Author Archive
77% of NZ’s business leaders say a CGT or equivalent is needed as chorus for CGT increases
Written By: - Date published: 7:06 pm, October 16th, 2024 - 77 comments
ANZ, ASB and Simplicity are the latest to join the 77% of business leaders who now say CGT is essential for NZ. CGT goes wholly to the government so why is Luxon so against it?
Where’s The Opposition?
Written By: - Date published: 11:36 am, October 13th, 2024 - 61 comments
Labour, Green Party and Te Pati Māori have been relatively quiet as the Coalition government move at breakneck speed to roll back laws and transfer wealth. Is it a matter of resources, media coverage, or will?
Where’s the “Oomph”?
Written By: - Date published: 2:04 pm, October 6th, 2024 - 92 comments
Join us to protest privatisation of health on the 23rd October. But can we have more oomph and co-ordination please?
Inventing a crisis to privatise NZ healthcare
Written By: - Date published: 10:41 am, October 4th, 2024 - 12 comments
Yesterday a former Health NZ Chair said the government is intentionally manufacturing a crisis to privatise healthcare. However privatisation will not solve anything and will only lead to worse financial and health outcomes for all Kiwis as confirmed by Lancet Medical Journal and case studies around the world.
NZ Right Wing Government Moves to Privatise Health
Written By: - Date published: 9:49 am, October 2nd, 2024 - 41 comments
The National-ACT-NZ First government have signaled they want to privatise our health system. It’s a now or never moment.
Bye, Bye Health!
Written By: - Date published: 12:59 pm, September 26th, 2024 - 45 comments
NZ has already spent $1bn on thin air (Kiwirail ferries), $70bn on roads, and $35bn on tax cuts so no to your hospitals and investments!
Lester Levy, $320,000 Part time Health NZ Commissioner: “It’s not for me to fix everything”
Written By: - Date published: 2:12 pm, September 19th, 2024 - 16 comments
Lester Levy claims he is working so hard it’s probably not good for his health. Meanwhile, he failed to bring financials to the Health Select Committee while explaining he was doing well on cutting costs – and would continue to do so.
National plan for 2000 extra Kiwis in prison per year
Written By: - Date published: 9:01 am, September 17th, 2024 - 20 comments
The government plans to put up to 2000 more Kiwis behind bars by 2034 at a potential cost of up to $1.2bn per budget in today’s money. Meanwhile crime, including violent crime is increasing across all of NZ.
Willis’s Bungling of the Kiwirail Interislander Cancellation
Written By: - Date published: 9:23 am, September 4th, 2024 - 26 comments
Nicola Willis’s bungling of the Kiwirail Interislander project cancellation has so far cost Kiwis $1bn, but that’s not all. Today RNZ’s reporting reveals the government may have also undermined NZ’s relationship with South Korea.
Local Councils Defy Central Government Agenda
Written By: - Date published: 4:16 pm, August 30th, 2024 - 38 comments
94% of councils that have voted vote to retain Maori wards. Many of them are National background Councillors and previously urged Central Government to not push ahead with the legislation. The forced local referendums are now expected to cost ratepayers and take away from Council workloads
What Happened in the House (Videos)
Written By: - Date published: 12:24 pm, August 30th, 2024 - 8 comments
NZ Parliament sitting where Labour’s Kieran McAnulty implores the Coalition government to stop deceiving Kiwis, and Winston Peters and Louise Upton both get fired up. Meanwhile, Casey Costello still doesn’t know who wrote her tobacco Ministerial papers.
King Luxon Isn’t Wearing Any Clothes
Written By: - Date published: 10:45 am, August 28th, 2024 - 26 comments
While Luxon and Brown hand it to the Councils, a grassroots campaign is taking effect and the power is with the people. Warning: article contains satire.
Is Casey Costello Corrupt?
Written By: - Date published: 3:15 pm, August 26th, 2024 - 27 comments
Casey Costello and the Coalition government have already halved tobacco excise at a cost of up to $216mn. Today RNZ reports there remain more questions on who wrote her Ministerial papers begging for tobacco industry benefits.
David Seymour’s Ministry of Regulation costs $80mn
Written By: - Date published: 12:38 pm, August 22nd, 2024 - 17 comments
David Seymour’s new Ministry has 91 staff, including 3 Deputy CEOs who earn up to $348K each – more than Ministers. Seymour wants to use it as a vehicle to change how NZ makes laws and invokes Ruth Richardson in his vision.
Lester Levy Asks Kiwis To Pray For Him – Again
Written By: - Date published: 6:52 pm, August 18th, 2024 - 33 comments
Lester Levy again asks Kiwis to pray for him. But who will pray for us, Dr Levy?
Curia Market Research Found In Breach Of Professional Standards
Written By: - Date published: 1:43 pm, August 16th, 2024 - 43 comments
It appears that Curia Research has resigned from the professional standards group Research Association of NZ (RANZ).
Lester Levy: “Significant, Not Painless” Changes Needed
Written By: - Date published: 10:08 am, August 16th, 2024 - 14 comments
Lester Levy gave a keynote address this weak signalling painful, strong medicine is needed for Health NZ. But his claims contradict frontline staff and experts.
Mountain Tui: Luxon’s $1000 A Week Is His “Entitlement”. Just Not Yours.
Written By: - Date published: 1:06 pm, August 14th, 2024 - 32 comments
When Luxon claimed $1000 a week of tax-free, taxpayers money for accommodation, because he didn’t want the 2 free properties he was offered, he said he was entitled to it. But according to the government, all beneficiaries now require harsher rules or risk having their entitlements stripped. Yet only ~5% aren’t compliant and last quarter, 1500 were cut off. What do the numbers say?
Mountain Tui: Beneficiary sanctions & targets don’t add up
Written By: - Date published: 1:23 pm, August 13th, 2024 - 9 comments
The jobseeker beneficiary sanctions and targets are not adding up. It also inflicts a lack of dignity and shame on recipients at a time when austerity is actively increasing unemployment.
David Seymour and his relationship to Atlas Network – Could this affect the fate of 7AA?
Written By: - Date published: 1:35 pm, August 6th, 2024 - 6 comments
Seymour was once called the “most dangerous man in Aotearoa right now.” But is he just misunderstood? Let’s revisit Section 7AA and Karen Chhour’s tears too.
Mountain Tui: New Zealanders are now dying from an underfunded health system
Written By: - Date published: 12:41 pm, August 5th, 2024 - 5 comments
After months of warnings from doctors, nurses and hospitals, a Northland patient is dead after no doctors were present at the hospital. The budget cuts and chosen austerity measures are hurting us all. Here’s more.
Luxon is accused of spreading “disinformation”
Written By: - Date published: 10:47 am, August 1st, 2024 - 21 comments
The PM of NZ is accused of spreading intentional disinformation on Health NZ as the evidence piles up against the Coalition government. Here’s how it went down.
Mountain Tui: Who will hold Chris Luxon and Shane Reti accountable for the Health NZ deception?
Written By: - Date published: 5:20 pm, July 29th, 2024 - 21 comments
Since Shane Reti and Christopher Luxon announced the Health NZ cost “blowout” and an unexpected deficit, the truth has emerged, and it’s all becomes stranger than fiction. Which claims were accurate? And which seemed to be a case of misrepresentation?
Mountain Tui: Can we talk about New Zealand’s health system?
Written By: - Date published: 11:25 am, July 23rd, 2024 - 96 comments
Christopher Luxon and Shane Reti took the extraordinary step of removing the Health NZ Board and replacing it with a Health Commissioner. Why did they do that and will it help the real issues facing our health system?
Mountain Tui: ‘Corruption First’ Strikes Again – Is the National, ACT, and New Zealand Government in tobacco’s pocket?
Written By: - Date published: 3:53 pm, July 18th, 2024 - 10 comments
A track record of deception and pro tobacco industry policies is becoming evident in the Coalition. Casey Costello is at it again, this time quietly halving excise tax for some tobacco products. This is the first time in NZ’s history to have reduced excise on tobacco. We should all ask ‘Why now?’
Tui: National Party’s Local Water Done Well – A more expensive 3 Waters with potential for privatisation
Written By: - Date published: 6:30 am, July 18th, 2024 - 4 comments
Simeon Brown is working on National’s New 3 Waters called “Local Water Done Well.” But is it just a more expensive version with a privatisation catch?
Mountain Tui: Crashing New Zealand’s health system is not the way to prosperity, Prime Minister
Written By: - Date published: 2:44 pm, July 16th, 2024 - 15 comments
The drumbeat of health warnings continues from hospitals, doctors and nurses. But is the Government prepared to listen?
Government wins pay dispute with police: National Party 1, Police 0, Public -1
Written By: - Date published: 3:53 pm, July 15th, 2024 - 25 comments
The National Government has won in its long standing pay dispute with New Zealand police. With Australia offering $20,000 cash bonuses and attractive packages to poach our cops, what’s going to happen to an already demoralised and stretched police force?
Mountain Tui: Trump’s shooting reveals a hidden danger for New Zealand too
Written By: - Date published: 10:00 am, July 15th, 2024 - 73 comments
Trump’s shooting has left the world shocked and bewildered. But what, if anything, does it mean for us here in New Zealand?
Mountain Tui: When is an independent expert or advisory group “independent?”
Written By: - Date published: 11:06 am, July 12th, 2024 - 5 comments
As reports confirm that the Government intends to sell off Kiwirail ferries, the question has to be asked: “Why is the Government paying thousands of dollars to former National Party members for advice” and when is independent advice not reliable?
Mountain Tui: The Kiwirail Interislander saga continues
Written By: - Date published: 7:57 am, July 11th, 2024 - 40 comments
Nicola Willis’s decision to cancel the Kiwirail i-Rex contract without a back up plan is coming back to bite. As costs pile up for the taxpayer, we have already lost half a billion dollars, but that won’t be the final bill. And there are still no ferries.
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- Government must support workers following Smithfield closure
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to show leadership following the announced closure of the Smithfield meat works, and the continued loss of regional manufacturing jobs, by putting in place policies to support workers with retraining and income insurance. “The loss of 600 jobs ...2 hours ago - Aotearoa’s Big Lie
OPINIONWhen I first wrote about David Seymour’s ties to the Atlas Network this year, I came across a fellow called Trotter who argued that - although Atlas Network wasn’t a conspiracy - as David Farrar, David Seymour, and Chris Bishop all claimed - it really wasn’t worth the left’s time ...2 hours ago - Fast Track Stupidity
Ten years from now, I will almost certainly be dead. But, if I were to live that long, I would be constantly challenged with the question, “Why did you not warn us about what was surely already apparent – that the globe was heating at an ever-increasing rate, and that ...5 hours ago - Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
2022, directed by Sam Raimi It’s a bold artistic choice on Marvel’s part to spend the entire two hour runtime of the guy’s own movie telling us how literally every version of him is fucking terrible and this one’s only the hero because Wanda managed to be even worse. I’d ...6 hours ago - Train in Vain
You must explain why this must beDid you lie when you spoke to meDid you stand by meNo, not at allWriters: Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Joe StrummerGood morning, all. Since it's Friday, I’ll take a quick look at a few of the stories from the week. There’s also ...6 hours ago - Weekly Roundup 18-October-2024
Happy Friday, and welcome to another round-up of interesting stories about what’s happening in Auckland and other cities. Feel free to add your links in the comments! This post, like all our work, is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew and made possible by generous donations from our ...8 hours ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #42 2024
Open access notables The influence of partisan news on climate mitigation support: An investigation into the mediating role of perceived risk and efficacy, Choi & Hart, Risk Analysis: Perceptions of efficacy play a central role in motivating people to engage in climate actions. However, there has been little investigation into how different climate efficacy ...20 hours ago - The usual suspect
Economic woes for Wellington continued today with news that yet more longstanding enterprises were going out of business. Capital One Hour Photos; Courtenay Place Video Rentals; CDs on Cuba and Kumar’s Smokefree No-Cigarettes Dairy all said they would be closed by the end of the month, and they all had ...23 hours ago - Unexpected support
When the Education and Workforce Committee reported back on Camilla Belich's Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill and recommended that it not be passed, I'd assumed it was doomed. The right-wing coalition government supports employer exploitation of workers, and certainly doesn't see why intentionally and systematically conspiring to not pay ...23 hours ago - Your Thursday Politics Roundup
For paid subscribers1. Tory Whanau says “No thanks” to Local Government Minister Simeon Brown (RNZ)Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says there was no talk of government intervention during her talk this morning with the Local Government Minister.Following the meeting, Whanau said the conversation was polite and friendly and was mainly about ...1 day ago - Inspiration and Gratitude
You grew on me like a tumourAnd you spread through me like malignant melanomaAnd now you’re in my heartI should’ve cut you out back at the startSong by Tim MinchinTim Minchin has a song about cheese; one clever dick in the audience yelled it out to him last night. I ...1 day ago - Thursday 17 October 2024
Inflation has fallen to its lowest point in the last 3.5 years, but many costs remain high, and unemployment is expected to get worse. An OIA response received by the Green Party has revealed that Brooke van Velden’s contractor proposals are almost word for word from an Uber proposal. TEU ...1 day ago
- Wanted: Better housing to help people stay cool on a hotter planet
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Peter Graham and Mili Majumdar Apartments on the outskirts of New Delhi, India. (Photo credit: Adam Cohn / CC BY-NC 2.0) It was 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47°C) in Tunisia in July, yet our colleague Manel Ben Khelifa could not turn on ...1 day ago
- Why are economists giving this government the benefit of the doubt?
This National government came to power on the promise of tax cuts it hadn’t costed out and immediately scrapped an essential infrastructure project ten years in the making with no backup plan because global cost inflation pushed the price into mildly uncomfortable territory. It would be only a matter of ...1 day ago - Auckland Harbour Bridge is collapsing*
This guest post by Tim Adriaansen, an advocate for accessibility and sustainable transport, is an expanded version of a recent post on LinkedIn. Auckland Harbour Bridge is collapsing.* A new report investigating the health of the bridge shows that without rapid and significant changes to how the asset is managed, ...1 day ago
- The battle over Tikanga in the courts, a contemporary challenge
As Parliament girds itself for the introduction next month of David Seymour’s Treaty Principles’ Bill, a Select Committee yesterday grappled with another collision between Te Ao Maori and our British-based legal system. This time, it was ostensibly about whether University law schools should compel students to study Tikanga Maori. But ...1 day ago - Gordon Campbell on the language of healthcare, and Mink DeVille
So far, the Great Multi-lingual Healthcare Crisis has passed by without any damage to life, or to limbs. To date, no-one appears to have mistaken the Hindi word for “lunch-break” for the Filipino word for “tracheotomy.” But then, the risk of bad clinical outcomes was never really the point, was ...2 days ago - The Why ACC’s $7.2 billion deficit is not what it seems
The revelation of ACC’s $7.2 billion dollar deficit is coming at an amazing time for Luxon, Seymour, and Winnie. To start with, two of the three of them are engaging in a subtle war with the judiciary, in which ACT and New Zealand First have decided to prey on the ...2 days ago - Three chill games
Once again it’s Steam’s Next Fest, the regularly occurring event that highlights demos for upcoming games. It’s always a favourite of mine and I try to always participate by playing through several interesting looking titles. Today I tried three that were all extremely relaxed with no real time pressures involved. ...2 days ago
- We fixed it for youse
To the garage, to get a WOF. I think the tires might need replacing, you say.Leave it with us, they say.When you return, you notice the tyres are the same.In fact nothing appears to have been done.We fixed your birdshit problem, they tell you.My what, now? you ask.Your birdshit problem. ...2 days ago - Vijay Prashad – New Zealand’s Role in US Military Imperialism: NATO, AUKUS & 5 Eyes
Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian and journalist. Prashad is the author of forty books, including Washington Bullets, Red Star Over the Third World, The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World. His latest book The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power (2022) was ...2 days ago - Palestine and Anti-colonialism in the Global South A conversation with Indian Historian and Journali...
Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian and journalist. Prashad is the author of forty books, including Washington Bullets, Red Star Over the Third World, The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World. His latest book The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power (2022) was ...2 days ago
- We need more judicial power, not less
The Herald is reporting on yet another reporting from the ATLAS-network-linked "New Zealand" Initiative, this one complaining of a creep towards judicial supremacy, and calling for the powers of judges to interpret the law to be reined in. It seems that the billionaires who fund ATLAS and its local collaborators ...2 days ago
- Rwanda’s Kagame: from Saviour to Tyrant?
Is Rwanda turning into a country that seeks regional dominance and exterminates its rivals? This is a contention examined by Dr Michela Wrong, and Dr Maria Armoudian Dr Wrong is a journalist who has written best-selling books on Africa. Her latest, Do Not Disturb. The story of a political murder ...2 days ago
- Au Revoir, PM Luxon
Kiwirail FerriesThere’s some good news to come out of this PR loving government. If there’s one thing good about them, it’s that they are politically cashed up and comms savvy - and therefore want to please on things that get NZ’s attention.After the stalemate between National and NZ First over ...2 days ago - Member’s Day
Today is a Member's Day. First up is the third reading of Deborah Russell's Family Proceedings (Dissolution for Family Violence) Amendment Bill, which looks like it will pass unanimously. This will be followed by the committee stage of Katie Nimon's Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill ...2 days ago
- Wednesday 16 October
E tū are raising concerns with proposals to privatise airport security, saying that staff are “extremely concerned” about risks to safety for those who use airports. 1News has published an investigative piece on international nurses struggling to find a job in NZ. In political news, the fallout from the Govt’s ...2 days ago
- Life in the Appalachians once felt ‘untouchable.’ Then Helene struck.
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tree Meinch A person bicycles through floodwaters remaining from Hurricane Helene on October 4, 2024, in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Hundreds of people were killed in six states in the wake of the powerful hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 4. (Photo ...2 days ago
- The Bare Necessities
Coming out to the light of dayWe got many moons that are deep at playSo I keep an eye on the shadow's smileTo see what it has to sayYou and I both knowEverything must go awayAh, what do you say?Songwriters: Anthony Kiedis / Brian Joseph Burton / Chad Gaylord Smith ...2 days ago - Dealing to the climate crisis
Fire and flood, heat-waves and rivers of rain. Climate change is impacting us powerfully. Major floods in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Germany, India, the US…Huge forest fires in Australia, Canada, Greece, California….Intense heat waves in Spain, Italy, Greece, India, the US…. And we haven’t spoken of melting glaciers and ice-caps, rising ...2 days ago - Jewish, not Zionist
What is the difference between Jewish and Zionist? Marilyn Garson is the co-founder of Alternative Jewish Voices, an observant Jew who has lived and worked in Gaza. Her first book, Still Lives, told the story of her Gazan team through four years and two wars. Her second book, Jewish, not ...2 days ago
- The biggest PT improvements in six years
In just over a month, Auckland is going to see some of the biggest changes to our public transport network since the completion of the New Network over six years ago. The decade between 2008 and 2018 was one of the most significant for public transport in Auckland. Almost every ...2 days ago
- Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Scandals contributed to Labour’s election defeat
Former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins admits that the series of scandals leading up to last year’s election contributed to Labour’s large defeat. In Back on Track, a new book on the 2023 New Zealand election, being launched today, Hipkins says “A succession of ministerial scandals didn’t help the mood that ...2 days ago - Ducking Out of Society With a Dumb Phone
Hi,I read through your feedback about my AI voice clone with both delight and horror — and am so appreciative to all of you who left comments.There was such a wide range of discussion that it sort of blew my mind, from accessibility and ethics, to the very real issue ...2 days ago - The politics behind Winston’s latest new idea
New Zealand First’s $100 billion “Future Fund” has a carefully calculated political strategy behind it. It is an attempt to raid the Labour Party’s conservative right wing. New Zealand First knows that the coalition of voting groups that got it over the five per cent threshold last year is shaky. ...2 days ago - Wistful longing in Comic Sans
A couple of thoughts about the giving of a speechLet’s say you are speaking to Tangata Whenua at a sensitive moment. Let’s say your government’s policies have worried and angered them.Let’s say that people with any sort of informed opinion have been saying that your policies stand to unravel much ...3 days ago - What if you run a transparent process, then ignore it?
On Friday I blogged a news story about Paul Goldsmith's appointment of terf and genocide supporter Stephen Rainbow as Chief Human Rights Commissioner, and how it appeared that he had ignored the recommendations of the appointments panel to shoulder-tap a preferred and unqualified candidate. The Spinoff was on the story ...3 days ago
- Tuesday 15 October 2024
A new poll shows there is strong public support for rail-enabled ferries, which MUNZ have said shows New Zealanders know what a huge mistake it was to cancel the order for new ferries. In other poll-related news, a 1News-Verian poll shows both major parties and their leaders losing support, and ...3 days ago
- First judicial review for the Minister of Transport
In September, Eloise Gibson reported for RNZ that the Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, fast-tracked changes to tailpipe emissions standards to meet a car industry deadline. Now, legal questions are being asked about the process that led to those decisions. As reported on Monday, again by Eloise Gibson for RNZ, the ...3 days ago
- Why have hurricanes gone crazy?
This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Kevin Trenberth Have there been other years where multiple hurricanes hit Florida? That is one of the questions I am now getting. The answer is yes: in 2004, for instance. The summer of 2004 was when four hurricanes made landfall in Florida, ...3 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on Conservative ghosts, Holly Arrowsmith and Fazerdaze
Clearly, Israel is intent on de-populating Gaza for Israeli re-settlement, and is using military force as a form of state terrorism to depopulate swathes of southern Lebanon. To similar ends, it is also indiscriminately bombing Lebanese rural villages and civilian neighbourhoods in Beirut. Israel’s ultimate aim appears to be to ...4 days ago - Civil War and the new Captain America
With new trailers for Thunderbolts and Captain America 4 out over the last couple of months there’s been a resurgence of “Bucky should have been Cap instead of Sam” opining, with one of the main reasons given being “Bucky was Cap first in the comics!” Sure, he was, it’s true ...4 days ago - Is It Getting Better?
Is it getting better?Or do you feel the same?Will it make it easier on you now?You got someone to blameSongwriters: Paul David Hewson / Adam Clayton / Larry Mullen / Dave EvansIt's polling day from TVNZ. We don’t get many polls these days. Of course, they don’t mean a lot ...4 days ago - If you say so, Bishop
Is it a surprise to learn that the government is happy to see some commercial fishing in a marine reserve?It is not. This is, after all, a government that is happily giving more latitude to the tobacco industry, the gun lobby and ute drivers to put us all in greater ...4 days ago - Men, the Left, and the “Women’s Vote”.
On Calvary Street are trellisesWhere bright as blood the roses bloom,And gnomes like pagan fetishesHang their hats on an empty tombWhere two old souls go slowly mad,National Mum and Labour Dad.James K. BaxterBallad of Calvary Street1969 JAMES K. BAXTER’S stereotypes, “National Mum” and “Labour Dad”, strike a discordant note in ...4 days ago - Media Link: AVFA on Israel going rogue.
In this episode of the “A view from Afar” podcast Selwyn Manning and I discuss Israel’s expansion of its war in Lebanon as part of a “six front” strategy that it thinks it can win, focusing on the decision-making process … Continue reading ...4 days ago - Monday 14 October 2024
The closure of Karioi Pulp Mill ends generations of family employment, and Health NZ mandates staff to take three weeks’ leave over Christmas. In politics, the government plans to reform anti-money laundering laws, and a report suggests NZ can’t meet climate targets without international support. Meanwhile, protests disrupted Winston Peters’ ...4 days ago
- A moral void at the heart of our establishment
Back in July, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care delivered its report, detailing a horrific litany of abuse for which the government was ultimately responsible. The report found that a long list of government ministers and officials had allowed, failed to stop, and effectively covered up that ...4 days ago
- Chorus for Capital Gains Tax Grows
Correction: Total tax take is around $120B, total revenue is $167B. NZ Super costs $23B. How many successful CEOs can manager Christopher Luxon snark at after running a government airline with a near monopoly on the domestic market?After taking a crack at ANZ Boss Antonia Watson for her support of ...4 days ago - Who benefits from secrecy around public infrastructure?
You might have seen this video, which we received as part of a recent OIA request. It showcases the original light rail plans developed by Auckland Transport between 2014-2017. The video was apparently produced in early 2018 by Auckland Transport, just a few months before the project was ...4 days ago
- No longer grey power volunteers
At the heart of New Zealand First lies a fundamental tension. And it is all about Winston Peters. He has led the party since its formation in 1993, and he confirmed yesterday that he will be standing again at the next election. He is one year older than Donald Trump, ...4 days ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #41
5 days ago
- Where’s the opposition?
Let me start with -Yes, I know National, ACT and NZ First are very well funded and supported by friendly platforms, promoters, and our wealthiest - pre and post-election.I also remember when David Seymour personally attacked journalist Benedict Collins, then 'suggested' he would "review" TVNZ and make them pay a ...5 days ago - Christopher Luxon is… Unaware
Every day, the deficit growsYou spend more than you ownPapa always said to me“Keep a close eye on your authority”You say that you careI was unawareYou say that you careI was unawareSong: Allen Stone.It used to be that when politicians wanted to avoid admitting they knew something, they’d say, “I ...5 days ago - Unreal
5 days ago - Fact brief – Is more CO2 a good thing because it’s plant food?
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park from the Gigafact team in collaboration with members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is more CO2 ...6 days ago
- Political Roundup – The Anti-Environment Government to Dame Jacinda Adern
Good morning ! Weekend at last ! Here’s some quick updates for the field:1. Three Ministers chose 149 projects for the Fast-Track list. The government’s hand picked advisory team then failed to independently verify ANY information provided by applications. Nor did anyone consider any environmental impacts.Mountain Tui is a reader-supported ...6 days ago - What do you Predict?
Take me somewhere newI've already been here once beforeSomewhere unbelievableBefore it starts to blow upTake me somewhere newI've already been here twice beforeLet's get out of hereI'm bored this place is gonna blow upSongwriters: Garret Lee / Jordan Miller / Kylie Miller / Eliza Enman Mcdaniel / Leandra EarlSubstack used ...6 days ago - Cloning My Dumb Voice
6 days ago - Truths
6 days ago - Aurora Australis II: Southern Lights October Boogaloo
Some months ago, the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, made an appearance over Dunedin: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2024/05/12/seeing-the-aurora-australis/ I even went out to Tunnel Beach to see it. But tonight? Tonight I did not even have to leave my backyard. And not just that. Light pollution from a city notwithstanding, I could see ...7 days ago - Law and Order; An Economics Perspective
What might the public’s increasing demands for safety and security tell the economist?Criminology and economics are quite different disciplines. Someone from one discipline trespasses on the other with the greatest of caution, something which, I’m afraid, not all economists have. There is a foolish economics literature about the ‘optimal level ...7 days ago - PONIT and PLAAT: The FLICC poster now also available in Russian and Romanian
It is one of the most successful products of our German-language partner website klimafakten.de: a large-format infographic about typical disinformation strategies, not just in terms of climate. The poster has previously been available in eight languages, and now two more have been added. The new translations were produced with partners ...7 days ago
- Fast Track, baby!
1. Poor old New Zealand was exposed to all the world with its debt trousers around its ankles in a briefing yesterday by Nicola Willis. Just how huge is our debt?a. 42% of GDPb. 69% of GDPc. 94% of GDPd. 420% of GDP2. How does that compare to a proper ...7 days ago - Goldsmith’s “transparent” human rights appointment process
Back in August, National sabotaged human rights by appointing terf and genocide supporter Stephen Rainbow as Chief Human Rights Commissioner, and terf and white supremacist Melissa Derby as Race Relations Commissioner. The appointments seemed calculated to undermine public confidence in the Commission, and there were obvious questions about how they ...7 days ago
- Mosque shooter was given gun license by a ‘stretched’ system, verified by two referees who had m...
The second phase of the inquest into the mosque shooting is currently ongoing, and it is right now examining how the terrorist was able to obtain his firearms license and the guns used to commit the attack. The answer is “Really, really easily”. The 10 year expiration period for firearms ...7 days ago - Why NZ shouldn’t have to pay the price for Nicola Willis’s incompetence
Is anyone surprised about NZ’s finances? Yesterday Treasury released its latest financial report. The operating balance deficit was $1.8bn higher than forecast and essentially $3.4 billion worse compared to the prior year.Government revenues were up from solid wage growth in an inflationary environment - albeit business performance was weaker with ...1 week ago - Kātuarehe
Uh uh, KātuareheYou ain't readyWe're not flying on the same planeUh, KātuareheYou ain't readyI see you trying it's a damn shame, uhSong by Anna CoddingtonThis morning, I was going to write about some of the stories from the week, but it was all a bit depressing. “The Trickle Down that ...1 week ago - Friday 11 October 2024
Government budget problems and public service cuts are putting pressure on communities, with frontline services and media integrity at risk. E tū is sounding the alarm over TVNZ’s cost-cutting; MUNZ challenges KiwiRail layoffs and Unions Wellington succeeded in stopping the sale of Wellington Airport. With this economic uncertainty, grassroots efforts ...1 week ago
- Weekly Roundup 11-October-2024
Kia ora and welcome to another weekly roundup of stories that caught our eye about cities and how they work. Feel free to share any links we might have missed, in the comments below. As always, this post is compiled by our largely volunteer team, and your support makes it ...1 week ago
- Gordon Campbell On Luxon Living In Denial About His Privilege
In the same week that food banks have been forced to close for lack of government support, Auditor-General John Ryan has slammed the process by which $24 million of taxpayer funds got handed out to the “I am Hope” foundation, in order to finance Mike King’s dubiously effective Gumboot Friday ...1 week ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #41 2024
Open access notables Manifold increase in the spatial extent of heatwaves in the terrestrial Arctic, Rantanen et al., Communications Earth & Environment: It is widely acknowledged that the intensity, frequency and duration of heatwaves are increasing worldwide, including the Arctic. However, less attention has been paid to the land area affected ...1 week ago
- Calm in the eye
While we were away earlier this year, some men got into our house and took away the big slider door and windows that open onto our upstairs deck. I watched the whole thing happen on the other side of the world on our security camera. I had told the guy who ...1 week ago - 10/10: World Day Against the Death Penalty
Today, October 10, is the world day against the death penalty. Out of 195 UN member states, 63 still permit routine capital punishment. Today is the day we work to change that. This year's theme is the misconception that the death penalty makes people safer. The use of the death ...1 week ago
- Gut Feelings.
Vox Populi: It is worth noting that if Auckland’s public health services were forced to undergo cutbacks of the same severity as Dunedin’s, and if the city’s Mayor and its daily newspaper were able to call the same percentage of its citizens onto the streets, then the ensuing demonstrations would number ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour supports continuing fight for dairy access
Labour welcomes the National Government’s decision to further pursue our access to the Canadian dairy market under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) ...2 hours ago - Release: Job losses devastating for Timaru
Confirmed news that the Smithfield meatworks will close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...2 hours ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to Improve Access to Palliative Care
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill which aims to improve access to palliative care for all New Zealanders, ensuring kiwis have better access to the compassionate palliative support they may need. The ‘Improving Access to Palliative Care Bill’ seeks to guarantee that every New Zealander has the right ...3 hours ago - Release: Further uncertainty for Kiwirail as jobs set to go
KiwiRail offering voluntary redundancy to all its staff is hugely concerning given the future of New Zealand’s rail system is under threat. ...24 hours ago
- ASA Declares Hobson’s Pledge Advertising Misleading and Socially Irresponsible
Te Pāti Māori Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer welcome today’s ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which found that a Hobson's Pledge advertisement regarding customary marine titles was misleading and socially irresponsible. The two-page wraparound ad, published in The New Zealand Herald, suggested that nearly the entire coastline ...1 day ago
- Release: Benefit numbers continue to soar under National
National’s all pain approach to beneficiaries has yielded no gain as benefit numbers continue to surge past projected figures. ...1 day ago
- Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty
Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty. ...1 day ago - International Energy Agency issues wake-up call on climate action
Today’s report from the International Energy Agency highlights how far this Government’s actions are dragging us backwards in the fight against climate change. ...1 day ago
- Release: Lack of funding puts pressure on frontline Police
News that 173 roles are being cut at Police will only put more pressure on the frontline. ...1 day ago
- Release: Bipartisan agreement on outdated marriage law
Changes to outdated relationships legislation has passed its third reading giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages. ...1 day ago
- Release: Cuts to Apprenticeship Boost will fail future NZ
The Government’s cuts to the Apprenticeship Boost programme will leave New Zealand without the workforce it needs to build homes, schools and hospitals. ...2 days ago
- Release: Sluggish economy means struggles ahead for Kiwis
While today’s inflation numbers are good news for Kiwis, there are still struggles ahead with rising rents, rates, insurance and high unemployment. ...2 days ago
- CPI figures show rents continuing to soar
Stats NZ has confirmed that higher rent prices were the biggest contributor to the annual inflation rate. Almost a fifth of the 2.2 per cent annual increase in the CPI was due to rent prices. ...2 days ago
- Release: Govt changes threaten depleted Hauraki Gulf
The National Government has sneakily reneged on protecting the Hauraki Gulf, reducing the protected area of the marine park and inviting commercial fishing in the depleted seascape. ...5 days ago
- Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation
The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf. ...5 days ago
- Release: No time to slow-down on disaster response
Labour welcomes the release of the Government’s response to the report into the North Island weather events but urges it to push forward with legislative change this term. ...1 week ago
- Release: Where are the 100,000 families?
Nicola Willis has once again shown her promises are based on ghost families, with less than half registering for the FamilyBoost payments. ...1 week ago
- Significant step forward for Pasifika justice in Aotearoa
The Green Party has welcomed news that MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill has moved forward with unanimous support from the select committee. ...1 week ago
- Release: Bill restoring Samoan Citizenship progresses
Labour is pleased the Samoan Citizenship Bill has unanimous support as it enters second reading. ...1 week ago
- Release: National bent the rules to keep coalition commitment
The National Government bent all sorts of rules to give $24 million to Gumboot Friday just to fulfil a coalition agreement. ...1 week ago
- Greens support call for divestment from illegal Israeli settlements
The Green Party echoes a call for banks to divest from entities linked to Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, and says Crown Financial Institutions should follow suit. ...1 week ago
- Release: National’s deficit stories don’t hold up
Te Whatu Ora’s finances have deteriorated under the National Government, turning a surplus into a deficit, and breaking promises made to New Zealanders to pay for it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Politics over police safety puts shame on PM
The Prime Minister’s decision to back his firearms minister on gun law changes despite multiple warnings shows his political judgement has failed him yet again. ...1 week ago
- Govt Gambling Safety of our Moana
Yesterday the government announced the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking across Aotearoa. Trans-Tasman Resources’ plan to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki was one of these projects. “We are disgusted but not surprised with the government’s decision to fast-track the decimation of our seabed,” said Te ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets
At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system. ...2 weeks ago
- Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment
The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Fast track list reveals Govt’s backroom deals
The coalition Government’s backroom deals with coal and ironsands mining companies have finally been revealed – and it’s not pretty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicole McKee unfit for firearms portfolio
Fresh questions have been raised about the conduct of the Firearms Minister after revelations she misled New Zealanders about her role in stopping gun reforms prior to the mosque shootings. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: The question remains… will schools get their classrooms?
Education Minister Erica Stanford still can’t confirm when the Government will deliver the $2 billion worth school upgrades she cut earlier this year. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt failing NZ’s manufacturing sector
Labour acknowledges the hundreds of workers today losing their jobs as the Winstone Pulp mill closes and what it will mean for their families and community. ...2 weeks ago
- Tell National what their $216m tobacco tax cut could have funded instead
In Budget '24, the National Government put aside $216 million to pay for a tax cut which mainly benefitted one company: global tobacco giant Philip Morris. Instead of giving hundreds of millions to big tobacco, National could have spent the money sensibly, on New Zealand. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt has made up a cost crisis to justify cuts
Te Whatu Ora’s financials from the last year show the Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify making cuts that are already affecting patient care. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world
The New Zealand business community is unique. It has always punched well above its weight on the world stage. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori Statement on Israel & Iran
Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Costello makes a fool of the PM
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...2 weeks ago
- Work to do on climate adaptation
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...2 weeks ago
- End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus
The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Government breaks promise on ferry plan
Time has run out for Nicola Willis who has failed to keep her promise to deliver a solution to replace the Interislander ferries by today. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports marches for better health
Labour supports Buller and Dunedin communities who are marching today and calling on the Government to act urgently to fix the health crisis. ...3 weeks ago
- West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training
In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost ...2 hours ago - Government praises important progress on East Coast clean-up
Important progress is being made on cleaning-up and strengthening resilience in the Tairāwhiti region, 18 months on from the devastating weather events in 2023, Forestry Minister Todd McClay said today. To date the Government has committed $110 million resulting in approximately 440,000 tonnes of slash and debris being removed from ...4 hours ago
- New members appointed to NZ On Air Board
Brett Banner and Philip Crump have been appointed to the NZ On Air Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint two members who bring such fantastic media skills and experience. “Mr Banner has a strong commercial and accounting background which will be a great ...4 hours ago
- Health Minister to attend international meetings in the Philippines and Singapore
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti will travel to Manila this weekend, leading New Zealand’s delegation to the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Committee Meeting. “Significant health challenges remain in our diverse Western Pacific region, which is also prone to the impacts of climate change,” says Dr Reti. “Being represented ...5 hours ago
- Residence portion of the Military-Style Academies complete
The residence portion of the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North is wrapping up, with the young people now transitioning back into the community with support, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. Ten young people have spent three months ...6 hours ago
- New Zealand takes next step in dairy dispute with Canada
New Zealand has today notified the Canadian Government and other Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) members that it has triggered mandatory negotiations in a dairy dispute with Canada, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. In September last year, a Panel of Arbitrators ruled in favour of New Zealand, finding that Canada had breached its obligations under the CPTPP by ...11 hours ago
- Instrumental change for NZSO Board
Three new members are being appointed to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Board to help ensure it’s focused on bringing value to New Zealanders, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The trio of new members, James Christmas, Karyn Rachtman and Susannah Robinson, have expertise across fundraising, philanthropy, Crown governance, sector experience ...23 hours ago
- New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Boards Appointment
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the appointment of Fletcher Tabuteau as Chair of the Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) Board. Mr Tabuteau (Ngāti Ngāraranui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue) was a teacher at Rotorua Boys' High School, a lecturer in Economics, and head of ...23 hours ago
- Government investing in Auckland and Wellington rail reliability
The Government has announced how $101.7 million in Budget 2024 funding for metro rail networks will be split between Auckland and Wellington to address the maintenance backlog and deliver more reliable services for commuters in our main cities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Auckland metro rail network will receive $48.8 ...23 hours ago
- Changes to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
The Government is continuing to stabilise the immigration system by tightening the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV). “Despite New Zealand being internationally regarded as a safe, fair and highly attractive place to work, we are not immune to migrant exploitation. This is unacceptable,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. “The ...1 day ago
- Construction to start on Nelson Hospital ED expansion
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says construction on a significant expansion to Nelson Hospital’s emergency department marks a major milestone in work to improve services for the local community. “Next week, Health New Zealand will be breaking ground on a $10.6 million expansion to the existing ED, which will increase ...1 day ago
- Government releases targeted actions to improve road safety
The Government has today released targeted actions to improve road safety that are focused on increasing road policing and enforcement, targeting the highest contributing factors to fatal crashes, and delivering new and safe roading infrastructure, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Increased alcohol breath testing and introducing roadside drug testing Reviewing ...1 day ago
- More benefit exits into work as sanctions increase
The Government’s relentless focus on welfare that works and holding job seekers accountable through sanctions saw a year-on-year increase in the number of people moving from benefits into work in the September quarter, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Despite the economic gloom the Government inherited, 16,071 people ...1 day ago
- Priorities set for Retirement Villages Act review
E te huru mā, haramai e noho. E tu te huru pango, hanatu e haere.The coalition Government is progressing mahi in the Retirement Villages Act 2003 review and focusing it on the areas of highest importance, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka and Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced today. “It’s ...2 days ago
- Anzac Day commemorations will honour more veterans
The Government is making changes so that more veterans who have served New Zealand will be formally recognised as part of official Anzac Day commemorations, Veterans Minister Chris Penk and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith say. “Veterans often tell me that recognition is the most meaningful form of ...2 days ago
- Trade Minister to attend G20 meeting in Brazil
Trade Minister Todd McClay will attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Brasilia next week. “As an exporting nation reliant on trade, this is a significant opportunity to boost our interests with some of the world’s largest economies and many of our most important trading partners,” ...2 days ago
- More good news for Kiwis
Today’s inflation figures are more good news for New Zealanders, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today that the inflation rate had dropped from 3.3 per cent in the year to June to 2.2 per cent in the year to September. That is down from 5.6 per cent just ...2 days ago
- Welfare traffic light system off to good start
Data from the first full calendar month of the Government’s welfare traffic light system shows more beneficiaries are doing what is required of them, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. A total of 331,530 people were in the system at the end of September due to having work-related ...2 days ago
- Dairy export quota Bill passes first reading
The Government’s work to boost export value has hit another milestone, with a new dairy Bill passing its first reading in Parliament today, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “The Dairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill will modernise New Zealand’s dairy export quota system to grow export and farmgate ...3 days ago
- Government extends fight against cybercrime
Legislation that will help protect New Zealanders from cybercrime has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “11% of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2023, causing significant financial harm and emotional distress. “The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe ...3 days ago
- “Advancing New Zealand and Asia relations”
Good evening Before discussing the ‘advancing of New Zealand and Asia relations’, we would like to congratulate the Asia New Zealand Foundation and acknowledge its significant contribution to New Zealand’s relationship with, and understanding of, Asia over the past 30 years. Can we also welcome Thitinan Pongsudhirak, one of ...3 days ago
- Speech to the Institute of Finance Professionals NZ, 2024 Conference
Kia ora koutou Greetings from Wellington. I am sorry I can’t be with you in person today, but I’m delighted that I can talk to you virtually. I’d like to begin by acknowledging your chair Bill Goodwin and members of your board. I’d also like to acknowledge the fitness of ...3 days ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Thailand, attend Indonesian Presidential inauguration
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling this week to Bangkok for talks with his Thai counterpart, and to Jakarta to attend the inauguration of Indonesia’s next President, Prabowo Subianto. “New Zealand is committed to our Comprehensive Partnership with Indonesia, and our shared ties as democracies in the Indo-Pacific region,” Mr ...3 days ago
- Economic growth on the Fast-track
The one-stop-shop Fast-track Approvals Bill, and the 149 projects listed in the Bill, will help rebuild our struggling economy and kick-start economic growth across the country, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “Since 2022, New Zealand has battled anaemic levels of economic growth. If we want Kiwi kids to stop ...4 days ago
- Sir Brian Roche new Public Service Commissioner
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Roche as the next Public Service Commissioner. “I am delighted to appoint Sir Brian to this crucial leadership position,” Mr Luxon says. “Sir Brian is a highly respected New Zealander who has held significant roles across the public and ...4 days ago
- Government and sector to improve Forestry ETS Registry
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced the establishment of a Forestry Sector Reference Group to drive better outcomes from the Forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry. “We are committed to working with the forestry sector to provide greater transparency and engagement on the forestry ETS registry as we work to ...4 days ago
- Stronger fuel reserves to drive economic stability
New Zealand’s fuel resilience is being strengthened to ensure people and goods keep moving and connected to the world in case of disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “Fuel security is a priority for the Coalition Government. We are acutely aware of how important engine fuels are to our ...4 days ago
- Government to provide significant regulatory relief for business
The Government will reform New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system to provide significant regulatory relief for businesses, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will ensure streamlined, workable, and effective regulations for businesses, law enforcement, and ...5 days ago
- Big year of building reforms
Significant reforms are underway in the building and construction portfolio to help enable more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a construction sector that ...5 days ago
- Minister to attend cyber security, NATO meetings
Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins will travel to Singapore and Brussels for Singapore International Cyber Week and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting. New Zealand has been invited to attend the NATO meeting alongside representatives from the European Union and the ...5 days ago
- Significant protection for Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana
Toitū ngā pōito o te kupenga a Toitehuatahi! A Government commitment to restoring the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana will enhance the area for generations to come, Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says. Cabinet recently agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill into law, ...5 days ago
- Overseas investment changes to get New Zealand off the bench
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says the Government has committed to action on overseas investment, where the country’s policy settings are the worst in the developed world and holding back wage growth. “Cabinet has agreed to the principles for reforming our overseas investment law. At the core of these principles ...6 days ago
- Luxon wraps up East Asia Summit
The annual East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Laos this week underscored the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. "My first participation in an EAS has been a valuable opportunity to engage ...7 days ago
- Feedback will improve health and safety system and grow the economy
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the feedback from the health and safety roadshow will help shape the future of health and safety in New Zealand and grow the economy. “New Zealand’s poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions,” says Ms van ...1 week ago
- Government releases more Fast-track detail
The Government has released the independent Advisory Group’s report on the 384 projects which applied to be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, and further detail about the careful management of Ministers’ conflicts of interest, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. Independent Advisory Group Report The full report has now been ...1 week ago
- Government releases plan for affordable electricity
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...1 week ago
- Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...1 week ago
- Brakes put on contractor and consultant spending
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...1 week ago
- Accounts confirm need for spending restraint
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...1 week ago
- Minister to co-chair carbon market negotiations at COP29
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...1 week ago
- When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion cr...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University ABC Brendan Cowell’s 2021 novel Plum has expertly wed two seemingly unnatural partners: rugby league and poetry. Cowell’s story is both an ode of love to rugby league, and a powerful ...46 mins ago - Darleen Tana wants more time after Greens vote to waka-jump her
One of the former Green MP's lawyers says she wants the party to wait for a 'definitive' court ruling before booting her out of Parliament. ...1 hour ago - Do IUDs cause breast cancer? Here’s what the evidence says
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Montgomery, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Western Australia PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock A new study has found a link between hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) and breast cancer. The research is important, but media reports of a large ...1 hour ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Kōauau kōiwi’ by Ruby Solly
A new poem by Ruby Solly. Kōauau kōiwi Ko au ko te iwi It starts with mouth on bone But really it starts anywhere it can From the centre of a note from the tuwiri drill shaping black holes to the marrowless tunnel of DNA singing the songs of its ...2 hours ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending October 18
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Faber & Faber, $37) According to The Bookseller, hardback sales of Intermezzo ...2 hours ago
- Petone’s proposed name change to Pito One now sits with Minister
Chris Penk will have the final say on if the suburb returns to its former name. ...2 hours ago
- How did public service leaders talk to staff about Robodebt? What they said – or didn’t – is r...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Casey, Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University In July 2023, after the release of the damning Robodebt Royal Commission report, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared: it was wrong, it was illegal, it should never have happened ...3 hours ago
- Can NZ’s supply chain build enough resilience and sustainability to survive the next global crisis...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Fehrer, Associate Professor, Business School, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau New Zealand is highly reliant on trade – particularly on maritime routes, which are lifelines for exports and imports. Key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and wholesale and retail trade ...3 hours ago
- Luxon Buys Massive Fight With Public Over Fast-track Projects As Select Committee Set To Report Back
Communities Against the Fast-track says the response and concern to the Bill has been huge already. 27,000 submissions were made, 20,000 marched in Auckland against the Fast-track, and a hīkoi led by Ngāti Toa arrived at parliament in May to oppose ...3 hours ago - Green letter day for Darleen Tana
Comment: “From the outset,” says Chlöe Swarbrick, “we have done all we can to navigate the situation in front of us with our values as the guiding star”.Let’s just pause there. That’s some high-falutin’ rhetoric from the co-leader of a party that’s just abandoned what was once among its more closely ...3 hours ago - A sister’s last hope to save her brother from addiction – David Vincent Smith’s He Ain’t Hea...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Thompson, Lecturer, Australian Catholic University Bonsai Fims So, on we go His welfare is of my concern No burden is he to bear We’ll get there For I know He would not encumber me ...3 hours ago
- Same same, but different: Our reviews of The Office Australia
Can the fresh, gender-flipped new version win over this office’s diehard Office fans? Our panel assesses the first few episodes. The Office UK was one of the most defining comedies of the early 2000s, making stars out of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and launching a whole industry of David ...4 hours ago
- Government anti-violence initiatives stop and start: ‘There is a lack of a cohesive plan’...
Nine ministries are embarking on a second national anti-violence plan after the first multimillion-dollar plan delivered patchy results. ...6 hours ago
- Tech can help kids connect with nature and go outdoors – here are tips to make it work
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kellie Vella, Postdoctoral researcher in Human-Computer Interaction, Queensland University of Technology RasaBasa/Shutterstock Young children’s lives are increasingly spent indoors. They have less access to green spaces, their parents are concerned about safety, and there’s also the draw of digital entertainment. This ...7 hours ago
- Preventing falls: Google Street View offers a quick way to assess risks for older New Zealanders
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angela Curl, Senior lecturer, Department of Population Health, University of Otago Google Street View has fast become a tool for people trying to get the feel for a community, look at real estate – and sometimes prank the tech giant when its ...7 hours ago
- Cheap grog, new drunkenness offence and mandatory rehab: why 9 experts think proposed NT alcohol ref...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Wright, Alcohol and other Drugs Program Lead, Menzies School of Health Research logoboom/Shutterstock The new Northern Territory government is planning a swathe of changes to alcohol policy. If implemented, these changes fly in the face of what evidence shows ...7 hours ago
- Why are some Australian students having to pay to do PE at public schools?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Amy Sears, Lecturer, School of Education, Charles Sturt University mattimix/Shutterstock Health and physical education is one of the key subjects students learn at school. In Australia it is mandatory for students from the first year of school to Year ...7 hours ago
- A decade after the US version ended, Australia remakes The Office. It’s not new, but it’s funny
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philippa Burne, Honorary Fellow (Screenwriting), Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne/PhD Candidate, UniSA Creative, The University of Melbourne Amazon/Bunya Entertainment Firstly, let’s revisit the question: why are they remaking The Office? Just over ten years after the United ...7 hours ago
- With early voting under way, the US presidential race is all but tied
Donald Trump’s ‘increasingly unstable and unhinged’ behaviour is providing fodder for Kamala Harris as they enter the final stretch. This is an excerpt from The World Bulletin, our weekly global current affairs newsletter exclusively for Spinoff Members. Sign up here. With less than three weeks until election day, early voting ...7 hours ago
- White-tailed spiders: Innocent scapegoat or dangerous super-pest?
Once and for all: are white-tailed spiders dangerous or not? Here in New Zealand we have precious few animals capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm, and jealously guard and cherish the few we have. The katipō spider, the redback spider and the white-tailed spider are our holy trinity of dangerous ...7 hours ago
- Green’s Chlöe Swarbrick on Darleen Tana and the party’s ‘trying’ year
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has told Morning Report it had been a 'trying' year for her party. ...7 hours ago
- Green Party co-lead Chlöe Swarbrick on Darleen Tama and the party’s ‘trying’ year
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has told Morning Report it had been a 'trying' year for her party. ...7 hours ago
- LNP is set for an easy win in Queensland, but its first term may pose a much greater challenge
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Williams, Associate Professor, Griffith University, Griffith University It’s long been assumed the Queensland election of October 26 – to elect the state’s 58th (and second fixed, four-year) parliament – would be a tough ask for a tired-looking Labor government seeking a ...7 hours ago
- ‘The waters become corrupt, the air infected’: here’s how Ancient Greeks and Romans grappled w...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, researching Greco-Roman antiquity, The University of Melbourne Today the perilous state of the environment is often in the news. Many stories describe how Earth is being damaged by human beings and discuss ways to prevent this. These ...7 hours ago
- The Greens draw a long line under the Tana saga
The dead rat has been swallowed with unanimous support to use the party-hopping rule, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...8 hours ago
- Who is Benjamin Doyle, who the Greens want to replace Darleen Tana?
The Green Party is now one step from ousting Tana. Here's what we know about the person most likely to replace her. ...9 hours ago
- Select committee submissions: Polishing laws with both experts and experience
The House - Attending Parliament's select committees can be an education, but not always the one you might expect. ...10 hours ago
- NZ escalates long-running dairy trade dispute with Canada, triggers compulsory negotiations
The two countries have locked horns for years over NZ dairy exporters' access to the Canadian market. ...10 hours ago
- NZ escalates dairy dispute with Canada
Govt triggers negotiations with Canada over trade dispute, saying it must stand up for NZers’ rights The post NZ escalates dairy dispute with Canada appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Government should treat pandemics as security threat, not just health risk – Sir Ashley Bloomf...
Pandemics can threaten NZ's social and economic security and a "whole of government" response is required, former director-general of health says. ...11 hours ago
- Most fast-track panellists picked by ministers, political parties
Just two of the six people appointed to pick the projects written into the fast-track law were nominated by government agencies. ...11 hours ago
- Final call to oust former Green MP Darleen Tana from Parliament now with Speaker
The embattled MP's future now lies in the hands of Speaker Gerry Brownlee after the Greens voted to waka-jump her. ...11 hours ago
- Barilla v Barilla, Sportify v Spotify: Two big trademark wins for two little NZ businesses
An Auckland eatery and Taupō sports retailer are two recent winners in trademark battles against huge overseas corporations. If you walked into a dumpling house named Barilla, would you expect to be served up a bowl of pasta? How about asking for your favourite album at a sports retailer named ...11 hours ago
- Schoolgirl’s head-spinning path to higher honours
As the White Ferns inspire the next generation with their performances at the T20 World Cup, Rishika Jaswal is proof of the impact New Zealand’s best players can have on our young cricketers.The 17-year-old leg spinner recently received her first domestic contract from the Auckland Hearts, having made her senior ...11 hours ago
- Don’t bank on OCR cut to help housing affordability
The Reserve Bank’s expected cut of the official cash rate by 50 basis points was greeted with considerable relief by many mortgage owners after several banks said they were lowering home loan interest rates. But can we expect the move to help housing affordability? I wouldn’t bank on it.At least ...11 hours ago
- Pandemics an issue of national security, experts argue
A new paper co-authored by Sir Ashley Bloomfield and professor David Murdoch highlights ways to improve New Zealand’s pandemic planning The post Pandemics an issue of national security, experts argue appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- ‘A ghost town’: Car lanes in the city are stuffing up Wellington
Wellington City Council needs to cut pet projects and non-essentials, like its $1.1 billion car lane budget. As ministers digested the latest chapter in the saga of Wellington City Council’s financial problems on Monday, bike traffic was backed up in front of the Embassy Theatre. Bells rang, pedals clunked and ...11 hours ago
- Crown cover-up? Limiting liability
Crown cover-up? A five-part Newsroom series looks at the political and legal strategy the Crown used for decades to marginalise and defeat claims from victims of state abuse and torture. Part 1 – When the state turned on its victims Part 2 – Legal trickery Part 3 – Full disclosure ...11 hours ago
- Warning of legal battles, damage to relationship over Treaty clauses review
A Cabinet paper cautions of the risks associated with the controversial policy to review Te Tiriti o Waitangi provisions The post Warning of legal battles, damage to relationship over Treaty clauses review appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- A stroll through the booming book town of Featherston
Once upon a time, there was a dreary little North Island town, just over the hill from Wellington, that you could drive through on your way to far more interesting places.It had a main street of tired looking shops, certainly nothing that would make you stop on your way to ...11 hours ago
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