Author Archive
Pulling Teeth For Poverty
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, June 17th, 2018 - 363 comments
Poverty is directly responsible for a growing number of people losing their teeth to decay. Adults unable to afford dental treatment are resorting to using pliers to extract their own teeth. Meanwhile, children as young as one are also losing their teeth. The numbers losing their teeth is phenomenal. During the 2015 and 2016 period alone over 29,000 children had teeth removed and over 6,600 children were hospitalised because of rotting teeth.
Killing Them Softly With…
Written By: - Date published: 10:24 am, June 11th, 2018 - 48 comments
In New Zealand there is sufficient evidence to show that poor peoples’ lives are cut short because of poverty related poor nutrition. While food banks are alleviating the worst impacts of hunger, their kindness may well be contributing to the problem. Food poverty is a systemic issue and requires a systemic response, a response that successive governments are able to avoid while charities continue to provide a buffer for the system.
Who Really is Judging the Poor?
Written By: - Date published: 2:46 pm, June 3rd, 2018 - 89 comments
Some conversations about poverty are harming those in need. Those conversations contribute to the stigma and shame experienced by struggling families, who are barely surviving, but still trying to maintain some dignity. As a result even those in need are differentiating between the deserving and undeserving poor.
Housing Band Aids
Written By: - Date published: 9:54 am, May 26th, 2018 - 54 comments
What lies behind the homelessness crisis in Aotearoa New Zealand? Is it a housing crisis or are the homeless to blame? If the problem is a housing crisis, why is there an assumption that the homeless themselves need extra services to secure and maintain rental housing?
Why is Mark Richardson such a Nimby and …?
Written By: - Date published: 11:58 am, May 25th, 2018 - 46 comments
Being a nimby is the least of Mark Richardson’s problems. His disguised hate speech is harmful to his victims and anyone else in need of help who are left feeling the shame imposed upon them by such careless dialogue.
Is New Zealand really as ‘racist as fuck’?
Written By: - Date published: 1:35 pm, April 12th, 2018 - 85 comments
I am inclined to believe that there are at least some New Zealanders who are as “racist as fuck”.
Home Sweet Home
Written By: - Date published: 11:52 am, November 4th, 2017 - 23 comments
The changing face of New Zealand.
- Preempting the annual misrepresentation of NZ dental health data by anti-fluoride activists
Dental therapist Heather Dalton examines an Avondale College student in Auckland in 2010. Image credit: Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of NZ. The latest NZ school ...1 hour ago- This is what Kiwibank is for
Newsroom has a story about a threat by Australian banks to hold our economy hostage if they are forced to behave responsibly:The Government, the housing market and the wider economy will have to navigate this year around a land mine ...2 hours ago- Hard News: Splore Listening Lounge 2019: Keeping it Freaky
As I've done for the past five years at the Splore festival, I've put together The Listening Lounge, a Saturday morning talk programme for conscious (in both senses of the word) Splorers.Again this year, we'll be talking about drug policy. ...2 hours ago- What next after Taratahi’s liquidation?
After being placed in liquidation, we ask Taratahi staff what their work helping to deliver agricultural training means to them. ...3 hours ago- Auckland’s PT fare changes for 2019
On Monday Auckland Transport announced they were raising fares for public transport to help cover some of the increasing costs of running the system. By law Auckland Transport reviews fares each year to ensure they keep pace with operating costs ...8 hours ago- So: Beneficiary Bashing is “back in season” in NZ yet again?
Sunday night brought out the dogs again from the National Party. National’s Deputy Leader, our former Deputy PM in fact under the last Government, Paula Bennett, was in her usual form when it came to issues of welfare: spading low-rent, ...1 day ago- Time for redistribution
Oxfam released a report yesterday pointing out that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Its the usual story, with the twist that New Zealand's two richest men increased their wealth by only slightly less than ...1 day ago- This isn’t justice
Robert Roper is a rapist and child abuser. In addition to raping his own children, he raped and harassed women at his workplace, RNZAF Whenuapai, crimes which the air force effectively covered up. After his conviction, one of his victims ...1 day ago- Why Carmageddon never comes
The fear associated with even temporary reductions in road capacity in Auckland is often so extreme that this report from Joe Cortright in City Observatory, Why Carmaggedon never comes (Seattle edition), is worth drawing to everyone’s attention. It takes the ...1 day ago- 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #3
Story of the Week... Analysis of the Week... Toon of the Week... SkS in the News... Coming Soon on SkS... Climate Feedback Reviews... SkS Week in Review... Poster of the Week... Story of the Week... Climate Forecast: World ...2 days ago- A Fare Comparison
Last week I wrote about free fares and as expected, it generated plenty of discussion. The issue of fares is one that comes up quite often and while I think there are more important things we need to address, such ...2 days ago- Media release: Scrap the minimum wage and replace it with the living wage
For Immediate Release Tuesday, 8 January 2019 Scrap the minimum wage and replace it with the living wage If New Zealand wants a society in which workers can live on what they earn, it’s time to scrap the ‘minimum wage’ ...3 days ago- Unions – reclaiming the best of our past
( Third of a series, see also Unions need “ much larger systematic change” and Three suggestions for the NZ Council of trade unions) by Don Franks A recent union survey found workers incomes falling behind the cost of living and ...3 days ago- 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #3
A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week, i.e., Sun, Jan 13 through Sat, Jan 19, 2019 Editor's Pick ‘It’s like hell here’: Australia bakes as record temperatures nudge 50C Fears ...3 days ago- New research, January 7-13, 2019
A selection of new climate related research articles is shown below. Climate change impacts Mankind Mortality risk from heat stress expected to hit poorest nations the hardest Migration as a human affair: Integrating individual stress thresholds into quantitative models of ...4 days ago- Limiting Lime Scooters to 10kph
A couple of days ago Stuff reported that the government was considering limiting the speed of Lime scooters on footpaths to 10 kph, as part of a broader suite of changes. Work is under way on law changes that will impose a ...5 days ago- Places to go, people to be
Nothing from me today - I'm off to Wellington to participate in KapCon, Wellington's annual rpg convention. Monday is a public holiday,so normal bloggage should resume Tuesday. ...5 days ago- Silence Of The Lambs: Why Is The CTU Saying So Little About The Resident Doctors’ Struggle?
5 days ago- The Politics Of Distraction.
5 days ago- Moving more cars
It’s mid-January and many of us probably wish we could still be out enjoying the sun rather than sitting in an office (for those of us who work in offices). With people back at work, also back is Auckland’s traffic, ...5 days ago- Why resident doctors are striking
RDA picket, Auckland Hospital; Pic by Abigail Dougherty/Stuff by Peggy Stewart Junior doctors who are members of the Residents Doctors Association (RDA) have been striking ...6 days ago- Speak Up for Women launches campaign
On January 14 the Speak Up for Women Campaign was launched. This campaign is to oppose the current state of the Birth, Deaths, Marriages and Relationship Registrations bill and its proposals for sex self-identification. ...6 days ago- A threat to democracy
People have also suspected that New Zealand's spy agencies saw people who wished to limit their powers, cut their budgets, or disestablish them as a "threat" to "national security". And it turns out they were right. According to former Green ...6 days ago- Well, that blew up.
The Gillette ad reaction is really demonstrating why some men think the phrase "toxic masculinity" means "all masculinity is toxic": because they can't imagine a masculinity which isn't. Dream better things for yourselves, guys. — Stephanie Rodgers 🌹 (@bootstheory) January ...6 days ago- The causes and economic consequences of rising regional housing prices (part 3)
This is a post from Peter Nunns. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here. In the first two posts in this series I introduced the postgraduate research project I’ve been working on, which looks at the causes and economic consequences of ...6 days ago- Book Review: Saudi America
Before I read the book, I had already read a few articles about it, saw a youtube video, and listened to two podcasts. It was the last podcast, on NPR's new Stateimpact Pennsylvania Energy Explained, that triggered me to actually ...7 days ago- 432-202
So, that worked out well for Theresa May. I wonder if she is anticipating a discrete visit from some men in gray suits? The woman has more lives than a cat. She should have gone after the 2017 election disaster. ...7 days ago- Why is NZ business opposed to behaving ethically?
In the wake of several high-profile cases of being bitten by the immoral behaviour of companies it has outsourced to, the New Zealand government is planning to impose a code of conduct requiring its suppliers to behave lawfully and ethically ...7 days ago- Brexit Explained
For most New Zealanders, Brexit remains an impenetrable mystery – and, as the saga lurches from one crisis to the next, (most recently, with the rejection of Theresa May’s “exit deal” by the House of Commons) – the British are ...1 week ago- What happens now?
This morning the UK parliament voted on Theresa may's Brexit deal - and as expected voted it down in the biggest defeat for a UK government in the democratic era. So what happens now? The problem is that no-one can ...1 week ago- New Albert St video, same design problem
The most contentious issue with the City Rail Link these days is how Albert St will be reinstated following all of the construction works. It’s important we get it right and time is short given the trench is already starting ...1 week ago- Hard News: Cannabis reform is a serious matter – so be serious about it
I've wondered here several times where an organised "no" campaign in next year's cannabis referendum might come from. Outside of Family First, it's still hard to tell where the opposition emerges. But I think what we are starting to hear ...1 week ago- The Art of the Deal
Back in 1987, Donald Trump published a book that was part autobiography and part extended essay on how to become a winning negotiator. The Art of the Deal became a number one bestseller, and it was one of the things ...1 week ago- 100 years ago today: Rosa Luxemburg, murdered January 15, 1919
Pic: Der Spiegel Today, January 15, 2019, marks the 100th anniversary of the murder of one of the finest revolutionaries of all, Rosa Luxemburg. She ...1 week ago- The Meaning of Inequality
When I stepped down as Vice-Chancellor of Waikato University in 2004, I was fortunate enough to spend a few months in Oxford as a Visiting Fellow of Nuffield College. The Warden of the College at that time was Professor A.B. ...1 week ago- Fiji: Criminalising the opposition again
The Fijian government has introduced a Code of Conduct Bill, ostensibly setting standards for politicians and public servants and a body to receive complaints about them. But when you read the fine print, it turns out that its just a ...1 week ago- Twelve fun facts about National’s failed housing policies for Parmjeet Parmar to consider
. . A recent story by Daily Blogger, Martyn Bradbury, raises serious questions about National’s questionable track record around state housing. National’s List MP, Dr Parmjeet Parmar, has launched a scathing attack on Housing NZ on social media and in a ...1 week ago- Thinking about free fares
Usually about once a year, often around this time, the issue of public transport fares comes up, often in relation to Auckland Transport’s annual fare review. Sometimes the discussion revolves around whether we should have fares at all. That debate ...1 week ago- “Generals gathered in their masses…”: The Expansion of Empire continues unabated
There are deeply troubling things afoot… and nobody seems to have quite the spine to call it what it is these days. The few who do, relegated to the confines of the alternative media, or when in Office, told to ...1 week ago- The police keep on killing
The police killed three people in a pursuit in Christchurch last night:Police said they began the pursuit after a vehicle was seen speeding in the city centre at about 11.13pm. They said it is believed the car continued to drive ...1 week ago- Name and Shame Time
I get pretty sick of faceless organisations whose senior people fail to stand up and face the music when they make blunders or outrageous claims. Despite unleashing its obscene affront to New Zealand’s native heritage a week ago and inciting ...1 week ago- 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #2
Story of the Week... Analysis of the Week... Toon of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... SkS Week in Review... Story of the Week... Once derided, ways of adapting to climate change are gaining steam Recognition ...1 week ago- Is Auckland Council going to ruin the Drury growth area?
The largest of the three new greenfield growth areas on the edge of Auckland is to the south and most of that will occur around Drury – both to the east and the west of the Southern Motorway. This has ...1 week ago- Just remember, Caligula toyed with the idea of his horse as Consul…
We’re in such safe hands are we not? Every day the balls-to-the-wall musings of Hunter S. Thompson and his read on the politics of his day makes more and more sense… certainly more sense than some of the ramblings we ...1 week ago- Playing us for suckers.
Huawei NZ has offered to only use NZ citizens to install its 5G equipment as part of the national broadband upgrade. It does so because of concerns about Chinese constitutional reforms that require all Chinese citizens to serve the interests ...1 week ago- Wine, capitalism and your health
by Don Franks According to Benjamin Franklin, “Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance”. Ben never drove through Marlborough – New Zealand’s ...1 week ago- 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #2
A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week, i.e., Sun, Jan 6 through Sat, Jan 12, 2019 Editor's Pick World's Oceans Are Warming Faster, Studies Show, Fueling Storms and Sea Rise ...1 week ago- The ocean is not enough, Mr Wilson
Auckland's One Big Thing. It's something I've long argued the city needs, as have many others. Something to act as an anchor, focal point and symbol in this city that so lacks identity.read more ...2 weeks ago- Resisting the US government shutdown
Pic: NDTV by The Spark As the US government shutdown enters its third week, almost a million workers have been sent home or are ...2 weeks ago- New research, January 1-6, 2019
A selection of new climate related research articles is shown below. Climate change Temperature, precipitation, wind Spatial modelling of summer climate indices based on local climate zones: expected changes in the future climate of Brno, Czech Republic Comparison of the ...2 weeks ago- Flashback Saturday – Is less congestion actually a good thing?
Every weekend we dig into the archives. This post by Matt was originally published in July 2014. It almost goes without saying that congestion is a terrible thing, so bad that it justifies the spending of massive amounts of public ...2 weeks ago- People of the same trade seldom meet together … but the conversation ends in a conspiracy
[Ed's note: In December of 2018, this Stuff article appeared. Due to a mix of technical glitches and summer slackness, we're only just now posting Prof Ahdar's wry and satirical take on it.read more ...2 weeks ago- Fanning The Flames.
F.Anning Discontent: Far-Right politicians like Fraser Anning (above right) are highly-skilled at exploiting racially charged narratives, such as Melbourne's "African Gangs" controversy, to broaden the appeal of Conservative Australia’s anti-immigrant crusade.FRASER ANNING is one of those political figures who populate ...2 weeks ago- David Farrar – fomenting happy mischief at other people’s expense
. . A recent ‘tweet’ on social media from right-wing blogger, David Farrar, caught my eye and raised an eye-brow to make a Vulcan proud; . . The ‘tweet’ linked back to a short blogpost on Farrar’s “Kiwiblog“; ...2 weeks ago- Lime trial extended
Good news yesterday with Auckland Council announcing they would extend Lime’s e-scooter trial till the end of March – it had been due to expire this coming Monday. Along with the extension, Lime will also be implementing some changes, such ...2 weeks ago- How Neoliberal is the Government?
The awarding of a knighthood to accountant Rob McLeod raises some interesting questions about the attitude of the government to Rogernomics. I am not competent to judge McLeod’s worthiness for the award; I am a republican and do not approve ...2 weeks ago- Access: The long road to real space
About a year ago, my younger son asked me if I'd like to play a video game. I'm really not a gamer, but he wanted me to see it and he was happy to make it easy for me by ...2 weeks ago- New Fisk
2 weeks ago- Taking back control
Brexit day is fast approaching, and the UK government seems to have no plan. Their deal is so despised that it will not pass the required parliamentary vote, while their contingency plans seem to rely on wishful thinking and ferries ...2 weeks ago- Something to be proud of
New Zealand is the world's 4th most democratic country, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit:New Zealand remains the world's fourth most democratic country, while the United States remains a "flawed democracy", the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) says. According to the ...2 weeks ago- The causes and economic consequences of rising regional housing prices (part 2)
This is a post from Peter Nunns. See Part 1 here. Last week I gave an overview of the postgraduate research project I’ve been working on this year. It looks at the causes and economic consequences of rising regional housing prices ...2 weeks ago- Do the right thing Minister, support Taratahi students and staff
Following the news yesterday that people working at the Taratahi Institute of Agriculture could be forced to go without pay, the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) called on the Minister to step in immediately to support those affected and their families. ...2 weeks ago- Hard News: Music: Telling Stories
Amid the calm of the holidays, in the blessed present between the race to wrap up 2018 and the need to envision the year ahead, a series of stories have flipped me way back up the river, into my own ...2 weeks ago- More government spying
The Herald has disturbing news this morning: MBIE has recently signed a contract to train its staff in using fake social media profiles to spy on people: The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has hired a security firm to ...2 weeks ago- Why is the SPCA in New Zealand such a sick outfit?
If it only kept to its core business of preventing wanton cruelty to animals by those who get their jollies from such activity, the NZ SPCA would be worthy of respect. But it hasn’t done that for years. The leadership ...2 weeks ago- Rural highway conundrums
Transport spending, like everything else, is all about trade-offs. There are a lot of improvements to be made and only a limited pot of funding from which do them and so those improvements need to be prioritised. One of the ...2 weeks ago- Holy Crap!
I've been doing this for almost 12 years! Highlights?Probably blogging about Louis Rawnsley, which - in a tiny, tiny way - contributed to him getting a payout from TVNZ.Ranting about Mohammed Haneef, which probably made no difference to him, but ...2 weeks ago- Unions need “much larger systematic change”
by Don Franks It’s summer time, but the living’s not easy. A New Zealand Council of trade unions cost of living and income survey done last week uncovered distress. Of the 1195 respondents, 70% reported their incomes weren’t keeping up with the ...2 weeks ago- MP mobbed by thugs
2 weeks ago- Republicans call for ‘innovation’ to tackle climate change, but it’s not magic
Limiting global warming to less than the Paris Climate Agreement target of 2°C (3.6°F) hotter than pre-industrial temperatures will require a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels. That’s a point on which the scientific community strongly agrees. If we ...2 weeks ago- Another “labour shortage”
Hawke's Bay apple growers are whining about a seasonal "labour shortage" and demanding they be subsidised by immigrant labour again. But the "labour shortage" is illusory - its not that there is a shortage of people to do the work, ...2 weeks ago- The US is actually unique for not valuing life!
"...that’s what sets America apart from every other country; we value life. That is what makes us unique.” - Sarah SandersThere is a high level of delusion operating in the White House. The stream of mistruths that come out of ...2 weeks ago- Ongoing New Year’s Eve debacles symptom of a bigger problem
Despite some very small and (seemingly) reluctant steps by Auckland Transport to close off parts of the city centre to traffic on New Year’s Eve, there was still a dangerous and very messy situation with cars mingling with thousands of ...2 weeks ago- Skeptical Science takes the Pro-Truth-Pledge
Skeptical Science has been fighting misinformation about human-caused climate change since the website was launched in 2007. But with the rise in prevalence of fake news over the last few years, protecting truth and facts has become more important than ever. ...2 weeks ago- 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #1
Story of the Week... Editorial of the Week... Toon of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... SkS Week in Review... Story of the Week... Katharine Hayhoe: 'A thermometer is not liberal or conservative' ...2 weeks ago- Growth in Police deployments
The first Police graduation for 2019 creates a new total of 1,101 frontline officers deployed around the country since the Coalition Government took office. Police Minister Stuart Nash today presented awards to the top recruits of Wing 322, whose Patron ...5 days ago - Andrew Little to lead delegation to UN Human Rights ReviewJustice Minister, Andrew Little, lead a delegation to New Zealand’s third Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 21 January. ...6 days ago
- Govt should stop its focus on Kiwibuild
Housing Minister Phil Twyford has conceded that the Government is unlikely to meet its Kiwibuild targets of 1,000 new Kiwibuild homes by mid 2019 . Auckland Action Against Poverty is calling on the Government stop its focus on unaffordable private ...29 mins ago - Man sentenced in Nelson for killing a keaThe Department of Conservation welcomes the conviction of a Richmond man for killing a kea and says it is an important reminder that killing legally-protected kea is unacceptable. ...1 hour ago
- Byanyima and Ardern talk budget, inequality, climate changeOxfam International executive director Winnie Byanyima and New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern have met to discuss global and New Zealand issues including the upcoming national well-being budget and global inequality. ...2 hours ago
- Oceana Targets Pauanui/Opoutere for DrillingNew Zealand’s largest gold mining company, Oceana Gold, are targeting the south eastern beaches of the Coromandel with exploratory drilling due to begin just behind the iconic Opoutere Beach. ...2 hours ago
- ‘Tar baby’ report exposes Kiwibuild as welfare for the richResponding to the release of the New Zealand Initiative ’s new report, Kiwibuild – Twyford’s Tar Baby , New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: ...5 hours ago
- Terrorism in New Zealand?Police have reported multiple stabbings in a local supermarket at Whanganui. Whanganui is a city in the west coast of the North Island. ...5 hours ago
- Genesis’ record coal burn reveals urgent need for solarTuesday, January 22: The revelation that coal burning at Genesis Energy’s Huntly Power Station is the highest in five years is proof we need to fast-track the rollout of solar energy, says Greenpeace. ...23 hours ago
- ANZASW response to OxfamThe Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) believes that research released by Oxfam this week highlights the need for urgent measures to be adopted to close the widening gap between the richest and least well off in our ...23 hours ago
- Decisive action on red tape is the answer to housing issueWellington (22 January 2019): Decisive government action to free up the supply of land for housing and to reduce construction costs across the board is the only viable remedy for New Zealand’s housing affordability problem. ...23 hours ago
- Letter from Mr Andrew Connolly, Chair of the Medical CouncilThe attached letter from Mr Andrew Connolly, Chair of the Medical Council of New Zealand has been sent to the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association and the Chief Executive Officers and Chief Medical Officers of all District Health Boards. ...24 hours ago
- Attempts to Legalise Dope In Troubled PortugalMEDIA RELEASE FAMILY FIRST NZ 21 January 2019 Attempts to Legalise Dope In Troubled Portugal TRAFFICKING, ORGANISED CRIME, CONSUMPTION, PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES ALL ON THE INCREASE ...1 day ago
- NZ’s two richest men gain $1.1b while poorest Kiwis lose outThe two richest people in New Zealand added an astounding NZ$1.1billion to their fortunes in 2017-2018, while the wealth of the poorest half of the country decreased overall, according to new Oxfam research released today . ...1 day ago
- Bridges call for tough sanctions out of touch with evidence...1 day ago
- Oxfam report is fake news says Taxpayers’ UnionWhile Oxfam claims inequality is increasing and uses its latest report to push a political campaign, the official data shows the complete opposite, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . ...1 day ago
- Taylor v Roper – costs judgmentMs Taylor sought damages (including exemplary damages) against both Mr Roper and the RNZAF for the mental harm she alleged was caused by Mr Roper’s actions between 1985 and 1987. Sixteen witnesses, including two experts, gave evidence at trial over ...1 day ago
- How will sex self-ID impact human rights?Wellington, 19 January 2019 - Campaign group Speak Up For Women is calling on David Parker to fulfil his obligation as New Zealand’s Attorney-General by clarifying how sex self-ID will impact the human rights of women and girls. ...1 day ago
- International Support for Penal Reform in NZYesterday (9am-12.30pm Geneva time 21 January), New Zealand underwent a United Nations review of its human rights. This was the third time that New Zealand has had its human rights reviewed in this way, the previous times being in January ...1 day ago
- Exhausted truck drivers major threat to road safetyTruck drivers regularly take terrible risks due to a cutthroat contract system, says the car review website dogandlemon.com . ...1 day ago
- No Govt solution to high rentsFigures obtained through the Official Information Act shows the Government is spending over $27 million a week helping 292,006 people who are struggling to afford private rentals.. This is up from $20 million a week from last year. ...1 day ago
- Maniapoto Treaty Settlement ResetManiapoto Maori Trust Board (MMTB) has formally appointed Board Trustee, Glenn Tootill, as a Negotiator in the Board’s Treaty Claims Settlement work for Maniapoto. Tootill will join current Negotiator, Terrence ‘Mook’ Hohneck, in the negotiations with ...2 days ago
- Wealth gaps on the increaseOxfam’s challenge to governments round the world is set out in its latest report, Public Good or Private Wealth? Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA) welcomes the study which shines a light on how the extreme gap between the rich and poor ...2 days ago
- Study on support for approaches to cannabis reformNew research indicates significant support for non-commercial and community-managed approaches to regulate cannabis, with home-growing and a community trust approach among preferred options. ...2 days ago
- Subfloor insulation in rentals a costly mistakeA requirement to install subfloor insulation in rental properties should go and owners who have installed it under threat should be compensated, Tenancies War spokesman Mike Butler said today. ...2 days ago
- Last chance to submit on national park plan reviewsThe deadline is coming up for the public to provide feedback on the draft Aoraki/Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini national park management plans. ...2 days ago
- Maori Kids to start the school year more behind than everMaori Kids to start the school year more behind than ever before: rise of the digital divide In this press release: an overview of the problem faced, solutions for Government to consider and tips for parents to try and cover ...2 days ago
- Basic Income NZ: Tackling the Growth ParadoxPress Release At the upcoming World Economic Conference in Davos, Switzerland 22-25 January 2019 Basic Income New Zealand (BINZ) encourages our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to attend the session, Tackling the Growth Paradox, Wednesday 23 January, ...2 days ago
- Free Public Wi-Fi Should Block Porn – PollA nationwide poll has found strong support for cafes, libraries, and other public places which offer free Wi-Fi to be required to block access to pornographic websites. In the independent poll of 1,000 New Zealanders by Curia Market Research, respondents ...5 days ago
- Fewer Sanctions but more HardshipThere are now more people on Jobseeker Benefit than this time a year ago, a fact which the opposition parties interpret as a sign of weak application of sanctions by W&I. ...5 days ago
- Taxpayers rorted in Stephen Barclay sagaResponding to the resignation of Kiwibuild Chief Executive Stephen Barclay, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: ...5 days ago
- More could be done to alleviate housing desperationThe New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) says that the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act and the introduction of the Healthy Homes Act alleviate some difficulty at one of the most difficult times of the year to be ...5 days ago
- Waihopai Spybase Protest Saturday January 26th(Mailing list information, including how to remove yourself, is located at the end of this message.) ...5 days ago
- Antarctica now losing 252 billion tonnes of ice a yearLatest research shows Antarctica now losing 252 billion tonnes of ice a year - Māori Climate Commissioner calls for urgent climate action now! ...5 days ago
- Mayor endangers ratepayers by caving to Toyota’s threatsResponding to Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith’s suggestion that Toyota used threats to garner a $391,000 grant from ratepayers, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says: ...5 days ago
- Thousands of animals are subjected to flawed researchThe New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS) is appalled that cruel and scientifically flawed “Forced Swim Tests” are being conducted on animals in New Zealand ...5 days ago
- No lack of understanding about what modern farming is aboutThe article on Newshub 16th January – ‘Opinion: No more cheap shots at dairy farmers over water quality’ by Tim Mackle CEO of Dairy NZ is excellent and shows that he really does live on another planet. ...5 days ago
- SAFE calling bluff on meat industry scienceSAFE is calling the meat industry’s bluff on recent research, and misleading and exaggerated claims of health benefits associated with eating meat. ...5 days ago
- Revenue neutrality a no-brainer for a fair capital gains taxThe Tax Working Group’s expected recommendation to cut income tax to offset the burden of capital gains tax is a no-brainer if the new tax is to be fair to New Zealanders, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . ...5 days ago
- Families cannot wait till Budget 2019 announcementsThe latest benefit data from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) provides cast iron evidence that current levels of welfare benefits and Working for Families tax credits are far too inadequate to meet the everyday needs of families who rely ...5 days ago
- Union calls on Coalition Gov’t to reassess RSE schemeFIRST Union’s Denise Roche is calling on the Coalition Government to reassess its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme as labourhire companies continue to use the RSE scheme to exploit migrant workers and undermine working people in New Zealand. ...5 days ago
- Steep rise in hardship numbers showcases income inadequacyThe latest Ministry of Social Development December 2018 quarterly report show that a record number of people have received hardship assistance from working and income, with an additional 40,000 hardship payments made between September and December 2018, ...6 days ago
- New petition calls on Toyota to repay secret $391,000 grantThe New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has launched a petition calling on Toyota New Zealand to pay back the $391,000 grant secretly given by Palmerston North City Council, for which the Council and Toyota refuse to explain. ...6 days ago
- Wellington GPs to strike againGPs at Wellington’s Ora Toa Health practices will strike again tomorrow (FRIDAY) for a full day because of the employer’s stubborn refusal to include dentists in the collective agreement. ...6 days ago
- NZ school a finalist in international sustainability prizeFiordland College of New Zealand has been named a Global High School finalist for the Pacific and East Asia region in a prestigious global sustainability award, the Zayed Sustainability Prize. The prize for the regional winner, Muntinlupa High School ...6 days ago
- Highly offensive word did not breach broadcasting standardsThe Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has found that the broadcast of the song ‘Hurricane’ by Bob Dylan on Coast FM which uses the word ‘nigger’ did not breach broadcasting standards. The song contains the lyrics ‘[a]nd to the black ...6 days ago
- $36 million investment approved to tackle regional erosionTe Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) has announced funding of almost $36 million through the Hill Country Erosion Fund (HCEF) to enable much-needed erosion control in the regions. ...6 days ago
- 2018 citizenship statisticsA total of 49,428 New Zealand citizenships, by grant or descent, were registered in 2018. ...6 days ago
- Stacey Shortall named New Zealander of the Year semi-finalisTen of New Zealand’s top action oriented advocates have been shortlisted for the 2019 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award - and MinterEllisonRuddWatts Partner Stacey Shortall is on the list. ...6 days ago
- Vaping regulations needed to help smokers quit“Like many others we urge the Government to amend the Smokefree Environments Act when Parliament reconvenes giving vaping much-needed regulation and smokers a better chance of quitting,” says Ben Pryor, Director of Alt New Zealand – the leading ...6 days ago
- Has your MP been in prison?Has your MP been in prison? MEDIA RELEASE Wellington Howard League, Wednesday 16 January 2019 In November 2018 the Wellington Howard League surveyed all Members of Parliament regarding whether or not they had visited a New Zealand prison. "The ...7 days ago
- English Group Should Be Shipped OutThe Minister of Immigration should find a way to deport, within 24 hrs, the English group wrecking a trail of havoc across the country. ...7 days ago
- What are the health risks in taking ecstasy?
MDMA pills can kill. But most fatalities are a result of a combination of factors, not just the drug itself. Nicole Lee explainsMDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly referred to as ecstasy, was manufactured as a potential pharmaceutical early last century. It had ...1 hour ago - Stupid fun celebrity cricket matches were better in the 90sNothing that happens in Friday’s big celebrity cricket game will ever be as good as Paul Vautin’s catch in the 1993 Allan Border testimonial, argues Calum Henderson.This Friday afternoon at Hagley Park in Christchurch, a team of famous cricketers are ...2 hours ago
- Foreign drivers pose no extra risk on New Zealand roads, ministry data showsThe common belief that overseas visitors drive more dangerously than locals is not borne out by crash data, reports Ben Strang for Radio NZ.New Zealand drivers are crashing at higher rates than drivers visiting this country, Ministry of Transport data ...2 hours ago
- Collins calls for Twyford to lose housing portfolio
The National Party is calling for the Housing Minister to be removed from the portfolio after he said the government may fail to reach this year's Kiwibuild target. ...2 hours ago - The tax grab trap: Why politicians need to tell us where carbon revenue will go
The ongoing ‘Gilets Jaunes’ protests in France should serve as a warning to NZ politicians, writes Jeanette Fitzsimons: fail to explain the benefit of carbon pricing (and where the money is going) and you’ll reap the consequences.A price on carbon ...3 hours ago - Mercury: strong prices to offset lower hydro output
Mercury NZ says high spot prices in the December quarter should enable it to meet its full-year earnings guidance despite lower hydro production and the loss of earnings from its soon-to be-sold meter business. ...3 hours ago - Sorry is not a PR exercise
Two NZ men known for their mistreatment of women have publicly apologised, but their apologies felt more like PR exercises than genuine atonement, writes Laura Walters. ...3 hours ago - Ardern’s plea for climate change action: Be ‘on the right side of history’The prime minister, alongside Sir David Attenborough, has discussed the challenges of tackling climate change and encouraged world leaders to take on kaitiakitanga. ...3 hours ago
- A brief note on feelings by our new poetry editor Ashleigh Young
Ashleigh Young talks about her feelings as she steps into her new role as poetry editor at The Spinoff Review of Books.Last week I read some poems from Gregory Kan’s poetry collection Under Glass (forthcoming in March with Auckland University ...4 hours ago - Ardern upbeat despite absences at DavosA number of world leaders were absent from the World Economic Forum in Davos, but the prime minister says the big conversations were still being had regardless of who was there. ...4 hours ago
- NZ 4Q inflation remains stuck in neutral
New Zealand’s inflation remained stuck in neutral in the fourth quarter as petrol prices fell. The data was in line with economists’ expectations but slightly below what the central bank had tipped. ...4 hours ago - Agria rep to step down as Wrightson chair by June 28
PGG Wrightson says current chair Joo Hai Lee will step down before June 28 but that the board will continue its governance review in the meantime. ...4 hours ago - Z Energy raises earnings
Z Energy has increased its full-year earnings guidance by more than $15 million due to improved margins following the sharp drop in oil prices late last year. ...5 hours ago - Eroad lifts sales growth in December quarter
Logistics and fleet management technology firm Eroad reported a lift in the number of units sold in the third quarter of its financial year, despite the holiday season. Total contracted units rose 5.1 percent to 90,615 in the three months ...5 hours ago - NZD eases against pound
The New Zealand dollar, little changed ahead of key inflation data today, slipped to a fresh two-month low against the British pound on stronger-than-expected employment and wages data there. ...6 hours ago - Jakarta Post: Free radical cleric linked to Bali bombing – why now?
Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir … controversy over presidential plan for his early release. Image: YouTube still Pacific Media Watch Newsdesk Indonesian President Joko Widodo says a radical Muslim cleric linked to the 2002 Bali bombings would only be ...6 hours ago - To eat meat or not to eat meat – the future of the planet is the questionEAT-Lancet’s edict that we should eat only half a bacon rasher a day and one egg a week has upset pretty much everyone. Where does it leave New Zealand’s farming-based economy?The release of the EAT-Lancet Commission’s report last week kicked off ...7 hours ago
- Twyford on KiwiBuild: ‘It’s going to be tough to meet that target’The Housing Minister says it will be tough to meet the government's target of having 1000 KiwiBuild houses built by July. ...7 hours ago
- All that slipping and sliding on tennis courts prevents injuries: a biomechanics expert explains how
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Blazevich, Professor of Biomechanics, Edith Cowan University Hard courts are very negative for the body. I know the sport is a business and creating these courts is easier than clay ...7 hours ago - Australia can do more to attract and keep women in parliament – here are some ideasSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Churchill, Research Fellow in Sociology, University of Melbourne The resignation of Kelly O’Dwyer, Federal Minister for Women, Jobs and Industrial Relations, tells us what we have known for some time: Australia’s ...7 hours ago
- How does ecstasy kill?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Lee, Professor at the National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly referred to as ecstasy, was manufactured as a potential pharmaceutical early last century. It had some limited use ...7 hours ago
- So you’ve KonMarie’d your life: here’s how to throw your stuff outSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenni Downes, Senior Research Consultant, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney A wave of decluttering is sweeping the nation. St Vincent de Paul has reported a 38% increase in donated ...7 hours ago
- Limes not lemons: lessons from Australia’s first e-scooter sharing trialSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Kaufman, PhD Scholar in Transport, Griffith University If you’ve been in central Brisbane recently, you will know there is a new visitor in town. Lime e-scooters have popped up all over ...7 hours ago
- Dirty deeds: how to stop Australian miners abroad being linked to death and destructionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Dehm, Lecturer, La Trobe University Australian companies dominate African mining. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade counts 175 ASX-listed companies operating in 35 African countries. Professional services company PwC reckons ...7 hours ago
- Hidden women of history: the priestess Pythia at the Delphic Oracle, who spoke truth to powerSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Kindt, Professor, Department of Classics and Ancient History, University of Sydney In this series, we look at under acknowledged women through the ages. In a time and place that offered few ...7 hours ago
- Law Society decision ‘woefully inadequate’
The Law Society Lawyers Standards Committee has released its first decision relating to sexual violence since the Russell McVeagh revelations, and the findings are grave, advocates say. ...7 hours ago - Marijuana has ‘potentially devastating effects on young people’ – BennettNational's new spokesperson on drug reform says she has a raft of unanswered questions about next year's referendum on legalising cannabis. ...7 hours ago
- A historical lens on Trump’s wall
Stephen Hoadley examines the building of walls as a simple and superficially appealing initiative launched by leaders throughout history. ...8 hours ago - The Bulletin: National draws up battle lines for 2019
Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: National gets year underway with reshuffle and red meat, judge rules union is allowed to be rude during negotiations, and investigation into CHCH crypto hack.With a reshuffle and a few whiffs ...8 hours ago - New bib, new lease of life for resurgent Maria Folau
Maria Folau was afraid of wearing the goal shoot bib for the Silver Ferns, but it's given the veteran shooter a new lease on life before netball's World Cup. ...9 hours ago - Under pressure: Tackling the beer industry’s mental health problem
The hours are long and lonely, your creations are constantly criticised and alcohol is everywhere – is it any wonder many brewers are struggling?Content warning: suicidal thoughtsFrom the outside, the beer industry seems like a brilliant lifestyle choice. What could ...9 hours ago - Which social media influencer is the most (and least) influential of them all?
Erin, Eliza, Taika, Colin? Which New Zealand social media influencer gives you the best bang for your buck? One recent study reckons it has the answer.According to one well-known specialist agency, $10,000 will buy you anywhere from seven to 20 ...10 hours ago - As National’s drug czar, will Paula Bennett show good faith, or scaremonger?The National Party has underscored the importance of the drug law reform debate by appointing its deputy leader to a new role devoted to the issue. Is there any reason for hope, or should we prepare for wedge politics, asks ...10 hours ago
- View from The Hill: Morrison’s Gilmore candidate is the man who’s been everywhereSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Scott Morrison’s controversial move to install former Labor party president Warren Mundine as Liberal candidate in the ultra-marginal NSW seat of Gilmore has triggered a ...15 hours ago
- Sacked head of Timor-Leste state broadcaster claims ‘political axe’
Ousted Timorese RTTL television chief fought hard to prevent political pressure on his journalists. Video: RTTLEP Pacific Media Watch Newsdesk The former president of of Timor-Leste’s public television network says he has been sacked for political reasons. Gil da Costa ...18 hours ago - NZ told to improve human rights of LGBTQI peopleFor the first time ever during a universal periodic review, United Nations member states have made specific recommendations for New Zealand to improve the human rights of LGBTQI communities. ...19 hours ago
- ‘The whole country was watching’: Jami-Lee Ross apologisesEmbattled Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross has apologised to everybody he hurt last year, including the leader he attempted to take down. ...19 hours ago
- A bank capital land-mine awaits
An arcane plan to force banks to hold an extra $20 billion of capital could cripple the housing market, slow the economy and up-end the Government's Kiwibuild plans. ...19 hours ago - Huawei wants another shot at 5G in NZ
Chinese telco Huawei is calling on the Government and the GCSB to be more upfront about its reasons for barring the network. ...20 hours ago - Shares fell on global growth concerns
New Zealand shares fell as investors fretted about a possible slowdown in global growth. Spark saw the heaviest volumes traded. ...20 hours ago - KiwiBuild a ‘massive political distraction’:NZ Initiative
KiwiBuild is a "massive political and bureaucratic distraction" compared to a range of the government's other policies that should help deal with New Zealand's chronic housing unaffordability, the New Zealand Initiative says. ...20 hours ago - How a default union membership could help reduce income inequalitySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Harcourt, Professor, University of Waikato A more equal society with less income disparity is good for well-being. In their latest book, epidemiologists Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett argue people living in ...21 hours ago
- Coastal seas around New Zealand are heading into a marine heatwave, againSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Craig Stevens, Associate Professor in Ocean Physics, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research As New Zealanders are enjoying their days at the beach, unusually warm ocean temperatures look to be a ...21 hours ago
- Why we don’t know if Irukandji jellyfish are moving southSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Pitt, Professor, Griffith University Reports that Irukandji jellyfish might be moving south may be panicking people unnecessarily. It’s almost impossible to tell where the tiny jellyfish are along our coast, but ...21 hours ago
- Three Charts on who uses illicit drugs in AustraliaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Lee, Professor at the National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University To demonstrate the failure of the war on drugs, NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann came out this week about about her ...22 hours ago
- Curious Kids: how is water made?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Kathryn White, PhD Candidate, Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne Curious Kids is a series for children. Send your question to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au. You might also like the podcast Imagine This, a co-production ...22 hours ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – January 22 2019
Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – January 22 2019 Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. The Beehive and Parliament Buildings.Today’s content Housing Geoff Simmons ...23 hours ago - Billionaire Aussie miner moves businesses to NZ
Billionaire Australian mining magnate and political maverick Clive Palmer has shifted his empire's legal incorporation to New Zealand in preparation for a possible bid to sue the West Australian government for A$45 billion for alleged expropriation of mining rights. ...24 hours ago - Bridges begins year with a reshuffle
National leader Simon Bridges has begun the year with a small reshuffle of his shadow cabinet. ...1 day ago - Genesis coal burn reached 5-yr high
Coal-fired generation from Genesis Energy’s Huntly operations was the highest in more than five years in the December quarter, as a combination of low hydro storage and plant outages were compounded by tight natural gas supplies. ...1 day ago
- This is what Kiwibank is for
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