democracy under attack
Categories under democracy under attack
- No categories
Confirmation bias
Written By: - Date published: 12:03 pm, April 21st, 2019 - 134 comments
The internet neatly divides us into separate isolated tribes with polarised views of what are the issues and what is reality. How do we engage in a civilised discussion to educate each other and reach a consensus of what we should be doing?
The Mueller report
Written By: - Date published: 10:11 am, April 19th, 2019 - 75 comments
Robert Mueller’s report has now been released and questions are being asked at the benign spin that the White House has been allowed to engage in to describe it before its release.
National’s culture review shambles redux
Written By: - Date published: 9:19 am, April 15th, 2019 - 32 comments
Simon Bridges has given a train wreck of an interview this morning on Radio New Zealand’s morning report about National’s culture review. It appears that National is keeping the report secret because of fears that the report may be leaked.
Reflections on Free Speech and Public Discourse
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 15th, 2019 - 119 comments
Silencing dissonant voices only leads to more and stronger dissonant voices and further radicalisation.
Trump’s tax returns and the Mueller investigation
Written By: - Date published: 7:40 am, April 5th, 2019 - 53 comments
Donald Trump and his supporters have been celebrating Mueller’s finding as interpreted by William Barr. But with Congress formally requesting his tax records and with the Mueller report not being yet released the celebration could be premature.
Reform of the SIS
Written By: - Date published: 9:29 am, March 25th, 2019 - 60 comments
Following the Christchurch Mosque murders there are strong calls for an inquiry into the SIS. But should it be given more power or should it be reformed to remove a pretty clear blind spot.
DPF does the right thing
Written By: - Date published: 5:05 pm, March 18th, 2019 - 101 comments
Kiwiblog comments have been turned off as David Farrar grapples with how to handle a crisis concerning hate speech.
Magicked-Up Weapons
Written By: - Date published: 10:30 pm, March 11th, 2019 - 116 comments
I’m glad Anne-Marie Brady will get the chance to present her “Magic Weapons” paper to the select committee examining the last election. At long last it might get given some proper critical examination, of its content as well as it provenance. In my opinion it reads like a long list of the blindingly obvious, mixed with a large dose of conspiracy theory. It certainly doesn’t show much sign of the sort of critical thinking one might expect from an academic.
Landlord advocates threatening rent increases if Labour wins next election
Written By: - Date published: 8:05 am, March 11th, 2019 - 288 comments
A landlord has advocated that all landlords should threaten to increase tenant’s rentals if Labour wins the next election.
Venezuela, China and Russia
Written By: - Date published: 1:41 pm, March 4th, 2019 - 54 comments
In the new world order of robber barons in which most states are collectively so weak that they no longer effective resistance against large corporations, we should start to view states as diplomatic fronts for corporations.
The Green’s electoral law reform petition
Written By: - Date published: 8:47 am, March 4th, 2019 - 389 comments
The Green Party’s launching of a petition to seek changes to the electoral system has met with some Trumpian style rhetoric from the right.
About that $100,000 National Party donation
Written By: - Date published: 10:20 am, January 27th, 2019 - 88 comments
Fran O’Sullivan has correctly stated that the investigation of the $100,000 donation made to the National Party that was partitioned to hide it should be of much greater concern to the New Zealand Police than Sarah Dowie’s texts.
D Day for US shutdown
Written By: - Date published: 7:30 am, January 20th, 2019 - 160 comments
Donald Trump is to make an announcement today concerning the shut down. And Buzzfeed has suggested that the Mueller Investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting that Trump instructed his lawyer Michael Cohen to lie to Congress.
National shafted us with the MOM privatisation
Written By: - Date published: 7:20 am, January 17th, 2019 - 318 comments
Five years on how are the benefits from the Mixed Ownership Model privatisation process the last Government engaged in working out?
National has lots of questions
Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, January 12th, 2019 - 38 comments
National asked 40,000 questions of Ministers last year. This seems excessive.
Brexit: Tories Lose Control of the House and the Process
Written By: - Date published: 8:50 am, January 10th, 2019 - 67 comments
Another day, another humiliating defeat for Theresa May. Surprisingly, the news is no better for Jeremy Corbyn.
The Taxpayers’ Union* responds to the Clark and Thompson spying fiasco
Written By: - Date published: 9:30 am, December 24th, 2018 - 9 comments
* not a real union.
Review into Thompson and Clark finds widespread breaches of Citizens’ rights of privacy
Written By: - Date published: 7:43 am, December 19th, 2018 - 129 comments
A State Services Commission investigation review has released a damning report into the use of private investigator Thompson and Clark’s services by a number of Government agencies.
China, Huawei and us
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, November 27th, 2018 - 50 comments
It’s high time this government woke up to the intelligence gathering capacity and ambition of China in New Zealand.
All that is wrong with America’s democracy
Written By: - Date published: 10:46 am, November 10th, 2018 - 40 comments
In Georgia, despite the Repbublican candidate who oversaw the election process engaging in the mass disenfranchisement of Democrat voters, the removal of voting machines to make voting in Democrat areas more difficult and baseless smearing of the Democrat candidate, the result is on a knife edge and a second vote is a possibility.
An Ineffectual Opposition Is Bad News
Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 28th, 2018 - 42 comments
An ineffectual Opposition creates a vacuum that will be filled by the Mainstream and Social Media as they will assume the role of unelected and non-representative opposition in effectuo.
Ross saga quiescent, but donations scandal needs addressing
Written By: - Date published: 4:26 pm, October 25th, 2018 - 21 comments
The Jami-Lee Ross scandal may have quietened down but issues raised by his explosive tape recording of Simon Bridges still need addressing. Does the $100k Zhang Yikun donation suggest we are going down the US track and, if so, what needs to be done about that
Jami-Lee Ross: But Wait, There’s More!
Written By: - Date published: 6:09 pm, October 19th, 2018 - 191 comments
Jami-Lee Ross has twisted the knife a little further into Simon Bridge’s back this arvo, releasing a second tape and announcing he won’t be quitting Parliament. Turns out he may need the income to fund a divorce.
National’s firearms forums – what could go wrong?
Written By: - Date published: 7:56 am, October 10th, 2018 - 125 comments
National has launched a series of public meetings to discuss a major issue. Not child poverty or climate change or how badly wrong Steven Joyce’s $11.5 billion hole claim was, but guns.
Second Kremlin Killer Unmasked, Putin Untroubled
Written By: - Date published: 12:57 pm, October 9th, 2018 - 185 comments
We know the real names of the Russian spies who bungled the Salisbury novichok poisoning. Will it make a difference to the Kremlin’s plans?
Modern Technology Is Eroding Our Society
Written By: - Date published: 11:12 pm, September 30th, 2018 - 52 comments
People are losing their people skills rapidly and it is having an effect on society.
Failed Estate – the ABC of Trust
Written By: - Date published: 2:30 pm, September 30th, 2018 - 7 comments
In Australia this week the Liberal Government has become embroiled in a scandal relating to political pressure being brought to sack the head of the ABC and one of its most senior reporters. Failed estate has the details.
And the antisemites are…?
Written By: - Date published: 9:30 am, September 5th, 2018 - 65 comments
UK Labour adopted the IRHA definition of antisemitism in full, and…
Censorship
Written By: - Date published: 2:07 pm, August 23rd, 2018 - 13 comments
It seems that if you’re the right person, harbour the correct thoughts, have the right connections, and you don’t like whatever the political opinion, news or information that’s floating about is, then you can get it banned.
The end of ACT
Written By: - Date published: 8:03 am, August 13th, 2018 - 238 comments
With his proposal to reduce the effectiveness of Parliament David Seymour is clearly looking for relevance.
About freedom of speech
Written By: - Date published: 9:44 am, August 12th, 2018 - 97 comments
Simon Wilson in the Herald neatly skewers suggestions that Donald Brash is a free speech warrior and raises important issues about the interplay between free speech and attacks on “political correctness” also known as tolerance and respect.
- The Major Conspiracy Theories of This Election Cycle
Hi,It seems like a very, very long time ago now — but Webworm basically started as a newsletter about conspiracy theories (tending to debunk rather than spread, don’t worry). It’s almost alarming how much I wrote about them, a look through the archive the weirdest trip down memory lane.Today, with ...3 weeks ago - Healthcare is Not in Crisis; Financing it Is.
Healthcare sector management needs to break away from its obsession with financial information and focus on funding for access. Health New Zealand recently ‘proactively released’ 454 pages about its financial performance to July 2024. Here is a letter it did not release. Hon Dr Shane Reti, Minister of Health. Dear ...3 weeks ago - What National thinks of us
A "what the fuck" moment for National: Andrew Bayly went round calling a worker a "loser" on an official visit: The worker explained their interaction with Bayly, and said once the pair were introduced, Bayly asked them why they were still at work. “Take a bottle of wine and ...3 weeks ago - Give New Zealand a go!
1. Who was the first woman to serve as Governor-General of New Zealand?a. Mother of the Nation Judy Bailey b. Vivacious and astute Cath Tizardc. Calm and perceptive Sylvia Cartwright d. Sovereign Citizen Liz “Unloaded” Gunn2. The formation of the National Party in 1936 was a merger of the United and Reform ...3 weeks ago - Government must support workers following Smithfield closure
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to show leadership following the announced closure of the Smithfield meat works, and the continued loss of regional manufacturing jobs, by putting in place policies to support workers with retraining and income insurance. “The loss of 600 jobs ...3 weeks ago - Aotearoa’s Big Lie
OPINIONWhen I first wrote about David Seymour’s ties to the Atlas Network this year, I came across a fellow called Trotter who argued that - although Atlas Network wasn’t a conspiracy - as David Farrar, David Seymour, and Chris Bishop all claimed - it really wasn’t worth the left’s time ...3 weeks ago - Fast Track Stupidity
Ten years from now, I will almost certainly be dead. But, if I were to live that long, I would be constantly challenged with the question, “Why did you not warn us about what was surely already apparent – that the globe was heating at an ever-increasing rate, and that ...3 weeks ago - Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
2022, directed by Sam Raimi It’s a bold artistic choice on Marvel’s part to spend the entire two hour runtime of the guy’s own movie telling us how literally every version of him is fucking terrible and this one’s only the hero because Wanda managed to be even worse. I’d ...3 weeks ago - Train in Vain
You must explain why this must beDid you lie when you spoke to meDid you stand by meNo, not at allWriters: Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Joe StrummerGood morning, all. Since it's Friday, I’ll take a quick look at a few of the stories from the week. There’s also ...3 weeks ago - Weekly Roundup 18-October-2024
Happy Friday, and welcome to another round-up of interesting stories about what’s happening in Auckland and other cities. Feel free to add your links in the comments! This post, like all our work, is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew and made possible by generous donations from our ...3 weeks ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #42 2024
Open access notables The influence of partisan news on climate mitigation support: An investigation into the mediating role of perceived risk and efficacy, Choi & Hart, Risk Analysis: Perceptions of efficacy play a central role in motivating people to engage in climate actions. However, there has been little investigation into how different climate efficacy ...3 weeks ago - The usual suspect
Economic woes for Wellington continued today with news that yet more longstanding enterprises were going out of business. Capital One Hour Photos; Courtenay Place Video Rentals; CDs on Cuba and Kumar’s Smokefree No-Cigarettes Dairy all said they would be closed by the end of the month, and they all had ...3 weeks ago - Unexpected support
When the Education and Workforce Committee reported back on Camilla Belich's Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill and recommended that it not be passed, I'd assumed it was doomed. The right-wing coalition government supports employer exploitation of workers, and certainly doesn't see why intentionally and systematically conspiring to not pay ...3 weeks ago
- Your Thursday Politics Roundup
For paid subscribers1. Tory Whanau says “No thanks” to Local Government Minister Simeon Brown (RNZ)Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says there was no talk of government intervention during her talk this morning with the Local Government Minister.Following the meeting, Whanau said the conversation was polite and friendly and was mainly about ...3 weeks ago - Inspiration and Gratitude
You grew on me like a tumourAnd you spread through me like malignant melanomaAnd now you’re in my heartI should’ve cut you out back at the startSong by Tim MinchinTim Minchin has a song about cheese; one clever dick in the audience yelled it out to him last night. I ...3 weeks ago - Thursday 17 October 2024
Inflation has fallen to its lowest point in the last 3.5 years, but many costs remain high, and unemployment is expected to get worse. An OIA response received by the Green Party has revealed that Brooke van Velden’s contractor proposals are almost word for word from an Uber proposal. TEU ...3 weeks ago
- Wanted: Better housing to help people stay cool on a hotter planet
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Peter Graham and Mili Majumdar Apartments on the outskirts of New Delhi, India. (Photo credit: Adam Cohn / CC BY-NC 2.0) It was 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47°C) in Tunisia in July, yet our colleague Manel Ben Khelifa could not turn on ...3 weeks ago
- Why are economists giving this government the benefit of the doubt?
This National government came to power on the promise of tax cuts it hadn’t costed out and immediately scrapped an essential infrastructure project ten years in the making with no backup plan because global cost inflation pushed the price into mildly uncomfortable territory. It would be only a matter of ...3 weeks ago - Auckland Harbour Bridge is collapsing*
This guest post by Tim Adriaansen, an advocate for accessibility and sustainable transport, is an expanded version of a recent post on LinkedIn. Auckland Harbour Bridge is collapsing.* A new report investigating the health of the bridge shows that without rapid and significant changes to how the asset is managed, ...3 weeks ago
- The battle over Tikanga in the courts, a contemporary challenge
As Parliament girds itself for the introduction next month of David Seymour’s Treaty Principles’ Bill, a Select Committee yesterday grappled with another collision between Te Ao Maori and our British-based legal system. This time, it was ostensibly about whether University law schools should compel students to study Tikanga Maori. But ...3 weeks ago - Gordon Campbell on the language of healthcare, and Mink DeVille
So far, the Great Multi-lingual Healthcare Crisis has passed by without any damage to life, or to limbs. To date, no-one appears to have mistaken the Hindi word for “lunch-break” for the Filipino word for “tracheotomy.” But then, the risk of bad clinical outcomes was never really the point, was ...3 weeks ago - The Why ACC’s $7.2 billion deficit is not what it seems
The revelation of ACC’s $7.2 billion dollar deficit is coming at an amazing time for Luxon, Seymour, and Winnie. To start with, two of the three of them are engaging in a subtle war with the judiciary, in which ACT and New Zealand First have decided to prey on the ...3 weeks ago - Three chill games
Once again it’s Steam’s Next Fest, the regularly occurring event that highlights demos for upcoming games. It’s always a favourite of mine and I try to always participate by playing through several interesting looking titles. Today I tried three that were all extremely relaxed with no real time pressures involved. ...3 weeks ago
- Government to toughen Three Strikes Bill
The Government is listening to New Zealanders and Cabinet has agreed to recommend modifications to the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “This Government is committed to restoring law and order. The Bill to reinstate the Three Strikes law makes it clear that ...2 weeks ago - Breaking ground on the first new Road of National Significance
Work has kicked off on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) as the Government continues to move at pace to deliver infrastructure that enables Kiwis and freight to get to where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Government is keeping its ...2 weeks ago
- NZ heads to Samoa for Commonwealth talks
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will be among world leaders travelling to Apia this week for a meeting of the 56-nation Commonwealth. This is the first time the two-yearly Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is hosted by Samoa, representing a great opportunity to profile the ...2 weeks ago
- Government to Clarify s70 Discharge Consent to Provide Certainty for Councils and Primary Sector
The Government has announced its intention to provide certainty on discharge rules under section 70 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) for primary producers, and councils – enabling permitted discharge activities to be managed in a practical way, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay confirmed today. “The clarification will be introduced via ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand celebrates epic sporting weekend
New Zealanders have a huge amount to be proud about after five national sporting teams celebrated historic wins over the weekend, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says. “In New Zealand’s history there haven’t been too many sporting weekends like the one we’ve just seen, with epic wins from Team ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister represents NZ at Indonesian Presidential inauguration
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a visit to Indonesia, where he attended the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto. “It was a pleasure meeting President Prabowo in Jakarta for the second time this year,” Mr Peters says. “Indonesia is a key partner for New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific, ...2 weeks ago
- Removing roadblocks to building infrastructure
New Zealand has a widely acknowledged infrastructure deficit, which is holding us back socially, economically and environmentally, Land Information Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to improve our productivity and lift our standard of living, we need to fix our pipes, increase the capacity of our schools and hospitals and build more houses, roads ...2 weeks ago
- Anniversary of Equal Pay Act shows we have more to do
The anniversary of the Equal Pay Act is a reminder that we still have work to do to achieve equality for women across this country, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. “Today marks the anniversary of the Equal Pay Act that was introduced in 1972. Over the past few decades, ...2 weeks ago
- Attracting investment on agenda for Singapore trip
Seeking investment to support the delivery of large regional projects is on the agenda for Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones as he heads to Singapore to meet potential investors, business leaders and policymakers. “Attracting more overseas investment is a vital part of the Coalition Government’s economic strategy. ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister completes successful visit to Thailand
Foreign Minister Winston Peters wrapped up a successful programme of engagements in Bangkok today, where he met with Thai political and business leaders. “Thailand is an important economic and security partner for New Zealand. We are seriously focused on achieving our joint ambition of lifting our relationship to a ‘Strategic ...2 weeks ago
- West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training
In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost ...3 weeks ago
- Government praises important progress on East Coast clean-up
Important progress is being made on cleaning-up and strengthening resilience in the Tairāwhiti region, 18 months on from the devastating weather events in 2023, Forestry Minister Todd McClay said today. To date the Government has committed $110 million resulting in approximately 440,000 tonnes of slash and debris being removed from ...3 weeks ago
- New members appointed to NZ On Air Board
Brett Banner and Philip Crump have been appointed to the NZ On Air Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint two members who bring such fantastic media skills and experience. “Mr Banner has a strong commercial and accounting background which will be a great ...3 weeks ago
- Health Minister to attend international meetings in the Philippines and Singapore
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti will travel to Manila this weekend, leading New Zealand’s delegation to the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Committee Meeting. “Significant health challenges remain in our diverse Western Pacific region, which is also prone to the impacts of climate change,” says Dr Reti. “Being represented ...3 weeks ago
- Residence portion of the Military-Style Academies complete
The residence portion of the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North is wrapping up, with the young people now transitioning back into the community with support, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. Ten young people have spent three months ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand takes next step in dairy dispute with Canada
New Zealand has today notified the Canadian Government and other Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) members that it has triggered mandatory negotiations in a dairy dispute with Canada, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. In September last year, a Panel of Arbitrators ruled in favour of New Zealand, finding that Canada had breached its obligations under the CPTPP by ...3 weeks ago
- Instrumental change for NZSO Board
Three new members are being appointed to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Board to help ensure it’s focused on bringing value to New Zealanders, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The trio of new members, James Christmas, Karyn Rachtman and Susannah Robinson, have expertise across fundraising, philanthropy, Crown governance, sector experience ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Boards Appointment
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the appointment of Fletcher Tabuteau as Chair of the Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) Board. Mr Tabuteau (Ngāti Ngāraranui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue) was a teacher at Rotorua Boys' High School, a lecturer in Economics, and head of ...3 weeks ago
- Government investing in Auckland and Wellington rail reliability
The Government has announced how $101.7 million in Budget 2024 funding for metro rail networks will be split between Auckland and Wellington to address the maintenance backlog and deliver more reliable services for commuters in our main cities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Auckland metro rail network will receive $48.8 ...3 weeks ago
- Changes to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
The Government is continuing to stabilise the immigration system by tightening the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV). “Despite New Zealand being internationally regarded as a safe, fair and highly attractive place to work, we are not immune to migrant exploitation. This is unacceptable,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. “The ...3 weeks ago
- Parliament Blocks Submissions Calling For Transparency On Parliament’s Expenses
“Blocking Kiwis from contacting their MPs to demand transparency is nothing short of arrogant self entitlement” says Jordan Williams, a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union. ...1 day ago - NZ, Australia can improve vaccine access by cooperating on future pandemics – experts
New Zealand and Australia could share the costs of vaccines, masks, tests and quarantine facilities, health experts say. ...1 day ago - Weapons tech export rules set for tightening
The government is looking to tighten controls over exporting weapons or advanced technologies that could be misused in war. ...1 day ago
- ‘Anxiety in the air’: Checking in with New Zealanders in the United States
With the most important election in a lifetime looming, The Spinoff asks a bunch of New Zealanders dotted around the US – some with names readers might know, some not – for a sense of what it’s like where they are. Campbell Smith (music promoter) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Where do ...1 day ago - NZ Staunchest Western Supporter Of Israel – Silence On Israel’s Attacks On The United Nations
The New Zealand government blames Hamas for all the killing and destruction committed by Israel, though it also finds space to condemn Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iran. ...1 day ago
- Mike King’s charity I Am Hope accused of greenwashing over climate anxiety booklet
The pamphlet, handed out to schoolchildren, presents a trucking firm and a coal-burning electricity company as climate heroes. ...1 day ago
- Why do organisations still struggle to protect our data? We asked 50 professionals on the privacy fr...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Andrew, Professor, Head of the Discipline of Accounting, Governance and Regulation, University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney PabloLagarto/Shutterstock More of our personal data is now collected and stored online than ever before in history. The rise of data ...1 day ago - Nelson’s original sin
The High Court’s ruling in the Nelson Tenths case is a huge victory for Whakatū iwi – and also for my Pākehā ancestors, who were sold a horrible lie. For more on the Nelson Tenths case, read Liam Rātana’s explainer: What is the Nelson Tenths case and why is it ...1 day ago
- What is the Nelson Tenths case and why is it important?
The High Court has backed up a previous judgment ruling the Crown breached its duties under an agreement with the whānau and hapū of the Nelson region. Exactly how much land and money the iwi is entitled to is yet to be decided. For more on the Nelson Tenths case, ...1 day ago
- How are racehorses really treated in the ‘sport of kings’?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathrynne Henshall, Post-doctoral Fellow, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University It’s the time of year when shiny horses and colourful clothing fill our screens – the Spring Racing Carnival, which includes high profile races like The Everest, Melbourne ...1 day ago
- In the US, political division can take a significant toll on people’s health. Australia should pay...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Russell, Adjunct Associate Professor, Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney MSPhotographic/Shutterstock Stark health disparities exist across the United States. Life expectancy is lower than in other wealthy countries – and declining. The richest American men live ...1 day ago
- Exploring the extraordinary potential (and avoiding the pitfalls) of your local Buy Nothing group
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Lecturer, School of Design, Queensland University of Technology Spaskov/Shutterstock You might have heard about your local Buy Nothing Project group on Facebook. If not, you probably know someone who’s a member. We estimate at least one million Australians are ...1 day ago
- Individual letterboxes to go?
Among mail changes being proposed was allowing NZ Post to deliver to cluster letterboxes. ...1 day ago
- Why is Sir John favouring a Trump win?
Presidential endorsements have become significant news especially after Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of The Washington Post, overruled his editorial board to quash the newspaper’s endorsement of Kamala Harris. Some have suggested this does not necessarily show ideological support for Trump but is in keeping with other newspaper proprietors who ...1 day ago - Government warned against work-for-the-dole sanctions, documents reveal
The coalition was told that the programmes "do not increase the probability of participants moving off [the] benefit and into employment". ...1 day ago
- Small steps toward a second harbour crossing for Auckland
We still don’t know what it will look like or when it will be built, but any progress is welcome, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund for The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...1 day ago
- Live updates: Travelling from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga using only public transport
Join Joel MacManus on New Zealand’s longest commute as he attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. My mission is to get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll ...1 day ago
- Government was warned against work-for-the-dole sanctions, documents reveal
The coalition was told that the programmes "do not increase the probability of participants moving off [the] benefit and into employment". ...1 day ago
- Health workers quit over safety fears as police pull back on mental health callouts
There has been a lack of consultation with the workforce, a mental health worker says. ...1 day ago
- US election: A press conference in the twilight zone
Analysis: The US presidential hopefuls are blitzing the battlegrounds in the final days of what’s being roundly described as the most important election in the country’s history, while their parties’ propaganda machines are in overdrive.He broke it, she’ll fix it. She broke it, he’ll fix it (microphone at Milwaukee rally ...1 day ago
- MPI questions Climate Commission’s native planting targets
Indigenous afforestation projections have plummeted even as independent advisors say New Zealand needs to scale up its native planting programme The post MPI questions Climate Commission’s native planting targets appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 day ago
- Risk that roadside drug testing could make roads less safe
Some fear drivers will swap prescription drugs like medicinal cannabis for more dangerous substances that don't show up on saliva tests. ...1 day ago
- Dental system costing NZ $2.5b a year in lost productivity, $103m in sick days – report
Campaigners for free dental care say the cost of doing nothing is outstripping what it would cost to fund the system. ...1 day ago
- PM Christopher Luxon admits he needs to ‘work harder on corporate speak’ after ‘cu...
In the latest episode of 30 with Guyon Espiner, the PM concedes he "could have expressed myself better" after calling voters "customers". ...2 days ago
- Introducing Travel Week on The Spinoff
Exploring the highs and lows of travelling, from local buses to faraway elopements. Nothing is more universally suggested, yearned for and celebrated as a life experience than travel. People who have travelled love to talk about how it changed their lives or opened their eyes or was just the most ...2 days ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 4 November
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. .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-title { font-size: 1.2em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .entry-meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; margin-top: 0.5em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-meta { font-size: 0.8em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .avatar { height: 25px; width: ...2 days ago
- Animal disease watchdog ditches tech upgrade, writes off $16.6M
A failed technology project has led to a $16.6M writedown and prompted a shake up of governance at farming not-for-profit Ospri The post Animal disease watchdog ditches tech upgrade, writes off $16.6M appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- So what is ‘realistic’, minister?
Opinion: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is in an interesting position. He knows we’re 100 million tonnes of CO2e short of meeting the emissions reductions target we signed up to at the Paris COP in 2015. Known as our Nationally Determined Contribution, this target was designed to keep global temperature ...2 days ago
- Katherine Mansfield, the ballet
Katherine Mansfield had intimate relationships with men and women but her close friendship with Maata Mahupuku continues to intrigue. Royal New Zealand Ballet choreographer Loughlan Prior features this connection in his ballet Woman of Words.Prior says he would love to hang out with Mansfield. His idea of a good time would be a night out ...2 days ago
- Nato, NZ security threats linked – ambassadors
European diplomats say cooperative security is the only way forward for them and the Indo-Pacific The post Nato, NZ security threats linked – ambassadors appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 4 November
The post Daily crossword, Monday 4 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- Foreign affairs boss makes privacy complaint against Israel group
With tensions high over the war in Gaza, NZ’s top diplomat says his staff must be protected from online harassment The post Foreign affairs boss makes privacy complaint against Israel group appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- Roadside drug testing is coming, again
The Government’s roadside drug testing scheme is a step closer to being rolled out, but drug experts are warning it could penalise people using prescription medicines and force them to use other, undetectable and potentially more dangerous substances.Under the scheme, police will be able to randomly saliva-test drivers for drug ...2 days ago
- Win a literary bathrobe
There are various ways you can get a sense of the mood of our small island nation. One of those is by wandering into a flagship designer store in Auckland to see what’s being flogged off. “What’s the vibe in Auckland right now?” I asked a store manager recently as ...2 days ago
- View from The Hill: it’s time to put some new rules around upgrades for parliamentarians
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Qantas upgrades affair has turned from a missile targeted at Anthony Albanese to a cluster bomb hitting MPs on all sides. On Sunday, Education Minister Jason Clare took the opportunity provided by an ...2 days ago
- Albanese flags radical changes to student debt – with a 20% overall cut and drop in payment rates
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor in the Practice of Higher Education Policy, Australian National University Taoty/Shutterstock Over the weekend, the Albanese government announced radical changes to student loans, which would kick in after the next federal election. Three million Australians with student debt ...2 days ago
-
Democracy Now! NERMEEN SHAIKH: Israel’s deadly siege on northern Gaza has entered a 30th day. Early week, the World Health Organisation managed to deliver some medical supplies to the Kamal Adwan Hospital, but on Thursday, Israeli fighter jets bombed the hospital’s third floor, where the supplies were being stored. Al ...2 days ago
- Palau Media Council condemns lawsuit as ‘assault on press freedom’
Pacific Media Watch The Palau Media Council has condemned a political lawsuit against the publisher of the Island Times as an “assault on press freedom” with the Pacific country facing an election on Tuesday. In a statement yesterday, the council added that the lawsuit, filed by Surangel and Sons Co. ...2 days ago
- New Campaign: No More Hiding For MPs’ Expenses
This campaign is to force MPs to justify why their spending should be a state secret when almost every other area of public spending is subject to public scrutiny. ...2 days ago
- The MAGA Mindset: A sense of belonging
The North Carolina afternoon sun was taking its toll.Security had put truck trailers around the rally at Wilmington International Airport.This created a barrier against a rogue shooter, but it also had created an oven pit effect. There was no wind. The tarmac radiated heat. People were fainting.Trump was only 20 ...2 days 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