A very Samoan coup
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10:07 am, May 23rd, 2021 - 43 comments
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In overnight news the Samoan head of state Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II has suspended the recalling of Parliament due to occur on Monday.
From Joyetter Feagaimaali’i at the Samoan Observer:
Samoa has been thrown into a constitutional crisis after the Head of State suspended Parliament’s scheduled Monday sitting in a shock last-minute move moments ago.
In a statement issued a short time ago, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, announced that he was suspending Parliament “pursuant to his constitutional authority”.
The move directly undermines an earlier writ signed by the Head of State signed this Thursday, which confirmed Parliament would convene on Monday to meet a constitutional obligation.
The Head of State did not give any reasons for the suspension but said he would make his justification known in due course.
The proclamation apparently brings the Head of State into conflict with a constitutional provision requiring that Parliament convenes within 45 days of a national election being held.
The final date for that swearing-in is on Monday, which is 45 days after the 9 April national poll.
The historical background is the stunning win of the FAST is set out in this Stuff Article written by Mandy Te:
For 39 years, Samoa has had the same political party – the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) – in power, and the same leader since 1998.
HRPP was founded by Va’ai Kolone and Tofilau Eti Alesana in May 1979.
At the time, the party was the opposition to the then-prime minister Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi‘s government.
HRPP supported a general strike in 1981, organised by the Public Service Association, that saw thousands of public servants protesting over pay disputes, according to a discussion paper by Antony Hooper.
Government operations were paused, schools were closed and communication with other countries was hindered, the paper said.
In some ways, this strike helped the HRPP come to power in 1982.
The country’s longest-serving leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, entered politics in 1981 and became prime minister in 1998.
And of the recent election she said this:
The election began on April 9 and preliminary results showed a dead heat.
The HRPP and the FAST Party were tied at 25 seats each in a 51-seat parliament, and Independent MP Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio found himself in the role of “kingmaker”.
This dead heat continued again when Ponifasio sided with FAST Party and Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuaau from HRPP was appointed to parliament as part of the article on female representation.
Newcomer Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa Ua Tasi (FAST) Party was the opposing party in this year’s election.
Last year, the FAST Party was formed on July 30, by former speaker of the Samoan Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.
It is led by former deputy prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.
The recent election ended up in deadlock. The one independent MP went with the FAST party but the Government relied on a constitutional provision that required 10% of the Parliament to have a further Government supporting MP appointed.
The head of state entered the fray and called for a new election based on the deadlock.
FAST took the matter to Court where it was held that the appointment of the new MP to ensure the gender quota was not breached was unconstitutional. A further case decided that the Head of State’s calling of a new election was also unconstitutional.
Then last night Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II issued this proclamation:
You have to wonder about the timing. In Samoa Sunday is Church Day. Very little else happens. Despite this the Supreme Court will sit as a matter of urgency today.
The result was interesting. The HRPP party, such was its confidence, had stood multiple candidates in electorates and some FAST candidates made it through because of vote splitting. I am sure the same thing will not happen at the next election, whenever it is.
Samoa's Supreme Court will sit in chambers in a unique Sunday session today to hear an application by Fiame's FAST party to overturn suspension of tomorrow's parliament
— Michael Field (@MichaelFieldNZ) May 22, 2021
This is not over yet. The next 24 hours will be vital for Samoa’s democratic future.
Update: three Judges of the Supreme Court have ruled that the announcement is “unlawful” and that Parliament will meet tomorrow.
It will be interesting to see how far Malielegaoi pushes this.
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- Gaza: Aotearoa Must Support Independent Investigation into Mass GravesTe Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Working together on consistent support for veterans this Anzac DayOur two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Penny drops – but what about Seymour and Peters?Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...2 weeks ago
- Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summonsTonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery fundingIt appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...2 weeks ago
- Further environmental mismanagement on the cardsThe Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...2 weeks ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freezeCuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...3 weeks ago
- Fast-track submissions period must be extendedThe Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Progress on climate will be undone by GovtNew Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...4 hours ago - Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...4 hours ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...5 hours ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...10 hours ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...11 hours ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...14 hours ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...15 hours ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...19 hours ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...1 day ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...1 day ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...1 day ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...1 day ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...2 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...3 days ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...4 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...5 days ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...5 days ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...5 days ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...5 days ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...5 days ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...6 days ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...6 days ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...6 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...6 days ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...6 days ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...7 days ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...7 days ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...7 days ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...1 week ago
- Government to boost public EV charging networkEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...1 week ago
- Residential Property Managers Bill to not progressThe coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...1 week ago
- Independent review into disability support servicesThe Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...1 week ago
- Justice Minister updates UN on law & order planJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...1 week ago
- Ending emergency housing motels in RotoruaThe Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...1 week ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and DubaiTrade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...1 week ago
- Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...1 week ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...1 week ago
- Supporting whānau out of emergency housingWhānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...1 week ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...1 week ago
- Speech – Eid al-FitrAssalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...1 week ago
- Prison spending: Waikeria to have capacity for nearly 2000 beds
The government has clarified just how many beds the Waikato prison will get after a series of maths gaffes - 455, 600, 810 or 1865? ...45 mins ago - ‘Repair colonial violence’ and support Gaza ceasefire, say Otago academics
Asia Pacific Report Following an open letter by Auckland University academics speaking out in support of their students’ right to protest against the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza, a group of academics at Otago University have today also called on New Zealand academic institutions to “repair colonial violence” and end ...3 hours ago - Expelling students for bad behaviour seems like the obvious solution, but is it really a good idea?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda J. Graham, Professor and Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Ryan Tauss/ Unsplash, CC BY Two male students have been expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in a list ranking female students. ...3 hours ago
- Green MP Julie Anne Genter responds after behaviour in the House, florist's accusations"I can do better," she says, acknowledging the need to work on her de-escalation strategy. ...4 hours ago
- If the RBA’s right, interest rates may not fall for another year. Here’s why – and what it mea...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The Reserve Bank is now assuming Australians will see no interest rate cuts this year – and quite possibly none before the next federal election, due next May. That’s ...4 hours ago
- ‘Eye watering’ spending, growing debt make up surprisingly generous Victorian state budgetSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University The Victorian budget offered more of the same on Tuesday, with the only change being how the budget papers were packaged. The usual shrink wrap was gone, hinting at savings in the pages ...4 hours ago
- Budgeting service cuts: 'It's like watching a train derail'With some services facing closure after missing out on the latest government funding, there are for some of NZ's most vulnerable. ...4 hours ago
- Coalition demands amendments to government’s deportation bill, as crucial High Court judgement set...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition is demanding extensive amendments to the government’s legislation targeting non-citizens who refuse to co-operate with their removal. In a dissenting report to the senate inquiry into the legislation, the Coalition says it ...4 hours ago
- MP's comments 'bang on' despite negative response from other parties – Te Pāti...Te Pāti Māori is standing by comments made by MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi which other parties have called inflammatory and offensive. ...7 hours ago
- A story of trauma, hope and regaining control, Nayika: A Dancing Girl is soul-stirring dance theatreSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanita Yadav, Senior Research Fellow, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Brett Boardman/Belvoir The complex and grappling issue of violence against women takes centre stage in the soul-stirring solo dance drama Nayika: A Dancing Girl. During a dinner conversation ...7 hours ago
- 'Pretty dire' situation for patients as junior doctors strike over pay cutsDisruption to patient care from a nationwide junior doctors strike is bordering on unsafe, a senior doctor claims, despite what health officials say. ...8 hours ago
- How does the drug abemaciclib treat breast cancer?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ground Picture/Shutterstock The anti-cancer drug abemaciclib (also known as Vernezio) has this month been added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat certain ...8 hours ago
- How a filmmaker, a pile of old shells and a bunch of amateurs are bringing our oyster reefs backSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic McAfee, Postdoctoral researcher, marine ecology, University of Adelaide Robbie Porter, OzFish Unlimited Around Australia, hundreds of people are coming together to help a once-prized, but decimated and largely forgotten marine ecosystem. They’re busy restoring Australia’s native oyster and mussel reefs. ...8 hours ago
- Official 2023 election result final check done in a few hours, under extreme pressureThe rushed assessment, which failed to identify multiple errors in the official results, would normally take two days. ...9 hours ago
- Curious Kids: what stops meteors hitting Earth and hurting people?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Austin Human/Unsplash How does Earth stop meteors from hitting Earth and hurting people? –Asher, 6 years 11 months, New South Wales Alright, let’s embark on a meteor ...9 hours ago
- From pride rounds to rainbow guernseys, sports can be smarter when it comes to diversity and inclusi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rory Mulcahy, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of the Sunshine Coast Professional sports organisations regularly promote and develop initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion. While sport has the power to change attitudes by sparking conversations about political issues and social ...9 hours ago
- Grand designs? Why many Australian architects say their career makes them unhappySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Naomi Stead, Director of the Design and Creative Practice Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT, RMIT University SORN340 Studio Images/Shutterstock For years there have been suggestions of widespread poor wellbeing among architects. In many ways this is not surprising. It’s well established the ...9 hours ago
- Don’t embarrass the boss
Comment: The weekly Monday post-Cabinet press conference is a useful forum for observing Christopher Luxon and how he is developing into the job of Prime Minister. He attempts to convey the impression of a man of action, speaking fast, delivering memorised National Party strategies in a connect-the-slogans kind of way, ...9 hours ago - Green MP Julie Anne Genter referred to Privileges CommitteeGerry Brownlee referred her to the Privileges Committee over complaints about her behaviour in the House. ...10 hours ago
- Six telling tidbits from the review of vote-counting errors at the 2023 election
Double votes, missing ballot boxes, tired tech and stressed staff: how tick-tallying went astray at last year’s election. Cast your mind back to November 2023, that bleary-eyed post-election period during which we waited, and waited, for a coalition deal to be hammered out. A distraction from the hotel-hopping of our ...10 hours ago - Government begins weekly reporting of school attendance figuresSchools should aim to have 94 percent of their pupils in class every day, David Seymour says. ...10 hours ago
- A ‘blistering’ ‘tour de force’: Australia loves After the Party tooInternational audiences are starting to discover what New Zealand already knew about After the Party. When After the Party aired in New Zealand last year, the response was fast and furious. In his preview for Rec Room, Duncan Greive said it was a “gritty, wrenching and highly confronting” series. By ...10 hours ago
- Iran is gaining credibility in the Muslim world and feeling emboldened. This doesn’t bode well for...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor of the Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Acting Director the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University Iran’s leadership has been a direct beneficiary of the months-long war in Gaza. With every missile that Israel fires ...11 hours ago
- ‘Uncanny notes that plague this place’: Hagstone by Sinéad Gleeson, reviewedClaire Mabey reviews the haunting and sexy debut novel from Sinéad Gleeson, who is about to touch down in Aotearoa for a string of live events. When Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson was in Aotearoa in 2018 with her spectacular collection of essays, Constellations, she told me she was working on ...11 hours ago
- Bougainville ‘other avenues’ report ‘sensationalised’, claims MakibaPNG Post-Courier Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba has described the Post-Courier’s front page story yesterday regarding a meeting between Bougainville and national government leaders as “sensationalised” and without substance. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (AGB) had warned it might use “other avenues to gain its independence” should the PNG government “continue ...12 hours ago
- Government on track for increased deficit despite fall in spending – TreasuryThe government books are worsening as a fall in tax outpaces cuts to spending, leaving it on course to post a sizable deficit. ...12 hours ago
- Luxon and Mitchell weren’t mixed up, they were using girl mathsWhere some saw the worst press conference given by the government to date, Anna Rawhiti-Connell recognised girl maths game. Nicola Willis, recently exasperated by comparisons to Ruth Richardson, said she was “a bit sick of being compared with every female finance minister that’s ever been out there.” Some think that’s ...13 hours ago
- Interim Financial Statements Of The Government Of New Zealand For The Nine Months Ended 31 March 20...
The March results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2023 (HYEFU 2023), published on 20 December 2023 and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...13 hours ago - NZ First MP Jamie Arbuckle, who wanted to keep his pay as councillor pay too, changes his mindJamie Arbuckle, the district councillor who became an MP but decided to keep getting paid for both roles, will instead donate one salary to charity. ...13 hours ago
- Jamie Arbuckle MP – Re: My Position As Marlborough District CouncillorThis is my fifth term as a Marlborough District Councillor, I am passionate about local issues, and I will continue to work hard for my community. ...13 hours ago
- Adding gender to the Human Rights Act – what’s the big deal?Adding gender to the Human Rights Act would simply make the implicit explicit. So why is it so controversial? Paul Thistoll explain. At present, Aotearoa’s 1993 Human Rights Act (HRA) includes sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief (meaning a lack of religious belief), colour, race, ethnicity or national origin, ...13 hours ago
- Carmel Sepuloni believed to be contestant on new season's Celebrity Treasure IslandThe new season of Celebrity Treasure Island is due to hit New Zealand screens later this year. ...14 hours ago
- The cost of being: A flatting student who’s saving for more tattoosAs part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, an 18-year-old who’s studying and working in hospo shares their approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Transmasc Age: 18 Ethnicity: Pākehā/Māori Role: Student, ...15 hours ago
- 'He got it mixed up' – PM backs Corrections Minister despite announcement muddleThe prime minister is backing Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell, saying he "quickly clarified" a confusing media conference announcement. ...15 hours ago
- How the fast-track law could expose future NZ governments to expensive trade disputesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Resources Minister Shane Jones has reportedly asked officials for advice on whether oil and gas companies could be offered “bonds” as compensation if drilling rights offered by ...16 hours ago
- Crisis of faith: why Australian women have so little trust in religious institutionsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Gleeson, Associate Professor of Law, Macquarie University Shutterstock The Albanese government is weighing up the costs of delivering an election promise to protect religious people from discrimination in Commonwealth law. Such protections were relatively uncontroversial when included in state anti-discrimination ...16 hours ago
- Terminal lucidity: why do loved ones with dementia sometimes ‘come back’ before death?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yen Ying Lim, Associate Professor, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio Dementia is often described as “the long goodbye”. Although the person is still alive, dementia slowly and irreversibly chips away at their memories and the ...16 hours ago
- Making merry: how we brought Melbourne’s Merri Creek back from pollution, neglect and weedsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judy Bush, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock I met with a friend for a walk beside Merri Creek, in inner Melbourne. She had lived in the area for a few years, and as we walked ...16 hours ago
- This group rid one Australian river of its privet problem – and strengthened community along the w...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sonia Graham, DECRA Fellow, University of Wollongong Lekali Studio/Shutterstock Privet is a popular garden hedge. It grows quickly and responds well to being pruned. But in natural areas, privet is a problem. Like 72% of weeds in Australia, privet escaped ...16 hours ago
- Australian artists only earn $23,200 a year from their art – and are key financial investors in ke...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Throsby, Distinguished Professor of Economics, Macquarie University Arts companies and individual artists in Australia are supported by government arts agencies, philanthropists, industry bodies, private donors and patrons. However, it is frequently overlooked that a major source of support for the arts ...16 hours ago
- Experts Sign Open Letter To Legalise Drugs In New ZealandHarm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa, a new incorporated society dedicated to ending harmful drug policies, officially launched today, seeks a new fit-for-purpose drug law for Aotearoa New Zealand, rooted in science, experience and evidence. ...16 hours ago
- Politics live: Mark Mitchell, Christopher Luxon face questions after Corrections confusionThe Corrections Minister admits he "muddied the water" after he and the Prime Minister repeatedly provided incorrect information about a $1.9 billion prison spend-up. ...16 hours ago
- Messy press conference prompts correction over Corrections fundingIt took a post-post-cabinet statement to confirm that 810 new beds will be built at Waikeria, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...17 hours ago
- Politics live: Mark Mitchell, Christopher Luxon face questions after confusion CorrectionsThe Prime Minister and Corrections Minister repeatedly provided incorrect information about their $1.9 billion planned prison spend-up. ...17 hours ago
- Young Star burns bright for her Fiji familyLili Tokaduadua was only 15 when she left her family in Fiji to pursue her netball dream in New Zealand. She’d been playing the sport for 10 years and was offered a netball scholarship at Auckland’s Howick College. Now, in her first year out of high school, the 19-year-old defender ...17 hours ago
- Plucky Foodstuffs crushed by the iron fist of big bicycleThe beloved local grocers lost a legal challenge to stop a new cycleway outside their store. Joel MacManus reports. In the annals of New Zealand legal history, there are a few brave people who have dared to stand up to the powers that be, no matter how bleak the odds ...19 hours ago
- Seven graphs that show where New Zealand’s food comes from… and where it goesHow what we produce and what we eat connects us to the world beyond our shores, visualised. Walking around a supermarket or vege shop, it might be obvious that everything on the shelves came from somewhere. But you might ...19 hours ago
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"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Robert Caro
It sounded exactly like a coup on the RNZ news this morning.
Interesting stuff, both the HRPP and FAST are essentially Christian conservative Parties though?
Samoa is a very Christian nation.
The Head of State seems to be Somoa's Sir John Kerr but hes maintaining an unelected government by extra constitutional means.
The extra seat for women – to make six- defies the words in constitution which gave (5) as the minimum, they would have to have 60 Mps for a minimum of 6.
Now the Head of State wants to defy the constitution again, as parliament has to sit on Monday as thats the prescribed number of days.
I can see him refusing to accept the new PM once the parliament sits.
Its Fiji all over again, as that was the core reasons for its coups, removal of longstanding party from power by the voters wasnt allowed to stand
https://samoaglobalnews.com/court-upholds-original-proclamation-of-head-of-state-to-convene-parliament11/
Even if this is just a hiccup, patriarchy isn't overthrown in a day.
She is going to have to expect severe undermining from all societal forces.
This new PM needs NZ's help, and we have the Foreign Minister to do it.
MFAT has seemed all too silent.
What , so they should be acting as a colonial power does ?
Samoa is dependent on New Zealand for most things.
Colonial or neocolonial, Samoa is showing it has a weak democracy that needs international support.
Once the new PM has her feet under the desk, she'd do well to get support from us.
This new PM needs NZ's help, and we have the Foreign Minister to do it.
What's more I think she will do it. Even if its behind the scene.
Samoa’s stability is by some large measure more important to New Zealand than anything happening in Palestine. The PM must be seen to act as if Samoan democracy itself is at stake, and not mumble.
We don’t need another repeat of our failure to intervene as per the Fiji coup of 1987. Prime Minister Lange was on record wanting to see us go in there with the SAS at least.
http://www.pireport.org/articles/1998/10/06/fiji-military-action-considered-new-zealand-1987
I wonder how we'd feel if Aussie or the UK decided we needed the benefit of their SAS units
" we'd feel if Aussie or the UK decided"
You forget that the PM of that day was the newly elected Tomoci Bavadra ( for 1 month) head of a coalition of Fiji Labour Party and National Federation Party.
If the Fijian PM asked NZ intervene we should have…. so unilateral intervention doesnt apply
"If"…..and with a very evenly divided electorate which group has the moral authority to ask for (outside) military action on its behalf?…..I'd suggest that before any fools rush in, the citizenship should be allowed to resolve their own problems and only IF civil war breaks out is there any consideration of military assistance.
Not at all….thats a red herring . It was a military coup trying to remove the PM, which suceeded. If its evenly divided electorate then the voters can remove the PM next election.
There was no chance of a civil war as the fijian army held all the aces. And once they were in power NZ wasnt going to touch the place.
I was referring to the current situation in Samoa….but the same applies to the historical Fiji situation.
He famously sent a telegram to the military telling them to get into the country to help hold the peace and they declined to do so.
The military didn't like David Lange because he stopped them from playing war games with the US and the Brits.
"they declined to do so."
I think they talked him out of it as 'declined to so' is serious military offence. The Minister of Defence, , then the Governor General- who is Commander in Chief are the superiors of the Chief of Defence
To refuse a direct order from the Minister of Defence would mean the Trentham Camp lockup and instant dismissal from their military appointment
If this goes like Fiji, it's time for Minister Mahuta to dust of the 1962 Treaty.
This is a country that relies on NZ for most things (defence, aid, remittances, trade), and there's no time like this for a WTF phone call.
Nothing like triangulating with U.S. Samoa as well to send a consistent message.
1962 Treaty here
Not much we can do unless they ask
I'm sure China would like to pick up our slack if we impose sanctions on Samoa.
Just support and counsel as the entire political order has to slowly reform away from the HRRP.
Yep, I believe they are already waiting in the wings to take over the pacific. Well, call it diplomacy or chicken run, either way NZ is in a unique position to get talks and confirmation of the status of Samoa's political system confirmed. Sounds like a monarchy in disguise to me. Someone does not understand what democracy means, so maybe some definition is required and if NZs aid is designed around that, perhaps that needs to come to bear.
I was interested in this comment by University of Auckland associate professor Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni:
It suggests not a small amount of power consolidation and corruption over the years. Perhaps once accepted, but as the young independent country grows, not so accepted anymore?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/125225024/samoa-election-turmoil-samoas-caretaker-pm-tuilaepa-gives-blistering-speech-as-fast-partys-fiame-naomi-mataafa-sworn-in-as-new-pm
Still at it.
https://twitter.com/MichaelFieldNZ/status/1396362763878899715
Small mercies.
https://twitter.com/MichaelFieldNZ/status/1396366889115275264
Why do the Police wear battle fatigues?
Overcompensating?
Police Commissioner Egon Keil accompanied by a bunch of judges, walked up to the doors of parliament to view the illegally locked doors and then walked away.
Not exactly a man of action, it seems that the Police Commissioner Egon Keil's concern about the rule of law didn't stretch to removing the illegally placed locks.
Makes me wonder how good Egon Keil is at policing other illegal activities?
This doesn't bode well for Samoa's democracy and/or rule of law.
It seems that democracy and the rule of law dies not with a whimper, but with a shrug.
The indifference of the Police Commisioner in upholding the law has not deterred the FAST Party.
Latest news is FAST have erected a marquee on parliament grounds and is holding the swearing in ceremony there.
Questions..
https://twitter.com/DamonSalesa/status/1396365545675448327
Answers
https://twitter.com/JamieTahana/status/1396372180326174720
Maybe not
https://twitter.com/MichaelFieldNZ/status/1396370426431893504
Ordinance ?
'Legislative Assembly Powers and Privileges Ordinance 1960'
Surely a low level regulation like that doesnt overide the Constitution that parliament must assemble today…and once the parliament assembles even the 'ordinance' says hes out of office.
Even the Constitution says when Parliament assembles the Speaker is out of office
49.1
1. The Legislative Assembly shall,’ immediately when it first meets’ after a general election and as soon as possible after any vacancy occurs in the office of Speaker otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of the Assembly, elect a Member of Parliament to be Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
I wonder if the Judges of the Samoan Supreme Court can issue an arrest warrant for MPs of the HRPP party which compels them to be taken to parliament and for a sitting to be held. would be nice to see.
Politics is concentrated economics.
Lurking in the background is big power economic and political rivalry.
On one side is the HRPP party and Chinese joint plans to develope a large port infrastructure project
On the other is the FAST party and the Western Pacific Alliance who want it stopped.
Big power rivalry
Pot calls the kettle black
The U.S. criticises China for practicing neo-colonialism.
As the stand off between the HRPP and FAST committed to cancel the huge Chinese port project continue into its third week
Behind the scenes the Superpowers tool up.