Affordable housing fail – we can’t rely on the private sector

Written By: - Date published: 9:20 am, August 17th, 2016 - 55 comments
Categories: housing, national, useless - Tags: , , ,

To the complete surprise of absolutely no one:

Land-bankers fail to build affordable housing

Affordability requirements in up to half of Auckland’s special housing areas look set to lapse because developers have not even applied for consents ahead of the areas disappearing next month.

The revelations have sparked claims of land-banking, and at least one developer is seeking legal advice on whether the affordable housing rules will still stick after that date.
…
The special areas, which gave fast-track consents in exchange for requiring that at least 10 per cent of new housing was “affordable”, will be disestablished on September 16 after the city’s new Unitary Plan comes into force.

They aim to boost housing supply and stem house price inflation that has seen the average home’s value soar to nearly $1 million.

Labour Party leader Andrew Little said he was “stunned” little more than a third of the areas had even got to the consenting stage.

“It just looks like the special housing area policy has been used to help build land banks,” he said. …

Another National failure.

Private sector developers want to make money, which means selling expensive units. There is no incentive for them to build “affordable” housing. If we want to house our people it is up to the government to build some bloody houses.

build-some-bloody-houses

55 comments on “Affordable housing fail – we can’t rely on the private sector ”

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  1. Righty right 1
    17 August 2016 at 9:32 am

    No no no no it’s impossible to build affordable houses and it must not happen
    House prices are critical to the economy the status quo must be maintained at all cost
    The are so many people who depend on houseing to support there debt level many change would be a disaster we must not allow labour to build any houses state kiwi build none greed is good greed must continue more more more me me me

    • spikeyboy 1.1
      17 August 2016 at 5:06 pm

      John Key is not an Nzer. He is a traitor and he works for US imperialism. The empire has always demanded that local capabilities are made to wither and die. The huge investment in housing ensures that not much is left to build local capability. This will please the traitors masters and he will not be looking to do anything any time soon to change this

  2. save nz 2
    17 August 2016 at 9:44 am

    Hello, the issue has never been about land. NZ has plenty of it. It is the building of the houses that pose all the risks and costs, so therefore people don’t get that far. The RMA was a red herring to destroy the tiny amount of environmental protection we still have and divert from government social policies.

    Having fast track resource consenting actually makes the building side more risky as people get their resource consent through but all the problems were never revealed and solutions solved in the haste to grant it. Then more money needs to be spent, more time, and ultimately creates buildings that people don’t want.

    I personally know people who made millions out of the SHA in John Key’s electorate of Kumeu. They actually were not developers at all. Just sold it on when it’s value soared after the SHA was pushed in.

    The unitary plan will be another failure. There is absolutely zero incentive to provide affordable housing in NZ – why would you when you are looking to make a profit?

    Not only that, it has made things the same or even harder for people that do want to build an affordable house, a homeowner that just wants to create a single home for their family on a budget. Nothing for them in any of this.

    Nothing for solar or climate change or self sufficiency.

    Look around and you will see in Auckland the houses being built are large, for immigrants with some cash, gobbling resources. Not for Kiwis on local wages.

    One of the biggest problems for the poor is the lack of efficient and affordable public transport in NZ, which cuts off large amount of options for them for housing and work (probably 40% of Auckland is served extremely poorly by public transport).

    The politicians are completely out of touch on all the housing supply issues. And the left have been involved in a National charge which is environmentally destructive, socially is destructive (smaller homes being demolished for more expensive homes to be built) and also losing the hearts and minds of voters by fooled by Nat Lite or ‘on paper’ solutions.

    Give me Sue Bradford any day. If you are actually poor, you need someone who actually gives you help that is real, such as giving you money you are entitled to on your benefit. The current housing policy solutions are flawed and time consuming. In the short term they will make more problems and long term will fail to deliver.

    But everyone can pat themselves on the back for a cluster fuck of nothing.

    • Molly 2.1
      18 August 2016 at 10:15 am

      savenz, pretty much agree with all you have written.

      Was involved with a community project during the amalgamation and the first few years of the Unitary Plan, but in the end no progressive movement regarding communities and planning seems to have resulted.

      (When the SHA’s were proposed – Len Brown & Auckland Council – should have drawn the line in the sand, and let the brouhaha take place in full view of the media. The process seems to have been appropriated by the usual voices now.)

  3. dv 3
    17 August 2016 at 9:50 am

    AND Fletchers made PROFIT of 462 million this year.

  4. RedLogix 4
    17 August 2016 at 9:55 am

    I picked this one more or less at random. It’s at the top of the market when I search on this suburb that’s close to where we are. From experience I can assure you this blurb is accurate.

    As new 3 bedroom, plus study, 2 bathroom, 2 living with country outlook and only 4.5km from federation uni and close to all amenities.

    This stunning and unique home has 3 good sized bedroom’s plus study, master with ensuite and walk in robe and 2 other bedrooms with BIR. The stylish boutique kitchen has stainless steel appliances, large fridge cavity and huge walk in pantry and overlooks the open plan living and dining areas. With a separate living area ideal for a kids play room or parents retreat. The bright laundry has ample cupboard space for storage, a modern family bathroom, double garage with direct access to the home, central heating throughout, beautiful polished floating floors and enclosed rear yard is all sure to impress on inspection. Set in a peaceful quite court overlooking park lands and walking trails, also walking distance to high school, primary school, shopping centre and only 4.5km from Ballarat Fed Uni. An inspection is a must.

    $345.000 – $365,000

    http://www.domain.com.au/5-parkhaven-court-mount-clear-vic-3350-2012875185

    The same property anywhere near Auckland would be three times the price at least. The per metre building cost in NZ would be double.

    NZ is being ripped off. Period.

    • save nz 4.1
      17 August 2016 at 10:05 am

      +1 Redlogic.

      Yep, in spite of SHA, unitary plan, hand wringing for 3 years, more insulation, the highest level of immigration we have ever had in NZ for ‘skilled’ migrants like Chefs, we have a lot more new people needing houses in NZ, but no affordable houses built…. in fact affordable houses are being demolished at a fast rate, Hmmm

      wonder why homelessness is increasing?

      • Chooky 4.1.1
        17 August 2016 at 11:28 am

        +100 save nz…you state the crux of the problem…and it is a manufactured one

        …who is benefiting from this?

        ….time for ‘open the books’ on politicians’ finances and hidden trust accounts and family member accounts and businesses?

    • whispering kate 4.2
      17 August 2016 at 10:45 am

      Redlogix I agree, I have a close relative who has a beautiful 2 living 2 bath, 4 bedroomed townhouse in a great area in Baltimore Maryland, she is 10 min walk to down town where she works, has a park at the end of the street which has free tennis courts, free weekly concerts and free yoga in the park sessions. Their home is absolutely lovely and top notch, expensive fixtures and fittings, lovely hard wood floors and stairs, double glazed, proper plaster ceilings and a kitchen like a concord flightdeck. It has a fabulous roof garden and it also has car parking. It is in an area equivalent to any expensive inner city suburb in AK and she and her partner paid $425,000US last year – as you said we are being ripped off, what suckers we are.

    • vto 4.3
      17 August 2016 at 11:21 am

      “NZ is being ripped off. Period”

      Yep

      Building sector cartels.

      Fletchers

      Fletchers

      Fletchers

    • Philj 4.4
      18 August 2016 at 7:56 pm

      Whatever happened to the enquiry into the cost of building materials? Amongst other things the profit on the materials is what is driving the megas and Placemaker stores nationwide. They are in full view and they are pretty well protected by the vested interests in this country.

    • Philj 4.5
      18 August 2016 at 7:56 pm

      Whatever happened to the enquiry into the cost of building materials? Amongst other things the profit on the materials is what is driving the megas and Placemaker stores nationwide. They are in full view and they are pretty well protected by the vested interests in this country.

  5. mickysavage 5
    17 August 2016 at 10:04 am

    This shows why Auckland Council’s decision to not include affordable housing provisions in the Unitary Plan was such a mistake. The developers now have the option to see what they can get under the UP rather than have to comply with the affordable housing provisions in the SHAs.

    If the affordable housing proovisions had been kept in this probably would not be happening.

    • save nz 5.1
      17 August 2016 at 10:19 am

      The unitary plan and SHA were never about creating affordable Housing!!!! It has just spiked the cost of housing and speculation. People making all that money, are building huge mansions taking up builders and resources. The poor can’t get a builder in, with all the McMansions going up. Lots of happy developers and people voting National. Lot’s of National voters moving into their new McMansions. It’s far right strategy in motion.

      Land and planning do not create buildings. Having cheap labour does not create buildings. Having cheap substandard materials does not create buildings. Having councils with poor staff and questionable ethics does not create buildings. Having the Rebstocks of the world in charge of commerce commission and infrastructure firms does not create buildings.

      Golden homes used to change $1000 per square meter, now I see in Kumeu similar housing companies are building homes for 1 million dollars on house and land packages. The former affordable house building companies now charge unaffordable house prices… partly because the houses they build are larger and therefore more expensive.

    • Sabine 5.2
      17 August 2016 at 10:38 am

      sorry mate is ‘mistake’ is too polite a world for the guys at the council that just threw everyone who works for a living and does not yet own property in the City under the bus.

      The election turn out for Auckland this year will be worse then last time around. As for 4/5ths of the town there is absolutely no reason to vote.

    • Chooky 5.3
      17 August 2016 at 11:40 am

      +100 Micky savage…it is morally incomprehensible…and they also have the nerve to get rid of Maori land protections

      ‘Auckland Council plans to cull 1373 protected Mana Whenua sites’

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/73908757/Auckland-Council-plans-to-cull-1373-protected-Mana-Whenua-sites

      “Auckland Council plans to remove 1373 Mana Whenua sites from its Unitary Plan in an effort to speed up developments as the pressure increases to build more houses to cope with booming demand….

      ..it is theft…where is the Nact supporting Maori Party jumping up and down?

      (remember Bastion Point?)

      • Leftie 5.3.1
        17 August 2016 at 11:46 am

        Heaps of plus 1’s Chooky.

      • save nz 5.3.2
        17 August 2016 at 3:08 pm

        They got rid of Mana Whenua sites, they got rid of affordable quotients for housing , they undermine historic character and trees, please tell me why the Greens and Labour seem to support the unitary plan???

        The unitary plan is to make the rich richer and the home owners and people who actually care about the city (not just making a profit) disenfranchised and powerless in the process…

        • Chooky 5.3.2.1
          17 August 2016 at 7:23 pm

          so much for Council amalgamations and Super cities = no accountability to the people

          …and yes where are the Greens and Labour?!!!

  6. Draco T Bastard 6
    17 August 2016 at 10:38 am

    “It just looks like the special housing area policy has been used to help build land banks,” he said.

    National puts aside some areas for housing, gives it to developers and then the developers use it for super profits…

    I’d say that it’s working exactly as planned then.

    • indiana 6.1
      17 August 2016 at 10:52 am

      pretty smart really…super profits lead to higher tax takes, as only profits are taxed not revenue. Unless you are suggesting that these developers are not declaring their profits and going untaxed?

      • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1
        17 August 2016 at 11:21 am

        No, it’s really stupid as it undermines and eventually destroys society – as capitalism has been doing for thousands of years.

      • McFlock 6.1.2
        17 August 2016 at 12:03 pm

        lol

        banking land for a period and giving it away so you can recoup 30% of the developed profit is “smart”?
        Why not just do it yourself, now, and take 100% of the profit?

        Silly tory needs to think.

      • framu 6.1.3
        18 August 2016 at 8:48 am

        “Unless you are suggesting that these developers are not declaring their profits and going untaxed?”

        you do know what accountants are for dont you?

    • Leftie 6.2
      17 August 2016 at 11:44 am

      yep Draco T Bastard.

  7. AmaKiwi 7
    17 August 2016 at 10:56 am

    In any other competitive market “affordable” would be defined as what the buyers are able to pay, NOT the prices sellers can force the government to support.

    On the Texas/Mexico border converted containers have been made into functional homes for $7,000 NZD per unit (less land cost). Each has a kitchen, bath (shower, not tub), and 2 sleeping rooms. Clean, dry, safe, insulated, good window light.

    Cut the sh#t. Demand shelters real people can afford, not what the construction monopoly wants to make a killing on.

    P.S. Surprise! Surprise! They are being built by a not-for-profit charity. I’d roll up my sleeves and help them here.

    • save nz 7.1
      17 August 2016 at 11:33 am

      Good job getting Auckland council to consent it though Ama Kiwi. Any sign of DIY affordable housing they go crazy and start litigation. Even if you did try to consent the containers you would find that it costs $30k development contributions, $12,000 to connect to water, $15,000 consent fees, $40,000 to connect to power, etc etc the list goes on…

      • AmaKiwi 7.1.1
        17 August 2016 at 1:07 pm

        save nz

        +1

        Thank you. As you intimate, our “system” has no intention of serving the “customers.”

        • save nz 7.1.1.1
          17 August 2016 at 3:16 pm

          The message from National and Auckland council is Fuck off, poor people. If you can’t afford Auckland, don’t live here. We want National voters here in Auckland. Lets makes our friends richer by pretending to change housing zoning for poor people… Ha ha, we just made millions, but aren’t going to build any houses for the poor, we’re building million dollar houses and selling off state houses.

          I just can’t believe why so many people fall for it…or can’t get a clear message out there about what is happening.

  8. Adrian 8
    17 August 2016 at 11:04 am

    “Labour leader Andrew Little agreed house prices in Auckland should cost in the “ballpark” of $500,000 as an affordable level under the party’s new policy.”
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/81758324/Auckland-houses-could-cost-ballpark-of-500k-under-Labour-housing-package….

    Average wage for experienced cleaner in New Zealand $32,000
    http://www.payscale.com/research/NZ/Job=Cleaner/Hourly_Rate

    Average rent for 3 bedroom house in South Auckland $450.00-$500 p/w
    http://www.enz.org/house-rents-auckland-south.html

    So assuming there is another part time wage coming into this house hold, lets say this family is earning $50.000 p/y or about $960 p/w, already they are paying about half that on rent, after all other fixed costs, they would obviously never be in the position to come anywhere near buying an ‘affordable’ house at $500.000, simply that is never going to happen.
    In other words, according to Key’s and Little’s own housing policies, people working on minimum wages, even long term experienced workers on minimum wages, will never be able to buy their own house is most major cities in NZ, effectively making them rent slaves for their lives.

    Labour is not working for working people and the poor, and must do better.
    New Zealand Labour must turn Left.

    • BM 8.1
      17 August 2016 at 11:34 am

      Unless you get the cost of the land down to under 100k per section then you won’t get anything cheaper than half a million in Auckland.

      • dv 8.1.1
        17 August 2016 at 12:36 pm

        Interesting.
        In TAKAKA a new build on a $100 section is about $300k for basic house (Incl land)

      • AmaKiwi 8.1.2
        17 August 2016 at 4:42 pm

        BM, the troll.

        “Unless you get the cost of the land down to under 100k per section . . . ”

        There are two 18 hole “private” golf courses within 15 min. of my house. They pay pepper corn rents and no rates. Membership is “private” but the land is owned by you and me.

        Cut them to half. Use half for LOW cost apartments and town houses ($150,000 – $200,000) and the other half for public parks. If it’s public land, use it for the benefit of the wider public.

        • Molly 8.1.2.1
          18 August 2016 at 10:26 am

          I’d think really carefully about getting rid of the green spaces. By all means get rid of the current “tenants” – but considered planning would give us public commons land that mitigated the effect of higher density housing.

          At present our parks in lower socio-economic areas are often sports parks, empty of life and community when games are not on, and only vital during the weekends with a transitory community of home players and visitors.

          Auckland – along with higher density housing – needs community owned and designed public spaces. Not consultant planned and contractor implemented.

          If re-appropriated golf courses are to be used – then council should allow – even better – help implement – development design that showcases affordability, community and environment.

    • Righty right 8.2
      17 August 2016 at 11:47 am

      That’s why we headed for a crash the disconnect to actual income levels is beyond any reason even 500000 isn’t affordable
      I don’t think anything can stop a melt down

  9. save nz 9
    17 August 2016 at 11:47 am

    The first thing the councils need to do is to start putting the cost of contributions based on size of dwelling rather than $ amount that the building consents cost. Then they should have very cheap or free costs for affordable dwellings. It should be free to put on solar and so forth and options NOT to connect to the grid as part of the building package. That way people can avoid water, power and other costly monopoly connections.

    There should be free and quick consents for plans that could be designed by architects like state houses for mass dwellings that are designed for affordable family living.

    • Molly 9.1
      18 August 2016 at 10:32 am

      Valued today for their high-quality materials, the Sears and Aladdin et al kitset homes in America were self-builds for many.

      These houses were precut – all labelled and ranged from small to huge.

      Advances in technology in building, has not increased the choice available.

      It has made the requirement for “experts” entrenched.

  10. b waghorn 10
    17 August 2016 at 1:02 pm

    I assume the labour mayoral candidate for auckland is in full support of labours ‘Kiwi Build’

  11. TheBlackKitten 11
    17 August 2016 at 8:44 pm

    When you don’t have enough houses, you darn well stop all immergation.

    • save nz 11.1
      18 August 2016 at 10:39 am

      ditto TheBlackKitten, stop lazy immigration when as well as not enough houses, you don’t have enough jobs either or enough public transport.

  12. Instauration 12
    17 August 2016 at 9:16 pm

    Large property developers – those with the capacity to secure the large and newly provisioned parcels of residential space – will never deliberatey deliver finished dwellings to a scale that will depress prices to an affordable level.
    Think OPEC – supply is managed to ensure optimal price of the resource.
    The relevant resource here is finished dwellings – that people can use.
    The raw material – land (like OPEC’s oil), will otherwise be stockpiled to ensure maximum return.
    Unless there are clever and politically astute conditions (to kill land banking) imposed upon the provision of the newly released raw material – say with land, “Build and provision within 24 months – or face a substantive developer tax on any subsequent sale”
    Then we will see either;
    1: A scale in the provision of dwellings that induces “oversupply”
    2: A negative influence on the price offered for development land.

    Either outcome is good.

    Else excessive profit for Fletcher and ilk and failure of affordable living will be manifest,

    • Molly 12.1
      18 August 2016 at 12:20 pm

      “Large property developers – those with the capacity to secure the large and newly provisioned parcels of residential space – will never deliberatey deliver finished dwellings to a scale that will depress prices to an affordable level.”

      QFT.

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  • Top 10 news links for Wednesday, Nov 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere for Wednesday November 29, including:The early return of interest deductibility for landlords could see rebates paid on previous taxes and the cost increase to $3 billion from National’s initial estimate of $2.1 billion, CTU Economist Craig Renney estimated here last ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Smokefree Fallout and a High Profile Resignation.
    The day after being sworn in the new cabinet met yesterday, to enjoy their honeymoon phase. You remember, that period after a new government takes power where the country, and the media, are optimistic about them, because they haven’t had a chance to stuff anything about yet.Sadly the nuptials complete ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • As Cabinet revs up, building plans go on hold
    Wellington Council hoardings proclaim its preparations for population growth, but around the country councils are putting things on hold in the absence of clear funding pathways for infrastructure, and despite exploding migrant numbers. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Cabinet meets in earnest today to consider the new Government’s 100-day ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • National takes over infrastructure
    Though New Zealand First may have had ambitions to run the infrastructure portfolios, National would seem to have ended up firmly in control of them.  POLITIK has obtained a private memo to members of Infrastructure NZ yesterday, which shows that the peak organisation for infrastructure sees  National MPs Chris ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • At a glance – Evidence for global warming
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Who’s Driving The Right-Wing Bus?
    Who’s At The Wheel? The electorate’s message, as aggregated in the polling booths on 14 October, turned out to be a conservative political agenda stronger than anything New Zealand has seen in five decades. In 1975, Bill Rowling was run over by just one bus, with Rob Muldoon at the wheel. In ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • Sanity break
    Cheers to reader Deane for this quote from Breakfast TV today:Chloe Swarbrick to Brook van Velden re the coalition agreement: “... an unhinged grab-bag of hot takes from your drunk uncle at Christmas”Cheers also to actual Prime Minister of a country Christopher Luxon for dorking up his swearing-in vows.But that's enough ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Sanity break
    Cheers to reader Deane for this quote from Breakfast TV today:Chloe Swarbrick to Brook van Velden re the coalition agreement: “... an unhinged grab-bag of hot takes from your drunk uncle at Christmas”Cheers also to actual Prime Minister of a country Christopher Luxon for dorking up his swearing-in vows.But that's enough ...
    More than a fieldingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • National’s murderous smoking policy
    One of the big underlying problems in our political system is the prevalence of short-term thinking, most usually seen in the periodic massive infrastructure failures at a local government level caused by them skimping on maintenance to Keep Rates Low. But the new government has given us a new example, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • NZ has a chance to rise again as our new government gets spending under control
    New Zealand has  a chance  to  rise  again. Under the  previous  government, the  number of New Zealanders below the poverty line was increasing  year by year. The Luxon-led government  must reverse that trend – and set about stabilising  the  pillars  of the economy. After the  mismanagement  of the outgoing government created   huge ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    3 days ago

  • KARL DU FRESNE: Media and the new government
    Two articles by Karl du Fresne bring media coverage of the new government into considerations.  He writes –    Tuesday, November 28, 2023 The left-wing media needed a line of attack, and they found one The left-wing media pack wasted no time identifying the new government’s weakest point. Seething over ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PHILIP CRUMP:  Team of rivals – a CEO approach to government leadership
    The work begins Philip Crump wrote this article ahead of the new government being sworn in yesterday – Later today the new National-led coalition government will be sworn in, and the hard work begins. At the core of government will be three men – each a leader ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Black Friday
    As everyone who watches television or is on the mailing list for any of our major stores will confirm, “Black Friday” has become the longest running commercial extravaganza and celebration in our history. Although its origins are obscure (presumably dreamt up by American salesmen a few years ago), it has ...
    Bryan GouldBy Bryan Gould
    3 days ago

  • In Defense of the Media.
    Yesterday the Ministers in the next government were sworn in by our Governor General. A day of tradition and ceremony, of decorum and respect. Usually.But yesterday Winston Peters, the incoming Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister, of our nation used it, as he did with the signing of the coalition ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Top 10 news links at 10 am for Tuesday, Nov 28
    Nicola Willis’ first move was ‘spilling the tea’ on what she called the ‘sobering’ state of the nation’s books, but she had better be able to back that up in the HYEFU. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere at 10 am ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • PT use up but fare increases coming
    Yesterday Auckland Transport were celebrating, as the most recent Sunday was the busiest Sunday they’ve ever had. That’s a great outcome and I’m sure the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • The very opposite of social investment
    Nicola Willis (in blue) at the signing of the coalition agreement, before being sworn in as both Finance Minister and Social Investment Minister. National’s plan to unwind anti-smoking measures will benefit her in the first role, but how does it stack up from a social investment viewpoint? Photo: Lynn Grieveson ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Giving Tuesday
    For the first time "in history" we decided to jump on the "Giving Tuesday" bandwagon in order to make you aware of the options you have to contribute to our work! Projects supported by Skeptical Science Inc. Skeptical Science Skeptical Science is an all-volunteer organization but ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Let's open the books with Nicotine Willis
    Let’s say it’s 1984,and there's a dreary little nation at the bottom of the Pacific whose name rhymes with New Zealand,and they've just had an election.Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, will you look at the state of these books we’ve opened,cries the incoming government, will you look at all this mountain ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Stopping oil
    National is promising to bring back offshore oil and gas drilling. Naturally, the Greens have organised a petition campaign to try and stop them. You should sign it - every little bit helps, and as the struggle over mining conservation land showed, even National can be deterred if enough people ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Don’t accept Human Rights Commission reading of data on Treaty partnership – read the survey fin...
    Wellington is braced for a “massive impact’ from the new government’s cutting public service jobs, The Post somewhat grimly reported today. Expectations of an economic and social jolt are based on the National-Act coalition agreement to cut public service numbers in each government agency in a cost-trimming exercise  “informed by” head ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The stupidest of stupid reasons
    One of the threats in the National - ACT - NZ First coalition agreements was to extend the term of Parliament to four years, reducing our opportunities to throw a bad government out. The justification? Apparently, the government thinks "elections are expensive". This is the stupidest of stupid reasons for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • A website bereft of buzz
    Buzz from the Beehive The new government was being  sworn in, at time of writing , and when Point of Order checked the Beehive website for the latest ministerial statements and re-visit some of the old ones we drew a blank. We found ….  Nowt. Nothing. Zilch. Not a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • MICHAEL BASSETT: A new Ministry – at last
    Michael Bassett writes – Like most people, I was getting heartily sick of all the time being wasted over the coalition negotiations. During the first three weeks Winston grinned like a Cheshire cat, certain he’d be needed; Chris Luxon wasted time in lifting the phone to Winston ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Luxon's Breakfast.
    The Prime Minister elect had his silver fern badge on. He wore it to remind viewers he was supporting New Zealand, that was his team. Despite the fact it made him look like a concierge, or a welcomer in a Koru lounge. Anna Burns-Francis, the Breakfast presenter, asked if he ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • LINDSAY MITCHELL:  Oranga Tamariki faces major upheaval under coalition agreement
     Lindsay Mitchell writes – A hugely significant gain for ACT is somewhat camouflaged by legislative jargon. Under the heading ‘Oranga Tamariki’ ACT’s coalition agreement contains the following item:   Remove Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 According to Oranga Tamariki:     “Section ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • BRIAN EASTON:  Peters as Minister
    A previous column looked at Winston Peters biographically. This one takes a closer look at his record as a minister, especially his policy record. Brian Easton writes – 1990-1991: Minister of Māori Affairs. Few remember Ka Awatea as a major document on the future of Māori policy; there is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Cathrine Dyer's guide to watching COP 28 from the bottom of a warming planet
    Is COP28 largely smoke and mirrors and a plan so cunning, you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel? Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: COP28 kicks off on November 30 and up for negotiation are issues like the role of fossil fuels in the energy transition, contributions to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Top 10 news links at 10 am for Monday, Nov 27
    PM Elect Christopher Luxon was challenged this morning on whether he would sack Adrian Orr and Andrew Coster.TL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere at 10 am on Monday November 27, including:Signs councils are putting planning and capital spending on hold, given a lack of clear guidance ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the new government’s policies of yesteryear
    This column expands on a Werewolf column published by Scoop on Friday Routinely, Winston Peters is described as the kingmaker who gets to decide when the centre right or the centre-left has a turn at running this country. He also plays a less heralded but equally important role as the ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • The New Government’s Agreements
    Last Friday, almost six weeks after election day, National finally came to an agreement with ACT and NZ First to form a government. They also released the agreements between each party and looking through them, here are the things I thought were the most interesting (and often concerning) from the. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • How many smokers will die to fund the tax cuts?
    Maori and Pasifika smoking rates are already over twice the ‘all adult’ rate. Now the revenue that generates will be used to fund National’s tax cuts. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The devil is always in the detail and it emerged over the weekend from the guts of the policy agreements National ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • How the culture will change in the Beehive
    Perhaps the biggest change that will come to the Beehive as the new government settles in will be a fundamental culture change. The era of endless consultation will be over. This looks like a government that knows what it wants to do, and that means it knows what outcomes ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • No More Winnie Blues.
    So what do you think of the coalition’s decision to cancel Smokefree measures intended to stop young people, including an over representation of Māori, from taking up smoking? Enabling them to use the tax revenue to give other people a tax cut?David Cormack summed it up well:It seems not only ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #47
    A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science  Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Nov 19, 2023 thru Sat, Nov 25, 2023.  Story of the Week World stands on frontline of disaster at Cop28, says UN climate chief  Exclusive: Simon Stiell says leaders must ‘stop ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Some of it is mad, some of it is bad and some of it is clearly the work of people who are dangerous ...
    On announcement morning my mate texted:Typical of this cut-price, fake-deal government to announce itself on Black Friday.What a deal. We lose Kim Hill, we gain an empty, jargonising prime minister, a belligerent conspiracist, and a heartless Ayn Rand fanboy. One door closes, another gets slammed repeatedly in your face.It seems pretty ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • “Revolution” is the threat as the Māori Party smarts at coalition government’s Treaty directi...
    Buzz from the Beehive Having found no fresh announcements on the government’s official website, Point of Order turned today to Scoop’s Latest Parliament Headlines  for its buzz. This provided us with evidence that the Māori Party has been soured by the the coalition agreement announced yesterday by the new PM. “Soured” ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • The Good, the Bad, and the even Worse.
    Yesterday the trio that will lead our country unveiled their vision for New Zealand.Seymour looking surprisingly statesmanlike, refusing to rise to barbs about his previous comments on Winston Peters. Almost as if they had just been slapstick for the crowd.Winston was mostly focussed on settling scores with the media, making ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • When it Comes to Palestine – Free Speech is Under Threat
    Hi,Thanks for getting amongst Mister Organ on digital — thanks to you, we hit the #1 doc spot on iTunes this week. This response goes a long way to helping us break even.I feel good about that. Other things — not so much.New Zealand finally has a new government, and ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • Thank you Captain Luxon. Was that a landing, or were we shot down?
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Also in More Than A FeildingFriday The unboxing And so this is Friday and what have we gone and done to ourselves?In the same way that a Christmas present can look lovely under the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • Cans of Worms.
    “And there’ll be no shortage of ‘events’ to test Luxon’s political skills. David Seymour wants a referendum on the Treaty. Winston wants a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Labour’s handling of the Covid crisis. Talk about cans of worms!”LAURIE AND LES were very fond of their local. It was nothing ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Disinformation campaigns are undermining democracy. Here’s how we can fight back
    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Misinformation is debated everywhere and has justifiably sparked concerns. It can polarise the public, reduce health-protective behaviours such as mask wearing and vaccination, and erode trust in science. Much of misinformation is spread not ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Peters as Minister
    A previous column looked at Winston Peters biographically. This one takes a closer look at his record as a minister, especially his policy record.1990-1991: Minister of Māori Affairs. Few remember Ka Awatea as a major document on the future of Māori policy; there is not even an entry in Wikipedia. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    7 days ago

  • The New Government: 2023 Edition
    So New Zealand has a brand-spanking new right-wing government. Not just any new government either. A formal majority coalition, of the sort last seen in 1996-1998 (our governmental arrangements for the past quarter of a century have been varying flavours of minority coalition or single-party minority, with great emphasis ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    7 days ago

  • The unboxing
    And so this is Friday and what have we gone and done to ourselves?In the same way that a Christmas present can look lovely under the tree with its gold ribbon but can turn out to be nothing more than a big box holding a voucher for socks, so it ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • A cruel, vicious, nasty government
    So, after weeks of negotiations, we finally have a government, with a three-party cabinet and a time-sharing deputy PM arrangement. Newsroom's Marc Daalder has put the various coalition documents online, and I've been reading through them. A few things stand out: Luxon doesn't want to do any work, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Hurrah – we have a new government (National, ACT and New Zealand First commit “to deliver for al...
    Buzz from the Beehive Sorry, there has been  no fresh news on the government’s official website since the caretaker trade minister’s press statement about the European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement. But the capital is abuzz with news – and media comment is quickly flowing – after ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Christopher Luxon – NZ PM #42.
    Nothing says strong and stable like having your government announcement delayed by a day because one of your deputies wants to remind everyone, but mostly you, who wears the trousers. It was all a bit embarrassing yesterday with the parties descending on Wellington before pulling out of proceedings. There are ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • Coalition Government details policies & ministers
    Winston Peters will be Deputy PM for the first half of the Coalition Government’s three-year term, with David Seymour being Deputy PM for the second half. Photo montage by Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: PM-Elect Christopher Luxon has announced the formation of a joint National-ACT-NZ First coalition Government with a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • “Old Coat” by Peter, Paul & Mary.
     THERE ARE SOME SONGS that seem to come from a place that is at once in and out of the world. Written by men and women who, for a brief moment, are granted access to that strange, collective compendium of human experience that comes from, and belongs to, all the ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand welcomes European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement
    A significant milestone in ratifying the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was reached last night, with 524 of the 705 member European Parliament voting in favour to approve the agreement. “I’m delighted to hear of the successful vote to approve the NZ-EU FTA in the European Parliament overnight. This is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Further humanitarian support for Gaza, the West Bank and Israel
    The Government is contributing a further $5 million to support the response to urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, bringing New Zealand’s total contribution to the humanitarian response so far to $10 million. “New Zealand is deeply saddened by the loss of civilian life and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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