer.Comment: Justified outrage
Written By: thinker - Date published: 2:14 pm, November 15th, 2024
Although I would hate to be NZPM at a conference of world leaders who would have been briefed about me supporting the introduction of a bill that drives a spike into my country's progress on indigenous relations, a bill which, on the day of it's ...
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Fascism is a strong word. Powerful. Dangerous.Wield it carefully, the right say, as they defend their politicians from nazi-like behaviour and participate in the dismantling of their own constitutional protections. If you throw it around at just anyone, they say, it weakens it. Fascism doesn’t mean anything when you use ...7 days ago - Let me through I’m here to make money
What kind of government is this, really? What moves it? What is its guiding light? Pretty simple, really. It is a dumb waiter delivering what its paymasters have ordered.And what moves these paymasters? What is their guiding light?Also pretty simple:Get out of my way I want to make moneyGet out ...7 days ago - Secrecy destroys trust: the case of the nuclear waste dump
Something I was not expecting to learn this morning: the government has built a secret nuclear waste dump in rural Manawatu: A facility for storing all of New Zealandâs radioactive waste has been secretly built near Palmerston North, in a decision neighbouring farmers have called âhorrifyingâ and âdeceptiveâ. The ...7 days ago
- RBNZ data highlights weak economy and labour market
âUnemployment is forecast to remain elevated until the end of 2025 and isnât expected to fall back to its pre-recession lows within the forecast period. Without a plan to reduce it, we are choosing a permanently higher unemployment rate in New Zealand. Itâs no wonder so many Kiwis are emigrating ...7 days ago
- Malcolm McKinnon: MÄori and other nationalisms
MÄori sovereignty, tino rangatiratanga, mana motuhake, a declaration of independence, partnership under Te Tiriti: these are all staples of MÄori political mobilization. A succession of political parties â Ratana, Mana Motuhake, the MÄori Party, Te Pati MÄori â have upheld the cause, with erratic political success but enduring moral, social ...1 week ago - Wednesday 27 November 2024
The Reserve Bank will be announcing a change to the Official Cash Rate this afternoon, with most economists expecting a cut of around 50 basis points. The Government is reallocating $30,000 towards more senior doctors and specialist nurses, but some including the NZNO say that this is a âsticking plasterâ ...1 week ago
- NZTA pushing for PT fare hikes and service cuts
How does an up to 70 percent hike in public transport fares sound, or maybe a lower increase but a big cut to services? That could be the reality of a new policy from Waka Kotahi outlined in a discussion document last week to public transport authorities (PTAs) like Auckland Transport. ...1 week ago
- Bishop cautious on guaranteeing social housing bonds
Chris Bishop has disappointed Community Housing Providers (CHiPs) by pouring cold water on the idea of Government guarantees for CHiPs’ borrowing from KiwiSaver managers, and by proposing more leasing of social homes. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around ...1 week ago
- These Days
Soon enough it comesHere it is againThe slowly creeping handOf time and its commandSoon enough it comesAnd settles in its placeIt's shadow in my faceUndignified and lameSongwriters: Jon Coghill, John Collins, Bernard Fanning, Ian Haug, Darren Middleton.This morning, I woke to incessant, high-pitched whining, as if someone had turned on ...1 week ago - What Nicky Kayeâs death means for National
The former Auckland Central National MP Nicky Kaye, 43, who died on Saturday was a critical figure in the recent history of her party. An outpouring of tributes to her from both present and past MPs and leaders of her party and from her political opponents testified to her crucial ...1 week ago
- Government by google
In this year's Budget, cancer Minister Casey Costello gave Philip Morris a $216 million tax cut for their heated tobacco products, on the basis of "independent advice" which contradicted that produced by the Ministry of health. When she finally produced this "independent advice", it did not support her case at ...1 week ago
- You canât bank on pine trees in a climate crisis
Todayâs Government announcement to limit farm forestry conversions tinkers around the edges, instead of focusing on the real problem and stopping pollution at the source. ...2 hours ago - Release: Nicola Willis being sneaky with new taxes
Nicola Willis is refusing to rule out putting sneaky new taxes on Kiwi households. ...1 day ago - Release: Govt benefit target even further out of reach
Christopher Luxon has once again failed to read the room and claimed success while life gets harder for everyday Kiwis. ...1 day ago
- Govt continues to punch down
The Governmentâs new initiative to get people off the benefit wonât address the core drivers of poverty such as low incomes, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of employment opportunities. ...1 day ago
- Release: Labour urges ACC to pull investments in Israelâs illegal settlements
Labour is urging ACC to divest from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in the building and maintenance of Israelâs illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 days ago
- Release: Further evidence to stop school lunch cuts
A new report provides further proof that David Seymour should not be messing with the free school lunch programme. ...2 days ago
- Jamie Arbuckle: Inquiry into Banking Competition
This week was the start of the bank inquiry hearings into banking competition. The inquiry was confirmed in the NZ First/National Coalition agreement. 140 submissions were received on the inquiry, and we will hear from over 60 submitters including all the major banks. ANZ, New Zealand's largest bank, was first ...2 days ago - Casey Costello: What Once Was…
Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...2 days ago
- Casey Costello: International Day of Older Persons
Throughout New Zealand it is difficult to think of a sports club, charity, church group, festival, foundation, or service organisation that does not owe its existence, effectiveness, or success to the contribution of older New Zealanders. October 1st is International Day of Older Persons so please take a moment to consider ...2 days ago
- NZ First Memberâs Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Memberâs Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The âLocal Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Billâ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 days ago
- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...2 days ago
- Tanya Unkovich: Itâs time to start the debate on palliative care as a ârightâ
There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...2 days ago
- Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS
New Zealand will not sign up to the nuclear-powered pillar one, or the pillar two of AUKUS under a Labour Government. ...3 days ago
- Release: Labour will build Dunedin Hospital
Labour will build Dunedin Hospital as it was committed to prior to election 2023. ...3 days ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech to Labour Party Conference 2024
E ngÄ mana, e ngÄ reo, e ngÄ iwi, e rau rangatira ma Tena koutou tÄnÄ koutou tÄnÄ koutou katoa ...3 days ago
- Luxon Folds on ACTâs Treaty Principles Bill
Te PÄti MÄori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, is calling Luxonâs leadership a joke after it was revealed this morning on Q+A that ACTâs Treaty Principles Bill was not a bottom line. "New Zealand officially has a laughing-stock Prime Minister whose leadership folded as he trades away the rights of tangata whenua ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister shirks responsibility on global climate commitment
In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. ...3 days ago
- Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Governmentâs latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...5 days ago
- COURT OF APPEAL RULING: SFO METHODS âOVERREACH, UNLAWFUL, OPPRESSIVE”
Today the Court of Appeal has found the Serious Fraud Office has been acting indiscriminately and unlawfully throughout an eight year long investigation.  The SFO has shown their incompetence and arrogance and shown to be abusing their authority to conduct its own overreaching and unlawful fishing expeditions.  The Court of Appeal said the SFO has relied on its misuse of compulsory interview ...5 days ago
- Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...6 days ago
- Waititi Orders Police Withdraw from Matapihi
Te PÄti MÄori co-leader and MP for Waiariki is demanding that the Police Minister immediately remove the heavy Police presence in the Matapihi community, as hundreds of officers saturate the Western Bay of Plenty area. âMinister Mitchell must intervene immediately and order the removal of the armed Police presence in ...6 days ago
- Release: Opposition parties unite on way forward to protect ECE
Early childhood education needs to be treated as a public good, say Labour, the Green Party, and Te PÄti MÄori in their newly released report of findings from public hearings they held into the Governmentâs ECE Regulatory Review. ...6 days ago
- Governmentâs First Year a âCatastrophe for MÄoriâ
Te PÄti MÄori is calling the Governmentâs first year a catastrophe for MÄori, following a year of policies that have done nothing but marginalise tangata-whenua. Today marks one year since the coalition was sworn into power. âThis year has been an absolute catastrophe for MÄori. This Government has fast-tracked us back ...1 week ago
- Release: 1500 Te Whatu Ora cuts will hurt New Zealandersâ health
Massive cuts across Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora demonstrate Nationalâs willingness to risk the health of New Zealanders. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government to make public transport more expensive⌠again
The Governmentâs decision to push for significant fare increases on buses and trains over the next few years is a huge blow to communities across the country. ...1 week ago
- Release: National has given up on climate action
Climate action is missing from the list of things National is patting themselves on the back for one year on from becoming government. ...1 week ago
- Public transport fare hikes a disaster
The Governmentâs directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for communities across the country. ...1 week ago
- Release: Minister leaves Community Housing Providers out in the cold
Housing Minister Chris Bishopâs speech to Community Housing Providers today should have been titled âwe want you to build houses, but we refuse to spend money so youâre on your ownâ. ...1 week ago
- Green Party appalled by woeful Government offer to school support staff
Support staff across Aotearoa have been dealt yet another devastating blow with the release of the latest collective agreement offer from the Government. ...1 week ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins sad to hear about Nikki Kaye
"The news today that Nikki Kaye has passed away after her long battle with cancer is incredibly sad," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government should be transparent on live exports
Targeted consultation on reinstating live cattle exports by sea wonât allow the New Zealand public to have their say. ...2 weeks ago
- NZâs global climate rankings plummet as Govt removes agriculture from ETS
The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoaâs reputation on climate action plummets. ...2 weeks ago
- Failed boot camp experiment must end
As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi. ...2 weeks ago
- Gender-affirming care must centre evidence and health needs, not political posturing
The Ministry of Health has today released an evidence brief regarding the use of puberty blockers in gender-affirming healthcare, amid moves by the government to limit access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National doesnât care about manufacturing
The National Government is walking away from our manufacturing sector with constant reports of closures and job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: David Parker speech – Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change
David Parker's speech from the University of Auckland's forum on Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change in September 2024. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Youth mental wellbeing no longer a priority for Child Poverty Minister
Louise Upston has revealed her diminished vision for vulnerable youth against a backdrop of snubbed advice, scrapped priorities, shifted goal posts and thousands more children projected to fall into poverty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nationalâs lack of climate action taking NZ backwards
National Governmentâs backward-looking climate policy has seen New Zealand fall seven places on the Climate Change Performance Index to 41 out of 63 countries measured. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Simple reason for drop in emergency housing
When the Government says it has reduced the number of people in emergency housing, what it means is it is stopping people from accessing it in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Govtâs child wellbeing strategy âshallow and shamefulâ
The Government is turning its back on children by not only weakening child poverty reduction targets, but also removing child mental wellbeing as a priority focus in their Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy. ...2 weeks ago
- Positive progress for the NZ ETS
The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) auction today has resulted in a partial clearance, showing work to restore credibility in the market is working, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. âTodayâs auction result shows the market is moving in the right direction to restore credibility in the NZ ...1 hour ago - Catalyst Fund updated for global impact
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins today announced an updated plan for the Catalyst Fund to be laser focused on clear outcomes and priority research areas. âWe are taking a more strategic approach to science funding across the board, as we seek to deliver greater economic impact for ...3 hours ago
- Marsden Fund refocused for science with a purpose
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins today announced the Government has updated the Marsden Fund to focus on core scientific research that helps lift our economic growth and contributes to science with a purpose. âThe Government has been clear in its mandate to rebuild our economy. We are ...3 hours ago
- Govt delivers MÄori Education Action Plan
The Government has released its MÄori Education Action Plan which sets out its approach to deliver better outcomes in the classroom for MÄori students, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. â25 per cent of learners within our schooling system are MÄori. While many achieve excellent results, on average MÄori experience worse ...3 hours ago
- Removing rewards for poor employee behaviour
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says it is important employees are not rewarded in the personal grievance system for poor behaviour or performance and is introducing changes to personal grievances to strengthen employee accountability. âSimplifying personal grievances is a policy ACT campaigned on, in particular, removing the ...3 hours ago
- Protecting NZ food production and ETS credibility
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts have today announced clear rules to limit farm to forestry conversions entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). âThese changes deliver on a key election commitment to protect food production for farmers while providing ETS certainty for foresters,â Mr ...4 hours ago
- Fuel companies required to store more jet fuel
New rules will be introduced that require fuel companies to hold at least 10 days of jet fuel near the countryâs busiest airport to provide resilience against supply disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. âFor more than seven years fuel companies have held jet fuel supplies at lower than ...6 hours ago
- Strong growth in international student enrolments
New Zealandâs international education sector is rebounding strongly, up 24 per cent year-on-year and 6 per cent above 2023 totals, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. âWith 73,535 enrolments between January to August 2024, more enrolments have been achieved in just two terms this year than we saw ...7 hours ago
- Speech to Early Childhood Education sectorâ Reducing red tape and barriers to ECE
When I was delegated responsibility for the ECE Sector from the Minister for Education it became immediately clear that my focus had to be on reducing red tape and regulatory obstacles for the early learning sector. While there is huge demand for ECEs from families across New Zealand, numbers show ...22 hours ago
- Democracy restored to transport in Auckland
The Government is restoring democratic accountability to transport decision-making in Auckland, ensuring voters can hold their elected representatives responsible for the city's transport policies, Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say."Aucklanders have become increasingly frustrated with how transport decisions are made and how little their ...1 day ago
- Health NZ makes progress on financial recovery
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand is making encouraging progress recovering from a financial shambles left behind by the previous government. âHealth NZ reported today that its revised budget for 2024/25 is a $1.1 billion deficit,â Dr Reti says. âThatâs significantly lower than the $1.76 billion deficit they ...1 day ago
- Wait times for veterans improve
Additional funding in Budget 2024 has reduced the waiting list of veterans seeking medical and rehabilitation support, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. âWhen we were elected a year ago, the Government made a commitment to improve New Zealandâs public services. As Veterans Minister this means improving access for veterans to ...1 day ago
- 30 per cent growth in international visitor spend
The latest International Visitor Survey shows that New Zealand continues to bounce back and the economy is benefiting from the shifting trends in international visitation, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. International Visitor Survey results for the year ending September 2024 released today show a promising increase of 30 ...1 day ago
- New data shows fewer victims of violent crime
New data shows an encouraging reduction in the number of victims of violent crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. âThe latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 14,000 fewer victims of crime nationwide over the 12 months to August 2024, than there were over the 12 months ...1 day ago
- Government open for business on market-led infrastructure proposals
The Government has released new guidelines for market-led proposals to clarify how market participants can contribute innovative ideas for solving New Zealandâs infrastructure problems, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. A market-led approach is where a private sector player wishes to deal directly with Government with ...2 days ago
- Speech to Stuff Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...2 days ago
- Speech to The Post Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...2 days ago
- Targets data positive but action needed on welfare
The second quarterly update on the nine Government targets shows a range of areas moving in the right direction but underlines the need for robust measures to get people off welfare and into work, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. âThe Governmentâs ambitious targets put Kiwis first by driving outcomes that ...2 days ago
- More support to help people on benefit into work
Up to 70,000 job seekers are to receive a new, more comprehensive needs assessment of the challenges holding them back from finding work and a personalised job plan to help overcome them. âIndividual Job Plans are a significant step forward in the Governmentâs efforts to provide welfare that works for ...2 days ago
- New Funding and Financing Framework released
Cabinet has agreed to an ambitious new Funding and Financing Framework to help the Crown make smarter and more informed funding and financing decisions, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. âImproving the way we fund and finance infrastructure will help drive better value for money from public investment, make public investment ...2 days ago
- Open work rights unlocked for Partners of Skilled Migrants
The Government has today taken steps to ensure New Zealand attracts and retains the workers and skills it needs by returning open work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants. âStarting today, the partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders in higher-skilled roles will be eligible for open work rights. ...2 days ago
- âTwelve Days of Givingâ to encourage generosity
Growing the amount of philanthropic giving across New Zealand is the aim of the Twelve Days of Giving campaign launched today alongside Philanthropy New Zealand, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. âNew Zealand is one of the most charitable countries in the world, with an estimated $3.8 billion worth of ...2 days ago
- NZ welcomes Singapore food security delegation
Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today welcomes a delegation from Singapore, who are in New Zealand for a food security mission. âThe visit will strengthen our trade and investment ties and demonstrate how New Zealandâs world-leading agri-food ecosystem can support Singaporeâs long-term food security. âThis mission will elevate ...2 days ago
- Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopens to walkers
The Government has delivered on its promise to restore public walking access to the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove in time for Summer 2024-2025. The walking track to the famous Coromandel beach - renowned for its natural rock arch feature and idyllic waters â was severely damaged by extreme weather events ...3 days ago
- Increased medicines access continues following budget boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see further increased availability of medicines for Kiwis following the Governmentâs increased investment in Pharmac. âPharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,â says Mr Seymour. âWhen this Government assumed office, ...3 days ago
- New infrastructure agency up and running
From today the Governmentâs new national infrastructure agency is up and running, acting as the shopfront for investors into public infrastructure and the centre of expertise on funding and financing for infrastructure projects, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. âNational committed to a national infrastructure agency during the 2023 election campaign, ...3 days ago
- NZ and United Kingdom strengthen partnership
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy held the inaugural annual New Zealand-United Kingdom Foreign Ministersâ Dialogue today in London. âThe United Kingdom is our oldest, and one of our closest and most trusted partners,â Mr Peters says. âWhile we are separated ...4 days ago
- Minister reminds public health officials of priorities
Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says the National Public Health Service should concentrate its focus on prioritising serious public health issues facing New Zealanders. âEarlier this week I was informed about an 8-page submission by the southern arm of the NPHS regarding a proposed fast food outlet in Wanaka,â ...5 days ago
- World class visitor centre for Punakaiki
Sightseers to the iconic Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track) will enjoy a richer experience thanks to a world class visitor experience centre run by local Iwi, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. This state-of-the-art facility provides visitors to the West Coast with a high-quality experience and helps boost the regionâs ...5 days ago
- Healthy Homes Initiative improves health of more than 200,000 people
A five-year evaluation of the Healthy Homes Initiative has demonstrated the positive impact of warm, dry homes on the health and wellbeing of more than 200,000 people. The Healthy Homes Initiative, led by Health New Zealand, helps families living in cold, damp homes, providing support like education, beds and bedding, ...5 days ago
- A year of concrete progress for infrastructure and transport
In a busy year of delivery, the Government has made concrete progress toward improving the foundations of the infrastructure system and addressing New Zealandâs infrastructure deficit, and is streets ahead when it comes to getting transport back on track, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown say. âIt ...5 days ago
- Mining stats show a sector delivering for NZ
New figures on mining activity across New Zealand show the Crown collected nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue in the 2023/24 financial year, bolstered by royalties collected from petroleum and gold, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The statistics, released this morning by the Ministry of Business, Innovation ...5 days ago
- Safer ports â approved code of practice for loading and unloading cargo takes effect today
Today marks a significant milestone for the port and maritime sector, with the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon Brooke van Velden, and the Associate Minister of Transport celebrating the Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP) coming into effect. âThe ...5 days ago
- Red Tape tipline gets over 300 reports in first week
In just its first week, over 300 people have reported red tape issues to the new Red Tape tipline, Regulation Minister David Seymour says. âRed tape wastes valuable time, money and sanity. I am not surprised to see an outpouring of discontent from Kiwis who are sick of the tangle ...5 days ago
- More flexible dismissal process for high-income employees
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says an upcoming change to the Employment Relations Act will enable employers to ensure they have the right fit for their high impact leadership and specialist roles. This policy delivers on the ACT-National coalition to set an income threshold above which personal ...5 days ago
- NZ and Germany deepen cooperation
New Zealand and Germany are committed to enhancing their partnership, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. âOur discussions in Berlin over the last few days have underlined the broad range of interests that New Zealand and Germany share,â says Mr Peters, following his meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. ...5 days ago
- Chemical weapons and Iranian missiles targeted in new Russia sanctions
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced new sanctions in response to Russiaâs ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine â and joined partners in a Call to Action on sanctions-evading âshadow fleetâ activities. âThese new sanctions respond to recent findings by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that illegal ...6 days ago
- Exporters benefit from new trade system
The modernisation of New Zealandâs trade certification system, which supports $33 billion of exports, is making selling top Kiwi products overseas more reliable and adaptable for the future, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.âNew Zealand food and wine is admired around the world and brings jobs, money, and opportunities into ...6 days ago
- Whanganui to benefit from the latest health technologies
Todayâs opening of a new MRI facility at Whanganui Hospital is the latest in a number of health infrastructure projects designed to improve healthcare services for the people of Whanganui and surrounding districts, says Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti. âIâm really pleased to have been able to deliver on ...6 days ago
- Strengthening timber trade with new assurance system
The Government is delivering on its commitment to combat trade in illegally harvested timber, with consultation starting today on operational details to implement New Zealandâs legal harvest assurance system, Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today. âThe system will limit the risk of importing illegally harvested timber and provide the international ...6 days ago
- Health NZ deficit grows after Auditor-General intervenes
Health New Zealand has performed an about-turn over expenses, in a way that pushes up the deficit it is facing in the current financial year. ...1 hour ago - Government announces sweeping changes to limit forestry conversions
Farming groups and rural communities have been raising concerns over forestry conversions for years. ...2 hours ago
- âHer energy is as delicious as her recipesâ: Two Raw Sisters on their favourite books
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Two Raw Sisters, aka Rosa Flanagan and Margo Power, authors of More Salad. The book I wish Iâd written Rosa: I love The Edible Backyard by Kath Irvine. Itâs an ...2 hours ago - Why do I get static shocks from everyday objects? Is it my shoes?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niusha Shafiabady, Associate Professor in Computational Intelligence, Australian Catholic University Yupa Watchanakit/Shutterstock Door handles, taps, playground slides, furry pets⌠Getting zapped by static electricity is a common experience. But the physics that causes the spark is surprisingly intricate. If youâre getting ...2 hours ago - ADHD medications affect childrenâs appetites. Hereâs how to manage this
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Efron, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne LightField Studios/Shutterstock Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts the ability to maintain attention to tasks. Often, it also involves impulsive behaviour â saying or doing things without stopping to ...2 hours ago
- Peek-a-boo politics: Scrutiny in the dark
The House: Parliament is conducting its annual week of performance reviews of government entities (and their ministers), sometimes all but blindfolded. ...3 hours ago
- Almost a quarter of beneficiaries being paid incorrectly – report
It falls well short of the Ministry of Social Development's target of at least 95% correct payouts. ...3 hours ago
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sells another investment property
It's the second Onehunga home the Prime Minister has sold recently, along with a Wellington apartment. ...3 hours ago
- Ginger, tortie, calico â the mystery gene responsible for orange colour in cat coats has been foun...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Nicholas, Emeritus Professor of Animal Genetics, University of Sydney ChrisChips/Shutterstock Orange and tortoiseshell house cats (torties) have long been an enigma for hair coloration in mammals: now, the genetic basis of their distinctive coat colour has been unveiled. Orange is ...4 hours ago
- ‘If it’s sound, why pull it down?’: Son of couple who gifted Begonia House
"It needs some glass and a new heating system. That does not cost $20 million,' Wayne Norwood, the son of Sir Charles and Lady Rosina Norwood says. ...4 hours ago
- Gender-affirming care affects a small minority â so why the public consultation?
Public consultation is currently open on further restricting trans healthcare. Jennifer Shields argues why the process has been flawed from the beginning. At the end of last month, after many delays and all of a sudden, the Ministry of Health finally released its evidence brief and position statement into the ...4 hours ago
- MÄori Education Action Plan released
The plan includes a commitment to increasing te reo MÄori education for teachers. ...4 hours ago
- Vanuatuâs landmark case at ICJ seeks to hold polluting nations responsible for climate change
RNZ Pacific Vanuatuâs special envoy to climate change says their case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is based on the argument that those harming the climate are breaking international law. The case seeks an advisory opinion from the court on the legal responsibilities of countries in relation to ...5 hours ago
- Deadline set for jet fuel storage
In 2019, a government inquiry recommended fuel companies invest in storing cover for operations at 80 percent of peak operations. ...5 hours ago
- Trademarks that will never be used can be âbad faithâ business â a UK case has lessons for NZ ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Batty, Associate Professor, Business School, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau According to New Zealandâs Trademarks Register, the name Red Bull has been registered for everything from âvarnishesâ to âsausage machinesâ. And, of course, energy drinks. All have been registered ...5 hours ago
- Defence Force to stop ‘raft’ of things due to financial crunch
"There's a lot of things we can't afford to to do at the moment." the Chief of Defence told MPs. ...5 hours ago
- New Zealanders in South Korea told to register, avoid protests
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Foreign Minister Winston Peters' office said they were watching developments closely. ...5 hours ago
- Through their eyes: the reality of growing up in New Zealand
As landmark longitudinal study Growing Up in New Zealand reaches its 15th year, we reflect on its impacts so far, and the hopes for its future. In 2009, a group of expectant mothers were approached by researchers at the University of Auckland to be part of a new study that ...6 hours ago
- Why the City to Sea Bridge is not just another relic to save
Some things are too important to demolish, argues architect Caro Robertson. Toby Morris once wrote, âThe value of what our artists contribute is clear. It is inspiration and identity. Itâs mental wellbeing on a national scale.â The City to Sea Bridge is a publicly accessible series of large-scale artworks, first ...6 hours ago
- Health NZ says nursing hires one of reason for deficit
It forecasts the deficit this current financial year will be $1.1 billion dollars. ...6 hours ago
- Auckland Council to sell remaining stake in Auckland Airport
Trading in the airport company's shares has been suspended while the deal is being completed. ...6 hours ago
- ‘Beyond disappointing’: KÄinga Ora rejects wool carpet
The minister in charge for wool says it's frustrating government departments weren't listening. ...7 hours ago
- âAnonymousâ voting software used by some of Australiaâs biggest companies is flawed, new inves...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Priya Dev, Lecturer, Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies & Statistics, Australian National University FOTOGRIN/Shutterstock Secret ballots have long been fundamental to democracy, ensuring the integrity of elections in both government and corporate settings. Traditionally, votes are cast on physical paper, ...7 hours ago
- A decade-long study reveals concerning trend of young women committing online sexual offences
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Larissa Christensen, Senior Lecturer in Criminology & Justice, Co-leader of the Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit (SVRPU), University of the Sunshine Coast Pongchart B/Shutterstock There are many social issues enabled by social media, including sexting, the creation of and ...7 hours ago
- A new at-home test will soon be available for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Hereâs what to know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Sturgiss, Associate Professor, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University fizkes/Shutterstock Australiaâs Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved a self-test kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea for women and other people with a vagina. Reports indicate these at-home ...7 hours ago
- Global markets are likely to withstand a Trump-led US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mona Mashhadi Rajabi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney As the climate crisis deepens, the need for global action becomes greater than ever. Central to this effort is the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, to meet the Paris ...7 hours ago
- Too many Australian students donât have the basic technology they need for school â here are 5 w...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Azadeh Dastyari, Professor of Human Rights Law, Western Sydney University POP-THAILAND/ Shutterstock We often assume Australian students are great with technology and have access to a computer, reliable internet and adequate data. But this is not necessarily the case, despite ...7 hours ago
- Labourâs long win on defence policy
A declassified conversation with George Bush shows Jim Bolger âwantedâ to remove the nuclear ban in 1991. But he couldnât. First published in Henry Cookeâs politics newsletter, Museum Street. In much of the English-speaking world, ...7 hours ago
- Secret process to liquidate SolarZero began with exit of CEO â sourcesÂ
Discussions to liquidate NZ’s leading solar panel company began at least six weeks before the decision was announced to staff, according to sources. SolarZero wasn’t even close to meeting ambitious sales projections, and had gone back to shareholder BlackRock seeking a further equity injection. That would be on top of ...7 hours ago - Health NZ commissioner loses $130m battle with Auditor-General
Govt agrees to provide ‘letter of comfort’ guaranteeing a billion-dollar bailout if needed The post Health NZ commissioner loses $130m battle with Auditor-General appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Charities’ $2 billion in untaxed profits
Finance Minister Nicola Willis is promising tax changes ahead for charities. ...8 hours ago
- Greed, Erich von Stroheimâs intense, monumental silent film, turns 100. Its legacy lives on
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Danks, Associate professor in Cinema and Media Studies, RMIT University Wikimedia Commons First released in New York on December 4 1924, Erich von Stroheimâs intense, monumental Greed remains more famous for what didnât end up on screen than what did. ...8 hours ago
- How to cool your house down without turning on the heat pump
Keeping the aircon on full blast might feel tempting, but your bank account won't thank you. ...8 hours ago
- What Wayne Brown wants from his âfundamental resetâ of Auckland Transport
A major win for the mayor as he successfully guts the cityâs transport organisation, explains The Bulletinâs Stewart Sowman-Lund. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...9 hours ago
- Modelling shows how Donald Trumpâs tariffs will hurt â and help â New Zealand
Few can doubt Donald Trump's trade intentions once he takes office next January. ...9 hours ago
- New modelling shows how Trumpâs trade tariffs will hurt â and help â New Zealand
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niven Winchester, Professor of Economics, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Few can doubt Donald Trumpâs trade intentions once he takes office next January. In a recent social media post, the US president-elect promised: On January 20th, as one of ...9 hours ago
- Auckland Transport shake-up: ‘There’s not much room to get worse’ – mayor
Auckland's mayor is promising the shake-up of the city's transport is great news for residents - but some see risks in the change. ...11 hours ago
- Act had disproportionate influence in year one, says David Seymour. Is he right?Â
We dust off the abacus. There was a bit of throat clearing and chest thumping about the leader interviews to mark last weekâs first birthday of the first fully fledged three-party coalition government in New Zealand. Among them was David Seymour, who told RNZ: âI think weâve made a disproportionate ...11 hours ago
- A journey through the 26 times Luxon said âwhat I say to you isâ on Q+A
The prime minister said âwhat Iâm saying to youâ 26 times in 30 minutes last weekend. But what did he actually say? On Sunday morning, Christopher Luxon finally appeared on TVNZâs Q+A for the first time since he was elected prime minister in 2023. The live television interview lasted 30 ...11 hours ago
- On Luxonâs smile, by Tusiata Avia
The SmileI am sitting at the airport/at departures/stranded between the cafĂŠ and the gate/in a wheelchair/those airport wheelchairs that only someone else can control/when a phalanx of policemen/a paranoia of personal bodyguards speaking into their own ears/arrive/like a curtain opening/ or the seas parting/not for Taylor Swift or Donald Trump/not for ...11 hours ago
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