Author Archive
Follow the money
Written By: - Date published: 10:39 pm, June 22nd, 2017 - 48 comments
Bill English’s texted electorate chair Stuart Davie on 21st February 2016 saying Glenys Dickson was given an extra payout from the Leader’s fund “to avoid potential legal action.” It was the only source available for an extra payout for confidentiality. English said today no-one in February knew there was any issue of illegality. Then what legal action and why an extra payment?
Dirty Politics 2017 style
Written By: - Date published: 4:05 pm, June 8th, 2017 - 27 comments
Latest polls and some anecdotal evidence from the doorstep are showing a move back to the Tories in Britain. If so it may in part be due to last-minute dark and dirty personally targeted Facebook advertising to voters in marginal seats. They cost so will need to be watched later on here.
Hager Hit & Run and NZ’s Asian wars
Written By: - Date published: 8:23 pm, June 5th, 2017 - 13 comments
Nicky Hager will talk about his book Hit and Run, and the issues it raises about New Zealand’s values and role in the world at 5:30pm on Wednesday 7th June at Connolly Hall, Guildford Terrace, Wellington. The book is about important events and the incoherence of New Zealand fighting it’s longest ever war in Central Asia. This talk is particularly timely in view of this week’s visit of the American Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson.
Scots git on Q+A
Written By: - Date published: 2:11 pm, March 27th, 2017 - 12 comments
I went to Q+A yesterday in search of political comment and was astonished to see John McTernan aka “Malcolm Tucker without the charm” given ten minutes to burble. McTernan promotes himself as a former political adviser to Blair and Gillard, but his last real job was chief of staff to Jim Murphy who led the Scottish Labour Party to oblivion in 2015.
Social investment meets the surveillance state
Written By: - Date published: 11:14 pm, March 4th, 2017 - 45 comments
First they came for the budgeting services. Now we know that every social service agency has to provide clients’ private personal data to the Ministry of Social Development or get no funding. Apparently it’s essential to Bill English’s much-touted and little understood “social investment” strategy, which is sounding more like something out of Orwell’s 1984. […]
Thanks Annette
Written By: - Date published: 11:38 am, March 3rd, 2017 - 9 comments
I well remember going to see new Minister of Employment Annette King in 1989 to ask for support for group apprenticeship in the motor industry. “Seems like a good idea, we’ll put up $50,000.” she said. I nearly fell off my chair. It was not the usual response from Ministers in those days, but is Annette King to a T – positive, decisive, and supportive.
Good ideas in Gisborne
Written By: - Date published: 1:28 pm, February 17th, 2017 - 97 comments
Andrew Little’s announcement yesterday in Gisborne of Labour’s pledge of up to $20million to build a prefabricated timber plant there is a much-needed boost to the area and a sign that Labour’s 100,000 new house pledge first made by David Shearer in 2012 has legs.
Key gives up on us, keeps International Democratic Union.
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, February 10th, 2017 - 33 comments
The Herald informs us that Key is going on the speaking circuit and will go back into finance (not that he ever left). Like John Howard before him, he also intends to carry on chairing the International Democratic Union of right-wing parties. Not a surprise.
Prof John Quiggin – After Reform, What Comes Next?
Written By: - Date published: 10:26 pm, February 9th, 2017 - Comments Off on Prof John Quiggin – After Reform, What Comes Next?
University of Queensland Professor John Quiggin, author of Zombie Economics, will speak on this topic for the Fabian Society in Wellington on Monday 13th and Auckland Thursday 16th of this month. All welcome, details and registration inside. Will be interesting.
Peter Thiel’s Libertarian Dream – for New Zealand?
Written By: - Date published: 11:08 am, February 2nd, 2017 - 86 comments
From a Business Insider article in the OIA papers: Thiel is a long-term thinker, so what’s the big picture? What could the contrarian investor see in a country of 4 million people whose economy is based on agriculture and tourism? Maybe Peter Thiel wants to turn New Zealand into the next Silicon Valley. Or maybe even the libertarian utopia of his dreams.”
75th Anniversary Battle of Endau
Written By: - Date published: 4:24 pm, January 26th, 2017 - 9 comments
Today marks 75 years to the day since the suicidal Battle of Endau, when obsolete aircraft were sent to prevent the Japanese landing. Of the 72 aircrew from Nos. 36 and 100 Squadrons who participated in the raids, 27 were killed, seven were wounded and two were captured. My uncle was killed but Ron Reid survived the raid and captivity. He is interviewed by Dave Homewood of WONZ in memory of the day.
2017: Political Year in Prospect
Written By: - Date published: 7:28 pm, January 25th, 2017 - 9 comments
Morgan Godfery, Mike Munro and Stephanie Rodgers will discuss this topic Thursday 26 January at Connolly Hall, Guildford Terrace, Wellington at 5:30pm for the Fabian Society. All welcome – will be interesting.
Trump’s First Press Conference
Written By: - Date published: 9:38 am, January 12th, 2017 - 41 comments
You have to say he is not afraid to take on the heavy mob. A very direct attack on Big Pharma – a US version of Pharmac? A very direct attack on the armaments industry’s star program the F-35 fighter-bomber and its cost overruns. Then there is the intelligence community and the mainstream news media. Read the transcript for yourself.
Spy vs Spy
Written By: - Date published: 10:47 pm, January 9th, 2017 - 127 comments
It is MAD. In the frenzy leading up to Trump’s inauguration, we have the extraordinary spectacle of the CIA interfering in the US election by accusing the Russians of interfering in the same election. The CIA used only to interfere in other people’s elections. On the serious side this intervention means the war party hasn’t given up yet, no matter what Trump may say.
Of Leaks and Hacks
Written By: - Date published: 3:23 pm, December 20th, 2016 - 24 comments
Maybe the Russians weren’t coming. Or we must believe that “KGB chief Vladimir Putin put Inspector Clouseau in charge of Russian security and left him to get on with it.” George Washington discusses the evidence. Fodder for the net-savvy
Denial in Politics
Written By: - Date published: 9:26 pm, December 17th, 2016 - 33 comments
There’s a lot of it around. The Democrats and their media and spook allies are in a complete lather over Putin’s supposed personal influence in the US election. Confident of victory and its spoils up till midday on election day, the Clinton team are incapable of assessing just what a debacle of a campaign they ran, still less what they need to do now. Lessons abound.
Cabinet reshuffle – Haere ra McCully?
Written By: - Date published: 9:46 pm, December 10th, 2016 - 31 comments
Bill English gets to name his own cabinet on Monday. It will be interesting to see what happens to McCully. In February McCully announced his intention to stand down in East Coast Bays and that he would seek a list place, but only if he remained as Minister of Foreign Affairs after the next election. It’s an ultimatum he may have cause to regret.
Three’s a crowd
Written By: - Date published: 9:28 am, December 7th, 2016 - 24 comments
The policy wonk, the ambitious change-maker, or the no-bullshit bullshitter – the contenders for National Party Prime Minister set out their stalls yesterday with John Campbell. Just like the Kaikoura quake, their pitches exposed some complex fault-lines. It’ll be a long week in politics.
Fabian Event – 5th Labour Government – 30 October Auckland 1pm
Written By: - Date published: 11:18 am, October 27th, 2016 - 4 comments
All are warmly invited to hear Sir Michael Cullen, Hon Margaret Wilson, Hon David Parker, Mike Williams, and Dot Kettle reflect on the experiences of Helen Clark-led three-term Labour government – its achievements and its legacy and discuss its lessons for the future. Sunday 30 October 1pm-5pm Owen Glenn Centre, Auckland University, Grafton Road. Please register here.
Fifth Labour Govt – Challenges and Lessons
Written By: - Date published: 8:04 pm, October 18th, 2016 - 7 comments
Michael Cullen and Margaret Wilson will speak at the Fabian Society Seminar “5th Labour Government – Lessons from a time of Challenges” at Owen Glenn Centre, Auckland University, Grafton Road on Sunday October 30 from 1-5pm. Mike Williams, Dot Kettle and David Parker will be on the panel. Everyone welcome to discuss and debate. Guaranteed to be interesting – details inside.
Out of the mouths of babes
Written By: - Date published: 1:35 pm, September 29th, 2016 - 15 comments
Watch five-year old Brook Blair give it to Theresa May about homeless people. Got the right answers too. Brilliant!
“Itching Scratches” on Nine to Noon
Written By: - Date published: 6:27 pm, September 26th, 2016 - 61 comments
Matthew Hooton got carried away on Nine to Noon dissing Andrew Little’s views on political strategy and the centre ground that appeared to differ from Helen Clark’s. Stephen Mills piled in too on Jeremy Corbyn and the “missing millions.” All Little said was that he wants to connect with different groups of voters on issues important to them. Can’t argue with that.
Brendon Bonner supports Living Wage
Written By: - Date published: 8:11 pm, September 22nd, 2016 - 17 comments
Red/Green/Independent Brendon Bonner is a candidate for the Southern Ward in the Wellington City elections. PSA staffer and declared socialist, he would like Wellingtonians to know that he too supports the Living Wage. His campaign video is here and a list of the policies he supports is here. More information on Facebook.
Warren strips cross-selling bank CEO
Written By: - Date published: 2:02 pm, September 22nd, 2016 - 25 comments
Watch Elizabeth Warren strip Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf alive at a Senate hearing on ‘cross-selling’ of bank products customers didn’t need. Wells Fargo, one of the US’ biggest banks, was fined $185million, and 5300 employees at branch and teller level were sacked. The senior executive in charge was allowed to retire with nearly $100million in stock benefits. Warren thinks the top management should be held accountable. See what you think.
Delivering the Green New Deal
Written By: - Date published: 3:40 pm, September 18th, 2016 - 2 comments
London-based macro-economist Ann Pettifor will speak on this topic at Wesley Church, 75 Taranaki Street, Wellington, on Tuesday 20 September at 5:30pm. Ann is a member of the Green New Deal Group, whose proposition is designed to power a renewables revolution, create thousands of green-collar jobs and rein in the distorting power of the finance sector while making more low-cost capital available for pressing priorities. All welcome; more info inside.
Eileen Brown for CCDHB
Written By: - Date published: 10:01 pm, September 6th, 2016 - 2 comments
Capital Coast DHB candidate Eileen Brown chairs the Newtown Union Health Service Board, a primary care service for people on low incomes. For the last 10 years, Eileen has worked for the Council of Trade Unions as a senior policy analyst; previously she worked in nursing in many areas including mental health and neuro rehabilitation. Eileen is standing as a Labour candidate. She’d be great on the DHB.
Dr Kate Amore on Homelessness
Written By: - Date published: 9:52 pm, August 24th, 2016 - 17 comments
Dr Kate Amore and Rev Tric Malcolm will discuss this issue on Friday 26th August at 5:30pm at Connolly Hall, Wellington. Amore’s research released today shows “As the housing market gets tighter, single people have more flexibility and potentially more options open to them, whereas families with children don’t. People [landlords] are less likely to want them, and they have more requirements of housing,” she said. All welcome.
Leggett in Gollins’ pocket too!!!
Written By: - Date published: 9:46 pm, August 11th, 2016 - 18 comments
It gets worse – another property developer is rattling the tin for Porirua carpetbagger Nick Leggett for Wellington’s mayoralty. Chris Gollins has been asking for donations, with donors having to submit email addresses to nick@gollins.co.nz. It seems Andrew Little might have been right to warn Stuart Nash MP off association with Leggett’s campaign.
Leggett in Parkin’s pocket?
Written By: - Date published: 9:05 pm, August 9th, 2016 - 55 comments
Former Councillor Chris Parkin interviewed in Wellington’s DomPost shared his ambitions – investing in property in central Wellington, and getting Porirua mayor Nick Leggett elected in Wellington, of all places. Word has it that large billboards for Leggett around the town have been funded by Parkin. The last thing Wellington needs is a mayor who’s in a property investor’s pocket.
Labour’s Centenary History
Written By: - Date published: 4:29 pm, July 26th, 2016 - 12 comments
Covering 100 years in 250 pages, Unity Books’ Tilly Lloyd’s review described Labour’s centenary history by Jim McAloon and Peter Franks as a ‘coherent skim.’ Prefaces and prehistory take 50 pages to get to the starting line. The 23 years from Helen Clark’s accession to the leadership to the present takes as many pages. Of the 32 persons interviewed 28 were Members of Parliament. Surprisingly Mike Williams, the second longest-serving President after Big Jim Roberts, was not included among them.
Rethinking Political Thought – Shamubeel Eaqub
Written By: - Date published: 10:21 am, July 14th, 2016 - 36 comments
We have many eminently solvable problems facing our society, like a shortage of state houses. We need to add some empathy, love and civic duty, to competition in our politics. We will be a better and fairer economy and society for it. Fabian Society, Connolly Hall, Guildford Terrace, Wellington Friday 15th 5:30pm. All Welcome. Read more. Register here.
- Trumpwatch – How Elon Musk can overcome Trump’s climate-change obstinacy
. . Fun Fact #1: “According to an ongoing temperature analysis conducted by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the average global temperature on Earth has increased by about 0.8° Celsius (1.4° Fahrenheit) since 1880. Two-thirds of ...7 hours ago - If North Korea didn’t exist the US would create it
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Germany is to pardon and compensate victims of a Nazi-era anti-homosexual law: Germany’s parliament has voted to quash the convictions of 50,000 gay men sentenced for homosexuality under a Nazi-era law that remained in force after the second world war. ...11 hours ago - Farewell Gchat. Now we have to Hangout.
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- New Zealand votes against international lawOver fifty years ago, Britain stole the Chagos Islands and forcibly expelled their inhabitants to Mauritius to make way for a US military base. Since then, they've been fighting for justice through the UK courts, and most recently at the ...14 hours ago
- Pull the other oneIssues around illegal interception of communications have been prominent in the media over the last few years. There's the Kim Dotcom case, of course, and all the GCSB's shennanigans around driftnetting communications (including those of New Zealanders) from our Pacific ...15 hours ago
- East-West questioned in Parliament
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What a mess. The gates of Awataha Marae, where the interns were staying. Photo: Mihingarangi Forbes/RNZ . WHAT WAS THE INTERNSHIP SCHEME? About 85 interns from overseas arrived in New Zealand to join the ...15 hours ago - No comparison in substandard housing
The hypocrisy of the right wing concerning substandard accommodation couldn’t be more apparent this week. Happy to try and take the focus off of their Todd Barclay problem, the right wing propagandists are clearly overreacting to Labour’s voluntary overseas student's ...15 hours ago - Hard News: Friday Music: Digging ASMR
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Has another week passed you by with nary a fleeting glance at the weird and wonderful world of online content? Do you quake with fear at the prospect of rolling up to yet another Friday drinks with no idea what’s ...16 hours ago - Bill English must resign
The Todd Barclay debacle highlights just how dishonest many right wing politicians really are. For over a year Bill English and the National party maintained a lie, even reselecting Barclay knowing that he had committed a potential crime.Yesterday, the NZ ...17 hours ago - Twitter is ridiculing ‘racist propaganda’ Hobson’s Pledge
Don Brash-led trust is stepping up its campaign to abolish what it claims is Māori favouritism. Straight in the fire. Photo: Twitter / Vincent O'Malley A group targeting what it says is rife “race-based privilege” in New ...17 hours ago - London’s new transport strategy
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, recently released his new transport strategy and – in short – it looks fantastic. Crucially, the strategy recognises that transport is – literally – a means to an end and it really focuses on the ...20 hours ago - What’s that banner up the top all about?
Whether you visit Pundit frequently or just stop by now and then, you might have noticed recently a new banner across the top of the site and a bright red button on the right hand panel. They're there because the ...1 day ago - Claiming that Listerine alleviates cold symptoms is false: To repeat or not to repeat the myth durin...
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- Todd Barclay made decision to resign after listening to himself on dictaphone
Barclay says hearing himself “say things” was the “final straw.” Embattled National MP Todd Barclay resigned yesterday over allegations that he had maliciously recorded one of his staffers, Glenys Dickson. The scandal also landed the Prime Minister, Bill English, in ...1 day ago - Social Detox: On addiction, recovery and refusing to be compliant
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A dive into New Zealand’s B movie past. A still from Death Warmed Up. On Tuesday, 22 people will cram into a small room with the best view in Wellington to watch a film called This ...1 day ago - Keep it Public
The Green Party strongly supports the Tertiary Education Unions call to #KeepitPublic Keep what public? Out quality tertiary education system that National is trying to open up to more private for-profit providers with a new law change. The (Tertiary Education ...1 day ago - There is corruption in New ZealandIts commonly believed that New Zealand is not a corrupt country. But that belief is wrong, according to a new study by Deloitte's:[A]ccounting firm Deloitte's latest bribery and corruption survey has found that about 20 percent of New Zealand companies ...2 days ago
- Oh What a Tangled Web WeWeave…
...2 days ago - Labour grovels to the almighty cowFarmers are destroying our environment, sucking our rivers dry and filling them with cowshit, while poisoning underground aquifers. So naturally, Labour wants to let them off paying for any of that:Labour has dropped its 2014 election policy to charge a ...2 days ago
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- New international student wellbeing strategy offers littleA new government International Student Wellbeing strategy sets lofty objectives for supporting overseas students, but provides little new information about how its broad vision will be achieved. Launched last week by Tertiary Education Minister, Paul Goldsmith, the strategy says the wellbeing of international ...2 days ago
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- Otago university confirms plans to cut 13 jobsThe University of Otago is proposing to cut 13 full-time equivalent jobs from its School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, management confirmed this week. Almost one third of academic full-time equivalent positions are expected to be cut, reducing the number ...2 days ago
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Over recent years public transport has clearly improved, as can be so easily observed by looking at the ridership figures. Yet, while it has improved and more improvements are on the way, it often feels like the system is let ...2 days ago - Gordon Campbell on the fallout from the Barclay tape
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- Tobacco Company Moves to Distance Itself From MP
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Winter is a quiet time of year for real estate agents. People tend to hunker down and stay where they are. This has always seemed silly to me – if I’m thinking about moving house, I want to see the ...3 days ago - The VNMZA’s ‘Urban’ Catagory is no more
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The Tories can't even impose their will on a bunch of Irish God Botherers they outnumber 30 to 1. How the Hell are they going to beat Europe into submission?Jeremy Corbyn is far better at talking to Irish people! ...3 days ago - Inferno I
Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita mi ritrovai per una selva oscura Midway upon the journey of our life I found myself within a forest dark Italians study Dante the way English people study Shakespeare: reverently, and mandatorily. My ...3 days ago - Gordon Campbell on the Todd Barclay cover-up
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- Todd Barclay exposes National Party as liars and bullies
3 days ago - Grovelling to powerNZ politics today has been all about National MP Todd Barclay's illegal bugging of his electorate staff and the Prime Minister's knowledge of and response to it. The latter is looking distinctly shabby, and the actions of the National Party ...4 days ago
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- Is it possible that Todd Barclay did not commit an offence?
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- “Economic wellbeing” and “national security”One of the most controversial ideas in New Zealand's national security legislation is the idea that "national security" includes "economic wellbeing". This appears to have been formally introduced for the first time in an amendment to the SIS Act in ...4 days ago
- May-2017 Ridership
Auckland Transports public transport ridership numbers for May are out and and they continue to show impressive growth. This was helped in part by there being an extra working day in the month compared to May-16. – and a lot ...4 days ago - Taxpayer’s funding used as hush money
It should come as no surprise that the National party has once again used taxpayer's money improperly. They actually do it all the time. But there are a few differences with the latest revelation of misappropriation that make it stand ...4 days ago - Hey Nicky Wagner! Your words matterHer comments add to a painful history of disability being seen as a burden. Busy with Disability meetings in Auckland- rather be out on the harbour! pic.twitter.com/1i9O86hvod — Nicky Wagner MP (@nickywagner) June 15, 2017 I ...4 days ago
- Confessions of a hopeless tourist
Why I should never travel. Waking up at 6am in a strange city with empty pockets isn't fun. When I was eight I fell down a well. I had been playing with some friends on a ...4 days ago
- Te Ture Whenua – gone by lunchtime?
Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell has to front up about yesterday’s mysterious withdrawal of Te Ture Whenua Bill from Parliament’s order paper, says Labour’s Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri. “Has he lost his way and has decided to run ...12 hours ago - Bill English ignorance of law beggars beliefFor Bill English to claim he and others in the National Party didn’t realise the law may have been broken in the Todd Barclay taping scandal is simply not credible, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “The Prime Minister ...13 hours ago
- Government ignored advice on Pacific people’s superannuationThe Government ignored advice from the Ministry of Pacific Peoples that raising the Superannuation age of eligibility would have a ‘disproportionately high impact’ on Pacific people, says Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson Aupito William Sio. “The Ministry for Pacific ...19 hours ago
- Bill English misleads Parliament on Police statementBill English's attempt to restore his damaged credibility over the Todd Barclay affair has backfired after his claim to have "reported" Mr Barclay's actions to Police has proven not to be true, says Labour MP for Wellington Central Grant Robertson. ...1 day ago
- Keep it Public
The Green Party strongly supports the Tertiary Education Unions call to #KeepitPublic Keep what public? Out quality tertiary education system that National is trying to open up to more private for-profit providers with a new law change. The (Tertiary Education ...1 day ago - This ‘technical error’ is hurting big timeJonathan Coleman cannot resort to his ongoing litany that the Ministry of Health’s $38 million budget blunder is an error on paper only, says Labour’s Health spokesperson David Clark. “He might keep saying it’s a ‘technical error’ but the reality ...2 days ago
- Labour to invest in public transport for Greater ChristchurchLabour will commit $100m in capital investment for public transport in Greater Christchurch, including commuter rail from Rolleston to the CBD, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “As the rebuild progresses, there are huge opportunities for Greater Christchurch, but ...2 days ago
- Green Party will repeal solar taxIt’s ridiculous for an electricity distribution monopoly to apply a charge on solar panels but worse than that, it’s harming our effort to tackle climate change. Hawke’s Bay lines company Unison last year announced a new solar charge for their ...2 days ago
- English fails the character test over BarclayBill English is hoping this scandal will go away, but he is still dodging important questions over his role in covering up for Todd Barclay, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. ...2 days ago
- Government must apologise for Christchurch schools stuff-upThe Ombudsman’s findings that the Ministry of Education botched the reorganisation of Christchurch schools after the 2011 earthquake are damning for an under-fire National Government, says Labour’s Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins. “The Ombudsman has found the reorganisation of schools in ...2 days ago
- Government’s multinational tax measures weakThe Government’s proposals to crack down on multinational tax avoidance, by its own admission only recovering one third of the missing money, means hardworking Kiwis will bear more of the tax burden, says Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Michael Wood. “The Government ...3 days ago
- World Refugee Day – we can do our bitI’m really proud that yesterday, on World Refugee Day, the Greens launched an ambitious plan to increase the refugee quota to 5000 over the next six years. Of those places, 4,000 will be directly resettled by the government and another ...3 days ago
- PM’s leadership in question over Barclay affairThe Prime Minister must belatedly show some leadership and compel Todd Barclay to front up to the Police, says Labour Leader Andrew Little. “Twice today Bill English has been found wanting in this matter. ...3 days ago
- Another memory lapse by Coleman?The Minister of Health ‘couldn’t recall’ whether the Director General of Health Chai Chuah offered his resignation over the Budget funding fiasco involving the country’s District Health Boards, says Labour’s Health spokesperson David Clark. “In the House today Jonathan Coleman ...3 days ago
- Bill English needs to come clean over BarclayBill English needs to explain why he failed to be upfront with the public over the actions of Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay, following revelations that he knew about the secretly recorded conversations in the MP’s electorate office, says Labour Leader ...4 days ago
- Minister, show some backbone and front up and debateRather than accusing critics of his Te Ture Whenua Māori Bill of telling ‘lies’, Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell should show some backbone and front up to a debate on the issue, says Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Meka Whaitiri. “Te ...4 days ago
- Equal pay for mental health workersToday, mental health workers are filing an equal pay claim through their unions. Mental health support workers do important and difficult work in our communities. But because the workforce is largely female, they are not paid enough. It’s wrong for ...5 days ago
- Nats’ HAM-fisted housing crisis denialNational’s decision to knowingly release a flawed Housing Affordability Measure that underestimates the cost of housing is the latest evidence of their housing crisis denial, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...5 days ago
- New Pike footage builds compelling case for mine re-entryNew footage of the Pike River Mine deep inside the operation, revealing no fire damage or signs of an inferno, provides a compelling reason to grant the families of Pike River’s victims their wish to re-enter the drift, says Labour ...5 days ago
- Labour will get tough on slum boarding housesThe next Labour-led Government will legislate a Warrant of Fitness based on tough minimum standards to clean out slum boarding houses, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. “It’s not acceptable for New Zealanders in the 21st Century to be living ...6 days ago
- Green Party tribute to Dame Nganeko Minhinnick
Haere ngā mate ki tua o paerau; te moenga roa o ngā mātua tupuna. Haere, haere, haere. It was with a huge sense of loss that we learned of the death of Dame Nganeko Minhinnick yesterday. The Green Party acknowledges ...1 week ago - Urgent answers needed on DHB fundingJonathan Coleman must come clean and answer questions about what actual funding DHBs received in Budget 2017, says Labour Health Spokesperson David Clark. ...1 week ago
- Treasury puts Māori Land Service on red alertA damning Treasury report raises serious questions about the delivery of Te Ururoa Flavell’s proposed Māori Land Service, giving it a ‘red’ rating which indicates major issues with the project, says Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Meka Whaitiri. “Treasury’s Interim Major Projects Monitoring ...1 week ago
- Economy stalling after nine years of National’s complacencyThe second successive quarterly fall in per person growth shows the need for a fresh approach to give all New Zealanders a fair share in prosperity, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. ...1 week ago
- Kiwi kids deserve much moreAll Kiwi kids deserve so much more than the impoverished picture painted by the shameful rankings provided by the UNICEF Innocenti Report Card, says Labour’s children spokesperson Jacinda Ardern. ...1 week ago
- NZ Zone a precursor to a total nuclear weapon banNew Zealand’s nuclear-free zone, legislated by Parliament in 1987, is something we all take pride in. It’s important, however, that we don’t let it thwart its own ultimate purpose – a world free of nuclear weapons. That goal must be ...1 week ago
- English must confirm we still stand by our principles on UN resolutionBill English must tell New Zealand whether we remain in support of the UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, says Labour Leader Andrew Little. “After Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee’s evasive answers to repeated questions on ...1 week ago
- Māori party drop the poi on Māori healthThe Māori Party have dropped the poi when it comes to supporting Ngati Whakaue and Māori interests in Bay of Plenty by allowing an iwi owned and operated service Te Hunga Manaaki to be brushed aside in favour of a ...1 week ago
- Labour to invest in Whanganui River infrastructureLabour will work in partnership with the Whanganui Council to repair and redevelop the city’s Port precinct in advance of planned economic development and expansion. To enable Whanganui’s plans, Labour will commit $3m in matching funding for repairing the Whanganui ...1 week ago
- Parihaka: an apology
An apology only works for healing if it is sincere and if it is accepted. We teach our children to apologise and to be genuine if they want to be forgiven. On Friday, June 9 at Parihaka, the Crown apologised ...2 weeks ago - Survey shows many international students plan to stay in NZ after studyMost international students in New Zealand at PTEs (private training establishments) who have a plan for themselves after study intend to stay in New Zealand to work. This shows how low-level education has become a backdoor immigration route under National, ...2 weeks ago
- Councils step up as Nats drop the ball on housing crisisPhil Goff’s Mayoral Housing Taskforce is another positive example of councils stepping up where National has failed on housing, says Labour Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...2 weeks ago
- Time for a breather on immigrationLabour will introduce moderate, sensible reforms to immigration to reduce the pressure on our cities, while ensuring we get the skilled workers our country needs, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. “New Zealand is a country built on immigration. ...2 weeks ago
- Inaction puts Māui dolphins at riskConservation Minister Maggie Barry was at the United Nations Oceans Conference in New York last week, trying to convince the world that the New Zealand Government is doing a good job at protecting our marine environment. Yet last week after ...2 weeks ago
- National unprepared as immigration runs four times faster than forecastNational has been caught asleep at the wheel by record immigration that has outstripped Budget forecasts, says Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little. ...2 weeks ago
- First home buyers shouldn’t carry the can for National’s failed policiesThe introduction of tighter limits on lending to first home buyers would see them paying the price for the National Party’s failure to recognise or fix the housing crisis, Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson says. “Nine years of denial and ...2 weeks ago
- Motel bill blows out as Nats fail to deliver emergency housingMinister Amy Adams has admitted at select committee that National has now spent $22m on putting homeless families in motels as it fails to deliver the emergency housing places it promised, says Labour Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...2 weeks ago
- Minister, how out of touch are you?What was going through Jonathan Coleman’s head in the Health Select Committee this morning when he claimed he was unaware that an estimated 533,000 people have missed out on a GP’s visit in the last 12 months due to cost, ...2 weeks ago
- Divided we fallI’m getting pretty sick of the politics of division in this country. The latest example was yesterday’s comments from NZ First leader Winston Peters having a good go in the House at driving up fear and loathing towards people of ...2 weeks ago
- Labour’s Electoral Amendment Bill to enhance democracyDemocracy will be enhanced under Labour’s Private Member’s Bill which will have its First Reading today, says Labour’s Local Government spokesperson MP Meka Whaitiri. ...2 weeks ago
- Police underfunded despite rise in crimeAs crime continues to rise dairy owners are scared for their lives and communities reel under a record increase in burglary numbers, it has now been revealed that Police received less than three quarters of their bid in this year’s ...2 weeks ago
- Road pricing years off, public transport investment needed nowWith road pricing still years away, Labour will step up with investment in public transport to ease Auckland’s congestion woes, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...2 weeks ago
- Call to protect Easter Sunday in AucklandAuckland’s Labour MPs are backing the community to protect Easter Sunday by retaining current trading restrictions in the city, says Labour MPs Aupito William Sio and Michael Wood. “The Government’s weak and confusing decision to delegate the decision over Easter ...2 weeks ago
- $2.3 billion shortfall in healthThe funding needed for health to be restored to the level it was seven years ago to keep pace with cost pressures has widened to a massive $2.3 billion, says Labour Leader Andrew Little. “We used to have a health ...2 weeks ago
- Catherine Delahunty: My Mataura River visit
On June 1st the Greens swimmable rivers tour visited the Mataura river and communities connected to it. All we need now is a Government willing to set clear strong rules and support the new conversation about measuring our success by ...3 weeks ago
- Hamilton student to battle Govt in landmark climate lawsuit
Friday, June 23: A law student from Hamilton is preparing to challenge the Government in the High Court on Monday over what she says is a “failure” to properly address climate change. ...7 hours ago - Roy Morgan Poll – National Party consolidates leadIn June New Zealand’s governing National Party has jumped 3.5% to 46.5% after Finance Minister Steven Joyce handed down a New Zealand Budget projecting a string of surpluses over the next few years. National are now well ahead of the ...12 hours ago
- Last chance for Lawrence Yule to release expensesNational Party Tukituki Candidate and former Hastings Mayor, Lawrence Yule, is the only mayor in New Zealand whose travel, entertainment, and slush fund is kept secret from New Zealand ratepayers as head of ratepayer-funded lobby group, Local Government ...13 hours ago
- TOP’s Mika on Labour bringing in unpaid overseas studentsOpportunities Party Auckland Central Candidate Mika responds to Labour Party bringing in unpaid overseas students. ...13 hours ago
- NZ Cuban friendship group condemns Trumps anti-Cuba policyThe Auckland Cuba Friendship Society has condemned the latest rollback of the Obama presidency’s easing of relations with Cuba as a deepening of the blockade, now in place for 54 years. ...13 hours ago
- Bridges’ handout sees taxpayers fork out $600 eachSimon Bridges has announced a second $300,000 non-refundable taxpayer grant to the Tarawera ultramarathon, apparently to attract only 500 international visitors in what must be one of the most ridiculous examples of corporate welfare to date. Jordan ...14 hours ago
- LABOUR FOLDS TO FARMING LOBBYIn electoral desperation, the Labour Party yesterday abandoned any attempt to address one of the greatest concerns facing New Zealanders, the ongoing pollution of our waterways. ...14 hours ago
- Southland plan gets ministerial go-aheadThe Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan has received sign-off by the Minister of Civil Defence Gerry Brownlee. This means it will set the scene for Emergency Management Southland and its partners for the next five years. ...14 hours ago
- Shameful $19 Million Clean-up Bill For TaxpayersEnvironment Minister Nick Smith today provided a little good news and far more frustratingly bad news for our shameful national scrap tyre problem. ...15 hours ago
- Green Party to run campaign to unseat Nick Smith in NelsonThe Green Party is today announcing that its Nelson candidate, second term local councillor Matt Lawrey, will run to win the electorate and unseat Nick Smith in September’s election. ...16 hours ago
- Green Party Run Campaign to Unseat Nick Smith in NelsonThe Green Party is today announcing that its Nelson candidate, second term local councillor Matt Lawrey, will run to win the electorate and unseat Nick Smith in September’s election. ...17 hours ago
- Government announces false solution for tyre woesAfter rejecting an industry-designed workable product stewardship scheme for end of life tyres, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today the government would allocate $19 million taxpayer dollars into a false solution instead - most of the ...1 day ago
- More than 1000 place names taken forwardThe New Zealand Geographic Board made decisions on 1109 New Zealand, Antarctic and Undersea place names at its recent meeting on 18 May 2017. ...1 day ago
- Two Reports Show Health & Poverty Gaps WideningTwo reports released last week show need for real concern about widening children’s health & poverty gaps, according to the Closing the Gap organisation. ...1 day ago
- Simple, nation-wide window-washer rules needed – WDCWhangarei District has reiterated that window washers at intersections are a significant problem in the District and that simple, low-cost, nation-wide laws are needed to manage them. Speaking to the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee ...2 days ago
- Auditor-General’s report, Border securityThe Auditor-General’s report Border security: Using information to process passengers was presented to the House of Representatives today. This report looks at whether staff working on the frontline at major ports have the information they need to effectively ...2 days ago
- Police Association launches election year policy documentPolice Association launches 2017 election year policy document: Towards a Safer New Zealand ...2 days ago
- New zone plan for Taupō catchmentA new high-level plan to guide Waikato Regional Council’s work to promote a healthy catchment in the crucial Lake Taupō zone has been approved by the integrated catchment management committee today. ...2 days ago
- Chinese fishing vessels fined for tuna offencesChinese fishing vessels fined close to NZD$1m for tuna offences near NZ waters 22 June 2017 Chinese authorities have deregistered and fined a Chinese commercial fishing company approximately NZD$825,000 for misreporting bluefin tuna catches and fishing ...2 days ago
- Last week for local board plan feedbackFeedback on Auckland Council’s 21 draft local board plans 2017 closes on Friday 30 June – so don’t miss the chance to have your say on the future of your community. ...2 days ago
- Statement from Matt McCarten, Campaign for ChangeIn May this year my contract with the Labour Party ended and I left to run a programme called the Campaign for Change. The programme was supported by the Labour Party in Auckland, however I led and managed it. ...2 days ago
- If You Want a Farming Future You Know What To Do …Certainly there will be many more people at Palmerston North’s Convention Centre, this Sunday at 2pm, when New Zealand First launches its Campaign for the Regions. ...2 days ago
- Record new arrivals as net migration tops 72,000Annual net migration reached 72,000 in the May 2017 year, Stats NZ said today. Migrant arrivals numbered 130,400 and migrant departures numbered 58,400 in the year ended May 2017. ...2 days ago
- LGNZ Welcomes New Move to Deal with Used TyresA new National Environmental Standard to deal with New Zealand’s millions of waste tyres is an excellent step towards reducing the harmful impacts of used tyres. ...2 days ago
- Mixed views on Christchurch stock transferCommunity Housing Aotearoa (CHA) says the shortlisting of consortia is the expected next step in seeing state housing in Christchurch transferred to a new provider, yet the process remains fraught. ...2 days ago
- The biggest privatisation of state assets in NZ historyIn a particular shameful act the Christchurch City Council is helping the National government facilitate the biggest privatisation in Zealand history – our $18 billion of state house assets. ...2 days ago
- Rural tourist routes an accident waiting to happenThe government must urgently upgrade unsafe rural roads used by tourists, says the car review website dogandlemon.com . ...2 days ago
- For Green Nationalism in New ZealandThe South Island’s New National NZ will field a candidate in Christchurch in this years general election. ...2 days ago
- Assisted Suicide Opponent to Visit New ZealandProfessor the Baroness Ilora Finlay of Llandaff will be visiting New Zealand Monday, 26 June through Friday, 30 June. The Welsh professor of palliative medicine and cross-bench member of the House of Lords was last in New Zealand in 2012, ...2 days ago
- Founder of HPV Vaccine guest of honour at ParliamentFounder of HPV Vaccine guest of honour at Parliamentary Dinner. Professor Ian Frazer founder of the HPV vaccine is the guest speaker at the Medicines New Zealand Parliamentary dinner this evening, hosted at Parliament by the Chair of Health Committee, ...3 days ago
- SSC statement on Ombudsman’s school closures reportFollowing the release of the Ombudsman’s report today, the Ministry of Education has apologised for failing to provide the information it should have during its early engagement with the Christchurch community over school re-organisation in the wake ...3 days ago
- Contempt report protects right to a fair trialFreedom of expression does not include the right to undermine fair trials says Law Commission President Douglas White. ...3 days ago
- Skills for SuccessINSIGHTS ABOUT THE NEWS - NZ's low labour productivity and its lack of improvement in comparison with its international partners is the focus of many initiatives. At the presentation of the OECD Economic Survey of NZ last week, OECD chief ...3 days ago
- CEOs Gear up to Support Fight Against Human TraffickingSome of New Zealand’s top CEOs are putting their bodies on the line in the fight against human trafficking by riding in this year’s Tearfund Poverty Cycle Challenge. ...3 days ago
- At least be honest that you’re evicting the birdsThe Point England Development Enabling Bill is being debated in its final stages this week in Parliament. National is trying to have its cake and eat it too by saying that this Bill will provide more housing at the same ...3 days ago
- Future-Focused Plan for NZ Infrastructure Needed, LGNZ saysNew Zealand’s infrastructure is at a crossroads and needs to be a key focus in the upcoming election, Local Government New Zealand says. ...3 days ago
- Careful Mr Peters, you don’t come to this with clean handsThe Taxpayers’ Union says that it’s a bit rich of Winston Peters to criticise the National Party for using its taxpayer-funded leader's fund to pay ‘hush money’ when that is precisely what he used his leader's fund for in late ...3 days ago
- How Legalising Cannabis Can Help SocietyLeading drug researcher Associate Professor Chris Wilkins from Massey University’s SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre is calling for the adoption of a not-for-profit public health model for recreational cannabis. It would allow regulated cannabis ...3 days ago
- Corrections Accused of Cover Up over New Torture ReportsThe prisoner advocacy organisation No Pride in Prisons is “outraged” by what it sees as an attempt by the Department of Corrections to avoid transparency and undermine the Official Information Act (OIA). ...3 days ago
- Conservative Party Appeals Broadcasting AllocationThe Conservative Party of New Zealand has appealed the level of broadcasting allocation decided by the Electoral Commission. “The level of allocation is a slap in the face for democracy and justice,” says Party Leader, Leighton Baker. ...3 days ago
- ‘Give a Home’: Massive global concert series1,000 musicians to play at Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds events globally in September ...3 days ago
- Celebrating the Positive Contributions of RefugeesThe Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS), in partnership with the Auckland Resettled Community Collation (ARCC) is celebrating World Refugee Day and the positive contributions of refugees to New Zealand. ...3 days ago
- Kiwis asked to listen to the story of a refugeeWorld Refugee Day 2017: Human Rights Commission asks Kiwis to take the time to listen to the story of a refugee ...3 days ago
- Nats all ‘say’ and no ‘do’ on equal rightsA flyer challenging Prime Minister Bill English’s record on a single standard of citizenship went out to 1.6 million households today. ...4 days ago
- IHC congratulates new Disability Rights CommissionerMedia release 20 June 2017 IHC New Zealand warmly welcomes Paula Tesoriero as the country’s new Disability Rights Commissioner. ...4 days ago
- Barclay payment not the firstIn addition to other parties using leaders' funds to hush former staff, it appears the Todd Barclay episode is not the only time a National Party leader has used taxpayers' money to prevent legal action in relation to allegations of ...4 days ago
- Shine on the Family Violence Death Review Committee findingsShine’s on the ground experience is echoed in the Family Violence Death Review Committee findings ...4 days ago
- GCSB’s process for determining foreign intelligence activityThe Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Cheryl Gwyn, released the public report of her inquiry into the Government Communications Security Bureau’s (GCSB) processes for determining its foreign intelligence activity today. This inquiry was ...4 days ago
- Economic migrants just as legitimate as refugeesToday on World Refugee Day, the Greens have released a policy to double the quota twice, with a target of 5,000 refugees. The Migrant and Refugee Rights Campaign (MARRC) welcome this policy, but say that economic migrants must also be ...4 days ago
- Time for “diseased” electricity industry overhaulTuesday, June 20: Greenpeace has called for an overhaul of the electricity industry after a complaint against a tax on solar was quashed in court. ...4 days ago
- ‘Many of us have had positive experiences’ – US intern
An American intern has denied accusations that a Labour Party internship scheme is treating students poorly. ...7 hours ago - Green Party to contest Nick Smith’s Nelson seatThe Green Party will fight National's Nick Smith for the Nelson seat in this year's election, the first time the party has tried to win a seat since 1999. ...9 hours ago
- Complaints made to HRC over leafletsThe Human Rights Commission has received complaints about a series of leaflets including from Hobson's Pledge, a group fronted by Don Brash, which aims to end what it calls 'race-based privilege'. ...9 hours ago
- PMC to host visiting Pacific exchange student journalists
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz University of the South Pacific’s Linda Filiai filming in the Fiji National Sports Stadium … “once in a lifetime” opportunity. Image: PCF Pacific Media Watch News Desk The Pacific Media Centre will host three student ...9 hours ago - The angel investor breakdown: do you really need millions of dollars?
Business 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, with the interview available as both audio and ...10 hours ago - Emily Writes on the couch with a clinical psychologist
Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes is an anxious mess, which is why she’s constantly talking about mental health in mothers and the need to get help if you need it. She recently spoke to a clinical psychologist who specialises in ...10 hours ago - All the music-related bits of Dominic Hoey’s novel Iceland (and a playlist!)Dominic Hoey shares the music-related parts of his new novel Iceland and makes a playlist so you can play along while reading.Music features heavily in my novel Iceland and since we’re living in the future, I thought I’d put together ...12 hours ago
- The Unity Books best-selling chart for the week ending June 23The best-selling books at the two best bookstores known to God. WELLINGTON UNITY1 The Whole Intimate Mess: Motherhood, Politics & Women’s Writing by Holly Walker (Bridget Williams Texts, $15)“There is nothing normal about crawling up the hallway, screaming and hitting yourself ...12 hours ago
- 40 years of PNG independence – ‘why are our women still dying?’Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz Gulf Regional candidate, Ruben Giusu (right) refuses to sit on the chair made for him by the people but instead carries a young boy on it. The PNG elections begin tomorrow. Image: Loop PNG By ...12 hours ago
- The Friday-Figure Quiz: Put on your red socks… and take this quizWith the countdown on to this weekend’s big deciding race, test your knowledge of all things America’s Cup related, from boats to Bermuda.Having trouble viewing the quiz? Take it here. ...13 hours ago
- Ed Kindred: The Aussie Gent Behind Duke
CAPTION: Ed Kindred used to programme UKTV and BBC World channels for New Zealand. Ed Kindred arrived in New… The post Ed Kindred: The Aussie Gent Behind Duke appeared first on ZagZigger. ...13 hours ago - Ryan Rathbone: Leaning Over The EdgeCAPTION: Ryan Rathbone is National Content Director for the top rating music station, The Edge FM. Ryan Rathbone was headed… The post Ryan Rathbone: Leaning Over The Edge appeared first on ZagZigger. ...14 hours ago
- ‘The culture of politics can take a few lessons from rugby’: Kiri Allan kicks off full-time camp...
In her second candidate diary for the Spinoff, Kiri Allan writes about the emotional rollercoaster after chucking in the day job, growing a layer of skin to deal with the scrutiny, a gathering of women who get shit done, and rugby as ...15 hours ago - We found New Zealand’s greatest sports song (and it’s not the one you’re thinking of)
In part two of The Spinoff Music’s two-is-not-a-thing sports series, Steve Newall goes in search of that most elusive beast: the great sports song. Read part one, in which Gareth Shute writes a new All Blacks supporters’ song, here. New ...16 hours ago - Pomegranate Kitchen’s Rebecca Stewart on how food can change the world
Today, as part of a week-long series chatting to Wellingtonians about what they’re up to in the windy city, Alex Casey talks to Rebecca Stewart of Pomegranate Kitchen about social enterprise and doing good in the community, one meal at ...16 hours ago - The Friday Poem: ‘Last words’ by Bill ManhireNew verse – he wrote it on Wednesday, actually – by Wellington writer Bill Manhire. Last words It’s nice out there,says the dying man. Yes, says the doctor,not too bad at all. Bill Manhire, 2017The Spinoff Review of Books is brought to you by ...16 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards Analysis: Todd Barclay’s downfall – who loses and why
16 hours ago - I turned on the television and watched only the ads for five hours
Tara Ward does the unthinkable: turning on her television and looking for nothing but sweet, sweet ads. Television advertisments are often overlooked and misunderstood — until now, my friends. I love a challenge like I love a Coronation Street weekend omnibus, ...16 hours ago - Labour Party programme ‘got out of control’A senior Labour Party official has admitted a scheme to bring international students to the country to help with its election campaign got out of control. ...18 hours ago
- Labour Party intern programme ‘got out of control’A senior Labour Party official has admitted a scheme to bring international students to the country to help with its election campaign got out of control. ...18 hours ago
- Pacific pension advice wording ‘unfortunate’Self-sufficiency and independence have been described as foreign concepts to Pacific cultures by New Zealand's own Ministry for Pacific Peoples. ...20 hours ago
- National aims to put Barclay affair behind themSenior members of the National Party are confident this weekend's annual conference won't be overshadowed by the controversy around Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay. ...21 hours ago
- National aims to put Barclay affair behind itSenior members of the National Party are confident this weekend's annual conference won't be overshadowed. ...21 hours ago
- ‘I have not quantified the benefits’: the astonishing truth about NZ’s most expensive road eve...
Remember that proposed new highway from Penrose to Onehunga, the East-West Link, set to cost close to $2 billion? Turns out no one has worked out, using current figures, if it’s worth the money – and it’s most likely no ...22 hours ago - Defence Minister visits forces stationed in IraqThe Defence Minister has visited New Zealand troops at Camp Taji near Baghdad in Iraq. ...1 day ago
- Little says Labour Party interns situation ’embarrassing’The Labour Party admits it's been embarrassing to have dozens of interns, brought to New Zealand to campaign for the party complain about sub-standard living conditions. ...1 day ago
- ‘The whole team went rogue’: the gruesome political reality of Labour’s campaign for change
It demands a Herculean effort to shift the spotlight from a scandal engulfing a government MP, but New Zealand Labour’s shonky intern scheme might just have done it, writes Toby Manhire.Campaign for Change is a pithier title, but the universe has today ...1 day ago - Nats’ internal scars could bite worse than BarclayOpinion - The Todd Barclay affair has left its scars on the Prime Minister and the National Party, but the internal wounds could prove more costly writes Rob Hosking ...1 day ago
- Your different brain: How we will tell our child about her diagnosis
Jessie Moss has written for The Spinoff Parents before about her daughter’s syndrome and her quest for a diagnosis. Here she writes about a new stage in their lives – how she and her partner will tell their precious child ...1 day ago - Kiwis of Snapchat: Chris Harper-Ludes, small business owner (WATCH)In our video series Kiwis of Snapchat, comedian Tom Sainsbury sources exclusive Snapchat footage of Kiwi citizens making the news. Today, small business owner Chris Harper-Ludes offers the voters of New Zealand a new choice this election.This content is brought to ...1 day ago
- Here are the first 30 Paperboy covers – notice what’s missing?
Paperboy launched late last year as a stylish free weekly magazine by and for Auckland. We at The Spinoff noticed what they were and were not doing with their covers – all 30 of them run below – and asked ...1 day ago - Peters lays complaints over Barclay sagaThe NZ First leader has filed two privileges complaints against the Prime Minister, claiming he has misled Parliament with his answers to questions about Todd Barclay. ...2 days ago
- Unprecedented outpouring of grief at funeral for Vanuatu presidentArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Following a funeral service in the Parliamentary rotunda, beloved and admired President Baldwin Lonsdale was farewelled by a massive crowd lining the route to the airport. Image: Dan McGarry/Vanuatu Daily Post By Dan McGarry in ...2 days ago
- Brownlee to visit Colombia to talk tradeThe Trade and Foreign Ministers will fly to Colombia next week as part of efforts to get New Zealand into the Pacific Alliance. ...2 days ago
- Book of the Week: Marion McLeod reviews a true-crime thriller about a Glasgow serial killer
Marion McLeod reviews an ‘icy-cold’ account of a Scottish serial killer by the brilliant Denise Mina.Scottish writer Denise Mina has been dubbed Glasgow’s answer to Edinburgh’s Ian Rankin. Having written a dozen crime novels, several plays and films, a comic (Hellblazer) ...2 days ago - Book of the Week: Marion McLeod reviews a thriller about a Glasgow serial killerMarion McLeod reviews an ‘icy-cold’ account of a Scottish serial killer by the brilliant Denise Mina.Scottish writer Denise Mina has been dubbed Glasgow’s answer to Edinburgh’s Ian Rankin. Having written a dozen crime novels, several plays and films, a comic (Hellblazer) ...2 days ago
- Remembering ‘paintergate’, and what Bill English had to say about it
The Todd Barclay affair has prompted many memory lapses, but perhaps none as powerful as Prime Minister Bill English’s now-forgotten objections to cover-ups and deceit. Branko Marcetic looks back to 2002, when Helen Clark’s Paintergate and Corngate scandals were making ...2 days ago - A daytime soap set to glorious music: in praise of the ridiculous, sublime Carmen
Opera – especially an opera like Carmen – is the world turned upside down: being good makes you miserable and being in love is a sure portent of doom. And it’s fabulous, says Simon Wilson.The best way to listen to ...2 days ago - Bill English rejects MP cover-up allegationsPrime Minister Bill English has rejected allegations of a cover-up over the controversy around National MP Todd Barclay. ...2 days ago
- Labour Party officials step in to help disgruntled internsSenior officials are stepping in to deal with dozens of interns brought to New Zealand to work on the election campaign, after complaints about living conditions. ...2 days ago
- Watch LIVE: PM to face questions on Todd BarclayPrime Minister Bill English is expected to face further questions about National MP Todd Barclay's decision to step down. Watch the media stand-up live here. ...2 days ago
- ‘The artist is the original precariat’: Jo Randerson, Tom LaHood and the barbarians coming for W...
Today, as part of a week-long series chatting to Wellingtonians about what they’re up to in the windy city, Alex Casey talks to Jo Randerson and Thomas LaHood of Barbarian productions about making theatre on the fringe.Here’s the beginning of ...2 days ago - Govt plans to burn millions of waste tyres every yearThe government plans to burn millions of tyres each year as a heat source to make cement, in a bid to deal with the "long-standing" problem of waste tyres. ...2 days ago
- All black everything: A new song for the All BlacksGareth Shute delved into the history of All Blacks songs, found them wanting, so wrote his own.New Zealand is a rugby-mad nation but, despite many attempts, there has yet to be a song written for our national team that’s had ...2 days ago
- Health Minister defends chief executive after DHB criticismHealth Minister Jonathan Coleman is defending the leadership of his ministry's chief executive, despite DHBs claiming their relationship has hit rock bottom. ...2 days ago
- Coleman grilled over ‘in progress’ Health Ministry reviewA performance review of the embattled Ministry of Health is expected to be highly critical of the ministry's leadership team, according to sector sources. ...2 days ago
- PM’s opponents salt the Barclay woundThe embattled National MP Todd Barclay may have fallen on his sword, but opposition politicians are adamant the Prime Minister is not off the hook. ...2 days ago
- ‘Anticipation, excitement’ sweep PNG as election polling loomsArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Papua New Guinea gears up for election polling this weekend. Image: Development Policy Centre Pacific Media Centre News Desk Polling in Papua New Guinea’s 2017 national election begins this weekend. On Saturday, voters will take ...2 days ago
- Barclay’s murky departure casts shadows on PMPower Play - Effectively resigning from Parliament was the only option left to National MP Todd Barclay, writes RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson. ...2 days ago
- Barclay’s murky departure casts shadow on PMPower Play - Effectively resigning from Parliament was the only option left to National MP Todd Barclay, writes RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson. ...2 days ago
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