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Insurance Council goes Galt
Written By: - Date published: 1:34 pm, November 3rd, 2013 - 62 comments
Well that didn’t take long. The Insurance Council has come out attacking Labour for KiwiAssure. Which is odd really, given the claim that there’s already a competitive market. You’d have thought they would welcome a new member to the industry. Wouldn’t you? Or alternatively, they’ve been making big money at the expense of all of […]
Outsourcing poverty: Paula Bennett’s shame
Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, October 29th, 2013 - 51 comments
A charity is taking on the funding of the essential work on monitoring poverty, in the face of Paula Bennett, Bill English and John Key et al failing to do their job: a return to Dickensian & Edwardian times.
Lucy Lawless to Steven Joyce: ‘U killed NZ film industry’
Written By: - Date published: 2:23 pm, October 25th, 2013 - 103 comments
NZ needs government legislation & financial support to maintain local screen productions. Steven Joyce makes some hollow noises about prioritising NZ-focused productions, while allowing the Auckland industry to decline. Lucy Lawless blames Joyce for NZ Film tax rebates & prioritising BIG Oil.
Granny Herald tries to de-legitimise political opposition, again
Written By: - Date published: 7:42 am, October 15th, 2013 - 36 comments
Yesterday, the Greens illustrated the size of the gambling concessions in the SkyCity deal with a to-scale cardboard display in Aotea Square. The visually striking move got extensive coverage on Breakfast yesterday and a rather, odd, story in the Herald, which chose to focus on the cost of the protest. What was that, presumably, outrageous cost? $3,000.
Mighty River Power is buying back shares
Written By: - Date published: 11:32 am, October 10th, 2013 - 45 comments
The Board of Mighty River Power has announced that it is buying back up to 2% of its shares because this is a prudent use of capital and will be value enhancing. It is a shame that the Government was incapable of seeing this. Expect a surge in its share price to occur and I suspect that this will be beneficial for the Meridian float.
Hooton – please apologise
Written By: - Date published: 1:46 pm, September 23rd, 2013 - 220 comments
Matthew Hooton accused David Cunliffe of lying about his involvement with the Boston Management Group when it was providing advice that led to the development of Fonterra. A little research supports Cunliffe’s claims and not Hooton’s.
NRT: Rewarding failure
Written By: - Date published: 3:27 pm, September 18th, 2013 - 17 comments
What seems to be the defining feature of this government is in providing corporate welfare to incompetents who underbid their competition for government work or want bigger subsidies at the taxpayers expense. Give them the vaguest excuse and Key or Joyce will wilt like a flower in a desert and throw money at companies who […]
Syria et al.
Written By: - Date published: 5:09 pm, August 29th, 2013 - 311 comments
Sometimes the most complicated and complex situation becomes clear when viewed from a simple and obvious perspective.
Hands-on National
Written By: - Date published: 8:04 am, August 10th, 2013 - 19 comments
It doesn’t suit the Labour Party narrative – and indeed it’s not their espoused philosophy – but every now and then National can’t help but be “hands on”. We’ve had the South Canterbury Finances in the past (won’t somebody think of the shareholders!), but this week was a real doozy for it, between Fonterra, Tiwai Point and Chorus.
UK: Zero Hour Contracts
Written By: - Date published: 8:56 am, August 7th, 2013 - 9 comments
There’s a Guardian-led campaign in the UK at the moment over “zero-hour contracts” – contracts that guarantee an employee no hours, and often leave them on-call at a moment’s notice to fulfil the employers whim. They’re common here, but I don’t expect a major newspaper to run with it…
Fool’s gold
Written By: - Date published: 8:35 am, August 2nd, 2013 - 12 comments
In its submission on the Pike River bill, New Zealand’s second largest mining company has told Select Committee that workers can’t be trusted to look after their own health and safety, and everything’s just fine the way it is.
But at the same time one of their mines has been partially closed due to a safety hazard.
The magical world of New Zealand’s, Neo-Liberal right wing.
Written By: - Date published: 6:06 am, August 1st, 2013 - 83 comments
It has been obvious that some people live in a different world than the rest of us. One where Chicago school economics, work! One where you save the village by blowing it up! One where global warming can be stopped, Canute like, by legislation. One where dropping wages and giving everything to bloated financiers, makes […]
Diss Loyalty
Written By: - Date published: 6:57 pm, July 31st, 2013 - 97 comments
So, what’s with all the negativity toward the Labour Party? Why so many comments on the Standard rubbishing the leadership, running down the party’s prospects at the next election, putting the boot in to the only party with enough mass support to bring an end to the dismal Key Government? They must really love Labour?
Speculation
Written By: - Date published: 8:32 pm, July 30th, 2013 - 143 comments
I know many of the liberal left don’t like or can’t accept the thought that banning non-residents from speculating on residential property in NZ is in any way xenophobic. Thankfully, from my perspective at least, the liberal left doesn’t speak for the whole of the left. Thing is, this banning of foreign investment is similar […]
A conservative view on low wages.
Written By: - Date published: 11:33 am, July 25th, 2013 - 37 comments
It is a national evil that any class of Her Majesty’s subjects should receive less than a living wage in return for their utmost exertions… where you have what we call sweated trades, you have no organisation, no parity of bargaining, the good employer is undercut by the bad and the bad by the worst; …
Wellington workers
Written By: - Date published: 6:52 am, July 23rd, 2013 - 28 comments
Let’s hope that workers’ rights and safety are protected in the wake of the Wellington quakes.
Don’t vote for more pokie victims
Written By: - Date published: 10:41 am, July 11th, 2013 - 50 comments
It seems that the Sky City Bill means pokies in Auckland InterCity bus terminal. So much for monitored and controlled environments. Those MPs who vote for this legislation are voting for more social harm, including more suicide. Contact them – ask them not to create more pokie victims.
Sky City deal – personal vote
Written By: - Date published: 11:52 am, July 10th, 2013 - 30 comments
Multiple reports on Twitter that Key’s grubby Sky City Bill will be a conscience personal vote. If true, I guess we get to see if any Nat MPs have a conscience.
GCSB Bill scaring off investors
Written By: - Date published: 7:22 am, July 4th, 2013 - 103 comments
One of National’s favourite lines of attack on any significant lefty policy is that it will “scare off investors”. So how now do they respond to Google’s threat that global telecommunications companies may well abandon New Zealand because of the compliance costs of the new GCSB legislation?
“Women of Influence” awards: from the left or the right?
Written By: - Date published: 12:11 pm, June 27th, 2013 - 11 comments
There’s something to be said for Fairfax and Westpac’s launch of the Women of Influence NZ awards. Many women do not receive social recognition, or a fair financial reward, for their valuable contributions to society. The Fairfax-Westpac, right-leaning, individualistic awards foreground money, profits, leadership and business.
Should a country be run like a business?
Written By: - Date published: 2:50 pm, June 22nd, 2013 - 102 comments
Many business people say that a country should be run like a business. Maybe they are right. It should be run like a SUCCESSFUL business. It is appropriate for Government to take lessons from business success, and the reverse. But when it comes down to details, right wing Neo-Liberal business do not want Government and country they govern to become too successful or democratic…
NRT: The problem of SOEs
Written By: - Date published: 3:36 pm, June 20th, 2013 - 7 comments
A second repost (with thanks) from I/S at No Right Turn. This time on SOEs.
The Blame Game.
Written By: - Date published: 9:14 am, June 20th, 2013 - 84 comments
Blame beneficiaries, blame the young, blame the old, blame the boomers, blame Maori, blame Pakeha, blame granny, hell, why don’t we just blame the Jews! Anything except place the blame where it belongs. On successive Governments who have sold us out to the rich, and offshore corporates. And the system which allows a few stupid […]
The nub of the issue
Written By: - Date published: 11:16 am, June 19th, 2013 - 112 comments
John Key can’t admit there’s a crisis in manufacturing. His response is to huff and puff and call people bozos. Not good enough. Here are some basic questions that Key should be able to answer…
Manufacturing Inquiry report
Written By: - Date published: 2:59 pm, June 17th, 2013 - 83 comments
The parliamentary inquiry into the future of manufacturing has released its report today. I’ve not had time to read it, but it’s great to see a report by 4 out of parliament’s 7 or 8* parties, showing a united stance to one of our country’s biggest economic problems. 40,000 lost jobs in 4 years; the worst current account deficit in the developed world (overtaking Greece) – and a government that’s ignoring it. We need some big solutions and a combined force committed to it.
Supporting NZ Power
Written By: - Date published: 12:37 pm, May 6th, 2013 - 12 comments
The chief executive of the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association supports the Labour / Green electricity proposals.
Massive changes to employment legislation announced today
Written By: - Date published: 12:15 pm, April 26th, 2013 - 139 comments
The changes announced today to employment law represent the most serious attack on the rights of working people to a fair go since 1991. As I wrote on this blog that the Bill will reduce the Employment Relations Act to a farce and the result will be wages are driven down and employment agreements broken […]
Nats still at panic-stations over NZ Power
Written By: - Date published: 8:29 am, April 22nd, 2013 - 16 comments
Can there be a greater sign of the threat that National sees in NZ Power than the fact they have put out 5 press releases condemning it in 4 days? I bet Key spends his Monday media round attacking it too. National knows they’re on to a hiding – they’re defending excessive profits over lower power prices for people. But they’re ideological bound to reject the solution.
It’s Not Enough To Be Nice
Written By: - Date published: 7:34 pm, April 21st, 2013 - 21 comments
Being a good employer takes a collective effort. Being nice, inquiring about the kids and genuinely taking an interest in your employees is good but does not a good employer make. Good employers are a result of what the business model allows them to do, and with the levers in NZ all set around price […]
Asset Sales: Orcon
Written By: - Date published: 6:08 pm, April 15th, 2013 - 8 comments
It was announced today that Government-owned Orcon was sold off last Friday.
Networks of influence
Written By: - Date published: 8:45 am, April 14th, 2013 - 57 comments
John Key is into networking and schmoozing with the wealthy & influential. He’s given special attention to the entertainment industries, GCSB, intellectual property & commerce. He crossed paths with Warner’s people the year before the Hobbit dispute, but never played golf with Dotcom.
- ‘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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week ago
- Podcast: The cost of prison
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- 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, ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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.,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: ...1 week ago
- This week’s bestselling books – November 8
FICTION1 The Songbirds of Florence by Olivia Spooner (Hachette, $37.99)Oho! Number one with a bullet in its first week in the shops; the author (and North Shore bookseller) really knows how to tell a story, and her latest novel (her first book, The Girl from London, was a smash hit ...1 week ago
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Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Nairn Gillies has passed away at 99 years old. He was the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion, the most-decorated New Zealand battalion from World War II. Bom Gillies (Te Arawa – Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Kahungunu) was known for his humility, strength, and his deep ...1 week ago
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The September results are reported against forecasts based on the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (BEFU 2024), published on 30 May 2024, and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...1 week ago - Commission Report Released On Domestic Contribution To The Second Nationally Determined Contribution
Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts today released the Commission’s report on the domestic emissions reductions that Aotearoa New Zealand could achieve as part of the country's second nationally determined contribution (NDC2). ...1 week ago
- Cleaners Left In Limbo After Contract Change At Auckland Transport Sites
After MMS lost its contract to provide cleaning services for Auckland Transport sites to City Cleaning, cleaners’ pay and conditions should have been transferred to the new contractor under Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act. ...1 week ago
- Social Housing Cutbacks Confirmed As Govt Axes Another 310 Kāinga Ora Workers
This makes a total of 551 roles lost since April 2024, or one in six workers across the country. A third of the workforce is in Auckland. ...1 week ago
- Local cult classic horror Black Sheep confirmed for a sequel
New Zealand’s scariest flock of sheep are back, baby. Rattle your dags, sharpen your shears and somebody check on Oliver Driver, because it has just been confirmed that a sequel for the local horror comedy Black Sheep will start production next year, nearly two decades after the original film ...1 week ago
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