act
Categories under act
- No categories
Even Catherine Isaac thinks Parata has no idea
Written By: - Date published: 5:15 pm, October 8th, 2015 - 18 comments
When Catherine Isaac (wife of Roger Kerr (deceased) of the former Business Round-table and ACT party stalwart) is at odds with Parata, something must be amiss.
The Fighting Foreign Corporate Control Bill
Written By: - Date published: 8:16 am, July 22nd, 2015 - 49 comments
With support from Labour, the Greens and the Maori Party NZ First is promoting the Fighting Foreign Corporate Control Bill. The support of one more MP will be sufficient to sent the Bill to select committee for consideration.
School lunches – Key vs data
Written By: - Date published: 7:11 am, July 6th, 2015 - 29 comments
Key claimed that the number of hungry kids in schools was limited to “the odd one or two”. Everyone knew it was nonsense. Now a survey by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation indicates the true extent of the problem.
Only ACT standing up for free speech?
Written By: - Date published: 8:46 am, June 26th, 2015 - 76 comments
ACT has withdrawn support for the Harmful Digital Communications Bill. Bravo. Labour, Greens – where do you stand on this badly drafted and damaging bill?
We need to ACT on the innumeracy of MPs
Written By: - Date published: 11:08 am, June 6th, 2015 - 113 comments
After a mere 5 years, some numerically and legally challenged current and ex-MP have been demonstrating their inability to understand their Three Strikes stupidity. They seem to think that people who have probably been in court or banged up in prison for violent offences have had time to go to court three times. FFS: these dickheads need mandatory remedial maths.
Human Synergistics, Richard Prebble, and the end of government
Written By: - Date published: 6:08 am, May 17th, 2015 - 64 comments
Back in March 1988 David Lange had a clear idea about what lay ahead for New Zealanders as the long-term consequences of Roger Douglas’ psychopathic worshipping of the metaphysical Invisible Hand gradually materialised.
ACTing all surprised about it
Written By: - Date published: 7:03 am, May 13th, 2015 - 129 comments
ACT’s David Seymour is acting all surprised about the damaging consequences of right-wing policies. It’s like he’s seeing the world for the first time.
National’s Epsom branch to back National in Northland
Written By: - Date published: 9:38 am, March 12th, 2015 - 15 comments
No need for Mr Gower to get all hot and bothered over this “dirty deal”, it’s just National’s Epsom branch backing the National candidate.
Nick Smith’s RMA reforms – low cost housing in Epsom?
Written By: - Date published: 8:32 am, January 22nd, 2015 - 84 comments
Nick Smith has given his housing speech and blamed Auckland’s housing crisis on the RMA. A Treasury commissioned report, based on discussions with developers, has put dollar figures on what the RMA is allegedly costing. The logic of the analysis is that by reducing urban design standards we will make housing more affordable. Updated with link to Rob Salmond Polity post.
RMA reforms … be very afraid
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, January 20th, 2015 - 97 comments
Nick Smith today announced proposed changes to the Resource Management Act. It is likely he will resuscitate the reforms that were stalled after Peter Dunne refused to support them last year. ACT’s David Seymour has said he will support the changes even though he did not know what they are. Treasury are to release a paper with proposals for change. Updated lprent – yep National stupidity reprised.
Paid parental leave bill faces defeat
Written By: - Date published: 12:00 pm, November 6th, 2014 - 9 comments
The first repercussion of the election result is the almost inevitable defeat of Sue Moroney’s Paid Parental Leave private member’s bill. The Government is clearly determined to prevent her from getting credit for raising and highlighting an issue of importance to Kiwi families.
The wisdom of David Seymour
Written By: - Date published: 2:15 pm, October 22nd, 2014 - 45 comments
David Seymour’s maiden speech must be a front runner for most unusual Parliamentary speech this term and it has only just started.
Taxpayers support Mr “Small Government”
Written By: - Date published: 9:15 am, October 5th, 2014 - 48 comments
If ACT were made up for a show like “The Thick of It”, or “Veep”, they would be dismissed as too ridiculous and extreme for the audience to swallow…
NRT: A model for unaccountability
Written By: - Date published: 1:32 pm, September 30th, 2014 - 14 comments
The Act party, well known for rorts, dodgy deals, general corruption, and the poor calibre of their candidates, is doing it again. National gave their single novice MP an “under-secretary” position to allow Act to rort extra money from taxpayers. It also provides him with a position that is wholly unaccountable to parliament or the public via OIA.
National education
Written By: - Date published: 8:24 am, September 27th, 2014 - 10 comments
So National will continue their rorts by giving ministries to their tame poodles, Rimmer and the Hair. Despite each making the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party look like it has a serious electoral mandate. I guess it makes it look like National has friends, and Act and UF appreciate the extra cash. But Seymour will probably […]
Key rorts system
Written By: - Date published: 8:48 am, September 26th, 2014 - 52 comments
There is a rort being negotiated in Parliament that will cost the thick edge of $1 million a year. Where is the Taxpayer’s union on this?
Seat Watch – Epsom
Written By: - Date published: 7:05 pm, September 20th, 2014 - 11 comments
Who will win Epsom? Will enough people rebel at John Key’s instruction to vote for the ACT candidate or will ACT’s extreme policies and Jaime Whyte’s weirdness mean that the people of Epsom will rebel and vote for Paul Goldsmith? Updated: Early, but the Act guy ahead.
Blue on the polls
Written By: - Date published: 12:04 pm, September 14th, 2014 - 62 comments
Landline polls are a traditional gripe for lefties. But this election polls look seriously out of whack with reality. Is National at 55%, 50%, 48% or 46%? But it’s always far too large for a party at National’s current stage in the political cycle. Just unbelievable and highly unlikely.
What kind of government would National lead?
Written By: - Date published: 12:45 pm, September 8th, 2014 - 112 comments
The choice for NZ voters is becoming clearer in the last days of the 2014 election. The irony is that after John Key’s scaremongering, our options are a three-headed coalition of natural allies versus a five-or-six headed hydra of extremists and sworn enemies.
National’s mating dance with the Conservatives II
Written By: - Date published: 8:39 am, September 8th, 2014 - 30 comments
National is now talking up the possibility of a post election accommodation with the Conservative Party. But the thought of the Conservatives having a significant say in policy formation should make all progressives very afraid.
The right’s lack of diversity
Written By: - Date published: 12:00 pm, August 12th, 2014 - 46 comments
On the right there’s one big party who have the lion’s share of the vote, and a smattering of odd little parties at the kids’ table fighting for scraps and key electorates. It’s one of the reasons National continues to poll so highly: if you’re a rightwing voter, you don’t have any other viable options.
ACT goes weird
Written By: - Date published: 8:05 am, August 12th, 2014 - 43 comments
ACT Epsom candidate David Seymour is complaining that left voters in the seat may vote tactically.
Jamie Whyte officially loses it
Written By: - Date published: 9:52 am, August 11th, 2014 - 54 comments
Not content with seeking support from the Randian loving Maori bashing incest supporting part of the electorate Jamie Whyte is now targeting those against alcohol by suggesting that Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy has a drinking problem.
How Labour and the Greens win it from here
Written By: - Date published: 9:20 am, August 11th, 2014 - 81 comments
A great campaign launch from Labour on the weekend, a couple of bad weeks for National and suddenly there is a chance that David Cunliffe may be our next Prime Minister. But how does he succeed and what can progressives do to help?
Mihingarangi Forbes v Jamie Whyte
Written By: - Date published: 12:00 pm, August 5th, 2014 - 81 comments
In a must see interview Native Affairs reporter Mihingarangi Forbes Forbes last night interviewed ACT leader Jamie Whyte with rather startling results.
Polity: Company tax cut-and-slash-and-burn!
Written By: - Date published: 4:38 pm, August 4th, 2014 - 24 comments
To say that ACT’s new company tax policy is complete and utter drivelling crap would be a bit of an understatement.
ACT’s voodoo economics
Written By: - Date published: 6:18 pm, August 3rd, 2014 - 53 comments
ACT has announced its corporate tax policy and a cut in the rate from 0.28c to 0.125c in the dollar is promised. There is a slight problem. The figures do not add up.
John Banks convicted
Written By: - Date published: 9:54 am, August 1st, 2014 - 86 comments
Updated John Banks has been sentenced to 100 hours community work and community detention for electoral fraud.
Updated links to reactions.
What deal do we get?
Written By: - Date published: 9:38 am, July 30th, 2014 - 94 comments
Key’s promised to do his best to bring in ACT and UnitedHairdo. Last election this brought us the likes of Charter Schools – unmentioned by any party during the campaign. What policies will National foist upon us through this outsourcing deal this time?
NZ First conference – the kingmakers?
Written By: - Date published: 4:48 pm, July 15th, 2014 - 50 comments
It looks like I’ll be able to head to the NZ First conference at Alexandra Park racecourse on the weekend as media. This election the position of NZ First party members is probably going to be crucial for any coalition that forms. In this rather long post I explain my (and other peoples) thinking on possible coalition results for National after the election. They aren’t good because they really depend on a political group that National has been denigrating for quite a while.
Polity: Colin Craig confused
Written By: - Date published: 1:30 pm, June 23rd, 2014 - 27 comments
This morning’s news from the Fairfax/Ipsos poll is that 81% of New Zealanders hate coat-tailing and want it gone. I agree with them. So does Labour. So do the Greens. So do Internet MANA. National, of course, relishes coat-tailing. So – to the 81% – if you want 2014 to be the last election with any coat-tailing, vote for a change of government. In the meantime of course, we have Crazy Colin Craig who thinks that Key’s job is to give just him a seat, entirely of his own accord, with no “insipid” discussions about the quid pro quo. Good luck with that.
- The WHO’s bold step towards a cancer-free future
Analysis: Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, and in August 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination. Yes, you read that right; we may never have a universal cure for cancer but there are some we can prevent by vaccination. The WHO’ s strategy ...4 days ago - Cancelled bus routes leave parents scrambling, and angry
Some farmers and rural families are furious over the Government’s review and cancellation of school bus routes, fearing small towns will be abandoned and students will stop attending class.The Ministry of Education regularly conducts route reviews, which can be prompted by several factors, including requests from schools, changes in the ...4 days ago
- The first empty chair
I’ve been going to school for a couple of months, happy to walk there and back on my own, as it’s only three blocks away.Today I arrive home to find the front door wide open. From what I know of front doors, this is odd. Mum’s standing there as if ...4 days ago
- Sorry means you don’t do it again
Comment: Tomorrow Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will apologise to thousands of people who were abused when they were in the custody of the state. For many survivors it will be hugely important to hear a Prime Minister acknowledge what they went through was wrong and apologise.But those words will be rendered ...4 days ago
- US election: Trump’s presidency and education are inextricably linked
Analysis: As experts pick apart how Donald Trump came to power for a second time and ask ‘what next?’ one issue keeps coming up: Education The post US election: Trump’s presidency and education are inextricably linked appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- Climate minister doesn’t expect criticism of new oil and gas at global summit
New Zealand can stay a member of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance even while drilling for new oil and gas, Simon Watts says The post Climate minister doesn’t expect criticism of new oil and gas at global summit appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- Explainer: Four things to look out for at COP29 climate summit
The annual COP climate summit – taking place this year in Baku, Azerbaijan – is an absolutely massive event. More than 40,000 people are attending, more than attended the 2015 Paris summit (though only half of the 80,000 or so at last year’s COP in Dubai).As the first major diplomatic ...4 days ago
- Act preparing the ground for political exploitation
Opinion: The coalition as a whole is winding back the clock to when Māori ‘knew their place’ The post Act preparing the ground for political exploitation appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- COP29: The trillion-dollar questions to be asked at climate summit
Analysis: A grand bargain was struck between developed and developing countries in Paris – now we have to settle the bill The post COP29: The trillion-dollar questions to be asked at climate summit appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- The ferry to Russell
In an effort to squeeze in as much public transport as possible to the last day of my trip, I caught the ferry from Paihia to Russell/Kororāreka The crossing took 17 minutes and cost me $17 for a return trip. There are three ferry companies operating services across the bay. ...5 days ago - The longest commute, day seven: To the end of New Zealand’s public transport network
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: the last hurrah. The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by train. In areas that ...5 days ago
- An Ode to .. Kamala
Don’t look upHigh above the clouds,On the viewing deck of the Mighty Tower of Brat,A gentle zephyr plays on the Holy Campaign TeamWho sit around sipping iced tea on satin poufsChecking celebrity endorsements on TikTok.Empress of the Free World-elect Kamala admiresThe giant Democratic strategy sitting on the table:An intricate house ...5 days ago
- In search of the mythical Trump voter
Journalists, scholars, and political pundits have been in search of the mythical Donald Trump voter since 2015. By mythical, I do not mean in the sense that they don’t exist, like unicorns. Trump voters, as evidenced by the more than 70 million and counting who voted for him in the ...5 days ago
- I’m not allowed to bike to Cape Reinga
Mad Chapman has vetoed my plan to bike the last leg from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga. It’s a bit hypocritical coming from someone who once rode an Onzo bike from Mt Eden to Huntly for a story, but she’s all responsible now that she’s the editor. Please, if you have ...6 days ago
- The Bay of Islands
I’ve made it to Paihia but something terrible has happened that could put this entire trip in jeopardy. I need to go make some calls. I’ll fill you in soon. ...6 days ago
- TVNZ directors turn down Govt’s 41% fee increases – for now
Chair Alastair Carruthers says it would be inappropriate to accept fee increases, in light of the broadcaster’s big job cuts The post TVNZ directors turn down Govt’s 41% fee increases – for now appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 days ago
- The longest commute, day six: It’s back to the bus for Joel
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: I enter the north. The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by train. In areas ...6 days ago
- The Secret Diary of .. America
American mediaNow is the time for cool heads but America is doomed. This is the end. The end is just beginning. The end is spelled Trump, and Trump spells the end of civilisation, of democracy, of happiness. No one is happy. The 77 million Americans who voted for Trump don’t ...6 days ago
- US election: Why men broke so strongly for Trump
Four days ahead of the US election, basketball star LeBron James posted a video endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. The video immediately became controversial.“What are we even talking about here??” James wrote on social media. “When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, ...6 days ago
- The Weekend: I don’t know how to travel
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. This week we’ve been talking all about travel, from Joel trying his darnedest to get from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane, to our senior writers detailing their greatest ever trips. What has become immediately ...6 days ago
- ‘Such a thrill’: Chelsie Preston Crayford on seeing a sitcom legend in the flesh
The star of A Remarkable Place to Die reflects on her life in television. It’s been a big year for Chelsie Preston Crayford, whose previous screen credits include Nude Tuesday, Eagle vs Shark and Underbelly: Razor. In Dark City: The Cleaner, she paced the suburban streets of Christchurch as the ...6 days ago
- Behind the mic: Why Aotearoa needs more Māori music managers
Despite the success of reo Māori music, a shortage of Māori music managers means many Māori artists struggle to thrive in the business side of the industry. The Māori music scene in Aotearoa is arguably as strong as it has ever been. Reo Māori waiata are topping the charts, and ...6 days ago
- Toi Te Mana: The landmark indigenous history of Māori art has arrived
Two authors of an extraordinary new book on the history of Māori art, Deidre Brown and Ngarino Ellis, discuss how they approached it, and why. Māori art is one of the great art traditions of the world. That kaupapa was the starting point for a project we began 12 years ...6 days ago
- On being undeniably, irretrievably old
David Hill is in his ninth decade. In a touching tribute to his late friend, he challenges some myths about ‘old farts’. The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members. I‘m past The Birthday. Not “the ...6 days ago
- ‘So simple, so sweet, so pure’: Rita Mae’s perfect weekend playlist
Singer-songwriter Rita Mae shares her perfect weekend playlist. “Gritty, bold, and to-the-point” is how Tāmaki Makaurau indie darling Rita Mae describes her upcoming project. The singer-songwriter’s second EP, Kiss the Sky, will be released into the world on November 15. “[Kiss the Sky is] about desire and greed, it’s about ...6 days ago
- Like it or not, ethnicity is a useful shortcut for identifying health needs
Proxies, including those based on ethnicity, play an important role in a fair and equitable resource allocation system, write public health academics Tim Tenbensel and Monique Jonas. The government’s recent directive that public services should be prioritised “on the basis of need, not race” will make it harder and more ...6 days ago
- Podcast: The cost of prison
Is New Zealand’s prison system about safety, or just punishment? And what are the social and financial costs of prioritising retributive justice? What if our hunger for punishment is costing us more than we realise? In this week’s episode of When the Facts Change, Bernard Hickey sits down with ...6 days ago
- NZ’s best baller is back in action
Steven Adams has swapped franchises and has a new home for the 2024-25 NBA basketball season.And his Houston Rockets teammates got a taste of how different he is to them when he posted a picture on Instagram of a bare room featuring a mattress on the floor with the caption, ...6 days ago
- Winner of the Sargeson Prize, Secondary Schools Division
Third try. With a shaky hand, I place the burgundy bindi on my forehead. Is it centred?You’d always put the bindi on for me; I couldn’t do it. Then you’d braid my hair, finishing it with a delicate red ribbon. You’d help me with everything. I remember your crimson-red saree ...6 days ago
- Katherine Mansfield and some risky advice
No series on the legacy of Katherine Mansfield would be complete without the father – daughter duo Karl Stead and Charlotte Grimshaw. They are Mansfield Menton Fellowship winners: Karl in 1972, Charlotte in 2024.Stead’s literary life is packed with bouquets – and brickbats – for novels, poetry and literary criticism.[vimeo ...6 days ago
- Khalistan ‘Referendum’ In Auckland Discussed At Top Diplomatic Levels
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed that S Jaishankar, India's minister of external affairs, raised the issue during the meeting but declined to provide details of the discussion. ...7 days ago - Raw Politics: Act finally gets its shot at the Treaty
Each time the tide comes in, it comes further up the beach. Well, that appears to be the Act Party’s strategy launching its Treaty Principles Bill in Parliament with not a single vote in support of it passing likely from any of Parliament’s other five political parties.Raw Politics looks at ...7 days ago
- Commission Calls For The Promise Of Te Tiriti O Waitangi To Be Honoured
The Commission’s Rongomau Taketake Indigenous Rights Governance Partner, Dayle Takitimu, said the Government had completely ignored the Waitangi Tribunal’s recommendations in its interim report Ngā Mātāpono, including for the Bill to be abandoned. ...7 days ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘COLD EROTICA’ by Loretta Riach
A new poem by Loretta Riach. COLD EROTICA Kiss me, Hardy, in the dark-robed blindness of passion, both of us pressed up against the parapets of your one bedroom apartment, a chill against the sliding door. Kiss me, stranger– harder than that! Give it to me like a sail full ...1 week ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending November 8
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Kai Feast by Christall Lowe (Bateman, $60) This from the publisher’s blurb is enough to get ...1 week ago
- Robert Patman: NZ shouldn’t be afraid to call Trump out
Donald Trump is labelling his win ‘the greatest political movement of all time’. How historic is it for someone (globally) to be elected president twice non-consecutively, especially with a tumultuous background?Like or dislike it, Donald Trump is arguably the most impactful US president during the 21st century. Elected twice as ...1 week ago
- The many mysteries of A Remarkable Place to Die
Tara Ward watches TVNZ’s sleek and scenic new murder-mystery series. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s a beautiful day in Central Otago for a car to plummet off a cliff. Somewhere deep inside Skipper’s Canyon, a car leaves the road and ...1 week ago
- The Spinoff guide to life: How to be a good camper
Summer’s coming. It’s time to brush the dried grass out of your tent, and more importantly, brush up on your campsite manners. Ah, the joys of sleeping in a nylon dome. No ventilation, no insulation and no soundproofing. That little rock that wiggles its way through your long sponge masquerading ...1 week ago
- A survival guide for holidaying with your horrible children
Travelling with kids can test even the most patient of parents, but go in armed with these tried-and-true tips and you might just come out of it unscathed. When you become a parent, all manner of pleasant activities you once took for granted become distant memories: weekend sleep-ins, leisurely cafe brunches, ...1 week ago
- Crown companies directors’ fees hiked – and some doubled
Cash-strapped TVNZ is one of the 22 companies, but it’s ‘up to the directors’ whether they accept the fee increase The post Crown companies directors’ fees hiked – and some doubled appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
The server will be getting hardware changes this evening starting at 10pm NZDT.
The site will be off line for some hours.
Recent Comments