Blowout in costs of Roads of National Significance
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10:06 am, November 17th, 2024 - 33 comments
Categories: climate change, Environment, national, same old national, simeon brown, transport -
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There was further unwelcome news for National this week with the release of figures concerning the costs of National’s Roads of National Significance or as Matt L at Greater Auckland describes them, roads of National Party Significance.
Waka Kotahi’s figures suggest that costs could be anything between $5 billion and $15 billion greater than National claimed in its campaign material last year.
The figures have always been dubious. When they were released Labour’s David Parker pointed out that some of the costings were way out of kilter.
In particular:
“Tauriko West SH29 – National has put the cost at $1.9 billion. Waka Kotahi’s latest estimates put the cost range at $2.5 – $3.25 billion ($600 million – $1.35 billion short).
Warkworth to Wellsford Expressway – National says $2.2 billion. The latest Waka Kotahi estimate is $3.5 – $4 billion ($1.3 – $1.8 billion short).
Cambridge to Piarere – National says $721 million. The latest Waka Kotahi estimate is $1.5 – $2 billion ($780 million – $1.28 billion short).
Whangarei to Port Marsden – National says $1.3 billion. The latest Waka Kotahi estimate is $1.41 – $1.67 billion ($110 – $367 million short).”
The latest Waka Kotahi cost estimates suggest that the cost of the Warkworth to Wellsford Expressway and the Cambridge to Piarere motorway have miraculously decreased. It may be the scope of both projects have been wound back.
But the overall cost, originally put by National at $17.3 billion is now at best $22.3 billion and at worst $32 billion. That is a lot of Cook Island Rail ferries to cancel to meet this cost.
Here are the details:
No doubt National will barrel on ahead with the projects despite the benefit cost ratios heading south and despite the fact that we are in a climate crisis and should be spending on infrastructure that will address this, not induce demand for more car driving.
And something surprising happened while I was researching this post.
I went to the National Party website to find its Transport for the Future document to check on its costings.
The document was not there which seems weird.
When I checked the way back machine the link to the document used to be there. In fact in May of this year it was still available.
Here is a screen grab of the archive.
And here is a screengrab of the site as it is currently.
The other policy pages appear to be intact and still link to other policy documents from last year. As far as I can tell the Transport for the Future document is the only one missing.
The document is however available on the web. Interest.co.nz has a downloadable copy here.
But is National hiding its policy documents hoping to frustrate efforts to review what it previously promised?
That is pretty tricky.
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In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. ...5 days ago
- Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Government’s latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...7 days ago
- COURT OF APPEAL RULING: SFO METHODS “OVERREACH, UNLAWFUL, OPPRESSIVE”
Today the Court of Appeal has found the Serious Fraud Office has been acting indiscriminately and unlawfully throughout an eight year long investigation. The SFO has shown their incompetence and arrogance and shown to be abusing their authority to conduct its own overreaching and unlawful fishing expeditions. The Court of Appeal said the SFO has relied on its misuse of compulsory interview ...7 days ago
- Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...1 week ago
- Waititi Orders Police Withdraw from Matapihi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki is demanding that the Police Minister immediately remove the heavy Police presence in the Matapihi community, as hundreds of officers saturate the Western Bay of Plenty area. “Minister Mitchell must intervene immediately and order the removal of the armed Police presence in ...1 week ago
- Release: Opposition parties unite on way forward to protect ECE
Early childhood education needs to be treated as a public good, say Labour, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori in their newly released report of findings from public hearings they held into the Government’s ECE Regulatory Review. ...1 week ago
- Government’s First Year a ‘Catastrophe for Māori’
Te Pāti Māori is calling the Government’s first year a catastrophe for Māori, following a year of policies that have done nothing but marginalise tangata-whenua. Today marks one year since the coalition was sworn into power. “This year has been an absolute catastrophe for Māori. This Government has fast-tracked us back ...1 week ago
- Release: 1500 Te Whatu Ora cuts will hurt New Zealanders’ health
Massive cuts across Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora demonstrate National’s willingness to risk the health of New Zealanders. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government to make public transport more expensive… again
The Government’s decision to push for significant fare increases on buses and trains over the next few years is a huge blow to communities across the country. ...1 week ago
- Release: National has given up on climate action
Climate action is missing from the list of things National is patting themselves on the back for one year on from becoming government. ...1 week ago
- Public transport fare hikes a disaster
The Government’s directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for communities across the country. ...1 week ago
- Release: Minister leaves Community Housing Providers out in the cold
Housing Minister Chris Bishop’s speech to Community Housing Providers today should have been titled ‘we want you to build houses, but we refuse to spend money so you’re on your own’. ...1 week ago
- Green Party appalled by woeful Government offer to school support staff
Support staff across Aotearoa have been dealt yet another devastating blow with the release of the latest collective agreement offer from the Government. ...1 week ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins sad to hear about Nikki Kaye
"The news today that Nikki Kaye has passed away after her long battle with cancer is incredibly sad," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government should be transparent on live exports
Targeted consultation on reinstating live cattle exports by sea won’t allow the New Zealand public to have their say. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ’s global climate rankings plummet as Govt removes agriculture from ETS
The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoa’s reputation on climate action plummets. ...2 weeks ago
- Failed boot camp experiment must end
As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi. ...2 weeks ago
- Gender-affirming care must centre evidence and health needs, not political posturing
The Ministry of Health has today released an evidence brief regarding the use of puberty blockers in gender-affirming healthcare, amid moves by the government to limit access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National doesn’t care about manufacturing
The National Government is walking away from our manufacturing sector with constant reports of closures and job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Government to partner with private sector to plant trees on low value Crown land
Ministers responsible for Climate Change, Forestry, Conservation and Land Information today announced that Cabinet has agreed to explore public-private partnerships to plant trees on Crown land, supporting New Zealand’s climate change targets and creating more jobs. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says that nature-based solutions is a key part to ...6 hours ago - International data confirms maths transformation
New international data validates the Government’s plan to transform maths education in New Zealand, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the longest-running, large-scale international assessment of mathematics and science and takes place every four years. While 2023 results show an improved ...8 hours ago
- Government partners to boost rural productivity in Hawke’s Bay
The Government is partnering with Hawke’s Bay farmers and the Regional Council to improve farm productivity and build resilience against adverse weather events, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay announced today at a ceremony in Hawke’s Bay. “The Government is co-investing $995,000 to grow the Land for Life (LFL) pilot programme ...10 hours ago
- Peters visit to New Caledonia concludes
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed his visit to New Caledonia, New Zealand’s closest neighbour. “Over the last few days, we have listened to and learned from a wide range of people in New Caledonia - so that we can better understand the acute challenges it faces,” Mr Peters says. ...11 hours ago
- More charter schools to open Term 1 2025 announced
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Christchurch North College, The BUSY School, Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao, Ecole Francaise Internationale Auckland and North West Creative Arts College will open in term one 2025 as charter schools. “This announcement is another significant step in the Government’s efforts to ...12 hours ago
- New chair appointed to Heritage New Zealand
Dame Jo Brosnahan DNZM QSO has been appointed chair of the Heritage New Zealand Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Dame Jo has extensive governance and business experience which has been recognised in various Honours, notably in 2023 when she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order ...13 hours ago
- Survey results to drive change for tourism and hospitality workforce
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the data released today about the hospitality and tourism workforce. “Two of my key priorities include supporting the people who make up the tourism and hospitality workforce and growing the value of international tourism. In order to grow New Zealand’s international tourism ...14 hours ago
- Upgrading substations to improve reliability for Wellington metro rail
Wellington commuters will benefit from a $137.2 million funding boost that will deliver long overdue upgrades to substations on the city’s metro rail network and improve the reliability of services, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Our Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that reduces congestion, boosts productivity to support economic growth, ...15 hours ago
- Record $434 million in community grants from Lotto NZ
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says Lotto NZ has granted $434 million to the community in the past financial year, an increase of 15 percent from the previous year. “It’s fantastic to see an increase in funding going to important community projects, providing opportunities for New Zealanders to ...15 hours ago
- Major review of competition to lift productivity
The Government has launched an ambitious review of New Zealand’s competition rules to combat monopolies and improve economic productivity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Improving competition is one of the most important ways to boost productivity and lift living standards,” Mr Bayly says. “When competition is working ...16 hours ago
- NZ-Australia Ministers to discuss foreign policy, defence
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins will host the second Australia and New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ANZMIN) in Auckland tomorrow. “The ANZMIN is an important trans-Tasman forum for strengthening our alliance relationship and developing shared approaches to foreign policy, security, and ...16 hours ago
- Funding boost to strengthen Maritime’s rescue team
The Government has approved funding to increase staffing at Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre, ensuring a critical boost in its search and rescue operations, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say.“Our Government is delivering an annual funding boost to New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre to ...16 hours ago
- Government releases independent scientific review on biogenic methane science and targets
The Government will carefully consider the findings of the independent review on New Zealand’s biogenic methane science and targets, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, and Associate Ministers of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard, and Mark Patterson have announced today. The panel of highly regarded, New Zealand ...1 day ago
- New courthouses for Whanganui and Papakura
The Government has agreed to fund new courthouses for both Whanganui and Papakura to help improve access to justice and court timeliness, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Minister Nicole McKee say. “In both cases the current buildings are not fit for purpose and need to be replaced. Staying put ...1 day ago
- Positive progress for the NZ ETS
The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) auction today has resulted in a partial clearance, showing work to restore credibility in the market is working, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Today’s auction result shows the market is moving in the right direction to restore credibility in the NZ ...1 day ago
- Catalyst Fund updated for global impact
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins today announced an updated plan for the Catalyst Fund to be laser focused on clear outcomes and priority research areas. “We are taking a more strategic approach to science funding across the board, as we seek to deliver greater economic impact for ...2 days ago
- Marsden Fund refocused for science with a purpose
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins today announced the Government has updated the Marsden Fund to focus on core scientific research that helps lift our economic growth and contributes to science with a purpose. “The Government has been clear in its mandate to rebuild our economy. We are ...2 days ago
- Speech to Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and members
Removing rewards for poor employee behaviour Good afternoon everyone, and thank you Malcolm for that lovely introduction. It’s wonderful to be here today at MJH Engineering. Thank you to the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and MJH Engineering for inviting me to speak and share some exciting announcements with you ...2 days ago
- Govt delivers Māori Education Action Plan
The Government has released its Māori Education Action Plan which sets out its approach to deliver better outcomes in the classroom for Māori students, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “25 per cent of learners within our schooling system are Māori. While many achieve excellent results, on average Māori experience worse ...2 days ago
- Removing rewards for poor employee behaviour
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says it is important employees are not rewarded in the personal grievance system for poor behaviour or performance and is introducing changes to personal grievances to strengthen employee accountability. “Simplifying personal grievances is a policy ACT campaigned on, in particular, removing the ...2 days ago
- Protecting NZ food production and ETS credibility
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts have today announced clear rules to limit farm to forestry conversions entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). “These changes deliver on a key election commitment to protect food production for farmers while providing ETS certainty for foresters,” Mr ...2 days ago
- Fuel companies required to store more jet fuel
New rules will be introduced that require fuel companies to hold at least 10 days of jet fuel near the country’s busiest airport to provide resilience against supply disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “For more than seven years fuel companies have held jet fuel supplies at lower than ...2 days ago
- Strong growth in international student enrolments
New Zealand’s international education sector is rebounding strongly, up 24 per cent year-on-year and 6 per cent above 2023 totals, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. “With 73,535 enrolments between January to August 2024, more enrolments have been achieved in just two terms this year than we saw ...2 days ago
- Speech to Early Childhood Education sector– Reducing red tape and barriers to ECE
When I was delegated responsibility for the ECE Sector from the Minister for Education it became immediately clear that my focus had to be on reducing red tape and regulatory obstacles for the early learning sector. While there is huge demand for ECEs from families across New Zealand, numbers show ...2 days ago
- Democracy restored to transport in Auckland
The Government is restoring democratic accountability to transport decision-making in Auckland, ensuring voters can hold their elected representatives responsible for the city's transport policies, Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say."Aucklanders have become increasingly frustrated with how transport decisions are made and how little their ...2 days ago
- Health NZ makes progress on financial recovery
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand is making encouraging progress recovering from a financial shambles left behind by the previous government. “Health NZ reported today that its revised budget for 2024/25 is a $1.1 billion deficit,” Dr Reti says. “That’s significantly lower than the $1.76 billion deficit they ...2 days ago
- Wait times for veterans improve
Additional funding in Budget 2024 has reduced the waiting list of veterans seeking medical and rehabilitation support, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. “When we were elected a year ago, the Government made a commitment to improve New Zealand’s public services. As Veterans Minister this means improving access for veterans to ...2 days ago
- 30 per cent growth in international visitor spend
The latest International Visitor Survey shows that New Zealand continues to bounce back and the economy is benefiting from the shifting trends in international visitation, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. International Visitor Survey results for the year ending September 2024 released today show a promising increase of 30 ...3 days ago
- New data shows fewer victims of violent crime
New data shows an encouraging reduction in the number of victims of violent crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 14,000 fewer victims of crime nationwide over the 12 months to August 2024, than there were over the 12 months ...3 days ago
- Government open for business on market-led infrastructure proposals
The Government has released new guidelines for market-led proposals to clarify how market participants can contribute innovative ideas for solving New Zealand’s infrastructure problems, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. A market-led approach is where a private sector player wishes to deal directly with Government with ...3 days ago
- Speech to Stuff Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...3 days ago
- Speech to The Post Infrastructure Panel Event
Introduction Good afternoon to you all. I am glad to be here today to discuss changes we are making to the infrastructure system, which will lay the foundations for New Zealand to prosper. Thanks to Infrastructure New Zealand and The Post for organising this event, and Chapman Tripp for hosting ...3 days ago
- Targets data positive but action needed on welfare
The second quarterly update on the nine Government targets shows a range of areas moving in the right direction but underlines the need for robust measures to get people off welfare and into work, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “The Government’s ambitious targets put Kiwis first by driving outcomes that ...3 days ago
- More support to help people on benefit into work
Up to 70,000 job seekers are to receive a new, more comprehensive needs assessment of the challenges holding them back from finding work and a personalised job plan to help overcome them. “Individual Job Plans are a significant step forward in the Government’s efforts to provide welfare that works for ...3 days ago
- New Funding and Financing Framework released
Cabinet has agreed to an ambitious new Funding and Financing Framework to help the Crown make smarter and more informed funding and financing decisions, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “Improving the way we fund and finance infrastructure will help drive better value for money from public investment, make public investment ...3 days ago
- Open work rights unlocked for Partners of Skilled Migrants
The Government has today taken steps to ensure New Zealand attracts and retains the workers and skills it needs by returning open work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants. “Starting today, the partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders in higher-skilled roles will be eligible for open work rights. ...4 days ago
- ‘Twelve Days of Giving’ to encourage generosity
Growing the amount of philanthropic giving across New Zealand is the aim of the Twelve Days of Giving campaign launched today alongside Philanthropy New Zealand, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “New Zealand is one of the most charitable countries in the world, with an estimated $3.8 billion worth of ...4 days ago
- NZ welcomes Singapore food security delegation
Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today welcomes a delegation from Singapore, who are in New Zealand for a food security mission. “The visit will strengthen our trade and investment ties and demonstrate how New Zealand’s world-leading agri-food ecosystem can support Singapore’s long-term food security. “This mission will elevate ...4 days ago
- Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopens to walkers
The Government has delivered on its promise to restore public walking access to the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove in time for Summer 2024-2025. The walking track to the famous Coromandel beach - renowned for its natural rock arch feature and idyllic waters – was severely damaged by extreme weather events ...4 days ago
- Increased medicines access continues following budget boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see further increased availability of medicines for Kiwis following the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When this Government assumed office, ...5 days ago
- Defence minister defends defence force: ‘Out there with our tails up’
While the NZDF deals with budget issues, lagging equipment, and the Manawanui aftermath, Judith Collins makes it clear it still has her support. ...3 hours ago - Grattan on Friday: frustrated government can only bite its tongue as it waits on Michele Bullock
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As she reads the economic commentators, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock might, in moments of doubt, wonder whether she’s making a similar mistake to her predecessor Philip Lowe. Lowe ended up discredited because of ...3 hours ago - Call for NZ to step up to bold climate goal of ‘net negative’
The country needs to drastically increase its climate efforts, The Climate Change Commission says . ...5 hours ago
- Why are boys outperforming girls in maths?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Zunica, Lecturer in Mathematics Education, University of Sydney Vitalii Stock/Shutterstock A major international test has revealed a concerning gender gap in maths among Australian school students. In the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Australia’s ...6 hours ago
- The government wants to create a new class of financial adviser for super fund members. Here’s why...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Johnson, Senior Lecturer, Griffith University Yuri A/Shutterstock This week, the government announced details of planned reforms to allow more Australians to access free or low-cost financial advice through their super funds or advice firms. The reforms will create a ...7 hours ago
- Improving notorious Warkworth intersection shelved – again
The Hill Street junction is often described as the worst intersection in New Zealand. ...8 hours ago
- AI weather models can now beat the best traditional forecasts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vassili Kitsios, Senior Research Scientist, Climate Forecasting, CSIRO NASA/GSFC, MODIS Rapid Response Team, Jacques Descloitres A new machine-learning weather prediction model called GenCast can outperform the best traditional forecasting systems in at least some situations, according to a paper by Google ...8 hours ago
- 3 surprising vegan foods that can make you sick this summer
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah McLean, Lecturer in Environmental Health, Swinburne University of Technology Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock It’s a common myth that only food of animal origin, such as meat, seafood, eggs and dairy, can give you food poisoning. But many plant-based foods, such as burgers, ...8 hours ago
- Australians with disability are 4 times more likely to die early – often not due to their disabil...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yi Yang, Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne KieferPix/Shutterstock When Finlay Browne died at just 16 years old, “Down syndrome” was listed on his death certificate as a cause of death. But Finlay did ...8 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney The International Court of Justice International Court of Justice , CC BY-NC-ND Australia has long tried to be two things at once – a trusted friend to Pacific nations in ...9 hours ago
- Nelson City Council joins NZ local bodies voting to sanction Israel
Asia Pacific Report New Zealand’s Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) has congratulated the Nelson City Council on its vote today to boycott companies which trade with illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. The city council (pop. 58,000) — New Zealand’s 15th-largest city — became the latest local body to change ...9 hours ago
- ‘Challenging’ to meet officer target by November 2025 – police
National and NZ First agreed to a two-year deadline in their coalition deal, but a year on, officer numbers have gone backwards. ...9 hours ago
- Trusted partner to the Pacific, or giant fossil fuel exporter? This week, Australia picked a side
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney The International Court of Justice International Court of Justice , CC BY-NC-ND Australia has long tried to be two things at once – a trusted friend to Pacific nations in ...9 hours ago
- Arts Project Australia gives us a small revolution: art reflecting back at us what it is to live in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic Redfern, Associate Professor, School of Art, RMIT University Cathy Staughton, Untitled (after Luna Park Face Witche) 2024, Untitled (Roller Co aster Luna Park) 2012 and Luna Park Dragon 2012 installation view, Intimate Imaginaries, TarraWarra Museum of Art, 2024 Courtesy of ...9 hours ago
- ‘No apology’ from Ayesha Verrall after clash with Health Commissioner Lester Levy
The Labour MP accused Lester Levy of "cooking the books" during a Select Committee. ...9 hours ago
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The government has eliminated Marsden grants for humanities and social sciences. Shanti Mathias explains what Marsden grants are, and why the change has worried so many researchers. OK, so what’s the Marsden Fund? The Marsden Fund was established in the 1990s to provide contestable government funding for research in New ...10 hours ago - France’s government has fallen and political chaos has returned. Here are 3 scenarios for what cou...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Romain Fathi, Senior Lecturer, School of History, ANU / Chercheur Associé at the Centre d’Histoire de Sciences Po, Australian National University France’s minority government led by right-wing Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted in a no-confidence vote, the latest shock to ...11 hours ago
- Many Australians do not like the way politics is reported. Here’s how it can improve
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caroline Fisher, Associate Professor of Communication, University of Canberra If you are reading this article, then you are likely to be part of a minority of Australians who are highly interested in politics and political news. The Digital News Report: Australia ...11 hours ago
- Northern Marianas leaders meet Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in Guam
By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent Northern Marianas Governor Arnold Palacios and Senator Celina Babauta have travelled to Guam to attend a luncheon with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. Taiwan is officially known as the Republic of China (Taiwan). China claims Taiwan as its own territory, ...11 hours ago
- Scientists counted 49 ways Australia is destroying the ecosystems we hold dear – but there is hope
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- Trade Minister Todd McClay to shoulder blame if no India free trade agreement by end of term
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has promised to secure a deal in the next two years. ...11 hours ago
- Trade Minister Toddy McClay to shoulder blame if no India free trade agreement by end of term
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has promised to secure a deal in the next two years. ...11 hours ago
- French school among five new charter schools on way for 2025
A secondary school with a focus on the creative arts and a school providing immersion education in te re Māori are also on the list. ...12 hours ago
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In the worst scenario, we're only months away from hitting the limit, and expansions will be "absolutely critical", Corrections says. ...12 hours ago
- NZ school science results improve – but international testing highlights a stubborn socioeconomic ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathy Buntting, Senior lecturer, School of Education, University of Waikato, University of Waikato The latest international test results have some good news for New Zealand primary school science teachers. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) data show average ...13 hours ago
- Transport Agency to seek first partner for Northland Expressway in the New Year
SH1 Auckland to Whangārei will be four-lanes the whole way, built through three back-to-back PPPs. ...13 hours ago
- $130m million for upgrade Wellington rail substations
More frequent trains are on the cards for Wellington commuters, thanks to a government funding boost. ...13 hours ago
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By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk As French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government has fallen to a motion of no confidence just three months after coming to office, New Caledonia is among the major casualties of France’s ongoing political instability. New Caledonia’s post-riots situation was already difficult, ...14 hours ago
- Government reviewing Commerce Act and Commerce Commission to combat monopolies
MBIE has begun consultation on the review which could give the Commerce Act more power. ...14 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna DeMello, Research Fellow in Public Health, University of Otago Getty Images Vaping rates among young people continue to be a major public health concern, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere. New vape legislation currently before the health select ...14 hours ago
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This National government continues to gaslight those experiencing poverty and they're so clearly out of touch with what's happening on the frontline, it's disappointing, embarrassing and to be frank quite reckless. ...14 hours ago - Juliet Gerrard: Funding the whole pie
Humanities and social sciences research is no longer eligible for the Marsden Fund. It’s a tiny portion of our overall research funding, yet makes a massive impact – and without it, the pie starts to crumble, writes a former Marsden Fund chair. The frustrating thing about crazy ideas is that ...14 hours ago
- Government won’t buy overseas carbon credits to meet targets, Todd McClay says
The Government would more than a year's worth of the whole country's greenhouse gases short of meeting its international promises, by latest calculations. ...14 hours ago
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There may be many more New Zealanders eligible for compensation, the lawyer for a farmer with terminal cancer who has been paid $160,000 says. ...15 hours ago
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Mukpuddy co-founder Ryan Cooper has been working in the animation industry for over 20 years. He shares his advice on staying competitive in the industry, what trends to look out for, and what he looks for when hiring people himself. The animation industry today is more diverse, creative, and far-reaching ...15 hours ago
- A ball-by-ball analysis of backyard cricket at the prime minister’s house
Christopher Luxon hosted the Black Caps and visiting English test team at Premier House earlier this week. Joel MacManus took extensive notes of every moment from the 30 reportable minutes. On Tuesday evening, prime minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the New Zealand and England men’s teams to Premier House ahead of ...15 hours ago
- Ministry of Disabled People fronts to MPs about funding challenges
Whaikaha's chief executive told MPs the way its funding problem had been handled "will not happen again". ...16 hours ago
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We’re both in happy relationships with other people now. Is it insane to reminisce about the time we secretly, almost, maybe fell in love? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera, Many years ago, a platonic relationship with a friend came close to becoming a romantic one. The timing was ...17 hours ago
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Well Micky CoC appear to have fudged or even lied by omission about so many policies, this is no real surprise that their figures don't add up.
Willis’ budget interview with Jack Tame remains a clear pointer.
So much of their arrogant self belief is currently being challenged. You can ignore advice science and sense only so often before you have to eat humble pie, or even lose support which appears to be the outcome.
Excellent work done here Micky, and I would venture another "Tui" moment is coming with Health and Education.
When your key man is scrapping over Milo in Health, and in Education buses to Rural schools have been removed, it shows poor planning.
We also have a contentious bill passed which ignores the need for equity and sells a false idea of equality. This has received a huge challenge both in and out of the House.
CoC have played Jenga with the Economy, and they have destabilised everything to the point people are questioning the Leadership, the direction and the relevance to our values and way of life. Pull out too many foundation blocks and it could all cost far more to repair or replace with deminishing income.
Their reputation as "Better Managers" is looking very hollow, and their money over people approach is creating a double dip recession. imo
Patricia, I cannot disagree with a word you’ve written. However, my faith in politicians and in the people who install them to power is fading as I age. The re-elevation of Trump to power is a case in point. I fear the momentum for such an outcome is also building here, sadly.
Australia is trying to protect their young. We should follow suit.
The "selfies" age has generated a "me" generation, but we in NZ are now also toe to toe with the movers and shakers, developing strategies to cope with climate fall out while working on game changing energy ideas and trials.
Each Government whose strategies deny Climate Change will be quickly caught out and thrown out, as costs soar and insurance is lost.
New Zealand has a sense of community that makes us popular employees overseas, but we also keep New Zealand close to our hearts.
We were building towards sustainability, that is now at risk.
We were building towards Co-governance. That has been stopped.
We were understanding the Treaty more, and that growing pride in our dual heritage is being challenged by an Atlas trained acolyte.
The swell of protest is a tsunami of determination and belief that divisive legislation is not the way forward.
Do not despair Vaughn, many of us are linking hands, supporting reporting informing and comforting those affected by this lot. I hope to be here to vote in 26!!
What has happened to the promised 20,000 more charging sites for EVs?
I'd like an answer to that too.
32 billion….that is almost 11 Dunedin hospitals
well put; a few hospitals and a future proofed inter island link rather than more roads we can't keep in decent knick or likely need with a hollowed out economy.
I read the delays on SH1 repairs north of Hamilton was to give the boy racer minister his desired 110kph rating. FFS
Heh ..more like Roads of National Stupidity
Well, I think we can count out any backtrack on the decision to toll the new Manawatu gorge by-pass highway now.
Simeon Brown announced the government roll out of a whole lot of new speed cameras a few months ago.
Figures.
"If you drive a car, I'll tax the street….."
"TAXMAN (Mr Brown)!"
Get ready for some big increases in RUC and fuel taxes.
They ain't going to get cheaper and they all need doing.
If National can stay in for two terms they may be able to stabilise our reputation as largely too unstable for international transport infrastructure bankers to bother with.
The Tauranga approaches are disgusting particularly the injury and death toll after Cambridge, the SH1 Brynderwyns is a geological blancmange, and the Port Marsden one is critical piece to shifting some load to Northport rather than Auckland.
Would've been great if Labour-Greens had stopped their Auckland SH1 harbour fantasies and light rail debacles, and instead concentrated on delivery with our money. But here we are.
National are about to face the Christmas holiday traffic and we'll see many systemic cracks turn into earthquakes around the country.
A rail link connecting Auckland airport to the city is as or more important than freight roading between Northport and Auckland, and it would be largely paid for by international and domestic tourists rather than low income consumers who bear a disproportionate burden for road infrastructure.
There's a rail line between Northport and Auckland in case you didn't know and it doesn't appear to have many geological issues. Perfect for moving bulk freight to an inland port around Waimauku/Kumeu. Level crossings closer to Auckland than that prevent rail straight to POA so truck it from there.
International transport bankers aren't fucking around with the Brynderwyns in a million years…
Light rail is dead and Labour killed it. Under no combination of coalition is it coming back.
Rail traffic to Northland is less than 5% of total freight and destined to remain so for a long time. The rail line from Whangarei to Northport has no set construction timetable, so there's no rail line to Northport in the future. Investment in rail outside the Golden Triangle will be next-to zero for all the terms National are in.
The SH1 Brynderwyn route is being procured as a PPP by NZTA, and there's likely to be 3 of them. PPP's require private sector infrastructure bankers to structure the risk of both delivery and operation. It's likely they will also get a tolling concession as well.
Didn't answer any of my points but hey ho, I don't care.
You're talking in wish-list language that has no reality anymore.
What's "the injury and death toll after Cambridge" about? Thanks!
Heading south on SH1 from where the Waikato expressway ends, to the Tauranga turnoff, is one of the deadliest stretches of SH1 we have.
They are currently constructing a big roundabout at the Tauranga exit intersection which is a start, but it's really needing to be a full grade separated flyover – just as it is at the northern Huntly end of that expressway.
Thanks, yeah, that's a hostile area, full stop.
Trouble is — even if Labour gets back next term, if even the slightest napkin of a contract has been signed, Labour will commit to finishing the extreme economic damage that these roads are. Because they're a shiver looking for a spine.
One thing Cyclone Gabrielle taught us is that our state highways are a critical lifeline and they need to be strong enough to withstand pretty much anything if supplies are to get through. We're a linear, ultra car dependent country and will be for the foreseeable future.
NZTA run the SH system irrespective of which government is in power, and much of their funding is hypothecated for their system alone – most of that going on state highways.
Nature doesn't care for PPPs.
People care about lifeline connections.
would have been good if we'd also learned that we can't keep all our roads in good condition as the climate crisis deepens, and redesigned society and infrastructure to take that into account.
Sounds set in stone, and we cant do anything about the car depe…
Hang on, we can! Restore public transport, reduce the need for travel, make the streets safe for more economical modes of transport etc etc. And we can have ferries and hospitals from the saved money!
Again, time for them to become a transport agency, rather than a car agency ¯_(ツ)_/¯
This is one of the most depressing pieces on The Standard for some time because it points out so many structural and long term problems caused by the construction of a neo liberal NZ state, with much infrastructure run (or run down) by SOEs as businesses that have to return a ‘profit’. Every Govt. since 1984 has just rolled over the Reserve Bank Act and all the rest of it.
Just as we should be winding back growth, coping with Climate change, promoting EVs, sustainable energy, Rail and coastal shipping, and public transport–the Natzos go crazy on ICE vehicle provision. With a low wage economy how many will afford more tolls or the other costs of this madness?
+1000 Tiger. We need to chuck Simeon and his friends out in 2026.
NZTA isn't an SOE.
It's a Crown Entity. It's moved and funded by specific policy and funding instruments.
Pedantry is only occasionally necessary, I don’t write novellas on The Standard, am referring to the neo liberal state in a general sense and did not refer to Waka Kotahi specifically even though Micky did.
Our motorway dominance was set in place decades before "neoliberalism". They were locked in when our trams were removed by 1956 (apart from Wellington) and the motorways confirmed at around the same time.
You've simply confused your car era and your political era.
Plenty of posts on Greater Auckland explain transport's structural and operational levers so you don't have to research and write novellas.
My take is that neo libs did not keep up the network maintenance, barring certain areas of some tory electorates and bulk truck zones.
As I understand it there was a great post WWII plan for Auckland being a green city with parks and circular layouts rather than a US style freeway city. Sid Holland got in and the trucking lobby got their way basically.
A shame because there are still remnants in towns of the provinces of wide roads, avenues and civic focused architecture.
That plan and the politics around it are set out in Chris Trotters book No Left Turn.
I'd be interested to hear why Labour have come out in favor of this governments' new policy on ppp's.
If anyone has insight
What I'm saying to you is that our figures are rock-solid so lets move on.