Author Archive
Two Referendums Too Many
Written By: - Date published: 1:32 pm, November 16th, 2019 - 50 comments
The referendums on two contentious issues could cloud and crowd out the General Election.
Smells Like Stale Male Spirit
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, August 18th, 2019 - 92 comments
We live in a rich and diverse society but this is not reflected in our local government.
Dinosaurs Fight Extinction Rebellion
Written By: - Date published: 12:46 am, July 17th, 2019 - 181 comments
Dinosaurs are speeding up our extinction.
Simon Bridges Going Blue in the Face Barking at Green Cars
Written By: - Date published: 3:48 pm, July 14th, 2019 - 51 comments
Simon Bridges is barking madly at green cars.
Toll by Stealth
Written By: - Date published: 4:17 pm, July 13th, 2019 - 51 comments
A tunnel is like a wormhole to another dimension. It changes people’s behaviour ever so slightly, ever so briefly, without them realising.
Politics is like a Traffic Jam
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 9th, 2019 - 45 comments
Traffic jams are frustrating, waste time and money, have no cause or purpose, and they are all the same.
The Attack of the Snowflakes
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 4th, 2019 - 119 comments
National is playing the innocent victim of Budgetgate whilst being the aggressive attacker all along.
Politicians Don’t Know Jack
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, June 3rd, 2019 - 63 comments
Politicians rely on information provided to them, not on an encyclopaedic memory and an IQ of a genius.
Beware of Truth Sayers
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 2nd, 2019 - 21 comments
We don’t all have to know all the facts and admitting ignorance is no shame but a virtue.
Same old dirty National
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 30th, 2019 - 179 comments
National is still embedded in Dirty Politics.
Hate Speech Is an Evitable Evil
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 19th, 2019 - 72 comments
Online behaviour like any other behaviour can be modified but this will not happen by itself.
This Could Happen To You
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 6th, 2019 - 58 comments
For some reason, this story struck a nerve. An 80-year old had his 59-year career terminated by an impersonal e-mail from a faceless manager. Ironically, the manager on his public LinkedIn profile likes a post entitled “Treat a janitor with the same respect as the CEO”. Isn’t it sad that we now treat people as […]
Everything Should Be Made As Uncomfortable As Possible, But No Less Comfortable
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, April 24th, 2019 - 26 comments
When providing a voluntary carbon-offset scheme, make it as simple as possible, but not simpler, and tell people about it.
Kiwi Cultural Cringe is Alive and Well
Written By: - Date published: 4:00 pm, April 22nd, 2019 - 75 comments
New Zealand is too small for high-achievers and star-performers and does not offer enough challenges and rewards.
Don’t Rock The Titanic!
Written By: - Date published: 2:41 pm, April 19th, 2019 - 31 comments
The pace of politics of transformation is glacial but it is unstoppable.
Reflections on Free Speech and Public Discourse
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 15th, 2019 - 119 comments
Silencing dissonant voices only leads to more and stronger dissonant voices and further radicalisation.
Are We Expecting Too Much Of Our Political Leaders?
Written By: - Date published: 11:12 pm, April 8th, 2019 - 122 comments
Political leaders must have expert knowledge on many topics and near-perfect recall. No naps allowed and no room for error.
Simon Bridges is rooting for the Greens*
Written By: - Date published: 4:12 pm, March 9th, 2019 - 28 comments
Simon Bridges makes a passionate plea for the environment and for a mate.
MAFS National Style*
Written By: - Date published: 10:32 am, March 3rd, 2019 - 61 comments
National is grooming the voters for another dirty ACT.
CGT as a Charitable Donation
Written By: - Date published: 12:44 pm, March 2nd, 2019 - 31 comments
Treat CGT like a semi-voluntary donation and give people a say in how it is spent.
The Big Operation
Written By: - Date published: 12:26 pm, February 23rd, 2019 - 19 comments
A life changing operation is a big decision and there are no easy answers.
The NZ National Party is the Wizard of Oz
Written By: - Date published: 2:57 pm, February 16th, 2019 - 32 comments
The National Party is a sad, confused, slightly dazed white old man behind the curtain.
Upset by Offset
Written By: - Date published: 7:23 am, February 7th, 2019 - 52 comments
Life is not simply a zero-sum game in which bad behaviour can be offset with good deeds.
The Power of Anger
Written By: - Date published: 8:13 am, January 28th, 2019 - 75 comments
Anger can be a great catalyst for change if used wisely.
An Ineffectual Opposition Is Bad News
Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 28th, 2018 - 42 comments
An ineffectual Opposition creates a vacuum that will be filled by the Mainstream and Social Media as they will assume the role of unelected and non-representative opposition in effectuo.
What are we waiting for?
Written By: - Date published: 11:47 am, October 20th, 2018 - 66 comments
We seem to be waiting for something? But what is it?
Fighting for a just cause is empowering
Written By: - Date published: 8:49 am, October 8th, 2018 - 29 comments
A purpose in life is an awesome Force of Nature.
Modern Technology Is Eroding Our Society
Written By: - Date published: 11:12 pm, September 30th, 2018 - 52 comments
People are losing their people skills rapidly and it is having an effect on society.
- Adrian Orr – The Reserve Bank’s Revolutionary Governor?
New Zealand's Underarm Banker: It bears recalling that the “independence” of the Reserve Bank Governor was for decades held up by neoliberal capitalists as the most compelling justification for passing the Reserve Bank Act. Interesting, is it not, how the ruling class’s support for the Bank’s independence lasted no longer than ...2 hours ago - Driving Us Up The Poll.Rubbish In, Rubbish Out: Put all this together, and it’s difficult to avoid the conclusion that anyone who responds positively to a pollster’s request to “answer a few questions” is just ever-so-slightly weird. Desperately lonely? Some sort of psephological train-spotter? Political party member primed to skew the poll for or against ...3 hours ago
- Jordan Williams, Colin Craig podcast series announced
“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. A long and bitter court feud between former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig and Jordan Williams has been settled, with an apology and compensation from Williams. On Tuesday, Craig sent out ...13 hours ago - Scientific integrity requires critical investigation – not blind acceptance
Some people seem to want to close down any critical discussion of the current research into the relationship between water fluoride and child IQ. They appear to argue that claims made by researchers should not be open to critical review and that the claims be accepted without proper consideration ...17 hours ago - Climate Change: The shameful reality
The government has been congratulating itself over the passage of the Zero Carbon Act, which sets out long-term emissions targets. Meanwhile, Climate Action Tracker has the shameful reality: those targets are insufficient:While New Zealand is showing leadership by having passed the world’s second-ever Zero Carbon Act in November 2019, under ...18 hours ago - More secrecyThe government introduced a Racing Industry Bill today. As an urban who horse racing as pointless-to-cruel, and gambling as a tax on stupidity and/or hope, this isn't normally a bill which would interest me in the slightest, beyond grumpiness at more government money for a dying industry. But there is ...19 hours ago
- Unlikely online bully, Liam HehirCheck. Check. One, two, three, four. Is this thing ON? Hello readers, I logged in last night (yeah, it’s been a while) to mark THE END of the landmark legal case, Jordan Williams v Colin Craig, which (gulp) reached The Supreme Court, in which New Zealand’s most-defamed man was suing the politician he ...21 hours ago
- The Birth Of Israel: Wrong At The Right Time.Before The Birth: Israel’s most fervent supporters set their clocks ticking in Biblical times. They cite the kingdoms of David and Solomon as proof that, in the words of the Exodus movie’s theme-song: “This land is mine.” The majority of Israel’s backers, however, start their clocks in 1933 – the year Adolf ...21 hours ago
- Hard News: Public Address Word of the Year 2019: Korero phase
In an unreliable, strange and confusing world, Public Address is proud to present a measure of comfort and stability by annually asking everyone what words or phrases sum up the year that's been – and then giving some of them consumer goods as prizes for being clever or simply lucky.Well, ...1 day ago - Generalist to specialist
Both my parents are pretty handy – and they seem to have the right tools for most jobs in the garage and they know how to fix practically anything. A similar story could be told about their generation’s experience in the workforce – being a generalist was not unusual and ...1 day ago - A “coincidence”When it was revealed that NZ First had tried to enrich itself from public office via the Provoncial Growth Fund, the Prime Minister assured us that everything was OK as Shane Jones, the Minister responsible for the fund, had recused himself. Except it seems that that recusal came very late ...2 days ago
- Member’s DayToday is a Member's Day, and probably the last one of the year. After the marathon of the End of Life Choice Act, most of the bills up for debate today are uncontentious. First up is the second reading of Chlöe Swarbrick's Election Access Fund Bill. This will be followed ...2 days ago
- Worse than I thoughtThe Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee has reported back on the government's odious and tyrannical control orders bill. As expected, the fraudulent select committee process has made no significant changes (partly because they couldn't agree, but mostly because it was a stitch-up from the start, with no intention of ...2 days ago
- The cannabis bill and the referendumYesterday, the government released its draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill, which will be put to a non-binding referendum at the next election. I'm not a drug policy expert, but Russell Brown is, and he thinks its pretty good. And pretty obviously, it will be a massive improvement on the ...2 days ago
- Hard News: The Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill: pretty good so farAs you're probably aware, the draft bill outlining the proposed legal cannabis regime to be put to a referendum late next year was published yesterday, and has already attracted a flurry of comment. It's notable that a good deal of the comment is about proposals that aren't actually new.A minimum ...2 days ago
- Climate Change: AlignmentOne of the big problems in New Zealand climate change policy is the government working at cross-purposes with itself. It wants to reduce fossil fuel use, but encourages oil and gas exploration. It wants to reduce transport emissions, but then builds enormous new roads. The problem could be avoided if ...2 days ago
- How climate change will affect food production and securityClimate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, please send it to climate.change@stuff.co.nz According to the United Nations, food shortages are a threat ...2 days ago
- More bad faithLast year, the government announced it was ending offshore oil exploration by no longer issuing new permits. The idea was that the industry would then die off as permits expired. Except almost immediately the government revealed its bad faith, by saying they would extend permits and alter conditions to keep ...3 days ago
- Banning foreign money from our electionsThe government has said it will ban foreign donations to political parties and candidates, and will be introducing legislation to be passed under all-stages urgency this afternoon. While I agree with the goal, I don't see a particular case for urgency, unless the government is concerned about a flood of ...3 days ago
- Reforming the Education ActsThe government introduced the Education and Training Bill to Parliament yesterday. Its a massive bill, which replaces both existing Education Acts, as well as various other bits of legislation (including some which are still proceeding through the House). I'll leave the serious analysis to teachers and people who actually know ...3 days ago
- Bite-sized learningAmelia SharmanThere’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to micro-credentials, those bits of bite-sized learning that can help workers stay on top of technological change. What’s a micro-credential? While definitions vary, micro-credentials can be understood as short courses that allow people to learn new skills or have an existing competency recognised. ...3 days ago
- “Not The Labour Party We Once Knew.”All Smiles Now: Claire Szabo is taking up her presidential role after serving as the CEO of Habitat For Humanity. Which is absolutely perfect! After KiwiBuild was so comprehensively mismanaged by Phil Twyford, the party has not only elected a new president from a thoroughly respectable not-for-profit, but one who ...3 days ago
- Marxist versus liberal methodology on transgender ideology/identity politics
While much of the NZ left has transitioned to postmodern and identity politics in relation to transgender ideology, there are some very good articles about that deploy Marxist methodology in relation to this subject. The one below is from the British marxist group Counterfire and appeared on their site here ...3 days ago - Book review: The Farm by Joanne Ramos
by Daphna Whitmore At Golden Oaks, a luxurious country retreat in the Hudson Valley, pregnant women have the best care money can buy. From the organic food, personalised exercise programmes, private yoga instruction and daily massages Golden Oaks looks like a country lodge for the upper class. Set some time ...4 days ago - Loosening the purse stringsWhen Labour was running for election in 2017, it felt it needed to demonstrate "fiscal responsibility" and signed itself up to masochistic "budget responsibility rules". It was a fool's errand: the sorts of voters who demand fiscal responsibility are also the sorts of voters who believe that labour can never ...4 days ago
- Climate Change: How to get thereWriting in Stuff, Joel MacManus looks at what we need to do to meet the Zero Carbon Act's targets. The core of it:1. Convert 85 per cent of vehicles on the road to electric. 2. Eliminate fossil fuels from all industrial heating up to 300 degrees Celsius. 3. Double our ...4 days ago
- Is Youth Vaping a Problem in New Zealand?Professors Janet Hoek and Richard Edwards, Emeritus Professor Phil Gendall, Jude Ball, Dr Judith McCool, Anaru Waa, Dr Becky Freeman Recent media reports have presented conflicting evidence on youth vaping in NZ. While some NZ school principals report concerns about increasing vaping on school grounds and confiscating vapes, ASH Year ...4 days ago
- In pursuit of “Freedom and Democracy”: Forever Wars in “America’s backyard”.
“America the Beautiful!”, staunch defender of democracy, freedom and… a whole lot of despotic tyrants that play nice with what is called “the Washington Consensus.” America is indeed capable of immense good, but like any Nation, and most assuredly any aspirant to the mantle of Empire, great, immense evil. All ...5 days ago - November ’19 – NZ blogs sitemeter ranking
Image credit: The beginner’s guide to blogging I notice a few regulars no longer allow public access to the site counters. This may happen accidentally when the blog format is altered. If your blog is ... 5 days ago- Whodunnit? Finding the mystery 1080 testing lab
1080 is used to control pests in NZ. Its use is contested by a noisy few. A new report claims high levels of 1080 in rats washed up on a beach. Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa (F&F) won’t name the laboratory that did their testing. It has sparked a hunt ...5 days ago- Authoritarian Friends, Democratic Enemies.
6 days ago- Boris Johnson Goes Down
It hasn't been a good week for the Conservatives, pollwise. All major recent polls are showing their lead shrinking.Comparing each pollster's current (between 29/11 and 22/11) and previous most recent poll.Com Res - Conservative lead down 3 points.You Gov - Conservative lead down 1 point.Kantar - Conservative lead down 4 ...6 days ago- Interesting
Within quick succession, Countdown maths wizard and twitterer Rachel Riley, alleged comedian David Baddiel and prominent lawyer Andrew Julius have all expressed very similar opinions / ideas:These #3billboards are going round London today, organised by ex-Labour people, horrified by what their party has become. Their principles haven’t changed, they’re ...
6 days ago- Damn the Polls
So, there have been a bunch of bad polls out for Labour, and even the Leftie's friend, Survation, have recently given the Conservatives a rip-snorting 11% lead. You Gov's much vaunted MRP poll - which pretty much nailed the result in 2015 - is currently predicting a comfortable majority for ...7 days ago- Climate Change: Europe declares an emergency
The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to declare a climate emergency:The European parliament has declared a global “climate and environmental emergency” as it urged all EU countries to commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The vote came as scientists warned that the world may have already crossed ...7 days ago- A Bi-Partisan Commitment To X-ing “P”.
Pure Fear: Worse than Heroin, this drug’s addictive power was terrifying. People under its influence didn’t drift off to Elysium. Nor did it persuade inadequate individuals that they could conquer the world. No, this drug – pure crystal methamphetamine, “P” for short – unlocked the gates of Hell itself. It ...1 week ago- Advice about measles: when ignorance is definitely not a virtue
As the rate of measles infection, and of deaths, continues to climb in Samoa, antivaccination activists infectious disease proponents seem intent on doubling down on their claims about vaccination. (Check pretty much any news-media FB post about measles & you’ll see exactly what I mean.) Unfortunately, some of them have ...1 week ago- Samoa’s devastating measles epidemic – why and how bad?
Samoa are experiencing a devastating measles epidemic. It is possible that 2-3% of the population will ultimately be infected by the time it is over. Hopefully the mass immunisation campaign currently under way can mitigate some of this, for many it is too late. The first question many people ask ...1 week ago- “It’s basic rights we are defending”: the Meghan Murphy interview
Meghan Murphy is a Canadian writer and journalist She runs the Feminist Current website which she founded in 2012. She was a keynote speaker for the Feminism2020 conference in Wellington this month. When Massey University cancelled the original venue booking Feminism2020 was hosted in Parliament by MP David Seymour. Meghan ...1 week ago- A week of protests in Colombia
Text and photos by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh Colombia has lived through one week of protests against the economic measures taken by president Duque. What looked like a protest that would fizzle out after its first day on November 21st is still going strong. Part of the reason for the continuance ...1 week ago- Anti-neutrinos–When you are your own opposite
Around a million billion pass through you each second, almost all originating from our sun, but few of them are likely to interact with you enroute. I was reading in a physics magazine earlier in the week about the nature of neutrinos. These are extremely numerous elementary particles, but only ...1 week ago- Exoplanets, life, and the danger of a single study
By Pallab Ghosh There’s value in covering new research advances, even when the underlying science is unsettled. But there are also risks. The recent announcement that scientists discovered water on the planet K2-18b, 110 light years away, prompted a media swoon. News stories, including a piece written by me, billed ...1 week ago- The Intersex Continuum
I wrote this review a couple of years ago when I was still in the process of getting my head around the politics of transgenderism, and specifically the claim that intersex conditions lend support to the notion that sex is ‘socially constructed’. Since writing this review I have come across ...1 week ago- Leaving us with the bill
Two weeks ago, Malaysian-owned oil company Tamarind declared it was insolvent and went into administration after a failed offshore drilling campaign. Tamarind apparently specialises in buying oil fields at the end of their life and trying to squeeze out the last few drops of pollution. But part of their scam ...1 week ago- How much does flying contribute to climate change?
Climate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, please send it to climate.change@stuff.co.nz How much does our use of air travel contribute to the ...1 week ago- Climate Change: The task before us
Two weeks ago, the Zero Carbon Act became law. Right this moment, the Climate Change Commisison will be working on its initial budgets for 2022-25 and 2026-2030, and the UN has just given them a very clear steer:Countries must make an unprecedented effort to cut their levels of greenhouse gases ...1 week ago- Among my favourite asteroids: (2309) Mr. Spock
Minor planet/asteroid (2309) Mr. Spock is named not for the character in Star Trek, but for a cat that was itself imperturbable, logical, intelligent and had pointed ears. In a preceding blog post I introduced one of my favourite asteroids, (2472) Bradman, and also mentioned (6581) Sobers amongst a few ...1 week ago- Measles deaths and antivax misinformation
Today the death toll from measles in Samoa rose to 32. All but four of the dead were less than 5 years old. Absolutely terrible, heartbreaking, news. That statistic alone should be enough to give the lie to the common claim by antivaccination activists plague enthusiasts that “measles is a ...1 week ago- Colombia: the state murder of Dilan Cruz
by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh It is late here in Bogotá, almost 11.30pm on Monday the 25th of November as I write this. The day began full of hope with yet more massive marches throughout the country, a mix of the International Day of Non-Violence Against Women and the National Strike. ...1 week ago- Anti-fluoride propagandists appear not to read the articles they promote
Anti-fluoride activists are rubbing their hands in glee over what they claim is “yet another study” showing fluoride harms the brains of children. But their promotion relies on IQ relationships which the paper’s authors acknowledge disappearing when outliers or other factors are considered. And they completely ignore other relationships ...1 week ago- The rise and collapse of classical political economy
The feature below is the conclusion of A History of Economic Thought, whose author was a leading Marxist economist in Russia in the early 20th century, Isaac Ilyich Rubin. The book arose from a course he ran at Moscow University following the Russian Revolution. First published in Russian in 1929, ...1 week ago- Among my favourite asteroids: (2472) Bradman
There are many thousands of asteroids with formal names, some humdrum but other more noteworthy (depending on your predilections). One of my favourites, the name of which I was involved in suggesting, is (2472) Bradman, named for the Australian cricketing great. As a minor planet (synonym: asteroid) spotter, I have ...1 week ago- Some cheap soundbites i thought up while reading about the underwhelming Conservative manifesto
Tory manifesto: big on austerity, low on promise, non-existent on delivery. The Tories: the party so big on ambition they couldn't be arsed writing a manifesto. MLK: "I have a dream!"BJ: "I'll just have a nap." Labour: Broadband!Tories: Narrow minds! Labour have hope, dreams and ambition. The Tories will save ...1 week ago- Measles vaccination required to travel to islands and Phillipines
The Ministry of Health has announced that “people under the age of 50 travelling from New Zealand to Samoa, Tonga, Philippines and Fiji” are now on the list of national priorities for MMR vaccination. Given the outbreaks of measles in Samoa, Tonga, Philippines and Fiji, the Ministry of Health is ...2 weeks ago- Giving the finger to Beijing
Hong Kong has been protesting for six months for, demanding democracy, human rights, and an end to police violence. Today, they went to the polls in district council elections - a low-level of government with virtually no power, similar to community boards in New Zealand. But while the positions themselves ...2 weeks ago- Colombia’s national strike
Text and photos by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh On Friday 22nd of November a curfew came into effect and troops were deployed on the streets, here in Bogota. It was the first time since September 1977 that a curfew had been imposed on the city. The decision was a cynical pre-planned ...2 weeks ago- National supports slavery
Meanwhile, while the government is planning to restore voting rights to prisoners, National is promising to turn our prisons into US-style slave-labour camps:The Opposition is proposing compulsory education, training or employment for prisoners who are serving sentences of two years or more. [...] On Sunday, National Party Leader Simon Bridges ...2 weeks ago- Erasing the infamy
Last year, the Supreme Court confirmed that National's prisoner voting ban - a law so shoddily passed that it brought Parliament into disrepute - breached the Bill of Rights Act. This year, the Waitangi Tribunal added that it also breached the Treaty of Waitangi. And now, the government has finally ...2 weeks ago- Trade unions that never fight the sex industry bosses
Excerpts from Being and Being Bought, by Kajsa Ekis Ekman Spinifex Press, 2013. Ekman, a Swedish journalist and critic, brings together a Marxist and feminist analysis of prostitution and surrogacy in this groundbreaking book. This is the second part of a synopsis and brief commentary of the book by Daphna ...2 weeks ago- A Team Approach to Tackling the Psychology Replication Crisis
Dalmeet Singh Chawla In 2008, psychologists proposed that when humans are shown an unfamiliar face, they judge it on two main dimensions: trustworthiness and physical strength. These form the basis of first impressions, which may help people make important social decisions, from who to vote for to how long a ...2 weeks ago- Big Pharma has failed: the antibiotic pipeline needs to be taken under public ownership
Claas Kirchhelle, University of Oxford; Adam Roberts, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Andrew Singer, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Antibiotics are among the most important medicines known to humankind, but we are running out of this crucial resource. Decisive action is needed if we are to retain access to ...2 weeks ago- A Bloody Great Political Story (From A Parallel Universe).
2 weeks ago- New Fisk
2 weeks ago- Climate Change: Submit!
The Environment Committee has called for submissions on the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Reform) Amendment Bill. Submissions are due by Friday, 17 January 2020, and can be made online at the link above. The bill makes a number of changes to the ETS, including linking it to the carbon ...2 weeks ago- The Message From Messenger Park.
Coasters Turn Out In Droves: It’s precisely the widening gulf between those with actual experience of things like guns, chainsaws and drilling machines, and those who regulate their use, that accounts for the angry crowd at Greymouth’s Messenger Park on Sunday, 17 November 2019. In the rarefied atmosphere where decisions ...2 weeks ago- JFK’s assassination: a bit of physics
There are perennial arguments about the circumstances of the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, and in particular whether more than one shooter is required by the evidence (such as the Zapruder film). Those who know little about physics frequently claim that the sharp backwards motion of JFK’s head as ...2 weeks ago- Is car washing so bad we need to ban it?
Apparently, some people enjoy washing their cars. Each to his or her own, I suppose. I mean, some people like duck shooting, some people follow Coronation Street, and some people’s idea of a good day out is to sit on a grass bank at Seddon Park and watch cricket all ...2 weeks ago- If Shane Jones isn’t corrupt, he is trying very hard to look it
Last week we learned that New Zealand First had apparently tried to enrich itself from public office, with a dodgy forestry company linked to a number of NZ First figures sticking its hand out repeatedly for government money. Today in Question Time Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones had his ...2 weeks ago- Climate Change: We need to end fossil fuels
Finally, governments seem slowly to be beginning to act on climate change. But its not enough. While they're publicly signing up to targets, they're planning to destroy the world by continuing fossil fuel extraction:The world’s nations are on track to produce more than twice as much coal, oil and gas ...2 weeks ago- As bad as we expected
Stuff has begun interviewing NZ First's secret donors, and it turns out that its as bad as we expected. They start with racing industry figure Garry Chittick, who is predictably grumpy about NZ First's coalition choices. Meanwhile, I'm looking at the list of pork NZ First has effectively given its ...2 weeks ago- The Second (And Final?) Crucifixion Of Winston Peters.
2 weeks ago- Earth’s artificial rings
Satellites pass over NZ all the time (literally). Here I focus on the 187 Planet Labs ‘Dove’ Earth-imaging satellites, and I show that one can determine in advance where they will be, enabling scientists on the ground to correlate their environmental and other data collection with opportunities to get imaging ...2 weeks ago- Softy Jejune Parson – the new Mother Superior of Wellington
The Council of Disobedient Women has learned that the Prefect of Aro Valley has been promoted to a new role with the blessing of the Pope of Wellington. Softy Jejune Parson has been appointed Mother Superior of Woke Wellington for the work she has been doing calling out heretics, ...2 weeks ago- Atlantic shakeup: US and UK leadership contenders ripping up the usual scripts?
On both sides of the Atlantic, some purportedly “contentious” and “difficult to deal with” leadership contenders to lead the US and UK, as President and Prime Minister respectively, seem to have thrown a few spanners into the works of the normal messaging most are used to hearing constantly. Except they’re ...2 weeks ago- Winston is the PM’s problem
In Question Time today the Prime Minister was naturally facing questions about Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and his dubious party financing arrangements, which seem to violate electoral finance law. Her response was to pretend that it was nothing to do with her, and that she is not responsible for ...2 weeks ago - Whodunnit? Finding the mystery 1080 testing lab
- New Zealand First calls for more checks for African Swine Fever at our borders
Mark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries New Zealand First spokesperson for Primary Industries, Mark Patterson, has called for awareness to be raised and more stringent biosecurity checks to be put in place for African Swine Fever (ASF), a widespread virus that is uncontrolled in most of Asia and a serious ...22 hours ago - United stand to end female genital mutilationJenny Marcroft MP, Spokesperson for Human Rights A critical step has been taken to end gender based violence against women and girls in Parliament this evening. New Zealand First Spokesperson for Human Rights Jenny Marcroft MP has welcomed the passing of the first reading of the Crimes (Definition of Female ...22 hours ago
- Shane Jones: “market forces haven’t led to the expected reduction in Māori smoking rates”New Zealand First MP Shane Jones says it's time to recognise market forces haven't led to the expected reduction in Māori smoking rates and try a new approach. The Party had recently invoked the agree to disagree clause in their Coalition Agreement with the Labour Party, and will not support ...2 days ago
- FAQ: Cash injection for almost every state school in New Zealand
Live from the Whanganui Opera House, on the final day of the 2019 Labour Party Conference, Jacinda Ardern announced the largest investment in school property in 25 years. ...3 days ago - Coalition Government to ban foreign donations to political parties and candidatesThe Coalition Government will be banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, ahead of next year’s general elections. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament and passed under urgency – emphasising the need for such restrictions to safeguard our democracy. The bill introduces a new requirement that party secretaries and ...3 days ago
- Minister Shane Jones officially opens two-lane bridge in TaipāAssociate Transport Minister Shane Jones opened Taipā's $19 million bridge recently, improving transport infrastructure in the Northland region. The two-lane bridge is 107m long with a 2.5m-wide shared walking and cycling path, and will reduce the congestion that the old one-lane bridge was notorious for. The project had also included ...3 days ago
- Coalition Government blocks sale of massive farmland to foreign buyerThe Overseas Investment Office have rejected the application of Mercury Agriculture LP, which is 92 per cent controlled by Canadian interests, to purchase more than 2000 hectares of South Canterbury and Otago land. Mercury wanted to buy 2000ha at Rangitata, 1494ha near Ashburton, 816ha near Cromwell and 212ha near Temuka. ...3 days ago
- Weekend That Was: Labour Party ConferenceThis weekend was Labour's 103rd Party Conference! We welcomed over 500 of our Labour whānau in red to Whanganui, where we reflected on the last two years in Government, and looked ahead to 2020 and beyond. We know the long-term challenges facing New Zealand won't be tackled overnight, but we're making ...4 days ago
- “Forgotten World Highway” to be completely sealed, thanks to Provincial Growth FundRegional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced that the Provincial Growth Fund will invest $9.6 million to seal the final unsealed section of State Highway 43 from Stratford to Taumarunui. The Minister said sealing the 12-kilometre gravel section of the highway – also called the “Forgotten World Highway” - through ...4 days ago
- Former Finance Minister Sir Michael Cullen supports NZ First’s stand against tobacco tax hikeFormer Finance Minister and former chair of the Tax Working Group, Sir Michael Cullen, has voiced his support for New Zealand First’s decision to oppose the planned increase in tobacco excise tax. In an interview with The Weekend Collective, he said that increasing the price was no longer effective in ...4 days ago
- Jacinda Ardern’s Speech to the 2019 Labour Party ConferenceLive from the Royal Wanganui Opera House. ...5 days ago
- Grant Robertson’s Speech to the 2019 Labour Party Conference: Future-proofing New ZealandIt is a great pleasure to be here in Whanganui for the 2019 Labour Conference. ...6 days ago
- Kelvin Davis’ Speech to the 2019 Labour Party ConferenceMāori are natural storytellers. On the marae we use stories to tell our history, to teach the next generation life lessons and to let people know, in our most creative of ways, who we are and where we have come from. ...6 days ago
- New Zealand First ‘Agrees to Disagree’ Over Tobacco Excise IncreaseRt Hon Winston Peters, New Zealand First Leader New Zealand First has invoked the ‘Agree to Disagree’ provisions of the Coalition Agreement because it cannot support the announced 11.46 percent increase in the tobacco excise from 1 January 2020. “Studies show that the automatic tobacco excise increases are having less effect ...7 days ago
- PGF-funded Taupō company successfully extracts lithium from geothermal fluidTaupō-based company Geo40 has made a breakthrough in extracting near battery-grade lithium from geothermal fluid which its says could be a gamechanger. Its chief executive John Worth said the earth mineral was highly prized, with battery-grade lithium selling for US$10,000 (NZ$15,600) a tonne. Geo40 was founded in 2010 to find ...7 days ago
- Mark Patterson delighted AgResearch campus will stay in InvermayCrown research institute AgResearch Ltd, as part of its Future Footprint plan, had intended to relocate top scientists and support staff — particularly those focused on sheep genetics and genomics — from Invermay to Lincoln. However, those plans seem to have been shelved at the request of the Coalition Government. ...7 days ago
- Ten Southland engineering firms receive Provincial Growth Fund boostTen engineering firms in Southland are receiving a total of $2.13 million in Provincial Growth Fund funding to lift productivity and create new jobs. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced in Invercargill that the 10 engineering and manufacturing firms would receive funding to assist them with buying equipment that ...1 week ago
- Immigration industry cry foul as number of new residents to New Zealand lowest in nearly 20 yearsThe number of new residents to New Zealand is the lowest it has been in nearly two decades and it has earned the ire of the immigration industry. The industry alleges that 'Trump-style extreme vetting' is being put in place aimed at keeping a lid on immigration numbers. June Ranson, ...1 week ago
- U.S. signs off five brand new C-130 Hercules for New Zealand Defence ForceThe Royal New Zealand Air Force is one step closer to modernising its fleet after the United States State Department recently approved the sale of five new C-130J Hercules aircraft to New Zealand. Arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin, in Fort Worth, Texas, will provide the aircraft, but as a "foreign military ...1 week ago
- Forestry Minister Jones wants a ‘blue highway’ and Special Economic Zone at Hicks BayForestry Minister Shane Jones wants to create a log barging facility at Hicks Bay and turn the area into a Special Economic Zone. The move would be part of protecting New Zealand's forests from being depleted by India and China, he said. It follows his announcement last week to strengthen ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First welcomes commitment to improving winter animal welfareNew Zealand First supports the changes recommended by the Winter Grazing Taskforce to improve animal welfare outcomes through the winter months, and the establishment of a pan-sector action group to implement them. New Zealand First Primary Industries Spokesperson Mark Patterson says the report highlights areas of concern about the animal ...2 weeks ago
- Helen Clark and Sir John Key back NZ First’s plans for Ports of AucklandFormer prime ministers Helen Clark and Sir John Key, formerly from the Labour and National parties respectively, have joined forces in support of New Zealand First’s plan to relocate Auckland's port to Whangārei. While Ms Clark and Sir John spent their political careers on opposite sides of the political divide, ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister Peters calls out some G20 nations over unfair trade practices and climate changeForeign Minister Winston Peters is in Japan for the Foreign Ministers' meeting of the G20 grouping of countries as one of nine "invited" countries. He has used the opportunity to cast a spotlight on the plight of Pacific countries, calling out countries which still offered subsidies or Government assistance to ...2 weeks ago
- Week That Was: Tackling child povertyIt's been a great week of progress: we've celebrated Children's Day, we've made communities safer with 1800 new police, and we've seen almost 90% of eligible schools take up Government funding to scrap school donations - taking pressure off the families of more than 416,000 students. ...2 weeks ago
- New measures for wood processing boostHon Shane Jones, Minister of Forestry The Government will further strengthen New Zealand’s wood processing sector as part of our focus on ‘value over volume’ in our forestry industry, Forestry Minister Shane Jones says. Minister Jones will today meet with forestry representatives in Northland to signal new measures to help the ...2 weeks ago
- New high tech traps will reduce the need for 1080 poisonNew Zealand First are celebrating the announcement of an investment of $3.5 million into five new trapping devices. These are a range of bait and trap devices, all designed to be left unattended for long periods of time. NZ First conservation spokesperson Jenny Marcroft says that this latest development will ...2 weeks ago
- $3.5m to reduce repeated 1080 useJenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Conservation New Zealand First is proud to announce the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has allocated $3.5 million to develop innovative predator control approaches which will reduce the need for repeated 1080 use. $19.5 million of PGF funding was announced for Predator Free 2050 Limited in February ...2 weeks ago
- 1800 new police, deliveredDarroch Ball, Spokesperson for Police New Zealand First is proud to have delivered on a key Coalition Agreement commitment to adding 1800 new frontline police, with the graduation of Recruit Wing 332 in Porirua today. Law and Order Spokesperson Darroch Ball says increasing police numbers and boosting their resources was one ...2 weeks ago
- Cowboy clampers will be stymiedClayton Mitchell, Spokesperson for Consumer Affairs The ‘wheel clamping’ Bill that will cap clamper fees to $100 passed its third reading in Parliament today. New Zealand First welcomes The Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Bill to combat predatory wheel clamping behaviour in what is currently a largely unregulated business. Cowboy clampers are: gouging ...2 weeks ago
- Mental Health Commission back on trackJenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Health New Zealand First welcomes the passage of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Bill through its first reading in Parliament. “Today’s progress takes serious action on the mental health and addiction crisis the country is facing,” says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Jenny Marcroft. “The re-establishment ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand’s key assets are not for sale: national interest test deliveredMark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries Today the Government announced the delivery of the promise to protect New Zealand interests by applying a new National Interest Test to the sales of our most sensitive and high risk assets to overseas buyers. This further strengthening of the Overseas Investment Act will ...2 weeks ago
- National interest test added to protect New Zealanders’ interestsThe Coalition Government is delivering on its promise to protect New Zealanders’ interests by applying a new national interest test to the sales of our most sensitive and high-risk assets to overseas buyers. Under current Overseas Investment Act (OIA) rules, assets such as ports and airports, telecommunications infrastructure, electricity and ...2 weeks ago
- Electoral law breach allegationsRt Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First Allegations raised this morning by Stuff Limited / Fairfax concern a party matter but I am confident that New Zealand First has operated within electoral laws, now and for the last 27 years. Declarable donations were declared to the Electoral Commission. Our ...2 weeks ago
- Wayne Brown hits back at critics: Ports of Auckland has to moveThe chairman of the Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy (UNISCS) working group, Wayne Brown, has hit back at critics of his group’s recommendations to relocate the Ports of Auckland cargo operations to Whangarei’s deepwater port of Northport. The working group's recommendation to close Auckland waterfront to all but cruise ...3 weeks ago
- Week That Was: Supporting our schoolsWe're setting our young people up for success, investing in education around the country. ...3 weeks ago
- Eight Queen’s Counsel appointed under new criterion
Eight Queen’s Counsel have been appointed under a process that includes the new criterion of a commitment to improving access to justice, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. “The new criterion was included this year. It emphasises that excellence and leadership in the profession can be seen through a wider, community ...20 hours ago - Major expansion for Wellington’s Onslow CollegeOnslow College in Wellington will get 20 new classrooms for more than 400 students, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The much-needed investment will relieve growth pressure the school has been experiencing for some time. Seven existing classrooms which have deteriorated over time will also be replaced, bringing the total ...20 hours ago
- Talented young Kiwis awarded PM’s Scholarships to Asia and Latin AmericaMore than 250 young New Zealanders will add international experience to their education, thanks to the latest Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA), Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. This round of scholarships supports 252 recent graduates or current students to undertake study, research or internships ...22 hours ago
- Government to improve competitiveness and transparency in the retail fuel marketConsumers will benefit from a more competitive, transparent retail fuel market as a result of changes the Government will be making in response to the findings of the Commerce Commission’s study of the fuel sector. “We accept the Commission’s findings and, as the Prime Minister has said, we’re ready to ...23 hours ago
- More cancer medicines for more peopleFive new cancer medicines have now been funded this year, meaning thousands of people have more treatment options PHARMAC has today announced that it has approved two new medicines for funding – fulvestrant for breast cancer and olaparib for ovarian cancer. This follows earlier decisions on advanced lung cancer treatment alectinib, ...24 hours ago
- Government acts to sort out electoral ‘coin toss’ problemThe Minister of Local Government, Hon Nanaia Mahuta says the Government will consider making changes to local electoral legislation before the 2022 elections to fix the problems that have arisen where elections are settled by a coin toss. The Minister says the recount process in the Murupara- Galatea ward at ...1 day ago
- NZ to Join IMO Convention to Reduce Ship EmissionsNew Zealand will sign up to new international maritime regulations to reduce ship emissions and lift air quality around ports and harbours, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter announced today. Subject to completion of the Parliamentary treaty examination process, New Zealand will sign up to Annex VI of MARPOL, an ...2 days ago
- Bill to empower urban development projectsNew legislation to transform our urban areas and create sustainable, inclusive and thriving communities will tomorrow be introduced to Parliament, Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said. “The Urban Development Bill gives Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities the tools it needs to partner with councils, communities, mana whenua and private developers to ...2 days ago
- Early Learning Action Plan to kickstart long term changeToday’s launch of He taonga te Tamaiti: Every child a taonga: The Early Learning Action Plan 2019-2029 provides the foundation for long-lasting changes to early learning, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. “Early learning will be one of the Government’s top education priorities going into 2020,” Chris Hipkins said. ...2 days ago
- Climate change lens on major Government decisionsMajor decisions made by the Government will now be considered under a climate change lens, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced today. “Cabinet routinely considers the effects of its decisions on human rights, the Treaty of Waitangi, rural communities, the disability community, and gender – now climate change will ...2 days ago
- New Tertiary Education Commission Board announcedEducation Minister Chris Hipkins today announced the appointment of Māori education specialist Dr Wayne Ngata and Business NZ head Kirk Hope to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Dr Alastair MacCormick has been reappointed for another term. “Wayne Ngata, Kirk Hope and Alastair MacCormick bring a great deal ...2 days ago
- Next phase of Pike River recovery underway in time for ChristmasThe next phase of the Pike River Re-entry project is underway, Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little says. “Fresh air will be pumped into the Pike River Mine drift this week, following acceptance of the plan for re-entry beyond the 170m barrier by New Zealand’s independent health and ...2 days ago
- Insurance contracts to become easier to understand and fairer for consumersNew Zealand consumers will have greater certainty about their insurance cover when they need to make claims as a result of proposed government changes. “Insurance is vitally important in supporting consumers and businesses to be financially resilient when unexpected events happen,” Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Kris Faafoi said. ...2 days ago
- A new opportunity for Ngāpuhi collective and regional negotiationsThe Crown is providing an opportunity for the hapu of Ngāpuhi to rebuild its framework from the ground up for collective negotiations to deal with its historical Treaty claims, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little and Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The Crown is also ...2 days ago
- Referendums Framework Bill passes third readingA Bill enabling referendums to be held with the 2020 General Election has passed its third reading. Justice Minister Andrew Little says the Act is important for upholding the integrity of New Zealand’s electoral process. “The Government has committed to holding a referendum on legalising recreational cannabis at the next ...3 days ago
- Referendums website and initial cannabis Bill launchedThe first release of public information on the two referendums to be held at next year’s General Election was made today with an informative new Government website going live. Additionally, the draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill has been released, showing the strict controls on cannabis that will apply if ...3 days ago
- Government to ban foreign donationsThe Government is taking action to protect New Zealand from foreign interference in our elections by banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, Justice Minister Andrew Little announced today. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament this afternoon and passed under urgency. “There’s no need for anyone other than New ...3 days ago
- Governments and tech converge to strengthen joint response to online terror eventsGovernments and tech companies are holding a two-day workshop, hosted by YouTube/Google in Wellington, to test the Christchurch Call Shared Crisis Response Protocol. The workshop aims to refine and strengthen the response in the event of a terrorist attack with online implications. Companies, governments, civil society experts and NGOs will ...3 days ago
- Cancer Control Agency to drive improved careThe new independent Cancer Control Agency has formally opened today, delivering on the Government’s plan to improve cancer care in New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Health David Clark marked the occasion by announcing the membership of the Advisory Council that will be supporting ...3 days ago
- Supporting small business to prosperSmall businesses who deal with government departments are set to be paid faster and have improved cash flow as a result, under a new strategy released today. The Government is backing recommendations from the Small Business Council (SBC) and has agreed to implement three initiatives immediately to support business and ...4 days ago
- Bill has biggest education changes in decadesThe Education and Training Bill 2019, introduced in Parliament today, proposes the biggest education changes in decades and is an important step towards improving success for all our learners, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. “The Bill’s rewrite of education legislation is long overdue. Indeed one Education Act, parts of which ...4 days ago
- Bali Democracy Forum to focus on democracy and inclusivityMinister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio will travel to Bali to represent New Zealand at the 12th Bali Democracy Forum that will be held on the 5-6 December. “The Forum is a valuable opportunity for Asia-Pacific countries to share experiences and best practice in building home-grown democracy and fostering ...4 days ago
- Innovative technology and tools to better manage freedom campingA package of new and expanded technology and other tools will encourage responsible camping and help communities and local councils better manage freedom camping this summer, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced today. “Our Government has been investing to improve the freedom camping experience for everyone because we want to support ...4 days ago
- Improving wellbeing by understanding our genesThe government is laying the groundwork to understanding our genes – work that can help us tackle some of our biggest health challenges, like heart disease and diabetes, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. $4.7 million has been invested in the Genomics Aotearoa Rakeiora programme. The programme will ...4 days ago
- Government investing to future proof school propertyNearly every state schools will receive a capital injection next year valued at $693 per student to bring forward urgent school property improvements, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The one-off cash injection is the first project to be announced from the Government’s infrastructure package ...5 days ago
- Infrastructure investments to be brought forwardThe Government has decided to bring forward major investments in New Zealand’s infrastructure to future proof the economy. “Cabinet has agreed to a significant boost to infrastructure investment. I have directed the Treasury to help bring together a package of projects that can be brought into the Government’s short and ...6 days ago
- Future-proofing New ZealandIt is a great pleasure to be with you today in Whanganui. Like the Prime Minister I grew up with the TV clip of Selwyn Toogood booming “What do you say Whanganui, the money or the bag?” to an unsuspecting ‘It’s in the Bag’ audience. For those under the age ...6 days ago
- New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa track opened – an asset for the West CoastNew Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, was officially opened in Blackball today by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage alongside the family members of the Pike 29 and Ngāti Waewae. Local mayors and MP for the West Coast Hon Damien O’Connor were also in attendance. “Paparoa National Park ...6 days ago
- P-8A Poseidon base works commenceMinister of Defence Ron Mark turned the first sod of earth on the infrastructure works for the new P-8A Poseidon fleet at RNZAF Base Ohakea today. “The Coalition Government’s investment in Ohakea will ensure the Royal New Zealand Air Force can manage, maintain and task the new fleet efficiently ahead ...7 days ago
- Launch of the National Emergency Management AgencyCivil Defence Minister Hon Peeni Henare today announced the establishment of the new National Emergency Management Agency from 1 December 2019. The National Emergency Management Agency will replace the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management. It will be an autonomous departmental agency, hosted by the Department of the Prime ...7 days ago
- NASA 2020 Internship applications openNew Zealand tertiary students with top grades and a passion for space will once again be offered the opportunity to work with the world’s best and brightest at NASA, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford announced today. Recipients of the New Zealand Space Scholarship are nominated by the Ministry of Business, ...7 days ago
- New Zealand to send more medical staff and essential supplies to SamoaForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further support to Samoa in the wake of an ongoing measles outbreak in the country. Additional medical supplies and personnel, including a third rotation of New Zealand’s emergency medical assistance team (NZMAT), further nurse vaccinators, intensive care (ICU) specialists and Samoan-speaking medical professionals, will ...7 days ago
- Cost less of a factor for Kiwis seeking GP careHealth Minister Dr David Clark says new data showing a sharp drop in the number of people who can’t afford to visit their GP is a sign of real progress. One year after the Government made it cheaper for about 600,000 Kiwis to visit their doctor, results of the New ...1 week ago
- Trade for All Board releases recommendationsThe Trade for All Advisory Board has released its recommendations for making New Zealand’s trade policy deliver for all New Zealanders. The report was today welcomed by Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker. “Trade is crucial to this country’s economy and well-being, and the benefits need to flow to all ...1 week ago
- Porirua housing partnership to improve housing in the cityA partnership signed today between the Crown and local iwi, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangātira (Ngāti Toa), will improve the quality of state housing in western Porirua, says the Associate Minister of Housing, Kris Faafoi. Contracts have been signed at a ceremony at Takapūwāhia Marae, in Porirua, between Ngāti Toa, ...1 week ago
- Prime Minster Delivers Erebus ApologyE aku manukura, tēnā koutou. He kupu whakamahara tēnei i te aituā nui i Te Tiri o Te Moana, i Erebus I runga i tētahi maunga tiketike i riro atu rā tētahi hunga i arohanuitia E murimuri aroha tonu ana ki a rātou. Kua titia rātou ki te manawa, mō ...1 week ago
- PGF backing Southland skillsThe Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is supporting an initiative that will help Southlanders into local jobs, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced in Invercargill today. “I’m pleased to be in the great South today to announce PGF support of $1.5 million for Southland Youth Futures. This initiative is all ...1 week ago
- Ten Southland engineering firms get PGF fundingTen engineering firms in Southland are receiving Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) investment to lift productivity and create new jobs, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said today in Invercargill. Minister Jones announced over $4 million of PGF support for projects in the engineering and manufacturing, and aquaculture sectors and for ...1 week ago
- Public service gender pay gap continues to close and more women in leadershipThe Government has made good progress towards eliminating the gender pay gap in the Public Service, Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter announced today. The latest data from the annual Public Service Workforce Data Report, shows that the 2019 Public Service gender pay gap fell to 10.5% from 12.2% in ...1 week ago
- Safer speed limits for schoolsThe Government is delivering on its commitment to make streets safer for kids to walk and cycle to school, by reducing speed limits to a maximum of 40 km/h around urban schools and 60 km/h around rural schools. “Our kids should have the freedom to walk and cycle to school ...1 week ago
- PM must ‘deal with’ reports Kris Faafoi offered to help friend in immigration case ̵...
The Prime Minister should deal urgently with reports Cabinet Minister Kris Faafoi offered to help a friend over an immigration case, National Party leader Simon Bridges says. ...35 mins ago - Bernard’s Pick of the links- Dec 6
Winston Peters says the NZ First foundation is similar to the National Party’s foundation. Here’s how it isn’t. ...39 mins ago - What’s in the newspapers – Dec 6
The families of top former All Blacks are likely to donate their loved ones’ brains to research so the effect of head impacts in sport can be studied. ...46 mins ago - What’s on RNZ News at 8am – Dec 6
The Finance Minister Grant Robertson won’t be drawn on how much new capital requirements for banks will hit consumers. ...51 mins ago - Banks Higher Capital Requirements A Breath of Fresh Air
The Reserve Bank's proposals for banks to hold higher capital ratios is a breath of fresh air and long overdue. ...1 hour ago - Grace Millane’s killer went on a date while her body lay on his floor. That date was with me
A woman who went on a Tinder date with the man who murdered Grace Millane tells her story, and issues a warning to other women to trust their instincts when something doesn’t feel right.First published on Newshub.co.nzI went on a date with Grace Millane’s killer while her body lay in ...1 hour ago - We’re using lasers and toaster-sized satellites to beam information faster through space
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gottfried Lechner, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia, University of South Australia Satellites are becoming increasingly important in our lives, as they help us meet a demand for more data, exchanged at higher speeds. ...2 hours ago - Explainer: why homicide rates in Australia are decliningSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology, Bond University According to the latest figures, homicides in Australia are at historic lows and compare well against international trends. So what do the trends tell us and why is the homicide rate in Australia declining? ...2 hours ago
- Making space: how designing hospitals for Indigenous people might benefit everyoneSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy O’Rourke, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, The University of Queensland Welcome to the next article in our Designing Hospitals series, where we explore how architecture and design shape our hospitals and medical centres. Today, we look at what Indigenous people tell ...2 hours ago
- Vital Signs: Australia’s slipping student scores will lead to greater income inequalitySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results are bad news for Australian students, parents, employers and policymakers. Pretty much everyone. Australian 15-year-olds are now below the OECD average in mathematics, and our results in ...2 hours ago
- Friday essay: living with fire and facing our fearsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Clode, Senior Research Fellow in Creative Writing, Flinders University It is only mid-November but we have to walk early to avoid the heat. A northerly wind picks up clouds of dust and pollen, sending dirty billows across the paddocks. The long ...2 hours ago
- Finnish anti-bullying scheme answer to NZ’s woes?
Yet again, NZ schools have received a 'fail' when it comes to bullying but there could be an evidence-based solution. ...2 hours ago - The Bulletin: Changes coming to fuel marketGood morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Changes coming to fuel market, anti-vaxxer arrested in Samoa, and banks told to hold more capital.New recommendations to increase competition in the fuel market have been made by the Commerce Commission, reports the NZ Herald. Their conclusion is that it isn’t competitive ...2 hours ago
- This week’s top 10 NZ best-sellers
This week's biggest-selling New Zealand books, as recorded by the Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list and described by ReadingRoom literary editor Steve Braunias. ...3 hours ago - Three monumental challenges to our health
An alliance of top researchers is trying to keep New Zealand ahead of complex health challenges from overuse of antibiotics, threats to freshwater quality and emerging infectious diseases. ...4 hours ago - Sports A-Gender: young cyclists hunt more metal
Sky Sport News presenter Kate King previews a massive weekend for Kiwi sportswomen ...4 hours ago - Your A-Z guide to impeachment
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- Oh, the humanity! What you need to know about living to 100Life expectancy is increasing all the time, and now actuaries and retirement experts say young people need far more information on what they’ll need to do with their money if they live to 100. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The message from the Retirement Income Interest Group of the New ...4 hours ago
- Imported ‘traditions’ bring a retail bonanza
NZ is seeing an increasing number of retail 'events' imported from overseas - how long before our spending is exhausted? ...4 hours ago - Germany’s former foreign minister on life after NATO
German politician Joschka Fischer has had a remarkable career. From street violence and helping to set up the Green party, he matured into the foreign minister and vice-chancellor of a united Germany, serving until 2005. His understanding of power politics led him to support the use of force in the ...8 hours ago - Grattan on Friday: Angus Taylor’s troubles go international, in brawl with Naomi WolfSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Scott Morrison said it with a straight face, and repetition for emphasis. “I’m very pleased, very pleased, with the performance of all of my ministers,” he declared on Thursday. This ringing if unconvincing universal endorsement ...9 hours ago
- Parents Around the World Plea for Urgent Climate ActionPARENTS AROUND THE WORLD PLEA FOR URGENT CLIMATE ACTION 222 parents groups from 27 countries have released a heartfelt joint plea calling on negotiators at this year’s UN climate summit – COP25 – in Madrid to push for ambitious and urgent ...13 hours ago
- Greater empathy for wāhine Māori neededGreater empathy for wāhine Māori needed to reduce family violence in New Zealand ...13 hours ago
- Insurance changes should make process easier for consumersGovernment proposals to overhaul insurance contract laws should make the whole process of taking out insurance easier and simpler to understand for consumers, says Financial Advice New Zealand. ...13 hours ago
- New report on wellbeing of disabled peopleNew report on wellbeing of disabled people and their families underlines need for urgent change ...13 hours ago
- NZ company oDocs awarded $US100,000 Dubai World Expo grantDunedin ophthalmology company ODocs Eye Care is the only New Zealand business to win the Dubai World Expo 2020 innovation grant. ...13 hours ago
- Help may be on the way for farmers struggling with Farm Environment PlansThe PM has hinted that next year's budget might contain financial support for farmers struggling to develop a Farm Environment Plan. ...15 hours ago
- Port move north not done deal: Robertson
Despite New Zealand First lobbying hard at the Cabinet table, the Finance Minister says the case to move Auckland's port operations north has not yet been made. ...15 hours ago - Early medical abortion is legal across Australia but rural women often don’t have access to itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Tomnay, Assoc. Professor / Director of Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health, University of Melbourne Around one in six Australian women have had an abortion by their mid-30s. These women come from all age groups and demographics: some are mothers ...15 hours ago
- All hail apostrophes – the heavy lifters who ‘point a sentence in the right direction’Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roslyn Petelin, Course coordinator, The University of Queensland Reports this week about the demise of the Apostrophe Protection Society may have been greatly exaggerated. The Apostrophe Protection Society was set up in 2001 in the UK by retired journalist John Richards with ...15 hours ago
- Ardern readies for campaign trail after testing 2019
The year has provided tests for the PM's party, government, and the country as a whole - but she is confident 2020 will bring success. ...15 hours ago - ACC must get its act together on climate
ACC is failing to live by the climate principles it proclaims. ...16 hours ago - A shocking blow for homicide Victim’s familyToday the Court of Appeal released their decision to allow Helen Milner (The Black Widow) to have the last remaining body samples of the husband she murdered, in an attempt to prove her innocence by trying to see if he had an underlying heart condition. ...16 hours ago
- It’s the 10-year anniversary of our climate policy abyss. But don’t blame the GreensSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca Pearse, Lecturer, Department of Political Economy, University of Sydney Federal Labor this week commemorated a dubious anniversary – a decade of climate policy failure. And it pointed the finger of blame squarely at the Greens. Labor claimed that had the Greens ...16 hours ago
- Ethics and Government InvestmentThe recent statement by Simon Tyler on behalf of the National Provident Fund and the Government Superannuation Fund, that environmental and social goals must be balanced with financial risk and reward, displays conceptual confusion about the role of ethical ...16 hours ago
- New terrorism bill could breach press freedom
A bill designed to deal with terrorists returning from overseas has hit its latest speed bump as human rights groups raise concerns that it could be used to stifle press freedom. ...16 hours ago - Fixing a dysfunctional fuel market
The final version of the Commerce Commission's report says both the retail and wholesale fuel markets are dysfunctional. ...16 hours ago - New library boasts admirable resources – but don’t expect to find too many books
by David Barber “To read,” says Jim Flynn, Emeritus Professor of Politics at Otago University, “is to enter a magic realm in which people are more interesting, informed, amusing and intelligent than anyone you encounter in everyday life.” It is a realm that half of New Zealand 15-year-olds never enter, ...17 hours ago - Have your say on International Crimes Amendment Bill(Headline abbreviated, original headline: Have your say on the International Crimes and International Criminal Court Amendment Bill) ...17 hours ago
- MPs failing to lead on human rightsDemocracy in New Zealand is suffering from a Parliament which under-performs in its scrutiny of human rights. A new report says human rights oversight by select committees examining potential legislation is weak and ad hoc. Human rights obligations and ...17 hours ago
- Chief Censor’s porn report a ‘wake-up call’ for everyoneChildren’s Commissioner, Judge Andrew Becroft, calls the Breaking Down Porn report, released today by the Chief Censor, a ‘wake-up call’ for all New Zealanders. “I welcome today’s report. It’s a wake-up call and a catalyst for a national ...17 hours ago
- Morrison cuts a swathe through the public service, with five departmental heads goneSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Scott Morrison has announced a dramatic overhaul of the federal public service, cutting the number of departments and creating several new mega ones, while removing five secretaries. The departments will be reduced from 18 to ...17 hours ago
- New details around New Zealand First conflicts of interest timeline emergeNew information has emerged showing it was the New Zealand First chief of staff who identified potential conflicts of interest between a forestry company and two senior government ministers. ...18 hours ago
- The Real Pod: In which the bread is dead and the top sheets divide usThe Real Pod assembles to dissect the week in reality television and real life, with special thanks to Nando’s.Are top sheets good or bad? Who is leaving giant dog poo piles everywhere? And why did Max Key delete his last Instagram post? Our investigative journalism continues as we try and get ...18 hours ago
- Fonterra raises milk solids farmgate price
Fonterra has raised the midpoint of its 2019-2020 forecast farmgate milk price range by 25 cents to $7.30 per kilo of milk solids (kgMS). ...18 hours ago - Lessons learnt from a failed custom shoe start-upBusiness is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand. This week he talks to Jodie Fox, co-founder of Shoes of Prey.For many years, this week’s podcast guest ...18 hours ago
- Funding to Improve Animals Lives OpensThe Bob Kerridge Animal Welfare Fellowship is calling for applications from people who are passionate about improving the lives of animals. ...18 hours ago
- Community Meeting to Provide Feedback on Armed PoliceA community hui has been called this weekend in South Auckland to gather feedback on the trial of armed police patrols. The meeting is part of People Against Prisons Aotearoa’s Arms Down campaign against the militarisation of policing. The trial ...18 hours ago
- Tick, tock… how stress speeds up your chromosomes’ ageing clockSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Szymek Drobniak, DECRA Fellow, UNSW Ageing is an inevitability for all living organisms, and although we still don’t know exactly why our bodies gradually grow ever more decrepit, we are starting to grasp how it happens. Our new research, published in Ecology ...19 hours ago
- Tilt to sell South Australian windfarm
The renewable energy company is selling its largest windfarm in South Australia for $AU1.1 billion worth of shares and debt. ...19 hours ago - EXCLUSIVE: MAALA ‘Fire Burning’ video premiereThe Spinoff presents the exclusive premiere of MAALA’s new music video, the Connor Pritchard-directed ‘Fire Burning’.Evan ‘MAALA’ Sinton says:I released Composure, my first album, in 2016 and then I did these two quite random singles – ‘In My Head’ and ‘Crazy’ – in 2017. Those songs were quite a weird ...19 hours ago
- Govt to act on fuel market recommendations
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi says the government will act after a report confirms consumers are paying more than what would be expected in a competitive fuel market. ...19 hours ago - Cartoon caused offenceNew Zealand’s leading organisation for Holocaust education and remembrance expresses their concern and disappointment regarding the cartoon published in yesterday’s New Zealand Herald comparing the proposed removal of approximately 350 trees from ...19 hours ago
- COLFO Reveals Mail Privacy BreachesImages show enveloped letters from NZ Police and Customs which allow anyone handling the mail to identify the recipients as licenced firearms owners, without having to open it. ...19 hours ago
- E tū: Claymark members wait for certaintyE tū says uncertainty hangs over the future of forest products firm Claymark Group after it was placed in receivership, though the hope is it will find a buyer. ...19 hours ago
- Kirihimete gift guide 2019: supporting Māori businesses and creatorsStuck for gift ideas? We got you.The great news is: you’re spoiled for choice this year. The sheer number of high quality products being made or produced by Māori and Pasifika creators in Aotearoa means it’s easy to buy beautiful and local for friends and whānau this Christmas (and beyond). ...19 hours ago
- Electoral Commission chair calls for greater powersNew Electoral Commission chair Marie Shroff said she was surprised to find she had lesser powers than in her previous role as Privacy Commissioner. ...20 hours ago
- On the Rag: We made our own safety video for women (WATCH)In the latest episode of On The Rag, based on the podcast of the same name, watch as Alex Casey, Michèle A’Court and Leonie Hayden get real about women and safety.Fasten your seatbelts and hold onto your tits, the seventh episode of On the Rag is all about safety. What did ...20 hours ago
- The government wants to privatise visa processing. Who will be held accountable when something goes ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marina Khan, PhD Candidate, Western Sydney University The Department of Home Affairs has begun taking steps to outsource its visa processing to private service providers. This move has sparked an important national debate on transparency, accountability and profiteering in the immigration system. ...20 hours ago
- RBNZ pulls bank capital punch (a bit)
The Reserve Bank has softened the blow to bank profits, dividends and mortgage rates slightly by tweaking its capital upgrade proposals. Bernard Hickey reports. ...20 hours ago - What’s on RNZ News at midday – Dec 5
The Reserve Bank has made few concessions in making the country's banks hold more capital to strengthen their finances for any future crisis. ...20 hours ago - Labour’s poll slide: let’s see if Jacindamania (and a tax cut?) can compensate for Cabinet’s ...
Labour’s rating with voters has dropped to its lowest in two years, according to the latest Colmar Brunton poll. This has provoked a flurry of action by ministers, with a $400m new spend on schools and promises of big infrastructure projects to be announced in the half-year fiscal update. Finance ...20 hours ago - Judgment: Milner v R – release of samples for testingA We determine the application as a full court of the High Court. B The application for release of bodily samples of the deceased for further scientific testing is granted. ...21 hours ago
- Shush: Libraries are saving New Zealand book culture, not dismantling itYesterday, we published an essay by novelist Lloyd Jones lamenting the change in New Zealand’s book culture. Today, Alie Benge responds with a passionate defence of the modern NZ library.Lloyd Jones is worried. He couldn’t find the New Zealand fiction section in Tūranga library, and now the walls are crumbling. ...21 hours ago
- RBNZ’s flawed bank capital process should be suspendedWellington (5 December 2019): The Reserve Bank of New Zealand should suspend its decision to increase banks’ capital and re-open the public consultation process says public policy think tank, The New Zealand Initiative. ...21 hours ago
- Neutered fuel price inquiry is a cruel jokeResponding to the final findings of the Commerce Commission’s inquiry into fuel prices, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “The Commerce Commission’s whole inquiry should be roundly dismissed as a joke. The Government ...21 hours ago
- Shane Jones conflict of interest disclosure came too lateShane Jones, Minister of Regional Economic Development, eventually declaring a conflict of interest over the NZ Future Forestry Products PGF application wasn't political transparency — it was crisis management butt covering, says the New Zealand Taxpayers ...21 hours ago
- Labour Party failing to elect Māori president ‘opportunity missed’The Labour Party is being given a serve for missing the opportunity to elect a Māori president. ...21 hours ago
- Not for Profits Welcome New Government Carers’ StrategyCarers NZ and the Carers Alliance of 45 national not for profits have joined the Government to celebrate its new five-year Action Plan, aimed at better supporting New Zealand’s 430,000+ family, whānau and aiga carers. ...21 hours ago
- Mt Erebus revisited – Chippendale’s findings, Mahon’s deductions and the overlooked Privy Coun...
There’s nothing sadder than a nation immersed in remorse. We have been constrained from entering into the endless debate about the Air NZ DC-10 crash into Mt Erebus 40 years ago. It is a circular and irreconcilable argument. Who was to blame? At this distance, does it matter? Facts are ...21 hours ago - We need you! How you can help The Spinoff survive and thriveThe Spinoff editor explains the thinking behind The Spinoff Members.As anyone who has been following the story of the New Zealand media in 2019 will know, it’s stormy out there. Across the board, outlets, us included, are feeling the digital pinch. Advertising spends are down, and the lion’s share of ...21 hours ago
- A tribute to The Lettering Book, which turned school kids into graphic designersTara Ward remembers the book that made every school project sing.If you went school in New Zealand during the ‘80s and ‘90s, there’s one book you’ll remember. The deep blue cover will be etched into your memory, the hand sketched drawings seared onto your emotional core. It was The Lettering Book, ...22 hours ago
- ‘First comes marriage then come babies’ not so likely nowMost people born in the 1980s knew the line ‘first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage’, but that’s not so common for the present generation, Stats NZ said today. ...22 hours ago
- Time to address the causes, not symptoms, of inequalityA new publication by the Salvation Army offers a timely reminder that bolder solutions need to be considered to meaningfully reduce inequality and poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand. ...22 hours ago
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