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.
- The only way is Winston
So, the election happened. And rather than seeing the stunning Jacindamania victory we were hoping for, instead we're left with an uncomfortable situation for everyone. National has clearly lost its mandate: their vote dropped, despite sucking up the 4% bigot ...19 mins ago - What is a government without the Māori or Mana parties?
A first-time rangatahi voter struggles to see a voice that will represent her. Te Ururoa Flavell, who is giving up leadership of the Māori Party, and Mana Party leader Hone Harawira. Photos: RNZ I voted this week, ...2 hours ago - So … what’s next?
Election night was, well, a bit anticlimactic, in big-picture terms. The utter loss of the Māori Party was a shock, and a few seats changed hands, and Labour thoroughly shook off its dismal 2014 and 2011 results, yes; but what ...4 hours ago - Waterfront regeneration: a tale of two cities
This is a guest post from Alistair Ray, an urban designer at Jasmax. It was originally posted on the Urban Design Forum’s blog and has been reposted here with permission. Massive mixed use regeneration proposed for prime waterfront land half ...5 hours ago - Disgruntled customer
14 hours ago - NZ Election: possible coalition options
The brains-trust of MyThinks has been crunching the numbers following the election day result. Our analysis has offered up some very interesting possibilities in terms of the make up of the next parliament. National / New Zealand First The most ...21 hours ago - The morning after the night before
The day after the night before, some things have become clear while some things remain uncertain.Perhaps clearest is just how wrong were all those who solely attributed the National Party’s previous electoral success to “the John Key effect”. Under a ...23 hours ago - The Incoming Tide
The 2017 election was a roller-coaster ride – and it’s not over yet. The special votes, yet to be counted, could well – in an election of such tight margins – make all the difference, and that’s to say nothing ...24 hours ago - Bill makes history before heading into the Winston mazeIt's the nature of MMP that as we try to make sense of the public will expressed in last night's results, that we dive into the entrails. We ponder paths to power and what might be in Winston Peter's mind. ...1 day ago
- An election night odyssey through Wellington
Our reporter wanders between election parties in the capital as the results come in. Our reporter soaks up the election results. Photo: Ed O'Driscoll. It’s nearly 10pm. Gareth Morgan is dancing to rap music. He clutches a beer ...1 day ago - Maternal urinary fluoride/IQ study – an update
Model of a fetus in the womb. Photo credit: CP PHOTO/ Alliance Atlantis/ HO) The maternal urinary fluoride/IQ study (Bashash et al., 2017) continues to get attention – but mainly from anti-fluoride organisations. The scientific community will evaluate the published ...1 day ago - ‘To the future we strive, to the challenge we rise’
...1 day ago - #Decision17: Waiting for Winston
Hang in there for another couple weeks. Winston Peters' NZ First has the power to decide the next government. Photo: RNZ/Brad White The only poll that matters this election has left the voting public with ...1 day ago - Post election thinksWell… that was a bit shit. The empty feeling that appeared deep in my gut last evening around about 8:30pm remains. New Zealand has decided the born-to-rule Tories of the National Party will lead the next government. Yes, we can ...1 day ago
- Sunday reading 24 September 2017
Welcome back to Sunday reading. Best thing I’ve read this week wasn’t an article – I’ve just finished re-reading Replenishing the Earth, James Belich’s epic history of the ‘settler west’ in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and a few other ...1 day ago - Hopey-changey stuff
First of all, people are talking about a 'vote for change' based on the combination of Labour, Greens and New Zealand First.‘Change’ was not a candidate on the voting paper I saw. People voted for parties. Those parties need to ...1 day ago - How did the polls do (provisional outcome)?
Provisional results are in. Here’s how the polls have done so far. You can find the detailed comparisons in this Google doc. Here are a few notes: In 2014 the official results changed things quite a lot. I’ll post ...1 day ago - How did the polls do (provisional outcome)?Provisional results are in. Here’s how the polls have done so far. You can find the detailed comparisons in this Google doc. Here are a few notes: In 2014 the official results changed things quite a lot. I’ll post ...1 day ago
- 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #38
A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook page during the past week. Editor's Pick August 2017 was second warmest on record From NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies A global map of the August 2017 ...1 day ago - Legal Beagle: Election 2017: the Special Votes
The 2017 General Election has a preliminary result.The preliminary result is an unofficial count of all the ordinary votes cast at the election: votes cast on the day by people whose name appears on the printed electoral roll who voted ...1 day ago - Brinkmanship and the security dilemma
There is a concept in international relations known as the “security dilemma.” Uncertain about each other’s capabilities and intent, adversaries ramp up their military preparations for war as a hedge against a preemptive strike against them. Seeing their adversaries ready ...1 day ago - First reflections on the NZ election results
by Phil Duncan The frontstabbers have won yet again (National) and the backstabbers have lost yet again (Labour). (For votes and seats see end of article.) Labour so little inspires the working class, that the majority of workers opt for ...1 day ago - Skirting the law: Was it legal for Jacinda Ardern to walk around malls all day wearing a bag over he...
This woman, identified as Labour leader Jacinda Ardern, spent today walking around Auckland malls shaking people’s hands and picking up their children. The Electoral Commission says it’s investigating complaints that Labour leader Jacinda Ardern spent most of election day walking ...2 days ago - Bill English held a press conference to say he hates everyone but electoral law made it illegal to r...
The Prime Minister hates us but we voted for him anyway. Prime Minister Bill English held a press conference at 1pm this afternoon to tell all New Zealanders that he hates them, and that he can’t stand their “stupid fucking ...2 days ago - The 2017 election threadPre-Election Witterings (written before polls closed, but not posted until after 7pm) I gave Ian Lees-Galloway my constituency vote, and my party vote to the Greens. I wanted to deny National the great city of Palmerston North, and make sure ...2 days ago
- Get in the mood!
Can't believe it has been 20 years since Okay Computer. ...2 days ago - PoemSince we can't talk about the 'lection, here's a poem, written by John Cornford during the Spanish Civil War. He fought for the POUM, the anti-Stalinist militia which Orwell was part of. Unlike Orwell, he didn't return to Britain. He ...2 days ago
- Poll/forecast/avg deviations from the provisional 2017 election resultI’ve compiled this Google Doc, that I’ll update as things progress this evening. It shows all pre-election polls, forecasts and poll-of-poll averages that I know of. For each poll/forecast/average it will also calculate the deviation for each party and across ...2 days ago
- Poll/forecast/avg deviations from the provisional 2017 election resultI’ve compiled this Google Doc, that I’ll update as things progress this evening. It shows all pre-election polls, forecasts and poll-of-poll averages that I know of. For each poll/forecast/average it will also calculate the deviation for each party and across ...2 days ago
- 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 days 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 ...3 days ago - Election Day Blackout.
...3 days ago - New research, September 11-17, 2017
A selection of new climate related research articles is shown below. Climate change 1. Modelling past, present and future peatland carbon accumulation across the pan-Arctic region "We found that peatlands in Scandinavia, Europe, Russia and central and eastern Canada will ...3 days ago - Bill English confessionalPADRE: 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days ago - 3 days ago
- Hard News: Friday Music: With PicturesKia 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) ...3 days ago
- Last day to enrolToday 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days ago - Some Things Never Change.
3 days ago - What I’m voting for tomorrowA 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days ago
- How your vote may turn into a governmentSo 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days ago - Trump and TrumanIncinerating 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 ...4 days ago
- You’re Wrong Keith: We Have To Do This NOW.
4 days 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 ...4 days ago
- Fluoride, pregnancy and the IQ of offspringAnti-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, ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...5 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 ...5 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. ...4 days 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 ...4 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...2 weeks 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, ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks ago
- A challenge to Bill English...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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 ...3 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. ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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
- PrivacyLive: your right to know
A lively panel discussion on Right to Know Day – this Thursday 28 September -- will highlight New Zealanders’ legal rights to access government information and personal information about themselves. ...2 hours ago - Independent Commissioner for ACC OversightThe Physiotherapy Trust New Zealand supports an Independent Commissioner for ACC oversight. If the case history of ACC is considered it is clear since the inception of ACC, when it was regarded as world class and was overseen by three ...3 hours ago
- World Rivers Day heralds boost for water quality dataUnderstanding and improving our waterways requires high quality information and communities can now access the latest on their rivers, lakes and streams thanks to fresh data available today. World Rivers Day (Sunday 24 September) highlights the value many ...3 hours ago
- Preliminary results for the 2017 General ElectionThe Electoral Commission has released the preliminary results for the 2017 General Election. Party Party Votes % Votes Electorate Seats List Seats Total Seats National Party ...21 hours ago
- New Government must take action on environment – GreenpeaceThe environment was at the centre of this election campaign and, whatever the exact makeup, the new government needs to take action. Greenpeace says it will be there to make sure they do. ...21 hours ago
- Election outcome huge win for Pike familiesManned re-entry of the Pike River drift is now inevitable with the election result showing government is not possible without parties who have committed to manned re-entry of Pike River. ...22 hours ago
- The Nation: Patrick Gower interviews Tamati CoffeyOn The Nation: Patrick Gower interviews Tamati Coffey Headlines: New Labour MP Tamati Coffey says the Maori seats should stay. Labour’s Phil Twyford earlier refused to rule out discussing a referendum on the seats while in coalition negotiations ...22 hours ago
- The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews David SeymourOn The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews David Seymour Lisa Owen: Last night’s election result left National without their coalition partners United Future and the Maori Party, but they still have one buddy left in Parliament — David Seymour’s ACT ...22 hours ago
- The Nation: Patrick Gower interviews Phil TwyfordOn The Nation: Patrick Gower interviews Phil Twyford Headlines: Labour’s campaign chairperson Phil Twyford says Labour can form a government with the Green Party and New Zealand First,and there’s no rule that the government has to include the largest ...22 hours ago
- The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews James ShawOn The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews James Shaw Headlines: Green Party leader James Shaw says it’s his aim to be in government with the Labour party, rather than supporting a Labour-New Zealand First government on confidence and supply. Shaw says ...22 hours ago
- The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews Steven JoyceHeadlines: National’s campaign manager Steven Joyce says Bill English will discuss government-formation talks today, with support from New Zealand First. He says English and Winston Peters will be the main players in those conversations. Joyce says he ...23 hours ago
- Beyoncé polling at 4.8% as preferred PM among 18-24sBeyoncé is the fifth most preferred Prime Minister according to an informal poll run by a youth voting organisation. ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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, ...3 days 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! ...3 days 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. ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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.” ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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 – ...3 days 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. ...3 days 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 ...3 days 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. ...3 days 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 ...4 days 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. ...4 days 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. ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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, ...4 days 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. ...4 days 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. ...4 days 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 ...4 days 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. ...4 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. ...4 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. ...4 days ago
- Addressing skills shortage vitalAddressing the deepening skills and labour shortage is vital for the incoming Government, says EMA. ...4 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 ...4 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. ...4 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 ...4 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. ...4 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 ...4 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. ...4 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. ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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’. ...4 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. ...5 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. ...5 days ago
- Pete and Manu judge the most shameful meals we’ve ever made
Have you ever prepared a meal so gluttonous, so shameful, so grotesque that you’ve had to take a cold hard look at yourself in the mirror and ask ‘what would Pete and Manu think?’ Alex Casey was able to ask ...49 mins ago - Recap: Election17 – the negotiations
Follow RNZ's live blog as Morning Report speaks to party leaders and experts as the post-election negotiations begin. ...2 hours ago - VIDEO: ‘We live again’ – ACT leaderDavid Seymour tells Morning Report he's grateful to the Epsom electorate but "obviously very disappointed" with ACT's party vote. ...2 hours ago
- VIDEO: National has no ‘moral mandate’ – TwyfordNational's leader has over-reached and has no commanding moral mandate to form a government, Labour's campaign chair Phil Twyford says. ...3 hours ago
- VIDEO: ‘We live again’ – ACT Party leaderWatch - ACT Party leader David Seymour told Morning Report he is grateful to the Epsom electorate but is "obviously very disappointed" with ACT's party vote. ...3 hours ago
- VIDEO: ACT Party leader on Morning ReportACT Party leader David Seymour won the seat of Epsom but secured just 0.6 percent of the party vote. He is speaking to Morning Report now. ...4 hours ago
- VIDEO: Vote shows there’s a mood for change – ShawThe Green Party leader's goal is to be at the heart of the next government, he tells Morning Report. ...4 hours ago
- ‘Reasonable’ to spend weeks on negotiations – EnglishNational Party leader Bill English says it could take several weeks to work out a deal with NZ First that would allow him to form a government. ...4 hours ago
- VIDEO: Phil Twyford says left deal possibleLabour's campaign chair and Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford follows National Party leader Bill English in RNZ's Auckland studio. ...4 hours ago
- LIVE: Bill English talks to Morning ReportWATCH: National garnered the largest slice of the party vote on Saturday night but it still needs to deal with NZ First. Its leader Bill English is the RNZ Auckland studio now. ...5 hours ago
- Bill English: The Great Redeemer
Bill English proved on Saturday night that he was New Zealand's most resilient politician. ...5 hours ago - LIVE VIDEO: James Shaw on Morning ReportThe Green Party leader says his party wants to be a full partner in talks between Labour and Winston Peters. Watch his interview with Morning Report's Susie Ferguson live. ...5 hours ago
- VIDEO: James Shaw on Morning ReportThe Green Party leader says his party wants to be a full partner in talks between Labour and Winston Peters. Watch his interview with Morning Report's Susie Ferguson live. ...5 hours ago
- National single-minded about its only option
National is single-minded about governing with NZ First but open to whatever Winston Peters will require to keep them in power. ...5 hours ago - Why farmers are breathing a sigh of relief
"No other sector is asked to pay taxes based on broad guesswork and farmers sure as hell don’t want to be the first." ...5 hours ago - LIVE BLOG: Election17 – the negotiationsFollow RNZ's live blog as Morning Report speaks to party leaders and experts as the post-election negotiations begin. ...6 hours ago
- What will Winston do? The lessons of ’96 tell us he might go with Ardern
To find out which side Winston might swing toward, Branko Marcetic takes a hard look at what he did before – specifically the campaign and aftermath pf the 1996 election.For the third time now in his career, Winston Peters is ...6 hours ago - The Māori Party’s Pacific pathOpinion - Ousted from Parliament, the Māori Party has endured a miserable election, but its venture into Pacific politics is a story which shouldn't be overlooked, writes Damon Salesa ...6 hours ago
- The good news and the bad news for Labour
How hard is Labour trying to form a government? Who made it into the new parliament, and who’s waiting on the edge for those specials?Let’s do the bad news first. Jacinda Ardern’s speech on election night was a surprise. It ...7 hours ago - Four reasons why Labour could be better off in opposition
Their supporters may not like it, but the smart choice for Labour might be to bow out of coalition negotiations and resign themselves to three more years in opposition. Former National cabinet minister Wayne Mapp explains why. It is almost ...7 hours ago - Mixed-member proportional and the 2017 electionOpinion - The MMP parliamentary system is designed to create a diverse government for the country, but it rubs against the binary thought processes taught over generations of two-party struggle, writes Finlay MacDonald. ...15 hours ago
- Pike River rentry now inevitable, say familiesThe election result means a manned re-entry of the Pike River Mine will now go ahead, the families of some of those who died in the mine disaster say. ...17 hours ago
- Pike River re-entry now inevitable, say familiesThe election result means a manned re-entry of the Pike River Mine will now go ahead, the families of some of those who died in the mine disaster say. ...17 hours ago
- Might as well face it, you’re addicted to pollsOpinion - The only thing dramatic and devastating about election polls is how uncritically we accept them, David Cohen writes. ...17 hours ago
- Vanuatu evacuates 8000 villagers on Ambae as volcano erupts
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz Manaro Voui volcano erupting – photo take yesterday. Image: Vanuatu Digest/FB Facebook By Bob Makin in Port Vila Vanuatu’s Manaro Voui volcano on Ambae is erupting and 8000 people are being evacuated on the island. ...18 hours ago - MMP and Jacindamania prove international curiositiesInternational media turned a quizzical eye on last night's election - seemingly intrigued by the rise of 'Jacindamania' and the would be king or queen-maker, Winston Peters, writes Amelia Langford. ...19 hours ago
- Clutha-Southland ‘happy with National’Hamish Walker says his election shows the area has moved on from the Todd Barclay incident, and has faith in the National Party. ...19 hours ago
- Shaw wants full partnership in a Labour, NZ First dealGreen Party leader James Shaw will push hard to be involved with any negotiations between Labour and New Zealand First. ...19 hours ago
- VIDEO: Two-party coalition more stable – EnglishThe National Party leader says he'll speak to Winston Peters in the next few days, and doesn't expect to include ACT in a National-led government. Watch the media conference here. ...20 hours ago
- VIDEO: Bill English on post-election talksThe National Party leader says a two-party coalition is more stable and he will speak to Winston Peters in the next few days. Watch the media conference live here. ...21 hours ago
- Election Live: Ardern, English hold off calling Peters
National and Labour are holding back from calling Winston Peters to start coalition forming negotiations while special votes are counted. The count is not finalised until October 7. ...21 hours ago - LIVE VIDEO: Bill English on post-election talksThe National Party leader has said he will be speaking to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters about forming a government. Watch his latest media conference live. ...21 hours ago
- Triggering the youth landslide voteOpinion - We're asking better questions about why young people don't vote - now how about some better solutions, says Laura O'Connell Rapira. ...22 hours ago
- VIDEO: Negotiations will take time – ArdernThe Labour leader says the party's attempts to form a government will begin with a conversation with Greens leader James Shaw later today. ...22 hours ago
- LIVE VIDEO: Jacinda Ardern on post-election talksThe Labour leader has said she will will talk to both the Greens and New Zealand First about a potential coalition deal. Watch her latest statement live. ...23 hours ago
- Election Live: Prosser pitches NZ First to the left
The New Zealand First story is only getting more bizarre from here. ...23 hours ago - Election Live: Ardern takes it slow with PetersNZ First's potential coalition partners are treading carefully. ...23 hours ago
- Three’s a crowd in governmentOpinion - National's got to be in the box seat for putting together a governing deal - but not just because it's the largest party, writes Andrew Geddis ...24 hours ago
- Election Live: Kingmaker Winston in good jousting formWinston Peters began his reign as the Kingmaker with a entertaining news conference in Russell this morning. ...1 day ago
- Flicking through the channels on election night
James Elliott keeps a running log as he watches the election night coverage. ...1 day ago - Election TV puts captive audience through hellTVNZ had too much Hosking, Newshub had too much cologne, and RNZ had not enough pixels. ...1 day ago
- VIDEO: Winston Peters says ‘wait and see’New Zealand First leader Winston Peters will be talking to colleagues "over the next few days" about which party he will support, he tells reporters at Russell in Northland. ...1 day ago
- A better visual breakdown of the 2017 election results
The usual way electoral results maps are presented can be deceiving, overemphasising the relative importance of large but sparsely populated rural areas. Stephen Beban shares his map that more accurately reflects last night’s results.If you watched the results on election ...1 day ago - LIVE VIDEO: Winston Peters makes first post-election appearanceNew Zealand First leader Winston Peters is speaking to reporters in Russell, in Northland. Watch live here. ...1 day ago
- The best of The Spinoff this week: Praise God, the election draws mercifully to a close
Compiling the best reading from your friendly local website.Jane Yee: I was there when The Block NZ shat itself“As the season recap and Block Party footage played I started to get excited about the auction. I’d watched 54 hours of the ...1 day ago - Support partners gone, National’s courting of Winston beginsUnless Bill English can concoct one of his 'innovative solutions', National will find itself beholden to an old flame, Ben Thomas writes. ...1 day ago
- 10 things we learned last night
Simon Wilson went round the party election parties last night, and lived and breathed the campign. These are the 10 things he learned.1. Time is not of the essence.Bill English said in his speech last night that it was important ...1 day ago - Parties poised for negotiationsNational Party leader Bill English will "undoubtedly" talk to Winston Peters today, campaign manager Steven Joyce says. ...1 day ago
- Jacinda stumbled into a $520bn minefield
Jacinda Ardern's 'captain's call' to consider introducing a Capital Gains Tax in her first term was the strategic error that may have cost her the Prime Minister's job - at least for three years. ...1 day ago - How the battleground seats fellAs predicted there were some tough battles in key electorate seats. Here's how the the votes fell yesterday. ...1 day ago
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