Can this government get re-elected?
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10:56 am, February 13th, 2022 - 34 comments
Categories: climate change, covid-19, Economy, energy, health, housing, jacinda ardern, labour, polls, poverty, public transport, transport, uncategorized -
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Where will the votes come from to get Labour a third term?
Prime Minister Ardern promised Parliament this week that Labour would lead New Zealand to “… emerge stronger than ever before.”
In many respects that is true already in efficiency, resilience, and government responsiveness.
But the Prime Minister didn’t communicate what an improved New Zealand would look like.
This government can’t wait three months to re-set itself.
Democratic politics is a popularity contest, and right now a third term is not looking good.
Public Health
The protesters on Parliament grounds may well be incoherent and may yet learn to love “I Write The Songs”, but they are posing the right questions of the government at the right time. We all owe this Labour government a debt of gratitude for their globally outstanding response to the pandamic. But operating the country in a crisis for three years, on top of the multiple other crises we have endured, shows that they can manage but not that they can lead.
The vaccination mandates and the enforced isolation were useful for a time but they need to be replaced with something softer: civil emergencies should suspend human rights for the minimum time possible and that time is up.
No one has any idea whether the entire DHB restructure will deliver any better health outcomes at all, and nor is there any evidence that it will fix the gaping holes in our public health system that the COVID variants have ruthlessly exposed. It is up to the government to demonstrate that it will, because as the Prime Minister points out there are multiple variants still, and “winter is coming”.
The public health “thanks” vote will by 2023 have completely evaporated.
Economy and Budget
Headline unemployment and underemployment is down to historic levels, economic growth is strong, industry and trade are strong though tested. The next stats come out just before Budget is released.
We are showing all the signs of drastic skill shortages in particular areas – which more locals will train for rather than be imported. This is good pressure to have.
But is the government guiding New Zealand to an improved economy? It has done so much with unprecedented wage subsidies and tens of billions of infrastructure investment. The current government has essentially underwritten the wages and salaries of most workers.
The government is expending huge effort taking the place of near-absent worker unions with new comprehensive job-loss compensation, higher minimum wages, stronger collective wage bargaining, and more. Little of that will enable us to be more productive, more efficient, more competitive, or more innovative.
We are well overdue for a government budget that sets out far more than what the government spends, and actually gives strong investment and regulatory signals to markets.
None need be grateful that poverty hasn’t massively expanded over this political term, though it is uncommon for it to be a political issue when unemployment is so low.
Overall it is in the handling of the economy that the government will neutralise the main political attacks through to 2023.
Carbon Zero Plan
We are three months from the 2022-23 budget and three months from the Carbon Zero plan. The Carbon Zero plan will be comprehensive and it will have a very high media and public impact. In the transport sector for example one of the draft targets is to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled by cars and light vehicles by 20% by 2035 through providing better travel options. To remind ourselves, here’s the consultation document.
It will no matter how it is spun be viewed as creeping socialism from a government that is already right in our face.
There are frankly zero new votes in this plan.
Transport
This government has set out the enormous Auckland light rail plan, but unless there is a strong mandate at the next election this project has a less than even chance of occurring. The Wellington plan is patchy but now coming out of design and into build. Until at least 2030 New Zealand has functioning public transport systems capable of shifting emissions significantly in just two of its cities: Auckland and Wellington.
Electric car sales are strong, but our national car fleet is rapidly ageing as available household cash goes into rent or mortgage payments. The government continues to prefer public transport subsidies and capital projects to provide mode choice, rather than regulating old combustion cars out. This approach only works for Auckland and Wellington, not the rest of the country. Again, nothing politically positive for the government out of this.
Energy
In energy, the government has not yet shown how it will deal with two massive issues. The first is the price of petrol and diesel. Carbon trading and global instability will likely increase the cost of petrol further, and without local refining or much storage we are increasingly at the whim of international market spikes and troughs. Powerless government and political risk go hand in hand.
The second is in our electricity bills. This government like most before it is being played by the Tiwai Point owners, and while wind and solar generation is increasing it is the Tiwai Point question that is holding up the entire renewables sector. Government weakness with its generators has led to our highest-ever use of coal since the 1950s. The Lake Onslow battery project isn’t commercially viable since it would only be used for backup, and runs the same high risk of early death as the light rail project. There is no sign the government plans to gain political capital out of price regulation in electricity.
Housing
As I’ve noted before, this government is more interventionist and more active in housing regulation, tax, and construction than any government in the last 50 years. Despite this, rent on median average consumes nearly half of what households earn. That’s higher even than Canada and Australia which have also had real estate booms. Housing construction is booming, consents are up, and the enforced pause on immigration is allowing supply to catch up.
We have a long, long way to go before we are at the inflation points of the late 1980s, but every half % point interest rate increase (of which there will likely be several in 2022) will have a similar disposable income impact on those who own houses as those who rent.
The question of regulating the price of rent will be politically explosive, and to not too fine a point on it almost everyone in parliament owns a rental house.
Water
We have to go back 50 years to find water as an electoral issue, but the 3-Waters programme even has the potential to make the 2022 local government elections slightly interesting – which is some feat. Government hasn’t spelled out what the remaining role for local or regional councils is once it has taken water management off them. It hasn’t recognised that water, like petrol and broadband, has a deep implied reliance across the whole of society. There are still a few around who remember what previous whole-of-network reforms did to us in telecomms, electricity, and rail. Like the health reforms, none can be sure whether water prices will be cheaper or fair, nor how this new form of commercialised supplier + operator oligopoly will work.
This government has left most of its reform initiatives to its last year of the term and they are converging into a godawful mess.
Conclusion
Since the 2020 election this government has seen a precipitous fall in popularity and the Opposition are close to being able to propose an alternative government.
Where will this government gain back the voters it has lost?
Can it improve sufficiently inside 12 months?
How far the tide goes out from its historic high depends on just 12 months of performance from May 2022.
After that the die is cast.
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Labour’s Mangere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will shortly take medical leave. ...4 days ago
- Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated
Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this. ...5 days ago
- Release: Charter schools undermine our education system
The Government is taking a wrecking ball to our public education system by reinstating charter schools. ...5 days ago
- Youngest MP to travel to Canada to accept Politician of the Year Award
Aotearoa’s Youngest Member of Parliament, and Te Pāti Māori MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, will travel to Montreal to accept the One Young World Politician of the Year Award next week. The One Young World Politician of the Year Award was created in 2018 to recognise the most promising young politicians between ...5 days ago
- Greens celebrate huge step forward for ADHD community
The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine. ...5 days ago
- Release: Millions to be spent dividing NZ for no reason
The National Party is wasting millions of dollars allowing David Seymour’s Treaty Principals Bill to be drafted and go to Select Committee. ...5 days ago
- Release: New Zealanders departing our shores at a record rate
The Migration figures released by Stats NZ today show National is continuing to drive Kiwis away from New Zealand in record numbers. ...5 days ago
- Te Tai Tokerau MP Slams Govt Overreach in Scrapping Māori Wards
Mema Paremata for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, has reflected on the decisions made by the councils of the North amidst the government’s push to remove Māori Wards and weaken mana whenua representation. “Actions taken by the Kaipara District Council to remove Māori Wards are the embodiment of the eradication ...5 days ago
- Govt already seeking advice on Treaty referendum
On one hand, the Prime Minister has assured Aotearoa that his party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading, but on the other, his Government has already sought advice on holding a referendum on our founding document. ...6 days ago
- Release: Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed
New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt fails hundreds of workers as mills close
Labour is devastated at news hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs following the closure of Winstone Pulp mills. ...6 days ago
- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...7 days ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...1 week ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...1 week ago
- Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...1 week ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...1 week ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...1 week ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...2 weeks ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...2 weeks ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...2 weeks ago
- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawke’s Bay
Cabinet has approved an Order in Council to enable severe weather recovery works to continue in the Hawke’s Bay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell say. “Cyclone Gabrielle and the other severe weather events in early 2023 caused significant loss and damage to ...8 mins ago - FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...30 mins ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...17 hours ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...18 hours ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...20 hours ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...24 hours ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...1 day ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...1 day ago
- Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD
Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...2 days ago
- Increased certainty for contractors coming
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...2 days ago
- Draft critical minerals list released for consultation
A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...2 days ago
- Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy
The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...2 days ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...3 days ago
- Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...4 days ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...4 days ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...5 days ago
- Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...5 days ago
- Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...5 days ago
- Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups
Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...5 days ago
- Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it
The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...5 days ago
- Targeted supports to accelerate reading
The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...5 days ago
- Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology
With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...5 days ago
- Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...5 days ago
- Driving structured literacy in schools
The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...6 days ago
- Labour’s misleading information is disappointing
Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them. ...6 days ago
- Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine
The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...6 days ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...6 days ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...6 days ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...6 days ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...6 days ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...7 days ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...7 days ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...7 days ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...7 days ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...7 days ago
- Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review
The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...7 days ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...1 week ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...1 week ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...1 week ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from 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 our Government assumed office, New ...1 week ago
- The cost of being: A public servant with a six-month-old baby and a quality coffee habit
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a working parent shares the ins and outs of her finances. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female Age: 32 Ethnicity: NZ European Role: Principal adviser in ...37 mins ago - The internet is worse than it used to be. How did we get here, and can we go back?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marc Cheong, Senior Lecturer of Information Systems, School of Computing and Information Systems; and (Honorary) Senior Fellow, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne Two Pixel/Shutterstock When it comes to our experience of the internet, “the times, they are a-changin’”, as ...1 hour ago - Global powers are grappling with ‘responsible’ use of military AI. What would that look like?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zena Assaad, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian National University Air Force Tech. Sgt. Teri Eicher Last week, some 2,000 government officials and experts from around the world met for the REAIM (Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain) summit in ...1 hour ago
- Democraticising stocks: At 33, Brooke Roberts leads an investment platform valued at $500 million
At 33, Brooke Roberts leads a $500m investment platform. She believes if you have $5 to invest, you should have the same choices. ...1 hour ago - New data reveals rates of family violence among those who died by suicide
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, Monash University Shutterstock Domestic, family and sexual violence is rightly recognised as a national crisis. While the evidence base has built significantly in recent years, one important missing piece ...2 hours ago
- How perpetrators of domestic violence use drugs and alcohol to control their victims
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathy Humphreys, Professor of Social Work, The University of Melbourne panitanphoto/Shutterstock At least three decades of research on the intersection of substance use with domestic and family violence consistently shows the frequency, severity and impact of violence increases in the context ...2 hours ago
- ‘Pirate birds’ force other seabirds to regurgitate fish meals. Their thieving ways could spread ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Gorta, PhD Candidate in ecology, UNSW Sydney Skuas chase a gannet to force it to regurgitate its meal Bob Brewer/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND It’s not easy finding food at sea. Seabirds often stay aloft, scanning the churning waters for elusive prey. Most ...2 hours ago
- Are kiwi and moa recent immigrants from Australia? Neither fossils nor genetic evidence support the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nic Rawlence, Associate Professor in Ancient DNA, University of Otago Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images Aotearoa New Zealand is a land of birds, from the smallest of wrens to the mightiest of moa. The ancestors of some species have been here for tens ...2 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Bricolage/Shutterbox For many Australians, the family home is their largest financial asset. With an increasing variety of ways to tap into home equity, the temptation to access this wealth ...2 hours ago
- Are credit checks for ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes enough?
Providers like Afterpay don’t have to carry out affordability tests and were recently allowed to set fees at whatever level they like, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...3 hours ago
- Nursing jobs ‘ghosted’ as Health NZ cuts costs
Te Whatu Ora insists recruitment has continued, but staff say their colleagues aren't being replaced. ...3 hours ago
- Live: Focus on Government law and order efforts
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon can't put a timeframe on when law and order policies will start to reduce the number of victims. ...3 hours ago
- Victims advocate urges frontline investment after increasing violence statistics
It's a stark reversal of the government's goal: 20,000 fewer victims by 2030. ...3 hours ago
- The social media app you forgot about is on every kid’s phone
With nearly 95% of young New Zealanders using Snapchat, staff writer Lyric Waiwiri-Smith looks back at the rise and fall and rise of the yellow app. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that each new generation to possess a smartphone will believe the technology habits of their elders are too ...5 hours ago
- Windbag: How Wellington’s bike network has grown, in three maps
Few cities have ever attempted to build a connected cycling network this quickly. Windbag is The Spinoff’s Wellington issues column, written by Wellington editor Joel MacManus. It’s made possible thanks to the support of The Spinoff Members. Wellington’s cycleway debate is an interminable bore. We’ve had the same mind-numbing arguments ...5 hours ago
- Bipartisan support for constitutional change to Parliament
Years of work spanning three governments has produced a significant reform for Parliament with support from both National and Labour The post Bipartisan support for constitutional change to Parliament appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago - ‘Cognitive dissonance’ over social services cuts
Social services providers mix frustration over government funding cuts with optimism that they can weather the storm The post ‘Cognitive dissonance’ over social services cuts appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- The neoliberal attack on the Treaty of Waitangi
Opinion: The Government, led by a run-of-the-mill-corporatist, a garden-variety populist and a 10-a-penny libertarian has been considering the future of a singular and unique treaty that is at the heart of what is so special about Aotearoa New Zealand. In the guise of the Treaty Principles Bill, these politicians will ...5 hours ago
- A long, personal and painful read for the minister called Goldie
Analysis: At least 15 times in its urgent report on the proposed law to tighten Māori marine customary rights, the Waitangi Tribunal called out one person The post A long, personal and painful read for the minister called Goldie appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- East Coast forestry industry facing the axe
“Absolutely impossible” consent conditions are causing some East Coast forestry companies to “bleed money” and this could force them to move offshore.Forestry harvesting has already ground to a halt in some areas of Tairāwhiti, part of the fallout after the district was hit by devastating cyclones Hale and Gabrielle last ...5 hours ago
- Brussels still sprouting same old stale economic plans
Opinion: EU plan reflects a deep-seated distrust of market forces and an over-reliance on state-driven solutions The post Brussels still sprouting same old stale economic plans appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- ECan pushes plan change that ‘entrenches water exploitation’
Critics pan a proposed fix after a Supreme Court decision upended how water consents are considered in Canterbury The post ECan pushes plan change that ‘entrenches water exploitation’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 17 September
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 17 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Red tape earns quarrying spot on Jones’ critical minerals list
Controversy and consenting issues put sand and aggregate on the draft critical minerals list, alongside the likes of cobalt and vanadium The post Red tape earns quarrying spot on Jones’ critical minerals list appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Tuesday 17 September
The post Daily crossword, Tuesday 17 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Up close and friendly with Vietnam’s war resistance Củ Chi tunnels
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By David Robie in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam’s famous Củ Chi tunnel network was on our bucket list for years. For me, it was for more than half a century, ever since I had been editor of the ...12 hours ago
- Another assassination attempt, baseless claims about pets, and Taylor Swift: the US election is wild...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jared Mondschein, Director of Research, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney It has not yet been a week since the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump – in which the Democrat was widely held to have bested the Republican – and ...12 hours ago
- Papua New Guinea celebrates 49 years of independence from Australia
By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent, and Lydia Lewis RNZ Pacific journalist Papua New Guinea is today celebrating almost half a century of independence from Australia. The journey has not been easy, and the path since 16 September 1975 has been filled with challenges and triumphs, Prime Minister James ...13 hours ago
- Australia’s new scam prevention draft is welcome – but it needs to be broader in scope
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohiuddin Ahmed, Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University ParinPix/Shutterstock The federal government is stepping up its fight against scams, which last year cost Australians more than A$2.7 billion. On Friday, the federal treasury released a draft scam ...16 hours ago
- Hipkins loses support in latest TPU-Curia poll
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has lost support in a new Taxpayers Union-Curia poll showing small gains for National and Labour, and mostly small losses for minor parties. ...16 hours ago
- What is ‘health at every size’ lifestyle counselling? How does it compare with weight-focused tr...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle Health at every size (or HAES) is a lifestyle counselling approach that promotes mindful eating and lifestyle behaviours to pursue health and wellness, without focusing on weight loss. Weight loss is ...16 hours ago
- National parks and other protected areas often fail to conserve Earth’s forests, research finds
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Neal, Senior lecturer in Economics / Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock The destruction of nature is a global crisis. Establishing protected areas of forest is a common policy governments use to tackle the problem. Indeed most ...16 hours ago
- Oscar: the tragedy and beauty of Wilde’s life, and an historic moment on the ballet stage
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yvette Grant, PhD (Dance) Candidate and Dance History Tutor, The University of Melbourne Benjamin Garrett and Callum Linnane star in Wheeldon’s new ballet production. Christopher Rogers-Wilson Christopher Wheeldon and The Australian Ballet’s Oscar, which had its world premiere in Melbourne on September ...17 hours ago
- PNG police chief Manning declares emergency for Porgera
The National Papua New Guinea’s Police Commissioner David Manning has declared emergency orders to safeguard infrastructure and residents in Porgera due to escalating law and order issues brought about by illegal miners. Manning said police would be increasing the legitimate use of force to remove combatants in order ...17 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet press conference
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Well, they'll get my vote.
That's one.
Oh, and my partner.
That's two
My wife, and myself will vote Labour.
so with the above (Mike)
that’s four
Me two
6
We've known since election 2020 what they needed. 40 + 10. Vary the numbers within that, season according to taste.
A lot of issues in the OP, so let's just look at one: the new Health system, including the Maori entity, a major breakthrough.
I'll make one prediction now: National won't go into the election promising to scrap it. Collins said she would. Watch Luxon squirm when he's asked if they will.
Has National even promised anything that will turn the voters?
It's a 2-way street.
Voters are not just going to change camps on a "Nothing offered" campaign.
Exactly. It's all very well making a song and dance about this government not being perfect but it doesn't mean we'll all rush to vote for a party that caused a lot of these problems in the first place!
But they often do vote the other way just to get the current lot out.
So the other party often does not have to offer very much at all. That is the danger. If nothing is offered or accepted as being offered the incoming govt is offered a more or less clean slate to go forward on.
I would say the exact opposite. Governments vote themselves out. So long as they are doing a good competent job, the electorate generally votes for the status quo.
As an opposition you don't ever really want to over promise or come up with daft policies because you then have to deliver. KiwiBuild anyone?
National governments are conservative in nature. They don't really ever tranform things like Labour governments do. So don't expect much out of them in terms of big ticket policies
Oppositions don't win elections. Governments lose them. It is only a question of when they will do so. I personally think that it will be 2023. The only thing they did well was the 2020 reaction to the Covid outbreak. However they can only play that card for so long and I think that time has pretty well run out.
We were promised Freedom day when we got 90% vaccination. It never happened. Then we were told that there would be no penalties for people who didn't get vaccinated. That was just before the last election.
" Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern went a step further, saying not only will there be no forced vaccinations, but those who choose to opt-out won't face any penalties at all. "
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/coronavirus-jacinda-ardern-confident-enough-kiwis-will-get-covid-19-vaccine-for-herd-immunity-without-being-forced-to.html
Hmm.
Meanwhile, after people get really sick of the Covid 19 theme tune being played over and over again, people will start looking at everything else that the Government has failed at and I think will decide to dump the current Government in a landslide.
An alternative to the Government don't have to have a complete policy package. They just have to look competent and with Luxon in the top job I think that will happen. For the Government to warble on about "nine long years" really doesn't work when they people singing the refrain are themselves responsible for "six worse years".
So it will be "Bye bye Birdie, good bye".
We will be voting for them, but I do sense a changed attitude from some we think are swing voters.
Housing is a big issue. Mandates will end sooner rather than later, because their usefulness will wane. Most people will ask, are we better off? Is the country doing ok in a pandemic? More will say yes than no. Why? They will not buy National is "New" and "Improved" Brownlie Collins Woodhouse Bridges et al a constant reminder of past DP.
Voters send messages in polls. They don't count except as a prod!! There is one important poll only. The election.
People know that inflation is partly imported (oil) and also caused by shortages due to supply lines. Pandemic spending has also had an effect.
Gimlet eyes does not have the common touch and his "team" is same old same old.
I think that the government faces a number of problems at the moment, as has been explained above.
One of the issues is that I think the general population is getting weary of the Covid restrictions.
The government did well in the initial stages of the pandemic when they were able to galvanise the nation under the "team of 5 million". But I think it gets more and more difficult to keep this degree of co-operation going, and that the government will come under increasing criticism. That may not be fair, because it is easy for people to criticise when they don't have to make the hard decisions. Nevertheless, the government is in charge, so their actions or lack of them will come under increasing scrutiny.
Another issue is that the government seems to be creating reasons to piss-off a wide variety of sectors that cumulatively may prove fatal for them at the election.
Take "Three-Waters for instance: Personally, I think the idea of centrally managing water treatment resources may make a lot of sense. But the way this has been communicated is terrible. The government has brought a big fight with councils that they didn't really need to. And they have shown themselves to be a treacherous bunch by cancelling a promised opt-in option for councils, and running what looks like a sham of a consultation process.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/457660/three-waters-government-agreed-to-mandated-strategy-before-four-entities-announced
“Watts said eight weeks of consultation with the local government sector was inadequate, and so was the response to councils' largely negative feedback.
“They've made a decision on this and the consultation is just, yeah, to tick a box. And this is a real disappointing fact because this is going to affect every single ratepayer in this country," he said."
So, the actions of the government around this speak louder than the policy itself IMO, and I think is likely to undermine trust in the government more generally.
Governments usually undertake their transformative policies at the beginning of a term, and leave the lollies to the end when they need votes at the election.
But this time, it seems all about face. They seem to be trying to drive through a multitude of policies that are likely to be very divisive, and may well prove fatal for them. I don't really know why they are going this way about it.
Three Waters and Auckland Light Rail will be enough to lose them the election.
Disregarding the overwhelming opposition by both councils and the public to Three Waters is incredibly stupid, and it makes the Minister and the PM look incompetent.
The huge amount being quoted for light rail is untenable, especially since, if past experience is anything to go on, the price is likely to double. Voters out of Auckland will be asking why Michael Wood can spend this ridiculous amount of money in Auckland and why can't the split it up for the benefit of the rest of the country. Health, Education and Welfare should be getting that money, not a train set for Auckland.
Basic needs=food,shelter…how's the Govt doing on those two?
Food….investigating Supermarket duopoly…!
Huge increase in food banks helping feed the poor.
Food price inflation for basic products that NZ produces in abundance are eye watering.
Vegetables,meat,dairy,fish…you need to be a landlord these days to afford…them.
Shelter…
23,000+ living in motels
Highest house prices in the world.
Highest rents in the…world.
Tinkering by a Govt overweight in landlords,while the present and long term consequences of this crisis are basically ignored.
Only a National Govt could do…worse.
No cure in sight so I'll vote for credible palliation protocols and good nursing care.
Tell me you are joking?
''23,000+ living in motels!!!"
Wish I was.
Did I hear correctly, did Luxon say he would hit the Gvt hard about inflation?
was there no inflation under National led Gvts?
very lame attack line from the new and improved.
Luxon should be asked if he watches or reads any international news.
Inflation is a currently a WORLD WIDE issue .
Hmm does he want JA to give him a solution to this WORLD WIDE problem?
That is a very poor argument.
NZ is supposedly an independent nation with its own fiscal and monetary policies.
Climate change is a WORLD WIDE problem too-what do you suggest?
No data to support this – just conversations with friends – the majority of whom voted Labour at the last election.
Personal support for Jacinda remains high. People like and trust her – though some are starting to question how well she is advised.
Support for the government (as in the other Ministers) is starting to waver. They are not presenting as competent – and seem to be constantly being blind-sided over issues, and not communicating effectively.
Policy reversals, when a wild-hair idea turns out to be a political rotten egg (e.g. Auckland cycling bridge), don't help. Local Labour MPs sing from the song sheet when promoting the idea, then go silent when it's reversed [personal experience of our local MP on local Facebook groups] – there's little trust being built up – and people start to wonder if any policy is ever going to get off the ground.
Hipkins is a particular casualty of this. He's slipped from being well regarded in the middle of last year, to people being unsure about him this year. I'd regard this as a mix of weariness (it's been a rough couple of years for all politicians), and a much-too-heavy workload (which, begs the question, why Labour hasn't redistributed some of his portfolios – and then a discussion over the depth of the talent pool).
So, can the government get re-elected?
It comes down to how much people vote for a person (Ardern) and how much they vote for a set of policies. And we won't know that, 'til voting day.
Pretty fair summary overall, though I'd question the conclusion.
In the next 2 Budgets Robertson will be pivoting to post-Covid policies. National will want to offer tax cuts (as usual), but they got badly burned in the last 2 elections when their maths came under the spotlight. "Cut public spending" is a message that works in theory, but not on specifics, like your local hospital.
Reading between the lines on Luxon's messaging, I'd guess that when he says "invest more" but "spend less" (and he says both, often) that can only mean more private investment. That's going to be a hard sell to the voters.
I don't know that new post-Covid policies will help much. People are starting to question whether Labour can deliver on anything (apart from the Covid management). So announcing a new policy suite, unless delivery is planned by the end of this year, is likely to be too little, too late.
The two current biggies on the horizon are the Health Dept restructure (which, most people see as having little impact on front line delivery improvements – it's all back room stuff); and the 3 waters (which the govt has an enormous task to sell to average voters) – quite frankly, most people simply don't believe Mahuta over the claimed benefits.
There's a heck of a lot of water-cooler (or the online equivalent) doubt over whether the Auckland light-rail is ever going to get off the ground, or just be another expensive consultant exercise.
I do wonder why people would bother to invest in small business ,indeed anything other than property doesn't make sense.
You see NZ's richest man a multi billionaire buy 9 properties in Mt Wtgn recently.
On last years price rises they would gross him $54,000 a WEEK,which is the apx equivalent of the weekly profits of 6 Michael Hill Jewellery stores.(public accs).
As Luxon has 7 properties, not convinced he would give up on such a good thing.
It was posed various times here on the Standard that a majority MMP Govt. scenario would show exactly what this Labour Caucus was made of. And it did and has. Labour is part of the main party neo liberal Parliamentary consensus that has persisted since 1984. Reserve Bank Act, State Sector Act, penetration of public infrastructure by private capital, and fifth columnist style state sector managerialism are not going anywhere till new gen voters wake up and get organised.
So AO/NZ will most likely be back to a “proper” MMP Govt. with Labour and Greens, and possibly Te Parti Māori.
Luxury Luxon with 7 pads, and a Merc to cross the road, is unlikely to precipitate a massive swing to the Natzos. ACT will be exposed if they ever let their other MPs speak publicly or have to front up on all their diabolical Chicago Boys policy.
So lots will vote for a Labour/Green Govt, which despite the obvious flaws will keep the dirty filthy tories out for another three years.
In the four elections I've been able to vote, I've voted two ticks red in all but 2017, where party voted green because I was worried they wouldn't get 5% and electorate voted red.
In 2014,2017,2020 I volunteered, canvassed, fundraised enrolled strangers and took a week off work in the last week of the election and did the get out the vote.
I don't know who I'll vote for or if I'll even bother voting but I can 95% rule out giving Labour either of my votes.
If Chloe Swarbrick can keep the Greens focused on left wing economic matters then I'll give them two ticks or Top two ticks.
Labour doesn't care and are only interested in power for the sake of power
It works both ways Corey Humm. A significant number of Labour people are said to have voted Green to keep them in parliament. Done it myself. On the other hand a significant number of Green voters have voted Labour to keep them in office. One might cancel out the other – we will never know.
Lol I'm a Labour supporter that votes Green to keep them in Parliament.
Yep. I've done it too. My reason is mainly CC. Its their job to poke and prod Labour to actually do something concrete about it.
Did that once and would do so again if their support is threatening 5%
Yes.
High petrol prices are never good for incumbent Governments, of course.
So far as Covid goes – the whingers are a loud and powerful minority. 58% of the country wants to keep the borders closed, after all, and the notion that the Government has been selling out to the Right via stupid liberalisation never actually gets raised.
Perhaps people would vote where they live in an area that supplies essential infrastructure for NZ. Government has got to get out of its easy chair,and be for the country – make some decisions they will stand behind. -They would have to face the bull while being light on their toes and skilled to protect from any untoward rushes.
Like Marlborough. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/461430/former-councillor-says-110m-port-loan-risky-without-crown-guarantee
Marlborough District Council asked the Crown to guarantee its proposed loan of $150 million to Port Marlborough for the ferry precinct development, but it was refused. Instead, according to its statement of proposal, the government rejected the Crown guarantee because it was already committed to supporting KiwiRail, so Port Marlborough recalculated its borrowing to $110m to "reduce the level of risk" involved.
There were 27 submissions made during consultation on whether the MDC should raise the $110m loan to finance Port Marlborough's share of the ferry precinct redevelopment. Of the submissions, 11 people supported the proposal, seven partially did, and eight did not.
Consultation hearings are set down for February 17 and 18, of which 12 submitters are expected to speak on their submissions.
One of those is former Marlborough District councillor and former Port Marlborough chairman David Dew, who did not support the council's proposal. Dew said his concern was the council was not being honest about the risk of borrowing – given it did not have a Crown guarantee.
"They're making the assumption that you can trust the Crown, and trust state-owned enterprises," he said. Dew turned to state-owned coalminer Solid Energy as an example. Then Prime Minister John Key said in 2013, state-owned enterprises were not government guaranteed and banks that lent to Solid Energy should expect to wear the loss of its accumulating debt.</i>
Hope so, but with talent like Collins, Brownlee, MAGA Muller, Bridges, Pugh, Woodhouse, Goldsmith, Mitchell, Hipango et al., NAct's strong team may yet win the comedy debate.
Is it too early to be thinking of slogans?
'let's do this..'-worked.
'keep NZ moving ..'-worked
So far I've come up with-'let them eat noodles…'-but I'm still working on…it.