Author Archive
Are we really ready to escalate to war with China over Taiwan?
Written By: - Date published: 6:47 pm, July 29th, 2021 - 38 comments
“What will the role of New Zealand be should China invade Taiwan?” was by far the most popular question for Jacinda Ardern after she spoke at a NZIIA seminar last week. Promising to be benign, Ardern said we are “very predictable,” cited alleged human rights abuses in Hong Kong, and went on to say we […]
Communist Party of China turns 100
Written By: - Date published: 11:59 pm, June 30th, 2021 - 59 comments
July 1st this year marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Communist Party of China in Shanghai in 1921. It is a date worth commemorating as while the Party is not well understood, its positive achievements have been outstanding.
NZ Nuclear-Free Day
Written By: - Date published: 9:32 pm, June 8th, 2021 - 3 comments
June 8 is the anniversary of Aotearoa’s 1987 nuclear-free legislation. NZOnScreen is running a retrospective of our proud history, the Nuclear-free Collection. It is well worth a watch. I particularly liked the movie “Nuclear Reaction,” with Big Norm seeing off the French, Big Dave seeing off the Americans, and Kiwi Keith also clear about where we stood. The nuclear risk is worse now than it has ever been.
Uyghur separatists behind call for Parliamentary motion on genocide
Written By: - Date published: 4:26 pm, May 4th, 2021 - 72 comments
On Morning Report today ‘High Court lawyer’ Sam Vincent called for Parliament to resolve to condemn alleged Uyghur genocide in Xinjiang. He said he spoke on behalf of Uyghur Solidarity Aotearoa committed to taking action on Xinjiang “or as they call it East Turkestan.” If they call it East Turkestan they are likely separatists, with possible links to terrorists. That explains a lot.
US to offer millions in new funds to take on China
Written By: - Date published: 2:57 pm, May 3rd, 2021 - 16 comments
This from SCMP columnist Alex Lo “If they look, swim and quack like US influence operations, they probably are US influence operations, especially when they come with an annual price tag of US$300 million to be authorised by law by the US Congress, of which US10 million has been earmarked especially for Hong Kong.” Lo […]
Putting Five Eyes in its place
Written By: - Date published: 10:25 pm, April 20th, 2021 - 19 comments
Following her speech to the NZ China Council, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta wanted to be very clear that in speaking out about issues with other countries, New Zealand would not be doing it in concert with Five Eyes partners. She expressed a view that New Zealand did not agree with Five Eyes remit encroaching beyond intelligence, and that this had been communicated to Five Eyes partners. Good.
The SIS is worried about foreign interference – so what’s NATO doing in our back yard?
Written By: - Date published: 9:28 pm, March 31st, 2021 - 26 comments
The SIS can’t help itself – it keeps getting involved in our politics, but stays resolutely one-eyed. As Sam Sachdeva of Newsroom reports, it has just released advice for politicians on how to avoid political interference. Maintaining ‘transparent’ secrecy, it uses its favourite journalists and academics to drop the necessary hints – look over here. […]
Britain’s tin-ear ’tilt’ to the Indo-Pacific
Written By: - Date published: 5:39 pm, March 18th, 2021 - 14 comments
In its new integrated defence and foreign policy strategy, Britain intends to raise its nuclear warheads on Trident from 180 to 240. What a waste. It also intends to “tilt” to the Indo-Pacific, sending the New HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier here later in the year to give a message to China. It should read its history.
We must resist US pressure on China that could lead to war
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 pm, February 20th, 2021 - 41 comments
In February 2002 I was at a union-NDP conference in Ottawa watching US television in my hotel room. Back home I reported on the conference to the Labour Party caucus and stated as an aside that the US was going to war with Iraq. Helen Clark stood up straightaway and said “we won’t be going with them.” Jacinda Ardern needs to do the same now.
Uyghur allegation escalation?
Written By: - Date published: 6:25 pm, February 6th, 2021 - 67 comments
Radio New Zealand carried a long story this week from the BBC of rape allegations in Xinjiang based on accounts from two Uyghur women Tursunay Ziawudun and Gulzira Auelkhan. Independent analyst Bernhard at Moonofalabama asks the question “Why do these Uyghur witnesses stories constantly change?
Hong Kong arrests uncovering an ‘ugly plot?’
Written By: - Date published: 6:15 pm, January 25th, 2021 - 6 comments
Retired Hong Kong Final Court of Appeal Judge Henry Litton raises some important questions about the motivations of the 53 would-be legislators recently arrested in Hong Kong. Five Eyes countries including New Zealand were quick to condemn the arrests, but Litton states their aim was to implement a wider plot called “10-steps to mutual destruction,” and to use their powers as legislators to create chaos.
No extradition for Assange
Written By: - Date published: 12:27 am, January 5th, 2021 - 104 comments
Great news. While unexpected, Nicky Hager who was an expert witness for Assange at the trial, thought this might be a possibility when he spoke to the Fabian Society in November. More details tomorrow.
Update: Bail application to be heard on Wednesday London time.
Nanaia Mahuta – Peacebroker
Written By: - Date published: 6:07 pm, December 16th, 2020 - 22 comments
“Do I believe that there might be an opportunity for New Zealand to create a different environment and have a conversation? Yes, I do.” Nanaia Mahuta told Reuters on Tuesday the country would be willing to help negotiate a truce between neighbouring Australia and regional heavyweight China, who are caught in an escalating trade and diplomatic spat. Great idea.
Blind-sided by Five Eyes
Written By: - Date published: 2:34 pm, December 12th, 2020 - 13 comments
It has been good to see some pushback in the media questioning the wisdom of Mahuta’s FiveEyes alignment as the first public act of her tenure as our Foreign Minister. Chris Trotter writes in interest.co.nz that upsetting New Zealand’s most significant trading partner seems like a very silly thing to do. Others include Bryce Edwards […]
“Beyond Jacinda” – Colin James and Cr Tamatha Paul
Written By: - Date published: 1:45 pm, December 3rd, 2020 - 20 comments
Colin James and Councillor Tamatha Paul will discuss Colin’s paper “Beyond Jacinda” on Monday 7 December at 5:30pm at Baptist Church, 46-48 Boulcott Street Wellington. It will also be shown on Zoom and available on YouTube. Registration links below. All Welcome.
UK Labour suspends Corbyn for stating the obvious about anti-semitism in the Party
Written By: - Date published: 7:36 pm, October 30th, 2020 - 35 comments
Following a report into anti-semitism in the UK Labour party, Corbyn said it exists in the Party but it is over-stated and the campaign against it is politically-motivated by opponents inside and outside the Party. He was instantly suspended from the party and had the whip removed by leader Sir Keir Starmer, which seems excessive and will cause further discord. Corbyn is not an anti-Semite.
Checkpoint shroud-waving over Queensland politics?
Written By: - Date published: 10:56 pm, September 10th, 2020 - 12 comments
Today’s Checkpoint descended into shroud-waving in the case of a New South Wales family not able to visit their dying father in Queensland because of the strict border closure. As our health officials note, “bereavement issues” are where most care is needed to prevent the virus spread.
Assange’s torture and the death of journalism
Written By: - Date published: 9:28 pm, September 6th, 2020 - 60 comments
On the eve of Assange’s extradition hearing in London, award-winning freelancer Jonathan Cook has written a scathing indictment of corporate journalism’s collusion in ignoring his official torture. I posted an example of that here last year, where Richard Harman denied Assange was a journalist at a panel convened at Parliament by the British High Commissioner.
US v China: new Cold War or new Opium War?
Written By: - Date published: 10:27 am, August 25th, 2020 - 23 comments
The Trump administration has declared war on China, and there is much speculation in the punditry as to whether or not this is a new Cold War similar to that waged post World War 2 against Russia. In my opinion, the 19th century Opium Wars may offer a more appropriate analogy, albeit with a likely different outcome.
Brady under review by Canterbury University
Written By: - Date published: 7:59 pm, August 17th, 2020 - 99 comments
Canterbury University is conducting a review of statements made to the Justice Select Committee by Professor Anne-Marie Brady alleging covert military transfer to China which complainants from other Universities under attack said “contained manifest errors of fact and misleading inferences.” The University would do well to broaden its review to encompass the NATO-funded Canterbury SSANSE which Brady heads. The military-purpose link there is explicit.
Tick Tock Tik-Tok
Written By: - Date published: 5:37 pm, August 2nd, 2020 - 5 comments
Trump has announced he will ban Tik-Tok from the United States. It’s Chinese-owned so there. Or maybe he will force it to be sold to Americans.Don’t think security is the issue; kids used it to stuff up his Tulsa rally. And it is good for mockery, as clips about Trump and Pompeo show. Don’t think that will stop if Americans own it.
Operation Burnham: A disorganised cover-up?
Written By: - Date published: 9:03 pm, July 31st, 2020 - 13 comments
A justified operation, no organised cover-up, but serious failures in senior defence personnel’s denial and misrepresentation, and serious failures by the intelligence agencies in handing over a suspect to torture. The Inquiry called for a review of Defence administration, an Inspector-General of Defence, a Defence Force order on dealing with allegations of civilian casualties, and an “effective detention policy.”
Payne snubs Pompeo on China regime change
Written By: - Date published: 12:52 pm, July 30th, 2020 - 15 comments
Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds traveled to the US this week to meet face-to-face with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Minister Mark Esper. In what was clearly meant as a follow-up to recent speeches on China by the Americans, Payne firmly declined to join Pompeo in in his call for regime change in China.
Hong Kong principles
Written By: - Date published: 9:49 pm, July 28th, 2020 - 38 comments
According to our Prime Minister, today’s announcement that New Zealand is suspending extradition arrangements with Hong Kong is because of our principles. But it is not immediately clear what these principles are, other than falling into line with our Five Eyes spying partners. Some history is important.
Looking the wrong way? The SIS in New Zealand
Written By: - Date published: 8:19 pm, July 1st, 2020 - 12 comments
Richard Northey and Nicky Hager will discuss their experiences with the SIS over the past thirty-five years, what they reveal about the agency’s values and culture, and what we might want to see in the forthcoming review of the intelligence and security agencies post the Christchurch mosque massacre. St Andrews Church, The Terrace, Wellington, Friday 3 July 5:30pm. All welcome, register here.
Fixing Unemployment – Zoom meetup Saturday 10am
Written By: - Date published: 3:11 pm, June 19th, 2020 - 8 comments
Is it time to completely rethink how we deal with unemployment? We face a tsunami of job losses not seen in generations. Two ideas — social insurance and a job guarantee — are gaining prominence as ways to change how we deal with the problem. One provides income protection for those who lose employment, the other aims for something bolder: the elimination of unemployment. All welcome; register here.
Kim Hill asked “Why…
Written By: - Date published: 4:51 pm, June 12th, 2020 - 31 comments
…is the US sharemarket roaring away – up 44% – while economic recovery prospects are grim?” ANZ’s Sharon Zollner’s answer on Tuesday was the Fed printing money, but worried markets were turning a blind eye to the bad news. The bad news hit today as the sharemarket nose-dived. Wolf Richter’s answer was more to Kim’s point: “Fed bails out the wealthy while America convulses in pain.”
More Skripal bullshit
Written By: - Date published: 10:03 pm, June 9th, 2020 - 37 comments
Skripal’s relatives don’t believe it, Jacinda Ardern doesn’t believe it, Paul Buchanan doesn’t believe it, and I never believed it. But a story planted in the UK Sunday Times that the Skripals are here lets our media rerun the assassination attempt that failed, even though the most deadliest poison in the world was involved. Stuff website has a British Minister from Theresa May’s time rerunning the old lies,as does the NZ Herald. Fits in nicely with the SIS anti-Russian history.
Running for cover
Written By: - Date published: 9:38 pm, April 21st, 2020 - 41 comments
More 1% Americans are heading our way, according to Bloomberg. The Texas company building underground bunkers is getting more enquiries. They’re not running from the virus but fear the aftermath when the breadlines turn.
A response from the Rosa Luxemburg wing of the Labour Party
Written By: - Date published: 3:55 pm, April 15th, 2020 - 60 comments
According to Stephen Mills on Nine to Noon yesterday, Jeremy Corbyn’s resignation as Labour leader will only be mourned by “the microscopic Rosa Luxemburg-worshipping far left sect in New Zealand.” His outburst was deliberate, gratuitous and way over the top.
Bullet Train Wreck
Written By: - Date published: 10:21 pm, March 25th, 2020 - 23 comments
New York Governor Cuomo was told CoVid-19 was like an approaching freight train. More like a bullet train was his response. Watching the White House daily briefing with Trump dominant it looks like a massive train wreck is on the way in the US.
- Oranga Tamariki is beyond saving, and always has been
How do you continue an organisation widely known for the abuse and torture of children, for wrongfully separating them from their parents, for the neglect and death of actually vulnerable children they failed to support and uplift, and for creating a cycle of trauma that has led to multi-generational state ...3 weeks ago - The Majority is Wrong
Freak outAnd give inDoesn't matter what you believe inStay coolAnd be somebody's fool this year'Cause they knowWho is righteous, what is boldSo I'm toldWho wants honey?As long as there's some moneyWho wants that, honey?Lyrics: Billy CorganJust because the majority support something doesn’t make it right. Yes, in a democracy, the ...3 weeks ago - Tuesday 12 November 2024
Today Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will formally apologise to those who experienced abuse in state and faith-based care at Parliament. The apology is long overdue, and many are saying it’s not enough and are still waiting on the details of redress. There are also criticisms about the decision to give ...3 weeks ago - 3 Takeaways from Christopher Luxon’s Press Conference
Highlights of Chris Luxon press conference yesterday (video at end):1. Christopher Luxon maligns Newsroom’s investigative journalist Aaron Smale for what he called behavioural issues. Yesterday, it was revealed Speaker Gary Brownlee had withdrew Smale’s accreditation, preventing Smale from attending the Abuse in Care apology at Parliament today. Smale is an ...3 weeks ago - The 30/30 fiscal rule that rules us all
Fonterra is selling off brands made up of decades of R&D and marketing spend. Why? Because farmers need to repay debt so banks can increase mortgage lending. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, ...3 weeks ago - 2024 will be the first year above 1.5°C
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink, and an excerpt from a much more detailed State of the Climate Q3 2024 report that I published over at Carbon Brief today. See that for more details on climate model/observation comparisons, sea ice extent, and other climate variables. The warmest year on record In my ...3 weeks ago - 150 days of rail disruption to come
Kiwirail and Auckland Transport have revealed that the rail network will be closed or partially closed for nearly 149 days between Christmas this year and the end of January 2026, almost 38% of the time, as part of what they’re calling the final push to get the rail network ready ...3 weeks ago - How Netflix Got Cold Feet
Hi,I’m not sure if you’ve noticed recently, but discovering stuff on Netflix can be kind of hard.Sure — you’re presented with a bunch of categories like “Top 10” when you login, but outside of those initial lists, finding things that are compelling and worth your time seems close to impossible. ...3 weeks ago - Seymour is only beginning
ACT Leader David Seymour is undeterred by the likelihood that his Treaty Principles Bill will die in the House when it returns from the Select Committee sometime in the first half of next year. He believes the debate has only just begun and will continue to eventual success even though ...3 weeks ago - Gordon Campbell on the Crown’s sorry excuse for an apology
The world over, politicians are finding “sorry” to be the easiest word. Without disclosing the size and formula of the monetary compensation that the government is prepared to offer to those abused while in state care, a mere apology verges on being another form of abuse. It’s not as if ...3 weeks ago - Let Aaron Smale take his rightful seat, you dismal dismal people
This is Aaron Smale.Journalist Aaron Smale appearing as a witness at the Royal Commission. Newsroom Screenshot.For eight years he has covered the abuse of children and others in state institutions.For eight years he has helped to bring to light the many lies and coverups by the Crown.He has written some ...3 weeks ago - Monday 11 November 2024
Today the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti set off from Te Rerenga Wairua and is making its way through the North, stopping in Whangārei for the night. In union news, it has been announced that plastic factory Sistema is likely to cut up to 100 jobs. A new report written by ...3 weeks ago
- National suppresses the media
The government is doing its formal apology to victims of abuse-in-care at Parliament tomorrow, along with introducing a (still secret) bill addressing restitution. It will obviously be a big media event. But Newsroom's Aaron Smale, a journalist who has played a key role in exposing crown failure and wrongdoing in ...3 weeks ago - Speeding toward a lethal legacy
A few weeks ago I wrote on how the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown had misrepresented cities overseas in his crusade to make our streets and roads more dangerous. Since then, his speed rule has been finalised and signed. Also, the summary of public feedback has been released after many ...3 weeks ago
- Dawn Chorus for Monday, November 11
Diabetes rates are rising, yet the government remains hyper-focused on short-term cost reduction and is not considering wider prevention measures. Photo: Getty ImagesKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday, November 11: Diabetes rates are ...3 weeks ago - New Zealand was the training ground for the 2024 US election
Much of the internet is bots.There are more bots every day. Every site that's in any way bot-trainable has bots scraping posts and chats.We have AI. It can auto-recognise voices. It can mine text for information which it can categorise and file, but cannot process it or use to further ...3 weeks ago - 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #45
A listing of 33 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, November 3, 2024 thru Sat, November 9, 2024. Summary of this week's topics We asked Google's Gemini again for help categorizing the articles we shared during the week, but ...3 weeks ago
- The Enemy Within – Maire Leadbeater & Nicky Hager
Like so many others involved in social justice movements, Maire Leadbeater was subjected to state surveillance during a long life of activism. With the help of archival material, released SIS files, and other formerly secret material, she has been able to examine the depth of stateintrusion into the lives of ...3 weeks ago - Sympathy of Distraction
You take a mortal manAnd put him in controlWatch him become a GodWatch people's heads a-rollJust like the pied piperLed rats through the streetsWe dance like marionettesSwaying to the symphony of destructionSong: Dave Mustaine.Look over there, not here.The problem is, I told myself this morning as I contemplated that Q&A ...3 weeks ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...2 weeks ago - Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...2 weeks ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...2 weeks ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...2 weeks ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...2 weeks ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...2 weeks ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...2 weeks ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...2 weeks ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...2 weeks ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...2 weeks ago
- Treaty Principles Bill passes first reading
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says all New Zealanders will now be able to have their say on the Treaty Principles Bill after it passed its first reading and was sent to the Justice Committee to be considered. “I look forward to seeing what Kiwis have to say on the ...2 weeks ago
- Antarctic cooperation at centre of Scott Base visit
Finance Minister and Associate Climate Change Minister Nicola Willis will travel to Antarctica next week to engage with international partners and scientists and to assess latest steps in the redevelopment of Scott Base. “New Zealand has important interests in Antarctica and our longstanding presence at Scott Base is a key ...2 weeks ago
- Contactless payments launching on public transport in Auckland
The Government and Auckland Council are delivering contactless payments on Auckland’s public transport network later this month which will enable commuters to tag on and off public buses, trains, and ferries travelling across the region, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says.The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and ...2 weeks ago
- RIF funding supports aquaculture development
The Coalition Government is backing the development of an aquaculture centre of excellence in Southland with an investment of $2.2 million, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. South Island Industrial Fund Ltd will use the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan towards its $6.3m project to upgrade infrastructure at the Ocean ...2 weeks ago
- Safeguarding Kiwis with modern insurance law
Modernised insurance law will provide Kiwis with confidence that they will be treated fairly by insurance providers, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “A secure insurance market is integral to New Zealand’s economic success. It enables consumers and businesses to access finance and gives them the assurance to ...2 weeks ago
- When the going gets tough ‘Get Through’ with Farmstrong
An online hub with mental wellbeing tools and resources designed to help farmers and growers deal with the stress of adverse weather events has been officially launched by Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey. “Adverse weather events are an increasingly common reality for our farmers and growers. It’s vital that ...2 weeks ago
- Government exploring new energy source
Up to $60 million will be ring-fenced from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to invest in exploring the potential of supercritical geothermal technology which could help secure New Zealand’s future energy needs, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins say. Having a secure and resilient energy supply ...2 weeks ago
- Pay Gap Calculator toolkit launched
New Zealand businesses can now take meaningful action to drive down the gender pay gap with the launch of an online calculator today, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. “Women are paid, on average, 8.2 per cent less than men and this gap has barely moved since 2017 - which ...2 weeks ago
- Government launches refreshed Public Private Partnership framework
The Government has released a refreshed Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework that provides a blueprint to the market outlining how the government will approach future PPP transactions, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. “Refreshing New Zealand’s PPP model is an important part of our plan to ...2 weeks ago
- Further decisions taken on regulating online casino gambling
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to further details of a new system to regulate online casino gambling. “A new Online Gambling Bill will be drafted with the purpose to regulate online casino gambling to facilitate a safer and compliant regulated online gambling market. More importantly, ...2 weeks ago
- This summer will likely be wetter and warmer for most Australians, bureau forecast says
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, The University of Melbourne After this spring’s heat, humidity, rain and storms across Australia, you may be wondering what summer has in store. The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range summer forecast, released today, gives some ...2 days ago - Covid-19 Royal Commission releases first report – what you need to know
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response has released its first report after months of assessing evidence and meeting with the public. At 730 pages, the report outlines the government’s preparedness, response, communication and approaches to Covid-19 and the impacts they had on New Zealanders. New Zealand had ...2 days ago - Former Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins reacts to Royal Commission of Inquiry report
Labour Leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was the minister in charge of the Covid-19 response. ...2 days ago - Raw Politics: Labour’s year of living anonymously
Labour’s MPs and party members gather in Christchurch this weekend, a year after a humiliating defeat took them from the historic, first majority MMP government into the wilderness, watching a centre-right coalition dismantle their legacy.The Raw Politics podcast assesses where the party finds itself, with the electorate and members of ...2 days ago - Can we end racism in Australia? Yes, according to the first-ever national plan
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fethi Mansouri, Deakin Distinguished Professor/UNESCO Chair-holder; Founding Director, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University Shutterstock The Australian Human Rights Commission this week launched the National Anti-racism Framework. It’s an important moment. For the first time, the country ...2 days ago
- Live; Reaction to Royal Commission into Covid-19 report
Labour Leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is scheduled to speak to media about 3.45pm about the new Covid-19 report and we will bring that to you live. ...2 days ago
- Government releases first Royal Commission Covid-19 report
It was not clear if the report, that looks at lockdowns, the border response, MIQ, and vaccine mandates, would be released today. ...2 days ago
- ‘Unprecedented’ climate extremes are everywhere. Our baselines for what’s normal will need to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Thomas Rosenzweig/Shutterstock Extreme temperature and rainfall events are increasing around the world, including Australia. What makes them extreme is their rarity and severity compared to the typical ...2 days ago
- There are 2 main ways to stretch – the one you should choose depends on what you want your body to...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hunter Bennett, Lecturer in Exercise Science, University of South Australia interstid/Shutterstock Picture this: you’ve just woken up and rolled out of bed. Your feet hit the floor, and your legs buckle. They are in absolute agony – that run yesterday has ...2 days ago
- New Zealand Young Labour Welcomes The Decision To Deny Candace Owens Entry To New Zealand
"Aotearoa is a nation built on manaakitanga, kindness, and acceptance,” said Young Labour President Ethan Reille. “I want to acknowledge how big this moment will be for our queer, rainbow and takatāpui communities. ...2 days ago - Full Royal Commission Covid-19 report released
The report looks at lockdowns, the border response, MIQ, and vaccine mandates. Read it in full here. ...2 days ago
- The pink elephant test: what your visual imagination predicts about your ability to control your tho...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Derek Arnold, Professor, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland Gunter Nuyts/Shutterstock Tell a man he shouldn’t think of a pink elephant and he can’t get that beast out of his mind! This quote, from Curt Siodmak’s 1974 novel ...2 days ago
- Taranaki adopts ‘adapt or perish’ catchcry, but seabed mining not in its plans
The region is being urged to diversify its economy, in a development action plan launched today. ...2 days ago
- First a farce, then a tragedy: The Life and Opinions of Kartik Popat, reviewed
Brannavan Gnanalingam’s new satire obliterates the myth of the good immigrant. Shanti Mathias reviews it. The Life and Opinions of Kartik Popat is Wellington author Brannavan Gnalingam’s latest novel, and it’s very Wellington. It’s narrated, in the first person, by the eponymous Kartik Popat, whose parents are Indian by way ...2 days ago
- Seabed Mining AGM Disrupted By Representatives Of Ngāti Ruanui And Greenpeace
Rukutai Watene of Ngāti Ruanui, along with Peeti Wharehoka-Watene and six Greenpeace activists, interrupted the meeting in Sydney, Australia by taking the floor to outline the reasons that he and his hapū oppose seabed mining in their rohe. ...2 days ago
- Hīkoi day 7: Significant disruption expected when thousands converge on capital
RNZ News New Zealand’s hīkoi against the Treaty Principles Bill could be one of the largest rallies that the capital has seen for years, Wellington City Council says. The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti will arrive in Wellington tomorrow, and locals are being warned to expect disruption and plan ahead. Yesterday, ...2 days ago
- For the sake of our democracy, Australia urgently needs a whistleblower protection authority
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By A J Brown, Professor of Public Policy & Law, Centre for Governance & Public Policy, Griffith University As federal parliament rushes to a close, it’s become clearer that a dedicated agency to enforce the nation’s various whistleblower protection laws will be an ...2 days ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon, Erica Stanford announce boost to maths and reading support
The Prime Minister and Education Minister say more schools will have access to a trained structured literacy teacher ...2 days ago
- Drones among NZ-made tech to aid Defence Force, Judith Collins says
The Defence Minister says it makes sense for the armed forces to tap more into the local high technology industry to counter growing threats. ...2 days ago
- Investigation launched after police vehicle crashes into limo carrying Christopher Luxon and Nicola ...
An investigation has been launched after the incident. ...2 days ago
- Fiji police have ‘patriarchal mindset’, lack training over gender violence, says Ali
By Nacanieli Tuilevuka in Suva Some police officers are unable to effectively investigate cases of gender-based violence, claims Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali. Ali said many officers lacked the training and knowledge to properly handle such cases, leading to significant challenges for victims seeking justice. “There is a ...2 days ago
- New Caledonia’s Great Chief Boarat found dead in Koumac – arrest made
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific Desk New Caledonia’s Great Chief William Boarat has been found dead and police have arrested a 24-year-old man as investigations continue. Great Chief Boarat was found dead in the early hours of yesterday in circumstances described as involuntary homicide. Public prosecutor Yves ...2 days ago
- Moana 2 Reo Māori makes history
Disney’s latest release, Moana 2 Reo Māori, is its first indigenous-language film to premiere globally alongside its English counterpart – and it could be a game-changer for Aotearoa. In 1937, Disney released its first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Now, 87 years on, the iconic film ...2 days ago
- 20 people in a two-bedroom apartment: the growing health and safety risks of ‘hot bedding’
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zahra Nasreen, Postdoc Housing Researcher, the University of Sydney, Macquarie University Rental costs have hit record highs across Australia – in Sydney, for example, tiny two-bedroom apartments can fetch weekly rents well beyond $700. The housing crisis is forcing some people into ...2 days ago
- NZ urgently needs more psychologists – changing an outmoded training model would help
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Willow Sainsbury, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau It will come as no surprise to anyone that New Zealand needs more trained psychologists. Shortages have been reported across the country, increasing wait times and making ...2 days ago
- How will the select committee process on the Treaty principles bill play out?
Everything we know about how to submit, when hearings will be held, and the rest. What stage is the bill at now? It was voted for by all three parties of government at first reading on November 14, and referred to select committee for a six-month process. Which select ...2 days ago
- Reverberations Of Erebus Disaster Still Felt 45 Years Later
On 28 November 1979, Air New Zealand sightseeing flight TE901 crashed into the slopes of Mt Erebus, Antarctica. Everyone onboard lost their lives. ...2 days ago
- Royal gardens: how queen bees and wasps set our backyards abuzz in readiness for summer
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Jandt, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, University of Otago Getty Images As we transition to warmer weather in the austral summer, many changes take place. Domestic dogs and cats may shed winter coats. Fish such as bass and trout prepare fat ...2 days ago
- Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise. Here’s how collecting mozzies in your backyard can help s...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Webb, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney Cameron Webb/NSW Health Pathology Warm weather is here and mosquitoes are on the rise in Australia. Unseasonably large swarms are causing problems in some parts of Sydney already. Health ...2 days ago
- We’re quick to limit kids’ screen time. Parents can also benefit from setting boundaries for the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Wheeler, Physical activity researcher, Deakin University | Lecturer in science communication, The University of Melbourne Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock In many households, screens are part of daily life – from work to entertainment. But for parents, setting boundaries around screens isn’t ...2 days ago
- Australia’s electricity market is getting a big makeover – and these 3 changes will make it futu...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Skarbek, CEO, Climateworks Centre Shutterstock The federal government this week tasked an expert panel with making Australia’s largest grid, the National Electricity Market, fit for our changing energy system. Reform is badly needed. Australia is trying to transition to renewable ...2 days ago
- Black Friday sales are on again. To score a genuine bargain, it helps to go in with a plan
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Park Thaichon, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Southern Queensland Tomorrow is Black Friday, the official beginning of one of the biggest sales events of the year. With so many consumers still feeling the cost-of-living pinch, it’s expected to once again ...2 days ago
- Who really was Māui, the demigod portrayed in Moana? And did Disney get him right?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mike Ross, Head of School, Te Kawa a Māui, School of Māori Studies, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Disney I enjoyed Disney’s 2016 film Moana. My relatives and I attended the Reo Māori release here in Aotearoa, in ...2 days ago
- Help Me Hera: Everything feels so hopeless
I work in the public service because I want to serve the public. But right now that just doesn’t seem possible. Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Help me Hera, please. I’m a public servant. And honestly I could probably just end my email there and you’d understand. It’s been a ...2 days ago
- Tunnel and bridge options in $22 billion Waitematā plan
A newly released Treasury investment report suggests both a tunnel and second bridge to relieve pressure on the Harbour Bridge. ...2 days ago
- What bus and train fare hikes have to do with the government’s plans
Analysis - NZTA is increasing the pressure for a big jump in public transport fares, while at the same time lining up massive spending on roads. ...2 days ago
- Conservative US commentator Candace Owens denied NZ visa
Candace Owens, who was previously refused entry to Australia, had applied for a Entertainers Work Visa. ...2 days ago
- The road ahead after another cash rate cut
The Bulletin’s Stewart Sowman-Lund on the good and the bad as we race towards 2025. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...2 days ago
- Shortsighted, ‘shameful’ and ‘ludicrous’ – reaction to more jobs axed ...
Plans to cut nearly 1500 jobs at Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora have been met with outrage by health sector leaders. ...2 days ago
- Government turns to tech firms to boost NZDF
A rapidly deteriorating global security environment has spurred the government to reach out to high-tech companies to boost the Defence Force. ...2 days ago
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