Author Archive
She’s got what it takes
Written By: - Date published: 12:23 am, September 17th, 2017 - 73 comments
Great read in London today – full page Guardian article headlined “I’ve got what it takes, says the charismatic Labour leader taking New Zealand by storm.” Send it far and wide.
Fire and Fury over North Korea
Written By: - Date published: 3:00 pm, August 12th, 2017 - 60 comments
Donald Trump may not know it but Koreans certainly remember the last time the United States unleashed fire and fury over North Korea. In the 1950s, B-29s used bombs and napalm to flatten every North Korean city. Gen Curtis Lemay boasted that the USAF killed off 20% of the population. That’s why this time they have nuclear weapons.
Politics in the Age of Populism
Written By: - Date published: 9:28 pm, July 6th, 2017 - 3 comments
Bryce Edwards, Stephanie Rodgers and Rob Egan. Connolly Hall, Guildford Street, Wellington, 5:30 pm Friday 7th July.Fabian society, all welcome.
New information on Glenda Hughes?
Written By: - Date published: 8:12 pm, June 28th, 2017 - 43 comments
On 20 June after Melanie Read’s Newsroom interview Andrew Geddis blogged about possible obstruction of justice by a National Party Board member. That was based on new information in the Barclay case, and may be why the Police have since re-interviewed Glenys Dickson.
Follow the money
Written By: - Date published: 10:39 pm, June 22nd, 2017 - 49 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.
- Grant Robertson breaking into people’s homes screaming ‘let’s do this’ in last ditch electio...
Do not go gently into that goodnight. Rage, rage, against the closing of the campaign window. Political parties are leaving no stone unturned tonight as they aggressively campaign for every last vote. Campaigning and other indications of political support will ...2 hours ago - David Seymour spent final day of campaign standing next to stack of his books saying ‘Hey, check t...
The ACT Party leader had a relatively muted final day of the campaign. ACT Party leader David Seymour spent his final day of the campaign standing in a local Whitcoulls, next to a stack of his own new book, Own ...2 hours ago - Election Day Blackout.
...3 hours ago - Bill English confessional
PADRE: Hello my child. BILL: Forgive me father for I have sinned. It’s been one week since my last confession. PADRE: Go on my son. BILL: I must ask for forgiveness for I have committed sins against others. PADRE: How ...7 hours ago - Post Truth Politics works for National
New Zealand is a land of Bullies. While many New Zealanders are good caring people it is a bullying culture that leads and governs us. The evidence for this came out strongly in the recent Unicef report. We have the ...8 hours ago - 10 hours ago
- Hard News: Friday Music: With Pictures
Kia ora koutou. It's been a big few weeks, I'm tired and there's work to be done yet – so I thought I'd just whack in a few quality music-related videos for you all to enjoy. See the (very simple) ...13 hours ago - Last day to enrol
Today is the last day on which you can advance vote. It is also the last day you can enrol to vote - for some odd reason we don't allow enrolment on election day. So, if you're not enrolled, get ...13 hours ago - The best and worst moments of the 2017 election
It’s almost over! Bill English goes for the cat lovers vote. Photo: RNZ/Chris Bramwell Like a Rugby World Cup or a James Cameron film, this election campaign feels like it’s gone on too damn long. In ...14 hours ago - How to spend your election night: A guide
It's all been leading up to this. So how will you spend the final hours of decision 2017? After a long, rough, and occasionally exciting few months of bickering, scandals, weird adverts and cringeworthy twitter feuds, the moment ...15 hours ago - Final Election Forecast update
I’ve updated my Election Forecast with the results of the final Colmar Brunton and Reid Research polls. Either National or Labour could form government, but they would both need the help of NZ First, Labour would also need to add ...16 hours ago - Some Things Never Change.
16 hours ago - What I’m voting for tomorrow
A hell of a lot is riding on this election. A hell of a lot could change if we get a genuine change of government. A hell of a lot of policies near and dear to my heart could be ...17 hours ago - Access: Part 5: The tide will turn if floater voters make enough wavesThis is the last of the Disabled Persons Assembly’s (DPA’s) election blogs, and includes an overview of disabled people’s political participation, related questions for candidates, and a wrap up. For marginalised groups everywhere, increasing participation and achievement in political life usually ...17 hours ago
- How your vote may turn into a government
So it all comes down to this: It's close. While the the lack of polls this election means it's hard to pick trends, it looks clear that Labour's Adern-tastic August has hit a September slump. Momentum has stalled. It may ...17 hours ago - Hamilton: City of the Future
This post is about: How spillovers from the Auckland boom are driving growth in nearby regions. The opportunities for these communities to benefit more from this economic change. The central role of inter-regional transport infrastructure for reviving small towns and ...18 hours ago - Trump and Truman
Incinerating Hiroshima by Don Franks US President Donald now threatens to “totally destroy” North Korea’s country of 26 million people. This from the leader of the only power that ever used nuclear weapons. Trump isn’t a one-off nutcase. He follows ...1 day ago - You’re Wrong Keith: We Have To Do This NOW.
1 day ago - Lies, damn lies and the National Party This week Patrick Gower called it. The National Party was guilty of the biggest lie of the campaign. It’s not the only lie, but it’s certainly the biggest. Labour, apparently, is going to lift income tax. National are arguing, like ...1 day ago
- Fluoride, pregnancy and the IQ of offspring
Anti-fluoride campaigners don’t agree. Image credit: “Dental Care Tips for Mom and Baby” presentation What’s the story about this new IQ-fluoride study? The one that claims fluoride intake by pregnant women could endanger their children’s IQ? Whatever the truth, ...1 day ago - BSA and ASA to political parties: “sure, lie all you like”
When I first saw the National Party’s blatantly misleading “Let’s Tax This” ad, I thought: the Advertising Standards Authority would have to uphold a complaint about this one. And if the ad is broadcast on TV or radio, the Broadcasting Standards ...1 day ago - WINZ steals from the poorestHot on the heels of yesterday's news of WINZ lawlessness, we learn that WINZ has been illegally underpaying the poorest beneficiaries: More than 7000 of New Zealand's most-desperate beneficiaries have been short-changed by the Government - and they're about to ...1 day ago
- Verse Chorus Verse: Precipice – Indi
Indi, aka Indira Force, gives a track-by-track breakdown of her new album. Cover art from Precipice. 'Demeter' This one is about as close to a pop song as i get on this album. It's sort of a ...1 day ago - SuspiciousRemember National's court case with Eminem? A decision was supposed to be issued within three months of the trial ending in May. But strangely, its late:Justice Helen Cull reserved her decision on May 12 - noting at the time that ...1 day ago
- Māori Party confirms opposition to tertiary education Bill
The TEU is pleased to report that Marama Fox, co-leader of the Māori Party, has told the TEU that her party is opposed to National’s tertiary education Bill. The Bill would give Ministers greater powers to divert public funds away from public ...1 day ago - Second chance learners rely on public tertiary educationCraig West, a senior lecturer at Otago Polytechnic, discusses the importance of public tertiary education for second chance learners and its role in the local community. Education sits at the heart of every community and this could not be truer than ...1 day ago
- Election a huge opportunity to improve lives of studentsJonathan Gee, national president of the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations, says this election is a chance to make politics work better for students – which, he says, will benefit us all. For too long, students and young people ...1 day ago
- National announces tertiary education policyNational published its tertiary education policy for the election with minimal fanfare last week. The policy contains little of substance, but there are two commitments worth pointing to. The first is a target to increase the value of international education in New Zealand ...1 day ago
- What next for tertiary education?David Cooke, national chair of the Quality Public Education Coalition, looks at some of the key issues facing the tertiary education sector after the election before offering some thoughts on what we can do together to ensure a positive future for students and ...1 day ago
- TEU celebrates Suffrage DayTuesday 19 September was Suffrage Day and TEU members were out in force to celebrate. Many chose to honour those women who fought and won the right to vote 124 years ago by coming together to vote early. The TEU teams at ...1 day ago
- Access: Disabled floater voters Part 4: Health and SupportThis is the fourth of a series of blogs from the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA). We have used DPA’s strategic areas of focus, as identified by our members, as a guide to examine key areas of each party’s policies. We ...2 days ago
- A positive signWhile Donald Trump seems trying to start nuclear wars with both North Korea and Iran, there's abeen a positive sign: the UN has outlawed nuclear weapons. And New Zealand was one of the first countries to sign up to the ...2 days ago
- New Auckland Transport Chief Executive
Yesterday, Auckland Transport finally announced who would replace David Warburton as Chief Executive later this year. The job has gone to Shane Ellison. It certainly seems that he has significant experience with running public transport which will be very useful for ...2 days ago - What Do the Chinese Pay For?
The Herald’s readiness to alert its readers to the important conclusions of the University of Canterbury research into the links between China and past and present New Zealand politicians and their family members is to be commended, not because there ...2 days ago - Hard News: The Day After TomorrowThe Westpac McDermott Miller consumer confidence index dipped marginally this week, but, said the bank's chief economist, "households remain in good spirits". In truth, our good spirits rely on us not looking too far ahead.New Zealanders' perception of their current ...2 days ago
- Rotten to the coreHow rotten is WINZ? So rotten that they use false names for those serving on their internal Benefit Review Committees, and present them as truthful to their statutory appeal body. As if that's not bad enough, they then continued to ...2 days ago
- The Grow Room Profiles – Villette
Local Alt R&B songstress/producer Villette discusses some of her formative musical experiences, her positive forecast for Women within Aotearoa's music industry, and finally drops the name of her new mixtape. This video was made with funding support from NZ ...2 days ago - The Singles Life: What happened to political music in New Zealand?
Welcome to weekly series The Singles Life, where known experts Katie Parker and Hussein Moses peruse, ponder and pontificate on the latest and (maybe) greatest in New Zealand music. In these trying times, political music feels like it would ...2 days ago - Media Link: Chinese influence operations, Hillary’s blame game, Trump’s incoherence and NZ’s 3...
As part of the series of radio interviews I do with Mitch Harris on RadioLive on Wed nights, this week we decided to be a bit more free ranging than usual (since the normal focus of the radio version of ...2 days ago - The beginning of the end for nuclear weapons
"I have been waiting for this day for seven decades and I am overjoyed that it has finally arrived,” said Hiroshima survivor Setsuko Thurlow in July, when a new treaty banning nuclear weapons was agreed at the United Nations in ...2 days ago - Election Transport Policy Roundup
Transport featured prominently in this election, particularly in the opening weeks of the campaign. At the same time, the differences between the parties when it comes to transport policies has been stark. It’s also worth remembering the outcome of the 1News ...2 days ago - The loneliness of the election hoarding
Every three years the institution of the election poster gives us an object lesson in psychogeography, remaking the country into red zones, blue zones, contested zones. A sign erected on a private fence or put up at one’s window makes ...2 days ago - This is how civil wars startAs I write this, Spanish police are raiding Catalan government offices and arresting government officials in an effort to prevent Catalans from voting in a referendum on independence:Spanish police officers have raided three Catalan regional government departments and arrested 12 ...2 days ago
- Election edition of It’s Our Future BulletinA vote for National is a vote for the TPPA-11 Kia ora koutou katoa, This will be a short Bulletin as you are all, no doubt, up to your eyeballs in political spin and campaign rhetoric. The general election Saturday ...2 days ago
- National Increased and Introduced 18 New Taxes, How Many More to Come?
While National have been the failed Government of New Zealand they have increased or introduced 18 taxes on the ever suffering New Zealand public! These included an increase in GST, taxing your Kiwisaver contributions, increased your Prescription ...2 days ago - Bugger
2 days ago - It takes just 4 years to detect human warming of the oceans
We’ve known for decades that the Earth is warming, but a key question is, how fast? Another key question is whether the warming is primarily caused by human activities. If we can more precisely measure the rate of warming and ...2 days ago - Why I was an idiot for not voting last election
Three years is a long time. Image: The Wireless/Luke McPake I have a flatmate who probably won’t vote. He says he might, but it’s not looking good. A capital gains tax could persuade him, but Labour’s ...2 days ago - Not That Kind of VotingAs is customary in the run-up to an election, there is some hand-wringing going on about what turnout is going to be like.read more ...2 days ago
- Bill English is incompetent
3 days ago - Pre-emptively poking holes in the land tax bucket
Land taxes have – unexpectedly – become a hot policy topic in the run-up to the election. Land taxes were originally suggested by the economist and social reformer Henry George as a fairer alternative to income or business tax. The ...3 days ago - Kiwis support a water taxThe prospect of making farmers and water bottlers pay for their use of public water has been a big issue this election campaign. Irrigation-dependent dairy farmers hate the idea, of course - they're freeloaders who don't want to pay their ...3 days ago
- National censors NZTA
Last month, when the National Party announced ten expensive new roads as the core of its election campaign, the Greater Auckland blog noticed something interesting: the business case for one of them, Whangarei to Wellsford, had disappeared from NZTA's website. ...3 days ago - Follow the Leader: Winston Peters – NZ First
...3 days ago - Access: Disabled floater voters 3: Education and JusticeThis is the third of a series of blogs from the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA). We have used DPA’s strategic areas of focus, as identified by our members, as a guide to examine key areas of each party’s policies. We ...3 days ago
- Observations on the 2017 Election campaign thus far… (ono)
. . You show me yours, I’ll show you mine… . Perhaps the most ill-considered public statement from NZ First leader, Winston Peters, was his recent (11 September) demand that Labour disclose it’s full tax plan as a pre-condition for ...3 days ago - The mystery of the Wellsford-Whangarei business case solved
Exactly a month ago, the National Party announced the biggest element of their transport policy for this election, $10.5 billion on 10 new Roads of National Significance. These are: Wellsford to Whangarei East West Link in Auckland Cambridge to Tirau Piarere ...3 days ago - Which New Zealand are you voting for?I was walking out of a meeting with two fine people the other day, one a National Party supporter and one a Labour Party supporter. The centre-right man reckons his team has lost it, but he sighed, "the economy's going ...3 days ago
- Farmers blame absence of Bill English for failure to summon Cow God
Farmers were deeply disappointed when an incantation meant to summon the Cow God instead summoned Winston Peters. Dairy farmers have spent the better part of today blaming Prime Minister Bill English for their failure to summon the Cow God beneath ...3 days ago - Trust women to decide: Greens
The Green party has renewed its calls for abortion law reform, after a woman who was declined a termination considered suicide. Under the Crimes Act, an abortion must be approved by two licenced specialist doctors. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski ...3 days ago - Suffrage Day is now about equal pay for many women
The fight goes on. Merinda Jackson. Photo: The Wireless/Max Towle Women wearing suffragist dress gathered outside Wellington’s central library this afternoon. They periodically broke off into small groups and disappeared inside for a few minutes at ...3 days ago - How WINZ got social housing costs so wrongLast year, National bowed to public pressure over homelessness and replaced emergency housing loans - under which the homeless were saddled with odious debt to be put up in price-gouging motels - with a grant. Their initial budget for these ...3 days ago
- Narcissistic men are more likely to troll on Facebook – study
“Aggression, manipulativeness, low agreeableness.” Sound familiar? Illustration: 123RF A new study analysing people’s motivations for trolling has found men are more likely to bully others on Facebook because they’re more narcissistic. Researchers from Brunel and Goldsmiths universities ...3 days ago - Climate change: This is going to cost usFor the past six months, National have been suppressing Ministry for the Environment guidance on coastal hazards, which show that sea level rise and the resulting storm surges threaten $19 billion of coastal property. This government malfeasance isn't just bad ...3 days ago
- National has failed our health system
3 days ago - Suffrage Day
3 days ago - Collins and the swamp kauri petrol crisis
3 days ago - Facts about fluorosis – not a worry in New ZealandThis sort of serious dental fluorosis does not occur in New Zealand A recent issue of the Fluoride Exposed Newsletter gives us the facts about dental fluorosis – a subject very often misrepresented by opponents of community water fluoridation. Ever ...3 days ago
- PT Ridership around New Zealand
Auckland had a pretty good year for public transport ridership in the last financial year (to the end of June). Overall, compared to the 2016 ridership increased by 5.5 million (7%) to 88.44 million trips, the highest point since 1955. ...4 days ago - Australia tries to deport Rohingya to persecutionMyanmar is currently waging a campaign of ethnic cleansing against its Rohingya minority. So naturally, the racist Australian government is trying to force Rohingya detained in its concentration camps to return to persecution:Australia is promising thousands of dollars to Rohingya ...4 days ago
- Chevron’s Amazon Chernobyl Case moves to Canada
After perpetrating what is probably the worst oil-related catastrophe on Earth - a 20,000 hectare death zone in Ecuador, known as the “Amazon Chernobyl” - the Chevron Corporation has spent two decades and over a billion dollars trying to avoid ...4 days ago - 5 reasons the car industry needs to change its ways now
Today the world’s biggest motor show gets underway in Germany. The Frankfurt Motorshow is the moment many of the world’s best known car manufacturers get together for a grand display of vehicles that have been polished so hard it’s a ...4 days ago - Access Granted: Kat Greenbrook – From insight to actionKat Greenbrook (@katgreenbrook) is on a mission to increase the number of data insights actioned as she sees a growing gap between analytics teams and decision makers, stemming from a breakdown in communication. Kat, through her own company Rogue Penguin, works across ...4 days ago
- When The Country Goes To Town.
4 days ago - More on Kiwi Rail De-electrification
*This is a guest post by Roger Blakeley, Bob Norman, Alex Gray and Keith Flinders KIWIRAIL’S NIMT DECISION EXPOSED IN LEAKED DOCUMENTS Roger Blakeley, Bob Norman, Alex Gray and Keith Flinders1 Leaked documents show that KiwiRail’s decision in December 2016, to ...4 days ago
- Housing report earns Nats the red card
National’s failure to acknowledge and fix the housing crisis will be their legacy. Labour will tackle the housing crisis head-on, says Labour Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. ...1 day ago - Sluggish growth reflects nine years of drift from NationalToday’s GDP figures reflect an economy that the National Government has allowed to drift along on the basis of growing population rather than improving productivity and adding value, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. “It is important to recognise that ...2 days ago
- National’s campaign of deception an affront to democracyVoters this week have a clear choice between Labour’s optimism and honesty, or rewarding National’s campaign of relentless lies, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. “Day after day National has been deliberately spreading lies about Labour, our intentions and what ...2 days ago
- National’s economy scorecard: D for driftNew Zealand’s economy is failing the very people it is supposed to uplift, characterised by stalled productivity, exports going backwards and a Government content to let it drift, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “Voters have a clear choice ...2 days ago
- Another day – another health crisisNews today that the emergency department at Waikato has turned 180 patients away is another crisis for the Government and its besieged health system, says Labour’s Health spokesperson David Clark. “It’s astonishing that the Government has had to rely on ...2 days ago
- Labour will get tough on loan sharksLabour will take a tough stance on loan sharks and make sure that the Commerce Commission is properly resourced to protect Kiwi consumers, says Labour’s Consumer Affairs spokesperson Michael Wood. “People on low incomes must be protected from ...3 days ago
- GP letter more evidence of failure in mental healthA letter of complaint by medical practitioners to the Ministry of Health and Capital and Coast District Health Board underlines how badly patients are being let down by mental health services in Wellington, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “The ...3 days ago
- GP letter more evidence of failure in mental healthA letter of complaint by medical practitioners to the Ministry of Health and Capital and Coast District Health Board underlines how badly patients are being let down by mental health services in Wellington, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “The ...3 days ago
- Tax cuts when kids go hungry shows National’s lack of moral compassNational’s campaign of tax cuts that give $400 million to the top 10 per cent of earners, at a time when 120 Kiwi kids every year are being hospitalised for malnutrition, shows they have lost their moral compass, says Labour’s ...3 days ago
- Freight being shifted off planes as fuel crisis worsensExport freight is being shifted off flights because of the Government’s failure to manage the risk of disruption to jet fuel supplies, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson Stuart Nash. “It has been revealed to Labour that non-perishable export freight is ...3 days ago
- Apologise now JonathanHealth Minister Jonathan Coleman must apologise for his part in a $2.3 billion shortfall that has contributed to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment, says Labour’s Health spokesperson David Clark. “All the Minister could say in an interview this morning ...3 days ago
- National’s health report card shows need for new planFrom increased GP fees, to kids getting sick from cold homes, to denial of important surgeries, National’s underfunding of health has hurt Kiwi families, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “It’s time to invest in the health of ...4 days ago
- Eye clinic wait downright dangerousThe fact that 9,500 Kiwis are waiting one and a half times longer than they should to get follow-up eye appointments is unacceptable and dangerous, says Labour’s Health Spokesperson David Clark. “These people are entitled to the reassurance that if ...4 days ago
- National has serious questions to answer over Auckland fuel crisisThousands of air travellers looking for answers to Auckland Airport’s fuel crisis should be demanding the National Government come clean over its failure to secure fuel supply for the airport, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “There are serious questions the ...5 days ago
- Come clean on trade before the election
In the two days before the election, New Zealand MFAT negotiators will attend a negotiations meeting in Japan on the successor to the failed Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), now called the TPP-11. The negotiations are shrouded in secrecy but we ...6 days ago - National unravels on transportThe release of extraordinary information showing that the East-West link could be the most expensive road in the world, at $327 million per kilometre, shows that National is fiscally reckless and out of ideas on transport, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson ...7 days ago
- Saudi cover-up a perversion of democracyThe Government has been exposed as dishonest after it was revealed that they were wrong to claim they paid out $11 million dollars to a Saudi businessmen after legal advice, says Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker. “OIAs revealed on ...1 week ago
- Labour supporting Te Reo Māori in schoolsLabour will support a future where New Zealanders from every background will have the ability to use Te Reo Māori in everyday conversations, says Labour’s Deputy Leader and Māori Development spokesperson Kelvin Davis. “Labour will commit to a target that ...1 week ago
- Is National planning a secret fuel tax?Sources suggest National is considering a secret fuel tax to fund its controversial Roads of National Significance (RONS) programme, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson Michael Wood. “While the Government keeps up its stream of lies about Labour’s tax policy, sources indicate ...1 week ago
- Labour’s plan for West Coast prosperityLabour’s regional development plan for the West Coast will build on its strengths in engineering and tourism, while delivering a much-needed upgrade to the Buller Hospital, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “Labour’s vision is for a thriving regional New Zealand, ...1 week ago
- Labour committed to fair and progressive tax systemLabour is committed to a tax system where everyone pays their fair share and where we start to address the imbalances that have fuelled the housing crisis, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson and Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Michael Wood. "Today ...1 week ago
- A challenge to Bill English...1 week ago
- Flavell’s fake news an insult to Māori votersA desperate Te Ururoa Flavell has resorted to fake news about Labour’s position on his unpopular Ture Whenua reforms, says Labour’s Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri. ...1 week ago
- National’s tax cuts reckless and irresponsibleIt is time for Bill English and Steven Joyce to stop the scaremongering and lies, and front up to New Zealanders about the impact of their tax cuts, Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson says. “Bill English has no credibility on ...1 week ago
- Calculator shows Labour’s Families Package deliversLabour has launched a new online calculator that show how much extra families with kids will get from Labour’s Families Package, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “Families can go to www.labour.org.nz/calculator and see how much better off they ...1 week ago
- Strengthening New Zealand’s identity through Labour’s media and film policyLabour has today launched its media and film policy aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s identity and providing sustainability for the industry, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour to invest in parents and babiesLabour will fund an additional 100 Plunket and Tamariki Ora nurses to increase the help available for vulnerable parents and babies, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “It’s so important that our children get the best start in life. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour to build affordable homes and state houses in Hawke’s BayLabour will build a mix of 240 affordable KiwiBuild starter homes for first home buyers and state homes for families in need in Napier and Hastings, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “In 2016, the populations of Napier and ...2 weeks ago
- Labour pledges more for Whānau OraLabour will strengthen the oversight of Whānau Ora and provide an extra $20 million over four years to improve outcomes for whānau and families, says Labour’s Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis. “We’ve created a new position of Whānau Ora Reviewer ...2 weeks ago
- National’s housing band aidThrowing subsidies at an under-supplied housing market is one last desperate bid by National to be seen to do something about the housing crisis, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. “First home buyers have been the collateral damage of National’s ...2 weeks ago
- Housing, families, education and environment top priorities in Labour’s first 100 daysLabour will take urgent action in its first 100 days in office to expand support for families and students, make rental homes warm and dry, find solutions to the mental health crisis and accelerate efforts to clean up our waterways, ...2 weeks ago
- Labour pledges to unlock funding for Te Hiku sports hub projectThe Labour Government will inject nearly $3 million into the Te Hiku Sports Hub project, to help realise a much-needed health and recreational facility for the Far North, says Labour Deputy Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau Kelvin Davis. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour’s plan to get job seekers into better workLabour will provide real support for people looking for work by increasing the amount of money someone can earn before their benefit begins to reduce, reinstating training incentives, and putting a renewed focus on upskilling and training, says Labour’s Social ...2 weeks ago
- Labour sets strong target and plan for climate actionLabour will set a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and take the necessary steps to achieve it, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “Climate change is my generation’s nuclear-free moment. We have to take our place ...2 weeks ago
- Are education cuts missing in National’s Fiscal Plan?National needs to explain why its plans for cuts to school transport have not been announced in its fiscal plan, says Labour’s Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins. “Buried in the Pre-election Budget update is a $5m a year cut to ...2 weeks ago
- Joyce must come clean on Health and Education fundingSteven Joyce needs to front up to New Zealanders and tell them whether he will fund health and education to meet increasing cost pressures, or risk seeing services cut and costs increase for parents, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. ...2 weeks ago
- Housing crisis is National’s legacyReports of tenants languishing in boarding houses for years because they cannot get a state house is yet more evidence National’s legacy is the housing crisis, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford. “We used to pride ourselves in this country ...2 weeks ago
- Labour calls for release of report into civil defence flawsThe National Government must stick by its word given to other political parties and release a technical report before the election addressing critical flaws in New Zealand’s civil defence capability, Labour Civil Defence spokesperson Clare Curran said today. “Cross party ...2 weeks ago
- Credibility shot as Government runs out of steamNew Zealanders are witnessing the desperation of a government clinging to survival, evidenced by policy on-the-hoof, dodgy maths and dirty politics, says Labour MP Phil Twyford. “New Zealand had been hoping we’d seen the end of dirty politics, but what ...2 weeks ago
- Steven Joyce must apologise to New ZealandSteven Joyce needs to front up to New Zealanders and apologise for his patently false and cynical attack on Labour’s Fiscal Plan, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. “Every respected economic commentator has come out and said that Labour’s Fiscal ...3 weeks ago
- Bill English didn’t answer because the Oreti is badly pollutedLast night Bill English was asked by Paddy Gower in the Leader’s Debate: “Which river did he swim in as a kid, and is it now polluted?” Bill English named the Oreti River, but did not answer whether it is ...3 weeks ago
- Nats put out dodgy numbers – againNational’s promise to increase the number of elective surgeries to 200,000 is bizarre, given Jonathan Coleman has claimed 200,000 electives are already being performed, says Labour’s Health spokesperson David Clark. ...3 weeks ago
- Prime Minister’s Award to encourage young people into trades trainingLabour will introduce a $2,000 award for the best pupil in vocational courses in each public secondary school, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “We know there’s huge demand for trades workers, particularly in the building sector, where construction ...3 weeks ago
- Not another Nick Smith wild goose chaseOnly the election on September 23 can save the country and the RMA from Nick Smith, say Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford and Environment spokesperson David Parker. ...3 weeks ago
- Government supresses Climate Change reportThe Government has deliberately sat on a critical Climate Change report for 5 months which they must now release, election or no election, says Labour’s Climate Change spokesperson Megan Woods. “I want the report released immediately, so that New Zealanders ...3 weeks ago
- Joyce gets it wrong on Labour’s Fiscal PlanLabour’s Fiscal Plan is robust, the numbers are correct and we stand by them despite the desperate and disingenuous digging from an out-the-door Finance Minister, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. “Steven Joyce has embarrassed himself. This is a desperate, ...3 weeks ago
- Making renting secure and healthyLabour will move to make renting a more stable and healthy experience for families, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. ...3 weeks ago
- Beyoncé polling at 4.8% as preferred PM among 18-24s
Beyoncé is the fifth most preferred Prime Minister according to an informal poll run by a youth voting organisation. ...8 hours ago - ACC’s computer-aided decision-making questionedACC’s computer-aided decision-making questioned by Otago experts University of Otago researchers are warning of the potential pitfalls in government departments using computer-based risk prediction models, as has been recently revealed through ...8 hours ago
- MSD challenging Social Security Appeal Authority decision-- To be attributed to Brendan Boyle, Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development: The Ministry for Social Development is challenging the Social Security Appeal Authority’s interlocutory decision and has today lodged an appeal. As the matter will now be ...8 hours ago
- NZME To Deliver Unprecedented Digital Election CoverageNZME To Deliver New Zealand Unprecedented Digital Election Coverage Friday, 22 September 2017 – NZME continues to raise the standard of news and current affairs in New Zealand with its planned 2017 Election Night Live coverage. Embarking on what’s ...9 hours ago
- Bridge the rural/urban divide with clear communicationCall to bridge the rural/urban divide with clear communication The farming community needs to step up to help lessen the rift between city and country, according to Hayden Dillon, Managing Partner and Agri Specialist at Crowe Horwath. Hayden Dillon believes ...9 hours ago
- What Young Voters Expect From These ElectionsYoung voters have been a huge issue during this general elections, in which enrolled 18-24 year-olds represent over 338 000 potential votes. For this election, half of the persons who are still not enrolled on 22 September are under 25, ...11 hours ago
- A billion bottles, 7,000 sent to the MinisterA billion plastic bottles are manufactured worldwide every day, and today we launched a new website, https://billionbottles.org.nz/ , to highlight this astounding fact! ...11 hours ago
- Conservation group “brings wilderness to the big smoke”New conservation campaign group Enjoy Not Destroy expects large turnout for their campaign launch party in Grey Lynn, Auckland tonight, featuring some of Auckland's finest in alternative music. ...11 hours ago
- Election & Maori Still Experiencing Second Class CitizenshipWhatever the results of the election this weekend, all New Zealanders should be concerned at the withholding of democracy for Maori electors and what the longer-term implications of this might be for Aotearoa New Zealand, argues a Maori politics and ...11 hours ago
- The Fraud of Labour’s “Free Education” PolicyOne of the New Zealand Labour Party’s main promises for this Saturday’s national election, printed on flyers sent to homes throughout the country, is to “introduce three years’ free university or trade education.” ...14 hours ago
- Ending Poverty Not an OptionAs we head into the last day of the election, it is important that we season some of the rhetoric with a little reality, rather than blanket, great sounding statements that have no substance, we need to put some practical ...15 hours ago
- Great Kererū Count takes to the skiesThe Great Kererū Count (GKC) takes flight today and New Zealanders across the county are asked to keep their eyes on the skies to help build up a comprehensive picture of where our native pigeon is – and isn't – ...15 hours ago
- Waikato could soon have NZ’s biggest egg factory farmNew Zealand's biggest egg producer, Mainland Poultry, want to build a massive industrial chicken egg laying farm at 64 Old Road, Orini in the Waikato. ...15 hours ago
- An open letter to the new GovernmentTomorrow, millions of New Zealanders will step inside their local halls, schools, hospitals and sporting clubs to vote for the candidates and party they feel best represent their values and aspirations for this country. We as a nation may debate ...15 hours ago
- New Government should look to skillsChief Executive Kirk Hope says it’s a key issue that causing problems in many parts of the economy. ...16 hours ago
- Final Newshub-Reid Research PollFinal Newshub-Reid Research Poll: All Eyes Are on Winston Peters Two days out from Election day, the results of the final Newshub-Reid research poll* show that it could all come down to the decision of Winston Peters. The final poll ...1 day ago
- Chinese Communist Ideology Attempts to Infiltrate DemocracyOn 16th September 2017, the United Chinese Associations of New Zealand organised an event for Act Party Leader, Mr David Seymour, to attend. ...1 day ago
- Canterbury disaster response knowledge sharedThe University of Canterbury’s extensive emergency response leadership expertise is being shared internationally with a group of Southeast Asian disaster management experts. ...1 day ago
- Bill English asked to show evidence for E-therapy claims“The prime minister was premature in suggesting e-therapy works as well as face-to-face in the leaders’ debate. The evidence is minimal and contradictory and so far confined to treating depression with one modality only (CBT)” says Sean Manning, Dunedin ...1 day ago
- Who has the plan for solving one of the election issues?Mental health and addictions issues rapidly became, and have persistently remained, one of the most prominent issues this election. The sector and public have called on candidates from all sides to make better support a priority. Almost 2,000 people, ...1 day ago
- Final Campaign Meeting for Gareth Morgan And TOPThe Opportunities Party Leader Gareth Morgan will hold his final campaign rally at Victoria University at 6pm this evening. ...1 day ago
- Water tax ‘not about bottlers’Labour leader Jacinda Ardern should not answer questions about the party's proposed water tax by saying it's about targeting water bottlers, says IrrigationNZ. ...1 day ago
- Use your power – vote for the child in your life21 September 2017 - Teachers and educators are calling on all whānau, including parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, and grandparents, to use their power today to vote for a fair, well-resourced education system that sets our children ...1 day ago
- ACT will declare Housing State of EmergencyACT will insist the next government declare a Housing State of Emergency in Auckland to allow the building of new homes within the first 100 days, leader David Seymour said today. ...2 days ago
- New World’s plastic bag poll “rigged”, says GreenpeaceThursday, September 21: Greenpeace has joined growing public criticism over New World supermarket’s poll on single-use plastic bags, which neglects to offer public the option of an outright ban. ...2 days ago
- 3 Reasons the Housing Shortage Won’t get Sorted SoonLeighton Baker, Builder, Construction Company CEO and Conservative Party Leader, says, "There are 3 reasons why the housing shortage won’t get settled any time soon. ...2 days ago
- Addressing skills shortage vitalAddressing the deepening skills and labour shortage is vital for the incoming Government, says EMA. ...2 days ago
- Last Chance to Enrol to VoteLast chance to enrol to vote Voters who aren’t already enrolled need to hurry and enrol by the end of tomorrow, Friday 22 September, to be able to vote in the 2017 General Election. “Election day is almost here and ...2 days ago
- Fatal shooting of Michael Taylor at PaeroaThe Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that a Police officer was justified in shooting Michael Taylor at Paeroa on 10 June 2016. ...2 days ago
- Annual Net Migration Remains HighAnnual net migration was 72,100 in the August 2017 year, Stats NZ said today. This compared with 69,100 in the August 2016 year. Migrant arrivals reached 132,200, a new annual record, and migrant departures were 60,100 in the year ended ...2 days ago
- Safety of Ministry of Social Development staff importantUnfortunately threats, abuse and even violence towards MSD staff is a daily reality in our country. In 2016 twelve staff were assaulted, there were 468 serious and critical security incidents and 242 threats made. ...2 days ago
- Te Matapihi Calls for Māori Housing Finance Reform21 September 2017 - In a statement made last Sunday 17 September, Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox promoted the party’s Iwibank policy, which will see a Māori bank set up to administer housing, land development and business start-up loans. According ...2 days ago
- Housing has been a big topic for the electionAlthough the slowing market is reducing its importance, housing has been a big topic for the election with different parties having different policies on helping first home buyers into the market. ...2 days ago
- TPP negotiations should not bind the new incoming governmentNational’s last minute pitch to get the Trans Pacific Partnership 11 (TPP-11) agreement across the line just days before the general election should not bind the new incoming government, the Green Party said today. ...2 days ago
- Students have their say on education policyNew Zealand high school students want policymakers to bring more life skills, mental health services and balanced workloads to the classroom. Ahead of this weekend’s election, free online NCEA support platform StudyTime asked a selection of Wellington ...2 days ago
- Ban1080 Party Wins Broadcasting Standards Authority DecisionDuring the last two weeks of the 2017 election campaign, the Ban 1080 Party had several TV advertisements produced and broadcast across Maori Television, Sky TV, Prime TV, Facebook, Youtube and other internet platforms. Two complaints were submitted to ...2 days ago
- From ‘likes’ to votesA University of Canterbury researcher has found a simple and accurate way of predicting voter intention – and it may come down to a single Facebook ‘like’. ...2 days ago
- Minister’s Decision Erodes Māori Fisheries SettlementPrimary Industries Minister Hon Nathan Guy’s decision to decrease the Total Allowable Commercial Catch in pāua will eventually erode hard won Māori Fishing Settlement rights says Te Ohu Kaimoana Chief Executive Dion Tuuta. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand First pledge to improve Overseer lacks clarityFederated Farmers is encouraged to learn that New Zealand First proposes a catchment-by-catchment approach to addressing the nation’s water quality. ...2 days ago
- NZ among first states to sign nuclear ban treaty tonight“The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons represents an important step and contribution towards the common aspiration of a world without nuclear weapons. The Treaty reflects growing concerns over the risk posed by the continued existence ...2 days ago
- Growing Up In NZ – Longitudinal StudyA petition calling on the government to restore critical funding to the Growing Up in New Zealand study has gathered thousands of signatures within days of being launched. Organisers believe funding the study should be a priority for the next ...2 days ago
- National Party election advertisement not in breach of codeThe BSA has not upheld a complaint that a National Party campaign advertisement parodying the Labour Party’s campaign motto, ‘Let’s do this’ with the tagline, ‘Let’s tax this’ was inaccurate and misleading. ...2 days ago
- Ban 1080 Party election advertisement did not breach rulesThe BSA has not upheld two complaints that a Ban 1080 Party election advertisement broadcast on television was inaccurate and misleading and breached broadcasting standards. ...2 days ago
- Ardern monopolises hope, English stabilityRarely published polling on how main party leaders are making New Zealanders feel may reveal what’s behind “Jacindamania”. ...2 days ago
- Labour’s income tax would hurt Kiwi workersThe average Kiwi worker will be $1060 worse off a year if Labour is elected to government, National Party Finance spokesperson Steven Joyce says. ...2 days ago
- Don’t use TPPA-11 talks to stop the changes Kiwis want"National should not be pretending to other TPPA countries that it can make commitments on behalf of New Zealand three days before a General Election," says CTU Secretary Sam Huggard. ...3 days ago
- Colourful weather on Election DayMost New Zealanders can be confident of a dry trip to the polling booth on Saturday, according to NIWA meteorologist Seth Carrier. ...3 days ago
- Make Your Home A Safety Zone Grant now openIf you work with families and whanau to promote child safety in the home, you are invited to apply for the ACC and Safekids Aotearoa Make Your Home a Safety Zone Grant. ...3 days ago
- No political party has answer for rural health crisisNone of the political parties have an answer to solve the growing rural health crisis, a leading rural health expert says. ...3 days ago
- NZ’s Child Sex Crimes Ranking Demands Urgent ResponseSexual violence advocacy group Stop Demand Foundation says that a UN report that ranks New Zealand as being in the top seven countries for child sex crimes, highlights the urgent need for action. ...3 days ago
- Fighting to preserve a community
Teuila Fuatai is moved by a High Court hearing on Aucklander Niki Rauti's fight to stay in the state house she's called home for 30 years ...1 hour ago - After the voters have spoken, Winston will be back
Opinion - Early drama and a National-Labour drag race have both diminished Winston Peters' influence in this election campaign - but he'll be back, his former colleague Doug Woolerton writes. ...4 hours ago - Everything you can’t do on election dayAnalysis - Election day isn't just for voting, there are countless rules to follow between the hours of 12am and 7pm on 23 September, writes Madeleine Chapman for The Spinoff. ...5 hours ago
- Platitudes aren’t policyOpinion - There's no need to choose your heart over your head, writes Jenna Raeburn - you can vote with both. ...6 hours ago
- Seat watch: the electorates that will tell the story
Which electorates to watch? In some of them, the spread of the party vote will tell you heaps about how the whole night is going. In others, high-profile local candidates will confound the big trends.Who said it’s just about counting ...7 hours ago - Election17: Leaders settle into nervous wait for resultsVIDEO: At the end of the election campaign, RNZ political reporters who have been shadowing Bill English and Jacinda Ardern explain how the leaders are faring. ...7 hours ago
- Winston Peters casts early vote in NorthlandNew Zealand First leader Winston Peters has cast his early vote this afternoon in Kerikeri. ...7 hours ago
- How to make friends when you’re a new mum
How do you make friends when you’re a new mum? It can be tough to find your people. Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes has some tips.One of the most common questions I’m asked by email or private message is: “I’m ...8 hours ago - What we’ll be doing here at the Spinoff on election night
As the clock strikes 7pm Saturday, here’s the coverage we’ll be doing on this, The Spinoff website.ROAMINGOur Auckland editor and notorious party liaison Simon ‘Van Wilder’ Wilson will be getting in the thick of the mirth and misery at the ...8 hours ago - After dirty politics, a clean policy fightOpinion - After the scandal-rich elections of 2011 and 2014, it's refreshing to finally have a campaign that's all about policy, Grant Duncan writes. ...9 hours ago
- Analysis by Keith Rankin – Correcting the Polls
Analysis by Keith Rankin – Correcting the Polls Watch the ‘Undecideds’.In the Scoop report of the most recent (16-19 Sep) Colmar Brunton political poll, we see the numbers adding up to 112.3%. This innumerate reporting – a result of Colmar ...9 hours ago - Election 2017 Live: ‘You better bloody win, young lady’
Bill English and Jacinda Ardern raced through a series of campaign events and shopping centres on the last day before the election. ...9 hours ago - Election Live: ‘You better bloody win, young lady’Bill English and Jacinda Ardern raced through a series of campaign events and shopping centres on the last day before the election. ...9 hours ago
- Māori views ‘essentially left out’ on super age hike – TPKThe government's decision to raise the pension age would have "significant impacts" on Māori, and there was a lack of public consultation, Te Puni Kōkiri says. ...9 hours ago
- The Spinoff’s story of New Zealand’s Election 2017 in 10 plot twists
It’s been a wonderful time, entirely composed of good-natured debates over the issues that matter. Here the Spinoff relives the thrills, spills and for-fuck’s-sake-please-chills of the 2017 New Zealand election campaign.Here are the ten key storylines and plot twists of ...9 hours ago - When will the election results start flowing in, and when will we know the result?
The simple answer: we could know super-fast, and it could take an age. Toby Manhire explains.Much like Bill English’s historic walk-run innovation, the election results will come at two paces: fast, right up in the grill, and slow, almost downright ...9 hours ago - The Kiwis of Snachat election omnibusIn our video series Kiwis of Snapchat, comedian Tom Sainsbury sources exclusive Snapchat footage of Kiwi citizens and luminaries making the news. Today: a look back at some of the faces and sounds of the election campaign. ...10 hours ago
- Where to watch, what to watch forFor the last seven weeks we've taken you through one of the most exciting election campaigns in recent history. Tomorrow night we'll bring you the results. ...10 hours ago
- Biggest-ever turnout of advance votersThe country has had its biggest ever turnout for an advance voting day, with 178,000 people casting an advance vote yesterday. ...10 hours ago
- Willie Jackson: Vision, hope and compassion will beat lies in NZ
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz “Jacinda Ardern has touched people and made them feel like they can believe again.” Image: TDB OPINION: By Willie Jackson Never before has Labour come from 23 percent to be neck and neck with National. ...10 hours ago - Immigration: there has to be a better way
Economists Peter Wilson and Julie Fry look at the benefits of a wellbeing-driven immigration policy for New Zealand. ...10 hours ago - Seat watch: the Māori electoratesThe campaign for the Māori seats has been defined by drama and intrigue, with noble families protecting ancient fiefdoms and usurpers lurking around every corner like some kind of popular fantasy series.As of 19 September, 241,602 people were enrolled on ...10 hours ago
- The epic Spinoff election night drinking game
Tomorrow from 7 pm, the election results will start seeping onto every transistor radio, television screen and phone tree in the country. It’ll be thirsty work, so we’ve put together a little something to keep spirits up. With apple juice, ...11 hours ago - Taking free range chicken to China: Bird on a Wire hatches in Beijing
With three restaurants in Auckland, Bird on a Wire is already a success story. So why did Sophie Gilmour jump on a plane bound for China to open a pop-up restaurant? It was an opportunity to good to pass up. New ...11 hours ago - A tenuous grasp on inequalityOpinion - There's an increasing push among voters to address inequality, but so far none of the parties show a full understanding of it, Max Rashbrooke writes. ...13 hours ago
- TOP, Greens wrangle for party voteThe Opportunities Party has hit back at the Greens' pitch for TOP supporters to give them their party vote. ...13 hours ago
- Labour MP blames Māori Party for NZ ‘inequality’ as National’s partnersArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Labour MP Aupito William Sio … “we don’t believe in giving wealthy people more money at the expense of creating more poverty”. Image: Aupito William Sio /FB/Kaniva News By Philip Cass in Auckland Mangere Labour ...13 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Georgie Porgie’ by Freya SadgroveNew verse by Wellington writer Freya Sadgrove. Georgie PorgieI wanna kiss you and make you cry obviouslyI find you dangerously unsentimental in fact I worrythat you might be harbouring a small violence in your daily lifesuch as such as muttering insults ...14 hours ago
- Close calls and cliffhangers: the electorates to watchAs the results come in on election night, RNZ's deputy political editor Chris Bramwell has pointers on which electorates to keep an eye on. ...14 hours ago
- Exclusive: SWIDT ‘Ric Flair (Wooo!)’ video premiere
The Spinoff presents the video premiere of SWIDT’s ‘Ric Flair (Wooo!)’, featuring “Dirty” Dave O’Connor, “Onehunga Dragon” Jordan Invincible, “Phat” Paul Stoodon, Reggie Handsome and Israel ‘The Stylebender’ Adesanya.With their new single, SWIDT join the long line of rappers to pay homage ...14 hours ago - Unity Books best-seller chart for the week ending September 22The best-selling books at the two best bookstores for people who like reading books.AUCKLAND UNITY1 What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton (Simon & Schuster, $50)The record of a woman who lost a political election to a lying sack of shit.2 ...14 hours ago
- The Spinoff’s bumper guide to watching the election results tomorrow
Unless you have eight eyes like some kind of politically-engaged spider, your second most important decision tomorrow will be choosing which channel to watch the election results on. Luckily, we’re here to help.If you have an election night event you’d ...15 hours ago - Hundreds of thousands still not enrolledMore than 340,000 people are still not enrolled to vote, a day out from the election, and just under half of them are under 25. ...15 hours ago
- Will Labour’s fair pay policy really bring New Zealand to a standstill?
With one side calling it a working class win and the other fearing a return to the 1970s, Jihee Junn attempts to separate fact from fiction when it comes to Labour’s Fair Pay Agreements. Earlier this year, former Labour leader ...16 hours ago - All bets off in ‘extraordinary’ electionPower Play - No-one is willing to call the result of this extraordinary election, RNZ political editor Jane Patterson writes. ...19 hours ago
- Do All Blacks results really change elections? A history lesson
Jamie Wall looks back at the years in which the rugby may or may not have changed the course of our political history.It’s no secret that rugby means a lot to New Zealanders. There’s been studies on how our obsession ...20 hours ago - How Chlöe Swarbrick could slow Labour’s roll in Maungakieikie
It was another cold night in another cold community hall in Panmure and Chlöe Swarbrick was still grinning. Simon Wilson reports on Maungakiekie, the electorate that will show whether Labour knows how to win.There were no MPs in the room. ...20 hours ago - Return to Dayz Standalone: is it going anywhere?
Originally a mod of the military sim ARMA 2, Dayz and its creator, New Zealander Dean Hall, are responsible for the survival zombie horror genre we all know and are somewhat bored by now. José Barbosa loved the mod and initially ...1 day ago - Those bloody women: Could they shift the vote?Analysis - A sharp shift to the left in the UK election was down to the young vote - and young women in particular. Kim Griggs asks if the same thing could happen in New Zealand this Saturday. ...1 day ago
- Consulate denies Māori Party claim for royal backing for Tongan candidateArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Manase Lua in one of the photos he took in ʻAtalanga and posted on Facebook. Image: Manase Lua/FB By Philip Cass in Auckland Tonga’s Consul has denied claims by Tongan Māori Party candidate Manase Lua ...1 day ago
- Pasifika voters want ‘hand-ups, not hand-outs’ in NZ housing crisisArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz By Kendall Hutt in Māngere Pasifika voters in South Auckland have stressed they would like to see “hand-ups, not hand-outs” following New Zealand’s 2017 general election on Saturday. At a live Q+A election panel held at the ...1 day ago
- National party bus starts journey to finish lineThe National Party leader is making his final run into the election, leading a two-day bus trip through the North Island to Auckland. ...1 day ago
- Election17: The anxiety electionFirst Person - From nowhere, this election suddenly got interesting, and it has Craig McCulloch and the campaigning politicians he covers on edge. ...1 day ago
- Poll of the final polls – too complicated to callPoll of Polls - National has extended its lead over Labour in RNZ's poll of polls of the final polls before the election, but could stil face a bidding war for NZ First's support. ...1 day ago
- Petitioners call to allow ‘ghost’ votes after woman’s deathMehara Tamaki, 19, died this month and her whānau and friends are looking to honour her by pushing the government to change the law so votes like hers will count. ...1 day ago
- Young woman’s vote voided after deathThe death of a young Northland woman has sparked a petition to change the laws around people who vote early, but die before an election. ...1 day ago
- The BSA decision on ‘Let’s Tax This’ says to political parties: ‘lie all you like’
The Advertising Standards Authority and Broadcasting Standards Authority have both dismissed a complaint against National’s ‘Let’s Tax This’ ad. Lawyer Stephen Price, who advised on the complaint, explains why he thinks they got it seriously wrong.When I first saw the ...1 day ago - The final poll, and one that befits a pulsating campaign
Pollwatch: The Newshub poll again shows National with a decent lead, but still suggests it could go either way. Not that kingmaker Winston Peters gives a rat’s arse, obviously.To recap once more: there was Incredibly explosive, then Volatile and telling, ...1 day ago - Instinct, not policy, still winning at the ballotOpinion - After seven weeks of policy debate, the right face at the right time could still be all it takes to change the government, Finlay Macdonald writes. ...1 day ago
- Neck and neck: Nats near equal Labour-Greens in latest pollWinston Peters appears to have the chance to choose between a relatively equal National Party or Labour-Green combination based on the latest Reid Research poll. ...1 day ago
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