Andrew Little – Our values and interests on the world stage
Written By:
- Date published:
2:50 pm, September 10th, 2015 - 54 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, labour, Politics -
Tags:
Tēnā Koutou Katoa,
Thank you for the invitation to speak this afternoon.
I want to acknowledge your local president Graham Adams and Whanganui Deputy Mayor Hamish McDouall.
Today, I want to talk about New Zealand’s tradition of standing up for our values and interests on the world stage.
The issue of how we should do that, rearing its head in a few different ways, has been behind some of the biggest questions in politics this year.
- What should we do about offshore speculators flooding our housing market?
- What’s the right level of foreign investment in our productive land?
- Should New Zealand sign up to the TPPA?
- What’s the best way to react to climate change?
- Should we start taking more refugees?
Today, I want to tell you how the next Labour Government will approach these matters, and the principles that will guide our thinking.
A tradition we can be proud of
New Zealand has always been a force for good on the world stage.
As Kiwis, that’s something we are proud of.
We’re a small country with an outsized influence on world affairs. That’s because we’re true to our values of democracy, equality, openness, and tolerance.
We’re a country that has engaged with the world without fear and on our own terms.
That’s who we are, and it’s the history we’ve inherited from those who came before us.
People like Prime Minister Peter Fraser who saw the carnage left in the wake of World War Two, and so helped to establish the United Nations. He knew that a different kind of international order was needed to break the cycle of global conflict.
Peter Fraser saw that the job of securing a better world couldn’t just be left to the great powers. He believed that small states, like New Zealand, also needed to play an active role in promoting peace and tolerance around the globe.
So did Norman Kirk, who saw that in New Zealand’s own backyard, powerful countries were using the Pacific as a nuclear testing ground.
He was clear that this injustice could not be tolerated.
Kirk took the action, considered radical at the time, of sending a New Zealand frigate to bear witness to illegal French nuclear tests at Mururoa. His goal was “to bring alive the conscience of the world,” and to protect the citizens of small Pacific states. He succeeded.
His legacy is one we can all be proud of. We’re proud of David Lange’s legacy as well.
In the face of the scorn and derision from the most powerful nation in the world, Lange stood up against the madness of mutually assured destruction.
He showed that a small country could forge its own path, even in the face of much more powerful interests who wanted to hold it back.
He showed us that New Zealand could be an example to other nations, that we aren’t bound by the inescapable flow of history.
That we don’t just have to accept the world that is.
That we have the power to shape our own destiny.
That we could, in his words, “restore to humanity the power of decision.” The power of decision.
That’s what I want to talk about today.
My belief in the importance of that power of decision and the power to make our own future is why Labour has taken the positions we have on foreign ownership and investment this year.
The truth is the great leaders I’ve mentioned today – the people whose legacy we are so proud of – didn’t just do it out of the goodness of their hearts.
They did it because they had made a decision that the best thing for New Zealand was to engage with the world on our own terms.
New Zealand’s history of positive engagement on the world stage isn’t an accident.
It’s because for a small country at the bottom of the world, one that doesn’t possess all the natural resources or the large markets to support a first world standard of living on its own, engaging with the world’s economy has been a vital part of securing our own prosperity.
We engage globally through trade and good international relations because for a country of just four million people whose army would be no match for a great power, the best way to secure our own borders is an international community committed to peace and the rule of law.
We are blessed by the fact we are a nation not divided by ethnic, religious or sectarian conflict.
New Zealanders are proud that our country has a history of doing the right thing, for our people and the world, no matter what pressure we are under.
But today, I believe that tradition is under threat.
National: A vacuum of moral leadership
Under National, New Zealand is retreating from our role as an international leader and when powerful overseas interests come calling, we are less likely to stand up for ourselves.
Take climate change, the greatest threat to the world since the spectre of nuclear fallout.
It’s an issue demanding clear moral and political leadership. And where is New Zealand under John Key’s Government?
Huddled away in the middle of the pack.
We’re doing so little that we’ve been branded a laggard on climate change by a respected global watchdog.
They said we were shirking our obligations to the people of the world. That’s not who we are. That’s shameful.
But this is not the only example of the Government abandoning our tradition of moral leadership.
Right now, the world is in the middle of the largest refugee crisis since the end of the Second World War.
Last year, 13.9 million people fled from their homes due to conflict around the world.
Half of those refugees are children.
Millions of children live in some of the most gut wrenching, heart breaking conditions you can imagine, with no end in sight.
Just two weeks ago, 70 refugees were found suffocated to death in the back of a truck in Austria. Four children were among them.
We all saw the awful images of Syrian toddler Aylin Kurdi’s body washing up on the shore in Turkey. Those images jolted consciences all around the world.
At this moment in history, the most vulnerable of people are looking to countries like New Zealand, countries with reputations as good global citizens, and hoping to see us show some courage.
With our seat on the UN security council, we are meant to be an example to the world.
And when it comes to refugee resettlement, we can set an example – it is something we do exceptionally well, we just need to do more of it.
The New Zealand I’m proud of doesn’t shirk from our responsibilities.
We’re better than this.
We’re meant to be the country that stands up for what’s right.
Labour stands for a New Zealand that reclaims its place as a global leader, and as a country with a conscience.
A country where we chart an independent path again, because it’s the right thing to do.
That’s why we are proposing that New Zealand’s climate change targets should be at least comparable to what the EU has undertaken to do within its overall target of a 40 per cent carbon dioxide emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2030.
That would bring us in line with the countries currently leading the fight against climate change.
It’s also why Labour pushed so hard for an emergency increase in our refugee intake for the year and why we will continue to fight to raise our refugee quota so New Zealand is doing its bit.
Who we are as a country is about what we do, not what flag we wave. With Labour, New Zealand will lead again.
National: Selling out New Zealand’s interests offshore
But we’ve lost more than just our moral standing in the world under this Government.
Increasingly, we’re losing our ability to decide our own future here at home as well.
That’s what happens when the Government flogs off major strategic assets to foreign buyers, or puts large quantities of farmland on the block to foreign owners, or lets offshore speculators drive up interest rates and lock New Zealanders out of the housing market.
That’s also what happens when the government risks trading away the strength of Pharmac in a secret trade deal which could cost us billions of dollars and drive up the cost of medicines.
No government has ever traded away New Zealanders’ access to healthcare in the name of a trade deal before, but that’s what John Key has refused to rule out in order to get New Zealand into the TPPA.
Time and time again, National is ignoring the interests of New Zealanders in order to pander to powerful forces offshore.
That’s never been the New Zealand way. We can do so much better.
That’s why Labour will stop foreign speculators from driving up house prices and shutting out New Zealand families.
It’s a common sense policy, one adopted by Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and others.
I want to be very clear today.
The only thing that is radical is National’s determination to set aside New Zealanders’ interests when making important decisions about our economic future.
The only break from the Kiwi tradition is National’s insistence we are powerless before global economic forces.
The only unusual thinking is National’s belief that the best way to get ahead in the world is to send more money offshore.
National also believes it’s wrong for a Government to ensure foreign buyers of our farm land are actually creating the new jobs they promised when they bought the land.
For years we’ve been rubber stamping consents, never following up on whether the investment worked as promised.
The only way that makes sense is if you don’t like accountability.
Because National doesn’t think it’s important to hold foreign investors in our farm land to account for the promises they make, it is estimated that over 10% of New Zealand’s productive land has been sold without any apparent long term economic or social advantage to New Zealand.
Labour will ensure foreign investors are keeping their promises. That’s common-sense to most New Zealanders, but National says if you’re for any constraints on foreign investment, you must be against all foreign investment.
That’s crazy, but that’s also why from 2012 to 2014 New Zealand approved all 296 applications for foreign interests to buy sensitive New Zealand land. They turned down exactly zero. Not a single one.
National thinks that if we want to be respected in the international community, we have to give up our independence.
They say if we want to be part of global trading pacts, the first thing we need to trade away is the national interest.
That’s nonsense.
New Zealand should stand up for itself on the world stage.
Labour believes, and has always believed, that New Zealand’s interests are served when we engage with the rest of the world.
But we can and should do that in pursuit of what is best for New Zealanders, even if it doesn’t suit the needs of big money offshore.
Opposing unlimited foreign money pouring into Auckland housing doesn’t prevent us attracting capital to support growing Kiwi businesses.
Opposing trading away Pharmac for the TPPA doesn’t mean we can’t negotiate free trade deals that help our citizens, as Labour did with the China FTA.
Conclusion
Engaging with the rest of the world does not mean abandoning what’s best for New Zealanders.
Telling our people that these are the rules of the game, and there’s nothing you can do about it, isn’t the Kiwi way.
We’re better than that.
The project of the next Labour government will be to expand economic opportunity to every New Zealander.
To grow our economy, create jobs and give everyone the chance to live the Kiwi dream.
Yes, that will involve negotiating trade agreements. But not selling our right to make decisions in our own interests.
Yes, it will involve foreign investment, but investments that generate jobs and wealth in NZ, not wealth that gets sucked offshore.
New Zealand is not a tiny boat bobbing aimlessly on the ocean, tossed this way and that by the whims of global powers.
We have the power to make our own way in the world and chart a course that’s best for New Zealand.
We have the power to shape our own future.
The future that the next Labour Government will build for New Zealand is one where we never hesitate to do what is right and never hesitate to provide leadership.
Where our Government puts the interests of our people ahead of the demands of powerful forces overseas.
Where we are a prosperous nation, fuelled by investment and innovation.
Where we create wealth and harness the energy and talents of a new generation of New Zealanders to build a sustainable, diversified economy.
Where home ownership is affordable again and young families can start their life together by owning the roof over their heads.
Where we stand up for ourselves on the world stage, stand up for what’s right and stand up for what is best for New Zealanders.
Where we are not afraid to step up to the challenges facing us and the world, no matter how big or how hard.
We have the ability to choose that future for ourselves.
We have, we have always had, the power of decision that David Lange spoke of.
I believe we should use that power to choose a better future for our people, together.
Thank you.
54 comments on “Andrew Little – Our values and interests on the world stage ”
- Comments are now closed
- Comments are now closed
Recent Comments
- Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
Chris Trotter writes – MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...42 mins ago - The Hoon around the week to April 19TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...58 mins ago
- The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protectionsPolicymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...1 hour ago
- Nicola's Salad Days.
I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...2 hours ago - Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 20503 hours ago
- Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...4 hours ago - Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’. The data is from February this ...5 hours ago - Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...7 hours ago - How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...8 hours ago - How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your DeviceLife throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...15 hours ago
- How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital AgeGone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...16 hours ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...16 hours ago - Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...16 hours ago
- How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and EfficiencyLaptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...16 hours ago
- How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with EaseScreen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...16 hours ago
- How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and CostsA cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...16 hours ago
- How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing LongevityGaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...17 hours ago
- Climate Change: Turning the tide
The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...18 hours ago - How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining AccessExperiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...19 hours ago
- Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents DigitallyWhile the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...19 hours ago
- Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber AwarenessIn our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...19 hours ago
- Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital LandscapeIn the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...19 hours ago
- Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...19 hours ago - Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat projectBuzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...20 hours ago
- Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...23 hours ago - Despair – construction consenting edition
Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...23 hours ago - Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...23 hours ago
- An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failureChris Trotter writes – The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...1 day ago
- What happens after the war – Mariupol
Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...1 day ago - Babies and benefits – no good newsLindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three. ...1 day ago
- Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
1 day ago - Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...1 day ago - Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorismIt’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...1 day ago
- Meeting the Master Baiters
Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...1 day ago - How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...1 day ago
- Backbone, revisited
The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...2 days ago - Ministers are not above the lawToday in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...2 days ago
- What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...Buzz from the Beehive Point of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...2 days ago
- Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?Bryce Edwards writes – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...2 days ago
- Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”Citizen Science writes – Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...2 days ago
- A TikTok Prime Minister.
One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...2 days ago - Texas LessonsThis is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election.
...
2 days ago - Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...2 days ago - Fighting poverty on the holiday highwayTurning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...2 days ago
- Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...3 days ago - At a glance – Is the science settled?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 ...3 days ago
- Apposite Quotations.
3 days ago - What’s a life worth now?
You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...3 days ago - Howling at the MoonKarl du Fresne writes – There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...3 days ago
- Newshub is Dead.
I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...3 days ago - Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...3 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...3 days ago
- Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?David Farrar writes – The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...3 days ago
- PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for electionPRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...3 days ago
- Climate Change: Criminal ecocideWe are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...3 days ago
- Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...3 days ago
- Long Tunnel or Long Con?Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...3 days ago
- Smoke And Mirrors.
You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...3 days ago - What is Mexico doing about climate change?This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...3 days ago
- State of humanity, 2024
2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...4 days ago - Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...4 days ago
- The case for cultural connectednessA recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...4 days ago
- Useful context on public sector job cutsDavid Farrar writes – The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated. While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...4 days ago
- Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racismRemember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...4 days ago
- Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal4 days ago
- True Blue.
True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...4 days ago - Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...4 days ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...5 days ago
- Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts
Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...
5 days ago - Or is that just they want us to think?
Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...5 days ago - Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...6 days ago
- Arguing over a moot point.I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading ...6 days ago
- No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.6 days ago
- Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...6 days ago - Sad tales from the leftMichael Bassett writes – Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...6 days ago
- Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect them
News that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...2 days ago - Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunchesMore essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...2 days ago
- Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals billThe Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...3 days ago
- Government throws coal on the climate crisis fire
The Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...3 days ago - Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project insteadCancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...4 days ago
- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...4 days ago
- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homesThe National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on mediaThe action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...1 week ago
- Landlord Government leaves little hope for rentersThe Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...1 week ago
- Opportunity to build a more sustainable economyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...1 week ago
- Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust pastA significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environmentNew Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to GovernmentTens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt makes U-turn on Suicide Prevention OfficeLabour welcomes the Government’s U-turn on the closure of the Suicide Prevention Office, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...1 week ago
- CCC issues warning over further climate delayToday’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets lame and lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets are lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Commitment to disability communities missing from Govt prioritiesMinister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Methane target review is dangerous duplicationThe Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government must commit to school building project for disabled studentsThe Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...2 hours ago - Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...13 hours ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...19 hours ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...20 hours ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...22 hours ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...22 hours ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...1 day ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...1 day ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...1 day ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...2 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...2 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...3 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...3 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...3 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...4 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...7 days ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...7 days ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...7 days ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...7 days ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Government redress for Te Korowai o WainuiāruaThe Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...1 week ago
- Focus on outstanding minerals permit applicationsNew Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “While there are no set timeframes for ...1 week ago
- Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research CallThe New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...1 week ago
- Tenancy rules changes to improve rental marketThe coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...1 week ago
- Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with ChinaTrade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...1 week ago
- Freshwater farm plan systems to be improvedThe coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...1 week ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensions
The commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...43 mins ago - Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...2 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...
Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...2 hours ago - ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in India
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...2 hours ago - Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...2 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period products
Yes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...2 hours ago - Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...3 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...3 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...3 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...3 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...3 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...3 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...3 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...4 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...6 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...7 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of us
Opinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago - Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...7 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...7 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...7 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...7 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Ethnic tensions will complicate the Albanese government’s multicultural policy ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...12 hours ago
- Group plans work to improve safety of female MPsNew research shows harassment of elected officials - especially women - is on the rise. ...13 hours ago
- Ukraine warns of WW3 ahead of long-stalled Congress aid voteUkraine's Prime Minister says his country desperately needs the US to approve long-stalled security assistance. ...15 hours ago
- PSA astonished Education Minister expects hiring of contractors to review curriculumHiring contractors is an appalling solution when people who could do the work are losing their jobs, the PSA says. ...16 hours ago
- Crown lawyers attempt to block Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for ChildrenThe Tribunal had called on Minister for Children Karen Chhour to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...17 hours ago
- Luxon refuses to guarantee public consultation on AUKUS Pillar 2Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's "far too premature" to be confirming whether the public would be consulted on joining AUKUS Pillar 2. ...18 hours ago
- Visualising the 1800s or designing wedding invitations: 6 ways you can use AI beyond generating textSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University Midjourney image by T.J. Thomson As more than half of Australian office workers report using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work, we’re starting to see this technology affect every ...18 hours ago
- Falls, fractures and self-harm: 4 charts on how kids’ injury risk changes over time and differs fo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nicole Sharwood, Injury epidemiologist | Expert Witness, UNSW Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Injuries are the leading cause of disability and death among Australian children and adolescents. At least a quarter of all emergency department presentations during childhood are injury-related. Injuries can ...18 hours ago
- Choice and control: will NDIS reforms mean people with disability don’t get to decide who they liv...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University Shutterstock/Ground Picture Many Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late ...19 hours ago
- Asbestos in playground mulch: how to avoid a repeat of this circular economy scandalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Salman Shooshtarian, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University Salman Shooshtarian Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the health of their ...19 hours ago
- Could Albanese’s bet on homegrown green industries be the boost our regions deserve?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Cloudy Designs/Shutterstock Right now, there’s a global race underway. The goal: bring back manufacturing and energy jobs as the energy transition speeds up. In 2022, America launched its mammoth Inflation Reduction Act and the ...19 hours ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon won't say if government will consult public on joining ...Asked multiple times if the public will be consulted on joining the defence pact, Luxon repeatedly said that was yet to be worked through. ...19 hours ago
- Watch live: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks in PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters on the third leg of his Southeast Asia trip, from Manila in the Philippines. ...20 hours ago
- Māori lawyers call Shane Jones' Waitangi Tribunal comments 'inappropriate'The Māori Law Society says his comments breach the principle of the separation of powers and the Cabinet Manual. ...20 hours ago
- Abortions Increase 25% Since Law ChangeFamily First says that the latest abortion statistics make grim and upsetting reading, with a 25% increase in abortions since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020. According to an Official Information Act request received by Right to Life ...21 hours ago
- Over Half Of New Zealanders Feel That The Country Is In Decline And That Our Society Is BrokenIpsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study on populism reveals a pervasive sense of societal and economic decline among New Zealanders. MORE DETAILS AND FULL REPORT HERE Ipsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study ...21 hours ago
- Australia’s new defence strategy is big on ideas, but lacks one key ingredient: well-trained soldi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow, Strategic Studies, Griffith University There have been a lot of defence announcements recently about buying new equipment, building up Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, creating local jobs, new legislation to support AUKUS and even a new defence chief. In ...21 hours ago
- What does Steve Smith’s Stateside signing mean for cricket in the US – and Australia?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney Steve Smith, one of this generation’s finest batters, has conquered much of the cricketing world during his career, and he now has set his sights on a new frontier: the United ...21 hours ago
- A love letter to Wellington: when i open the shop by romesh dissanayake, reviewedMadeleine Ballard reviews the debut novel from romesh dissanayake. when I open the shop, the debut novel by Naarm-based Aotearoa writer romesh dissanayake (Sri Lankan, Koryo Saram), is a narrative of grief. Devendra loses his mother, opens a noodle shop on The Terrace, grieves, and emerges changed. But just as ...22 hours ago
- Minister Concedes Contractors Will Be Hired To Do Work Of Axed Ministry Of Education StaffThe PSA can’t believe that the Minister of Education is happy for her ministry to hire contractors at the same time it is dismissing 565 workers. ...22 hours ago
- Attempt to bar diplomat from Myanmar military junta failsMyanmar community members applied to the courts to bar the diplomat from attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ...22 hours ago
- LGNZ Welcomes Govt Earthquake-prone Buildings DecisionLGNZ has advocated for this decision as part of a remit led by Manawatū District Council. ...22 hours ago
- AUKUS Pillar 2 a 'fragrant, methane-wrapped bull***' – Bob CarrThe former Australian Foreign Minister has continued to warn New Zealand against joining the defence pact. ...23 hours ago
- Enforceable undertaking issued to abc accounting services limited after continued non-compliance.The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has accepted an enforceable undertaking agreement from ABC Accounting Services Limited (ABC) under section 81 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act). ...23 hours ago
- REVEALED: RNZ’s Hypocrisy Over Fair Digital News Bargaining BillThe Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Radio New Zealand (RNZ) spent $71,842.53 on Facebook advertising over the past 12 months, despite earlier this year coming out in support of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill , which would force the likes ...23 hours ago
- Police rejected 'very good offer' – Mark MitchellPolice Minister Mark Mitchell says the pay offer rejected by police was the best the government could put forward under difficult financial circumstances. ...23 hours ago
- How can we have truth-telling without the Voice? Our research shows a way forwardSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock The Uluru Statement from the Heart set out the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for “Voice, Treaty, Truth”, in ...23 hours ago
- NZ education scores must improve – but another polarising ideological pivot isn’t the answerSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn E Wood, Associate Professor in Education, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images You don’t need to look hard right now to see concerns about Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system. Declining performance in international testing has been ...23 hours ago
- An updated tally of the public sector job cutsThe coalition government has made it well known it expects departments to cut roles. We break down the numbers as they currently stand. Updated: 12pm, April 18 Before last year’s election, both National and Act made it clear that the public service was squarely in their crosshairs. Both parties, now ...23 hours ago
- Confessions of an unlikely petrolheadCheckered Flag director Natalie Wilson on her lifelong love of motorsport, and the allure of Pukekohe Park Raceway. One childhood summer when my world revolved around winning stuff off the radio, I bagged tickets to Western Springs Speedway and then to Waikaraka Park in what was a dream season for ...24 hours ago
- 'Ambitious' trade pledge headlines Luxon's Thailand stopThe Prime has announced a commitment to triple two-way trade with Thailand by 2045, but it only requires maintaining current growth. ...24 hours ago
- ‘The right person’: What did Solomon Islanders vote for?By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor in Honiara After a relatively well organised and peaceful day of voting in Solomon Islands yesterday, the electoral commission is working with donor partners to safely transport ballot boxes from polling stations all over the country to centrally located counting venues. It is a ...1 day ago
- What it’s like to be made redundant by the Ministry of EducationI was one of hundreds of people who lost my government job this week. Here’s exactly how it played out. It is a Friday. I’m in the middle of an online Teams hui working out the finer details of a series of workshops we’ll be presenting next week. It’s a ...1 day ago
- What are ‘Ozempic babies’? Can the drug really increase your chance of pregnancy?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University Joshua Rodriguez/Unsplash Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. But what do we actually know about ...1 day ago
- Why the kookaburra’s iconic laugh is at risk of being silencedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diana Kuchinke, Lecturer in Ecology, Federation University Australia Linda Robertus/Shutterstock Once, while teaching a class of environmental science students in China’s Hebei University of Science and Technology, I asked who knew what a laughing kookaburra was. There were many blank faces. ...1 day ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Breen, Professor of Law, University of Waikato smolaw11/Getty Images School truancy has been a concern across the political spectrum for years. But proposed solutions have largely failed to address the core reasons for unexplained school absences. Despite the apparent ...1 day ago
- ‘Listening is the most important part’: 10 things students with disability and their families wa...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melissa Cain, Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education and Arts Education, Australian Catholic University Agence Olloweb/Unsplash, CC BY About 90% of Australian students with disability attend mainstream schools. Equitable access and participation in education is a fundamental human right. But as last ...1 day ago
- Will global oil supply be at risk if Iran and Israel pull the Middle East into war?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flavio Macau, Associate Dean – School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following Iran’s weekend missile and drone attacks on Israel, heightening concerns of a wider conflict. As with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ...1 day ago
- No, getting your boyfriend to peel an orange won’t prove his loyalty. Why TikTok relationship ‘t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edith Jennifer Hill, Associate Lecturer, Learning & Teaching Innovation, Flinders University Shutterstock Have you ever wondered if your partner really loves you? Well apparently so have thousands of TikTok users, who are testing their theories for the world to see. In ...1 day ago
- New Zealand’s Annual Emissions Fell In 2022, For Third Successive YearThis is the third successive decrease year-on-year. New Zealand’s gross emissions for 2022 were 78.4 Mt CO2-e. ...1 day ago
- Oranga Tamariki job cuts: 'We can't establish what their endgame is'Oranga Tamariki has failed to explain how hundreds of job cuts will achieve a better outcome for children, a children's advocate says. ...1 day ago
- Help Me Hera: My parents won’t help out with my kidsThey pressured me to have children, and I had two. Now they won’t lift a finger. Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Hi Hera, I suspect it’s a familiar pattern. Back in the day, as a single gal, I was plagued with questions from my parents about when I would find ...1 day ago
- Care Workers Call For Fairness On Pay Equity Anniversary“The Government has an opportunity here to really correct the course for the care and support workforce, and the people they look after. This cannot be just another area left in the cold, we need real leadership to ensure the proper quality of care ...1 day ago
- First evidence of ancient human occupation found in giant lava tube cave in Saudi ArabiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathew Stewart, Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Griffith University The western passage of the Umm Jirsan lava tube. Green Arabia Project If you look from above, you can see thousands of stone structures dotting the landscape of the Arabian ...1 day ago
- Teachers worry about curriculum, NCEA changes amid staff cutsMore than 500 jobs are likely to be cut at the Education Ministry with concerns about how the curriculum and NCEA changes will now be managed. ...1 day ago
- Government IT systems need a $800m overhaulThe government is facing a bill of more than $800 million to overhaul back-office IT systems, and attempts to lessen its impact have hit delays. ...1 day ago
- Over 3,000 public service jobs now proposed to goThe Ministry of Education confirmed a proposal to reduce headcount by 565, while Oranga Tamariki’s proposal would result in a loss of 447 jobs, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Ministry of ...1 day ago
- Kāinga Ora delays building projects ahead of reviewKāinga Ora is unable to say how many new KiwiBuild developments have been delayed as it waits for the outcome of the government's independent review of the state housing agency. ...1 day ago
- Owners of earthquake prone buildings given four extra years to complete strengtheningA review into the regulations was also being brought forward. ...1 day ago
Of interest to note is how many Labour Party PM’s have led on the world stage and how many Nat Party Leaders have chosen to be followers of our bigger allies.
Tracey, I have tried to explain that very thing to my 3 University graduate adult children whom vote for the Nats.
They have never been through hard times as my generation did, born during the second world war, parents who had it even tougher with 2 WW and a depression to deal with.
All my children think about is how life is treating them and they are doing very OK so I guess they cannot be blamed for thinking that Key and his cohorts are doing a good job.
I think that this is where Key gets his support, the younger people who know only good times, and if Labour do not get its act together, they will never be returned to power.
I know a few people in their 20’s not happy with key, so not sure how well we can generalise.
I know that in my conscious time as a voter we have had Lange and Clark, both leaders who talked about and with their teams led from the front (rightly or wrongly) on many issues from nuclear free, to speaking against wars (or seeking factual justifications for them) and so on. To my knowledge most of the form national PMs from that time have served on business boards or similar rather than higher public service type positions.
Those of us who have raised children who have never wanted for anything, and wanted everything (and mostly got it) , we need to look at ourselves to what we have created.
Interestingly, Little didn’t mention Clark in his speech. BUT he did speak to stuff I think is important, namely how we, who have power and privilege and comfort can work for those who do not.
“”Little didn’t mention Clark in his speech. “”
I don’t recall Clarke doing anything ground breaking ,
well she kept us front and centre on the world stage… for one thing.
I do think there is some truth in saying many young people only know only good times but that doesn’t completely coincide with supporting John Key. (Speaking as a young person in their 20s) we are products of growth and development, we were born into the world, post war, post anti nuclear stance, post any major political issue that has shaped New Zealand’s identity but in saying that it doesn’t mean we’re completely detached from it. Maybe our upbringings do pose an influence, but we should all be free to interpret this world as we wish. I always believed in the idea that the only way we are able to determine the future we must understand the past. And if New Zealand has a history of taking a stand and not being, as Andrew has said “a tiny boat bobbing aimlessly on the ocean, tossed this way and that by the whims of global powers” then I do question our current state of affairs.
I do agree with the majority of what Andrew has said above, but the issue I have is that argument will not be any more than just words. We have seen a New Zealand that we can be proud of, but I feel if we continue in that state we are going we will pass a point where everything we know which makes this country what it is will be gone. That’s what worries me for the future.
I agree with you Katie. I do think that we can be highly influenced from our upbringings which can constitute us in believing certain ideologies later on in the future. My question for you is with your worries you mentioned for New Zealand’s future, what would you change? Do you think Andrew Little could be the one to make that change for New Zealand?
There is already many arguments about New Zealand’s current policies and agreements (TPPA, selling off assets, foreign buyers) that I do believe need to be changed or at least revisited. But the biggest change I would hope to see would be those of NZ’s international voice and identity and that of moral leadership. Under Key’s government, we have been follower of bigger nations, we quietly sat in the corner whilst our decisions are made in the interests of other countries and not our own. As Andrew states we had been force feed this ideology that we are powerless before global economic forces. Which is obviously not the truth at all. I think back to the ANZUS treaty and how New Zealand was ‘kicked out’ per say by the Americans as we wouldn’t allow nuclear armed or powered ships within our waters. New Zealand put its on morals before those of international powers, disregarding any possible ramifications because we knew it was the right thing to do. New Zealand being put first is what I would hope to see in the future.
Do you think Andrew Little could be the one to make that change for New Zealand? I wish I could confidently say yes, but who is to know. One thing I do know is that the changes would not be made under the current party and their dogma.
Bit off-topic but Andrew Little came over extremely well on Back Benches last night, especially his very human story on battling prostate cancer.
I think Andrew Little would make a very good PM.
But he needs to be given a fair go.
Being the leader of the Opposition is a tough job.
The Opposition do not have the numbers to back him up.
And they don’t have money to bribe the electorate such as National do.
Simon is indeed Simple.
Its easier to bribe when in opposition – because you dont actually have to come up with the money.
And when you say the numbers to back him up – I assume that you mean voters?
Jimmy lad, I assume you are just a youngster with a lot to learn.
Wisdom will come, just be patient.
1. ban them
2. None
3. HELL NO!!!
4. Wrong question. It should be: What’s the best way to become sustainable as a society?
5. Maybe but it would be better to help those countries actually become a stable environment
Well, we used to be – before the 4th Labour government decided that rich people were more important.
We, of course, do have those resources available to us. Saying that we don’t is an outright lie.
Well, we’re not shooting at each other but I think you’ll find that there’s actually quite a bit of such conflict.
We don’t need, and have never needed, foreign money to grow NZ businesses because we can only grow them from using NZ’s resources. How do we get NZ’s resources available to NZ businesses? By extracting them from the land and making them available and by not selling them offshore. We do that by having the government do the extraction.
Don’t need free-trade deals either – just need to set the conditions under which we, as a country, will trade with other countries. They can do the same and, lo and behold, we have free trade.
No foreign investment creates jobs that we couldn’t have done ourselves thus foreign investment brings nothing to NZ but it does suck money offshore.
5 simple answers (often one word) to 5 big questions, clear, concise, no bullshit. That offers an alternative, I’d vote for that. I’m not voting for someone who’s still deciding their stance on something 6 months later. I think this is why Bernie Sanders is so successful – you know where he stands.
I often ask my friends who all used to be Labour supporters if they would vote Labour again. Not one of them said yes. Labour lost its way and doesn’t represent grass roots NZ the way it used to. Unless they pledge to reverse the damages done by National they won’t get a lot of their old vote back.
And as for refugees, the media makes it seem like everyone in NZ is saying “take more, take more.” I haven’t found a single friend who wants more. Everyone says LESS. Why should we give them a free home and cushy way of life when we have people here struggling to survive on $10,000 per year and poverty affecting so many.
When we have ethnic and religious problems here, and security is compromised, those of us with common sense will be able to say WE TOLD YOU SO.
When we get to the point of needing international aid, will you want other countries to help us?
So who do you’re friends vote for.?
I think you should choose your friends more carefully.
My friends are all Labour or Greens and they all think the refugee quota should be doubled immediately.
He should just say “I haven’t found a single friend…” and leave it at that.
Wouldn’t surprise me.
Well spoken Andrew Little. Will be interesting to see if the news media report this speech and I hope it is on Facebook.
Christ, what a terrible speech.
Think about your audience Andrew, discussing climate change and increasing refugee quotas at a grey power meeting.
Do you honestly believe that’s what they want to hear?
Seriously, WTF.
Out of curiosity, did you read the speech? All of it?
I nodded off halfway through it, did it get better?
I don’t know, I haven’t read any of it. Your comment looked like what you’ve been saying recently so it doesn’t surprise me that you hadn’t read it.
BM ‘s usual trollsh*t Ignore it.
BM us older people are very concerned about how we leave the planet. We think about the opportunities we had and feel very concerned for younger people facing the impact of climate change…….
And those of us who feel we have had a good life mainly due to policies of previous labour govts believe and support people far less fortunate than us in doing that too!
I’m not seeing anything that might inspire in any way or anything that could have hope latched to it.
Is the following ‘summary’ too harsh?
“Those were good guys and these guys are bad guys. There are guys from elsewhere doing some good without challenging anything fundamental. We want to be just like them. Vote Labour.”
edit. Is it because all the speak is about ‘New Zealand’ and reputation and institutions and there’s just nothing directly about us – people?
What would inspire a grey power audience in Whanganui if not a trip down memory lane, sprinkled with a dose of good ol’ fashioned juice flowing patriotic concern for the land that their forebears likely fought to retain in two world war’s?
Perhaps a weekly half priced steam boat trip up the river with a swipe of their gold card to pay for the privilege would be more inspirational. How about a plan to reopen the railway workshops? Maybe a plan to get Jetstar to fly into the city and back home again after a day trip to Auckland to allow first-hand comparisons with house prices.
What do you think they would have wanted to hear Bill?
See, that’s the problem right there. If everything is catered to what its imagined a particular audience might want to hear, then I think it’s pretty safe to assume that nothing is being said.
Just say what you have to say – people will come.
Predictable anti Labour bashing from Bill.
The only problem with the UN is its been dead since the global currency went off the gold standard
I mean they couldnt even bring French terrorists to justice for bombing the RAINBOW WARRIOR
yeah soon as the speach sounds like electioneering thats it for me i start feeling sick .,Wish labour would be more contraversial sound more like draco seems a modern politician cant even swear a bit only time i can remember one swear was cullen calling key a rich prick prob woulnt hurt if al did a bit of that since its a nice sticky title .AL could take a cue from sanders in the states and corbyn in the uk see if he could get on the same wave and start seriously stiring some shit after all theres plenty to stir !!!
I just wish Littles script writers had learned a little from James Corbyn and Bernie Sanders. This sort of speech will not get any traction and rightfully so.
Where is the stuff that really matters to the 99% who own the half of the country not owned by the remaining 1%? Close tax havens, charge companies tax, close loopholes which allow the rich to escape taxation, nationalise banks (for god sake they cream the boom-time profits and demand public bailouts when the chips are down), design strategies to close the wage gap!
With that new money provide free and improved education, invest in renewable energy, health care and research, make it a priority to get EVERYONE out of poverty, clean up rivers and make this country clean and green instead of just saying it.
Why do these people worry if they alienate corporates? The Labour party need voters not corporations to win an election. If the manifestos of the two major parties are so indifferent that the winner is decided by the party with the larger electoral funds it really doesn’t matter who governs. A large number of people are clearly fed up with the ever rising corporatism of the world and ready to support someone who is eager to grab the wheel and get the ship off that destructive neo-liberal course.
Don’t try to be centrist while the “center” has shifted to the right edge of the political spectrum.
Because they’ve bought into the lies that wealth flows from the rich and the private sector. It doesn’t of course – it flows from the nation and the community, it resides in our land and seas and it is the work of the many that converts it from raw wealth into things of value. The rich just take that value for themselves through usury and bludging.
As usual, cogent and practical explanation of plans to turn around the downward slide of society and remind us there is another way.
Andrew makes complete sense, and even if there were a few minor variations from my views, I have trust in the overall approach of Labour.
What does completely confound me is the quibbling and squabbling amongst the group of people who don’t support National, yet are unable to galvanise to elect a government which will bette serve the majority.
Listening to people who seem to be “punishing” Labour for previous policies, and expecting current Labour to dance only to their tune sometimes makes me feel they get what they deserve, unfortunately at a high cost.
Andrew is a decent bloke. Honest, sincere, and with deep roots in traditional Labour Party values. I like him. But.
He almost completely lacks the essential charisma of great leaders. That spark that connects with and inspires large numbers of people to believe in a leader simply ain’t there.
Surely you can all see that. I mean honestly, just take the lack of energetic support for him here on TS? Damning with faint praise?
If writers and commenters on this site can’t generate any significant passion for the man – why on earth would you expect the general public to do so?
The Left desperatelyneeds an inspiring leader that can command attention and put a razor sharp vision across with sufficient power to sway the public to believe in his/her ability to deliver it.
Sorry, but that isn’t Andrew Little.
Finding that leader should be the absolute number one priority for anyone who seriously wants to see a Left Wing Government again in Aotearoa.
But I have a feeling it isn’t….
I’ve never seen anyone with less ‘charisma’ than Jeremy Corbyn and he’s doing alright. I associate ‘charisma’ with the likes of Blair and Obama. You can keep it. What we need is what Corbyn’s got – conviction and guts.
If ‘charisma’ is a spark that inspires people to believe in your leadership, then self evidently you are wrong about Corbyn Raf.
And that’s my point. Andrew Little is not inspiring anyone to join The Labour Party, let alone 180,000. Andrews speech above was given to a Retirement home, rather than the 99th overflowing town hall in the last 2 months…
Andrew is not going to do a ‘Corbyn’, and no one else in the NZ Labour Party is either.
There is something fundamentally wrong with the state of the NZ Left. It’s full of people who are experts at dissecting the truly appalling incompetence of National, but even given the low bar that is set, as a collective The Left is persistently unable to present a convincing alternative to the electorate.
I gave up on The Left in despair at the lack of collective intelligence 4 years ago. And to be honest, I haven’t seen anything at all since that indicates there is a fresh spark of life in the tired old body. Love to be proven wrong on that, but not holding my breath.
What like Jim Bolger?
It would have been a whole bunch more fictive if Andrew Little had delivered this speech as part of the candlelight vigil for the refugees last night in front of Parliament.
The content was OK as OK goes, but it was not mentioned in the media at all: what was missing was appropriate theater and context to get pickup.
Labour hast lost their roots. This isn’t Little’s fault. It happened to the left all over the world.
But, Corbyn and Sanders have so wonderfully demonstrated in their campaigning so far that the roots are still there and that it is possible to reconnect. Unfortunately, this Labour party hasn’t latched on to it [yet?].
I think the problem is the gutlessness of the speech; where is the declaration of war to the fascists who created the mess we’re in today? Once Andrew Little is given a powerful speech to deliver, we can start looking at how well he does his job. But you really can’t blame the man for lacking charisma when the product he’s trying to sell is just not what anyone wants.
When we hear narcissist Mike Hosking rant on for minutes warning us from loonatic Little we know Labour got traction!
A ‘leader’ doesn’t sit around waiting for someone else to give them the right ‘product’ and a powerful speech to back it!
If the current plan is failing, a Leader takes the initiative and proactively leads the Party to a new and more successful place….
Here is quite a revealing article from Grant McLachlan (a former Parliamentary researcher and a National Party campaign director) explaining in passing how the National Party machinery operates. Nicky Hager’s Hollow Men and Dirty Politics are other great sources for such information. Surely, Labour is no different.
The current plan is the same that has been in place for almost a decade and it isn’t working. But I agree and hope your right and Andrew Little is proactive and does take charge. A good first step would be to the populate the Labour Party machinery with new blood.
I think this speech is a good start to get Labour back in the game.
It is not perfect but the messages are a lot clearer than previously.
At least it is trying to say how Labour are different from National.
Would like a bit more details in their website about how they plan to achieve these goals i.e. restrict foreign ownership.
Labour people are more educated and more likely to actually check the policy behind the words. Therefore the words are empty and open to being undermined if Labour are not transparent on the policy and can say it simply in a sound byte – word to them – keep it simple but also have it backed up in more detail in other areas like websites.
National has created a culture ( cult even)of “follow the leader” Team Key etc. without Key, National is nothing, as we saw when English was in charge.
Some Labour supporters appear to want the same style, and are expecting some “charismatic” Svengali like figure to save us all………..it is a total contradiction to Labour values and the leader is only a part of equation, the body of the party is what is important.
This passivity amongst voters is inevitable after the deliberate dumbing down of electorate, and maybe it has got yo get worse before people stop expecting some one else to fulfil their dreams.
So National ‘created a culture’. It works, and they have successfully ‘dumbed down’ the electorate and made it inevitable that things have to get worse before anything can be expected to change?
But given the higher average intelligence of the Left Wing Whatever, surely it is possible for the Left to ‘create’ a strategy to successfully counter Nationals manipulation of the electorate?
No need to lie passively on your back and think of England while the Tory’s fuck you over?
+1 – collaboration has always been the lefts problem. That is what needs work.
+1 – John Key is really just a stepford wife of the US & banking neoliberal interests. Looks good, says nothing, has a vast array of people in the background setting up the veneer of a ‘good guy’ and rehearsing his lines.
Nope Labour needs the opposite someone who has integrity and convictions. That values decency over money. Andrew Little is not the messiah but with the right support, policy and strategy and MP’s supporting him Labour can come back.
” with the right support, policy and strategy and MP’s supporting him Labour can come back.”
7 years and counting. When is this actually happening?
My version of Andrew’s speech would have been more pragmatic; less idealistic.
1. We should chart our own course internationally because we have learned that big powers use us for their own ends: the ANZACs slaughter in WW1, Vietnam, Rainbow Warrior bombed by France, our agricultural markets obliterated by the UK when they joined the Common Market, etc.
2. We should lead on climate change because there are huge business opportunities to those who invent ways to reduce agricultural pollution and develop clean technologies.
3. Refugees: We have an aging population. The refugees are almost all young, in their prime working years, healthy enough to make the arduous journey, and well educated. 40% have at least one university degree. This was pointed out recently as the reason Merkel was very clever to welcome so many refugees. Refugees will vastly improve Germany’s demographics.
4. Selling land and assets is a no-brainer. Do you want to be the landlord or the tenant; the owner who gets the dividends or the hired peon? Plus you can add the amount of dirty money flooding into NZ that will inevitably produce corruption as locals are bribed.
+1
Little has spoken well, now he has to back it. Little needs to help the Greens and NZF hold Key accountable not just during question time, but everything Key says needs questioning. Everywhere Key goes, a monkey needs to be on his back. When Key goes away overseas, the next-in-line needs to go through the questioning and pressure of being watched. This is only a small means of Little getting his voters backing him, but it also makes Key aware that Little is standing stronger, which is going to piss Key off.
Far easier to expose the incompetence, hubris and corruption of the entire Cabinet and let Key dig his own hole with his own arrogance and graft.
I agree with oab and would ad attacking key directly is dangerous territory because of the fact that many have a loyalty to him that’s similar to the loyalty given to a friend as soon as you attack him they become defensive and switch of to the message.