democratic participation
Categories under democratic participation
- petition (21)
- political education (49)
- referendum (78)
- vote smart (25)
This coming digital war
Written By: - Date published: 8:12 am, October 21st, 2017 - 59 comments
This is the first Labour Government of the digital age. How progressives respond to social media attacks may be crucial to its success.
“Reporters”.
Written By: - Date published: 8:44 am, October 17th, 2017 - 54 comments
“Once upon a time, in a world far away” we had these people called “reporters”.
An honourable profession, who considered it their job to keep the public accurately and completely informed.
Austria and Europe
Written By: - Date published: 2:07 pm, October 16th, 2017 - 20 comments
Europe is showing a worrying trend to the right as anti immigration parties are voted into office. Austria provides the latest example.
Facebook and democracy
Written By: - Date published: 7:56 am, October 16th, 2017 - 27 comments
A long and interesting read in The Atlantic. “The very roots of the electoral system had been destabilized.”
First Past the Post nostalgia
Written By: - Date published: 11:22 am, October 12th, 2017 - 33 comments
A timely reminder that we replaced FPP for very good reasons.
There is hope
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, October 4th, 2017 - 22 comments
Anarchism and democracy.
We need a new version of MMP
Written By: - Date published: 10:26 am, October 1st, 2017 - 124 comments
This guest post looks at the ways that the national governments in Scotland and Wales operate. Their functional systems are effectively MMP, but they break up their list into regional areas which makes it easier to gain the voters to put regional issues into the wider debate.
Peters campaigned against the Nats – his party wants him to do the right thing
Written By: - Date published: 7:02 am, September 27th, 2017 - 167 comments
Peters campaigned hard against the Nats, and for a change in government (check out the speech and video). To keep faith with democracy and with his party members he has to go with Labour Green (check out the feedback and polls). If Peters goes the other way NZF will implode.
Some election night notes
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 pm, September 23rd, 2017 - 15 comments
The timing of this election’s results, how NZ governments are formed, and election stress.
Election night coverage
Written By: - Date published: 1:18 pm, September 23rd, 2017 - 13 comments
Some places for lefties to follow the counting and take part in the talking.
Today is the last day to enroll – and you should
Written By: - Date published: 8:05 am, September 22nd, 2017 - 34 comments
Today is the last day you can enroll to vote in the election. Historically far too many people in the 18-24 age group have not enrolled. The same again would suit the Nats very well indeed.
Update: Newsroom: “A record turnout of early voters suggests a youthquake in action – and the polls might be wrong.”
Update: If you are trying to enrol and the queues are long, here are the other ways you can do it, including online!
Update: you can enrol up until midnight Friday online, and then vote at a polling station on Saturday. Details here.
This is how you change the Government – enrol and vote at the same time*
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, September 17th, 2017 - 13 comments
* option only available before election day.
I’m off to vote today
Written By: - Date published: 1:22 pm, September 11th, 2017 - 75 comments
Voting has opened for advance votes and the expectation is that it will be pretty heavy prior to polling day over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be out there voting today for Jacinda Arden as my local MP, and for the Greens as my party vote.
This is how you change the Government – electorate vote Goldsmith if you are on the Epsom roll
Written By: - Date published: 1:05 pm, September 11th, 2017 - 32 comments
For progressive Epsom voters the best way to change the Government may be to give your electorate vote to Paul Goldsmith.
The election of truth vs lies
Written By: - Date published: 9:28 am, September 10th, 2017 - 77 comments
Even those who have supported National in the past must see that this current bunch have lost their way. National needs to renew itself, some time in opposition will do them good. Don’t vote for liars.
Challenging the divine right of kingmakers
Written By: - Date published: 12:40 pm, September 1st, 2017 - 123 comments
23 days to go. We’re now this close to changing the government, and have a real chance at a truly progressive government with a Labour/Green coalition. For that we need strong Green representation.
This is how you change the Government – Enrolments
Written By: - Date published: 12:19 pm, September 1st, 2017 - 6 comments
The first of what will be a series of posts on practical steps that people can take to elect a progressive Government. In this post the importance of getting as many people enrolled as possible.
How to vote from anywhere
Written By: - Date published: 7:14 am, August 30th, 2017 - 3 comments
The Greens have produced a video on what you need to do to vote internationally.
What will the next Labour caucus look like?
Written By: - Date published: 1:32 pm, August 18th, 2017 - 74 comments
Early days but Labour’s surge should result in an outstanding array of talent entering Parliament.
Do you?
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, August 11th, 2017 - 69 comments
In the interests of keeping it simple, an obvious fact or two and a basic proposition.
#LeftwithEnough
Written By: - Date published: 7:30 am, July 31st, 2017 - 14 comments
Mary St George writes about participatory democracy in this year’s election and the new twitter chat #LeftwithEnough.
The language of electioneering
Written By: - Date published: 6:30 am, July 23rd, 2017 - 127 comments
Turns out TOP might help form a 4th National government.
The Catholic Church is urging its parishoners to vote
Written By: - Date published: 8:15 am, July 21st, 2017 - 29 comments
The catholic bishops of Aotearoa have released a pamphlet urging parishoners to vote. And apart from conservative positions on euthenasia and drug liberalisation the policies they support have a decidedly progressive bent.
Who are the real enemies of the centre left?
Written By: - Date published: 11:22 am, July 15th, 2017 - 80 comments
Simon Wilson recently claimed that left wingers and party members are problems for and enemies of Labour and the Greens. This is why I think he is wrong.
This Bloody Vote.
Written By: - Date published: 11:53 am, July 7th, 2017 - 212 comments
Disentangling the veritable plate of spaghetti that’s been set before us this election.
NRT: Everybody knows the dice are loaded…
Written By: - Date published: 6:45 am, July 5th, 2017 - 137 comments
I/S at No Right Turn writes: “Around the world, we’ve seen a backlash against political establishments, driven in part by a recognition that economic and political systems are rigged to the advantage of the rich. And we have the same sentiments in New Zealand”
Northern Ireland
Written By: - Date published: 7:56 am, June 11th, 2017 - 58 comments
In the wake of the UK election hung parliament, issues are emerging with the Conservatives/DUP coalition and its effect the Northern Ireland peace process, that bring into question the Tories’ ability to govern.
UK General Election discussion post
Written By: - Date published: 6:14 am, June 9th, 2017 - 173 comments
General discussion thread for the UK election.
Pre-UK election discussion
Written By: - Date published: 6:05 am, June 8th, 2017 - 79 comments
“It’s election week, I f*cking love it…” – Jonathan Pie.
Green Party List announced
Written By: - Date published: 9:18 am, May 31st, 2017 - 21 comments
Climate change, human rights, indigenous rights, Māori and Pasifika, and fresh, young faces on the 2017 Green Party List.
Gangs to vote – a hopeful sign for turnout?
Written By: - Date published: 11:02 am, May 29th, 2017 - 32 comments
Is this an isolated case or is it representative of a change of mood in the non-voting electorate?
- New research, October 9-15, 2017
A selection of new climate related research articles is shown below. The figure is from paper #79. Climate change 1. Channelized Melting Drives Thinning Under a Rapidly Melting Antarctic Ice Shelf "High-resolution altimetry measurements from 2010 to 2016 show that Dotson ...1 day ago - I don’t fully know how to feel so here’s some graphs
The day after the election I said “I’d be extremely surprised if it doesn’t turn out to be National-NZ First.” Well, I have the pleasure (I think?) of being able to say again: I was wrong. I’m not entirely sure ...1 day ago - The Wireless’ very cool Labour Weekend playlist
How are you celebrating Labour Weekend? Illustration: Luke McPake / The Wireless Whether you’re going on an epic road trip or staying at home eating Maltesers, The Wireless has your Labour Weekend playlist covered. We asked some cool ...1 day ago - How ’bout that new government, eh?
Tom Kitchin in Wellington heads to Victoria University, and Susan Strongman in Auckland heads to MIT's Otara campus to capture the zeitgeist. *** The morning after Winston Peters announced he would form a coalition with Labour, we headed to ...1 day ago - Hard News: The climate changed
Yesterday was not only the day a new government was announced. It was also the day that a new stocktake compiled by the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand laid out the challenges posed to New Zealand by ...1 day ago - We have a government; what’s next?
I’ve got a piece up at Radio NZ about the next steps for our new goverment: After the sigh of relief, time to set a decisive course For those of us on the left, the temptation will be to down ...1 day ago - Our Democratic Process Worked
The formation of a Labour-led coalition government will be celebrated by many – and even for those who would have preferred a different outcome, there are grounds for optimism and satisfaction. The new government may not please everyone, but we ...1 day ago - A mistake
On October 1st, Catalans marched to the ballot boxes in the face of Spanish police batons, and voted loudly and clearly for independence. This then, there's been an esclating crisis as Spain has lost its shit over people peacefully and ...1 day ago - What can young people expect from a Labour-NZ First coalition?
Time will tell. Winston Peters, Jacinda Ardern and James Shaw. Image: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Winston Peters has made his choice and now the country must live with it. The New Zealand First leader yesterday plucked ...2 days ago - Hard News: All ChangeNew Zealand's not-really-all-that-lengthy coalition negotiations were conducted with a degree of discretion that meant there were few tidbits for an increasingly frazzled press gallery to bring to a probably less frazzled public. But one thing we did learn was significant: ...2 days ago
- Schrodinger’s cat is Malawi’s flag
So, very late yesterday afternoon (let's be charitable) Winston Peters lifted the box's lid and out wandered a cat with a black head, red body and green tail.read more ...2 days ago - A walking Tui ad?
The election turned out OK as far as I am concerned. My decision to support Labour after years of supporting the Greens seems to have paid off as they are now leading the new government. The Greens were punished for ...2 days ago - Change coming to transport in NZ
Huge news last night with Winston Peters announcing that he’d chosen to a coalition with Labour to form a new government. So far, all the talk from the various parities is that this new government will represent a significant change ...2 days ago - Martha & The Vandellas “Dancing in the Streets”
...2 days ago - Sounds Good Doesn’t It?
2 days ago - We Have A New Progressive Government!
So tonight I'm going to party like it's 1999!Video Courtesy of YouTubeThis posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...2 days ago - Tories out, Xenophobes in?
by Phil Duncan With Winston Peters announcing that his New Zealand First party is going with Labour and not with National, it looks like the Tories are out and the Xenophobes are in. We’ll now have the two most xenophobic ...2 days ago - ChangeSo, nearly four weeks after the election, and two weeks after the results, Winston has chosen Labour and the Greens. While I'm not overjoyed at the result, because Winston, its certainly the better outcome of the hand the voters dealt ...2 days ago
- Pretty Boys and Bangable Faces
2 days ago - British spies are sharing data illegallyFor years, British spies have been collecting personal information on innocent UKanians, building huge "bulk personal datasets" of personal information on ordinary UK citizens who they admit are of no intelligence interest. That's bad enough, but it also turns out ...2 days ago
- Students and staff hit hardest by constant upheaval
Tertiary Update – Vol 20 No 31 Tertiary education institutions across New Zealand are restructuring how courses and services are delivered, causing unnecessary stress and uncertainty for thousands of staff and students. Eleven universities, polytechnics and wānanga have notified staff of ...2 days ago - Happy Labour DayMillions of Kiwis will enjoy a day off paid work on Monday to commemorate the successful union campaign for an eight-hour working day. New Zealand workers were among the first in the world to claim this right when, in 1840, the ...2 days ago
- Accreditation withdrawn from yet another for-profit providerThe New Zealand Qualifications Authority has withdrawn accreditation from the International College of Auckland (ICA), effecting around 80 international students. The loss of accreditation, which was withdrawn voluntarily by ICA, relates to four business and management courses. NZQA is working to ...2 days ago
- Telford celebrate takeoverTaratahi Agricultural Training Centre has celebrated its takeover of Lincoln University’s Telford campus. Ministers provided the consents necessary to allow Taratahi’s acquisition of the Telford campus in July, with the transfer taking effect on 31 July. The Otago Daily Times reported that the celebration ...2 days ago
- Flaw and porkie in anti-fluoride report claiming a flaw in Canadian study
Anti-fluoride group, Fluoride Action Network, ironically stamps their own critique of the Calgary fluoridation cessation study as “debunked.” Anti-fluoride campaigners have launched another attack on a Canadian fluoridation cessation study. They claim it is flawed – but there is a huge ...2 days ago - Taika the traitor
Not all New Zealand's rivers are poison, egg! Taika Waititi Photo: Claire Eastham-Farrelly This morning, broadcaster Duncan Garner said he thinks New Zealand director Taika Waititi is treasonous. Garner was talking about comments Waititi made in ...2 days ago - Western Victoria Quarter Part 1: Introduction
This is a Guest Post by David R, and the first of a series about the need to improve the Western Victoria Quarter. After arriving back from a stint in Vancouver and Amsterdam, my partner and I decided we wanted ...2 days ago - The Grow Room Profiles – Erny Belle
"I left the city because it had nothing to offer me anymore. Songstress Erny Belle makes no bones about relocating in order to reclaim control of her creativity. Visuals by the The Grow Room. ...2 days ago - Winston’s Dream Can Only Be Realised By Putting New Zealand Second.
2 days ago - Do Good Thursday: End solitary confinementPeople Against Prisons Aotearoa (formerly No Pride in Prisons) are campaigning to end solitary confinement in New Zealand prisons – or as Corrections insists on referring to it in the most Orwellian way possible, “directed segration”. PAPA says: Every year, ...3 days ago
- Kicking off for the swimming season
First swim of the season at ‘my’ beach this morning … brrr! But totally worth it. ...3 days ago - More PT ridership milestones
It’s been a year for milestones on public transport and Auckland Transport are celebrating another one. We’ve now passed 90 million trips within a 12-month period. That follows us hitting 20 million trips on rail and 5 million trips on ...3 days ago - Letters from America, take eight: on the fear of “good negro government.”One notable aspect of contemporary US politics is the re-emergence of so-called culture wars. Orchestrated by Steve Bannon, assorted alt-Right platforms and Murdoch media outlets in response to what could be called the de-WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant)-ification of US ...3 days ago
- Insulting people in printPerhaps contrary to appearances, I endeavour to keep my criticism of people in the spotlight here on topic, and confined to a recounting of facts (to the best of my knowledge) and then express my opinions and conclusions. I don’t ...3 days ago
- Auckland show to commemorate the Russian RevolutionAs Russia’s political leaders and oligarchs struggle with how to commemorate the centenary of the 1917 workers’ revolution, Auckland actors and activists will be assembling in Karangahape Road on Guy Fawkes’ Day in November for a show that examines ...3 days ago
- CliFi – A new way to talk about climate change
Cli-Fi refers to “climate fiction;” it is a term coined by journalist Dan Bloom. These are fictional books that somehow or someway bring real climate change science to the reader. What is really interesting is that Cli-Fi books often present ...3 days ago - Artist Erin Forsyth wants you to care
We chat to Erin Forsyth about her illustrations of threatened native species that are on display at Whitespace Gallery. Erin Forsyth Whether it be the ground dwelling bats, male frogs that carry babies on their backs or parasitic plants with ...3 days ago - Battery train plans go flat
Back in July, the council was pushed by Auckland Transport to make an urgent decision to approve additional funding to buy much needed new trains. Primarily this was to provide additional capacity on the network by enabling all trains (except ...3 days ago - The lessons from the 2017 election … so farHey, we still don’t have a government! Nevertheless, the Wellington Fabians got together last night to hear Jane Clifton, Morgan Godfery, Mike Smith and me talk about the election aftermath. Here’s my speech notes. ~ The 2017 general election is ...3 days ago
- 5 Percent Of The Population, 100 Percent Of The Power.
4 days ago - He toa takitini: if anything needs fixing, it’s our communities, not young people
Morocco Tai died on 9 October. He was 15 years old and driving a stolen car. He died when the car collided with a tree during a police pursuit. His two passengers are both in hospital, seriously injured. I do ...4 days ago - South Auckland’s missing bus lanes
Back in December last year, newly elected Mayor Phil Goff looked to assert some authority over Auckland Transport through a Letter of Expectation. It included clear expectations about the need for more bus lanes with comments such as: We invite ...4 days ago - Inferno XI: The geography of crime and punishment
Hell is a place on Earth. And although it is inhabited by spirits that are non-corporeal, they too will be reunited with their bodies after the Day of Judgment – whereupon they shall have to endure a second eternity, longer ...4 days ago - The beautiful world of whakawhanaungatanga
I got asked by my cousin Tommy Wilson to respond to Don Brash’s column (find it here on page 18) on the demise of the Māori Party in our local Bay Waka. Originally I was going to be his ghost ...4 days ago - The Maker Of “Men” – Masculinity and its Origins
4 days ago - Bird of the Year – Loving Aotearoa
I love that I live in a country where there is a competition for ‘Bird of the Year’. Right now, around New Zealand, there are teams and campaigns promoting the attributes of our native birds; from the famous kākāpo creeping ...4 days ago - #MeToo must be translated into action.
"They cannot just let it be a hashtag." Photo: creative commons / Richard Potts On Sunday, “When my tormentor died, I didn't feel a thing,” was the headline of broadcaster Alison Mau’s Star Times column. Mau’s father had ...4 days ago - Farmers are poisoning CanterburyThanks to intensive farming, a quarter of Canterbury's wells are close to exceeding safe nitrate limits:Increased irrigation in Canterbury is putting newborn babies at increased risk from water contamination, a medical officer of health says. Canterbury Regional Council figures show ...4 days ago
- From Syria to Porirua
Meet the refugee rapper who rhymes to remember. Sharif King outside his home in Porirua. Photo: The Wireless/Max Towle Sharif King has been shot at, punched so hard his teeth have shattered and had an iron bar ...4 days ago - Spain has political prisoners againUnder Franco's dictatorship, Spain had political prisoners. And now, under the Francoist People's party, it has them again, with two Catalans jailed for sedition for organising peaceful protests for independence:The leaders of two of the main pro-independence civil society organizations ...4 days ago
- This is it – a government – soon – maybeThis is the week we will be told what parties will make up the governing coalition and who will sit on the opposition benches of Parliament. Of this I am sure. read more ...5 days ago
- The Waterview Voluntary Tax
The Waterview tunnels were opened in July and one of the many pieces of equipment in them are a set of four speed cameras to monitor the 80km/h speed limits. Yesterday police revealed how many tickets they had issued and the ...5 days ago - The Zero Carbon Act
On 8th of November 2016 the World Meteorological Organization first demonstrated that global temperatures surpassed 1°C above earth’s pre-industrial average for an entire year. Believer in climate change or not, the scale of the job in front of our policy-makers ...5 days ago - The war on coal is over. Coal lost.Last week, Trump’s EPA administrator Scott Pruitt announced, “the war on coal is over.” If there ever was a war on coal, the coal industry has lost. According to a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, many old American coal power plants ...5 days ago
- Sue Bradford: Constant RadicalMy first memory of Sue Bradford is of the feisty speech she gave to the 1984 Economic Summit Conference pleading that a greater commitment be given to the people she worked with – those on the margins of society: the ...5 days ago
- A Post Election UpdateIt’s the start of another week and I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s happening in relation to our efforts to form a new Government for New Zealand. We’ve been working hard to ensure that the issues ...5 days ago
- Dainties and Chains: Progressive MPs And The “Wellington Bubble”
5 days ago - We should not be involved in thisIn 2015, the National government sent New Zealand troops to Iraq. Their role there was to train the Iraqi army so it could be used to fight "terrorists". Now, the army we helped train is being used to invade Kurdistan:Iraqi ...5 days ago
- Council’s City Centre video
On Friday the council published this video highlighting the importance of Auckland’s city centre and busting a few common myths, such as that the city sucks rates out of the rest of the region. Overall the video is pretty good ...5 days ago - Did Britain manipulate Australia’s dismissal?The British government and its monarch have always denied any responsibility for the 1975 dismissal of an elected government by an unelected governor-general. But it appears they were lying:Representatives of the British government flew to Australia in the lead-up to ...5 days ago
- Abortion denied at 18 weeks
A woman considered driving off the road when she discovered she was four months pregnant. Photo: Flo Karr / Unsplash A 22-year-old woman has been denied an abortion by North Shore Hospital, in the second known case ...5 days ago - Erotica from a woman’s perspective
Taking ownership of your body. Naomi Werrett, or Sylvia Gold. Photo: Carlos de Treend There are no photos of a teenage Naomi Werrett. Born in the Saudi Arabian port city Jeddah, on the Red Sea, she ...5 days ago - We have one year to create the largest ever protected area on Earth
In the words of David Attenborough, “Our planet is a blue planet”. With over 70% of our world covered by water, our oceans can be seen from across the solar system. It wasn’t long ago that the oceans were ...6 days ago - 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #41
Story of the Week... El Niño/La Niña Update... Toon of the Week... Graphic of the Week... SkS Spotlights... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... SkS Week in Review... 97 Hours of Consensus... Story of the Week ...6 days ago - Safety must become a higher priority
It has been a terrible time on our roads recently. Fourteen people died in the space of a week on our roads and the individual stories are heartbreaking: Police said a 56-year-old woman, 60-year-old man and a five-year-old boy who ...6 days ago - The Ocean Plastic Crisis
"Plastics!" This became one of the most famous film lines from the 1960s era. In the film The Graduate, young university graduate, Ben (Dustin Hoffman) appears annoyed and distracted when his wealthy American parents stage an elaborate party to show ...6 days ago - Sunday reading 15 October 2017
In the last few weeks we’ve seen a lot of engagement on the topic of housing, so I thought I’d share the perspectives of a few young women doing the mahi in this space. Firstly, Women in Urbanism Aotearoa ...7 days ago - 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #41
A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook page during the past week. Editor's Pick Record Amazon fires stun scientists; sign of sick, degraded forests If climate change continues to worsen unchecked, and forest degradation ...7 days ago - An Expression Of Democratic Interest.
People Power: "Politics without romance" was how the extreme right-wing "public choice" theorist, James Buchanan, described the substitution of market forces for Democracy’s “expressive interests”. If the 2017 election was about anything, it was about turning that around.REGARDLESS of NZ First’s ...1 week ago - Time to Use the Remedy Provided by the Constitution?We have now had three-quarters of a year in which to form a judgment of Donald Trump’s fitness to hold office. That judgment cannot help but be adverse – and the only remaining question is, how much more damage will ...1 week ago
- Making massive profits from Greece’s debtCapitalism can turn almost anything to private profit for the rich minority. Take the massive Greek debt and the misery of austerity imposed on the Greek masses: by Michael Roberts The announcement by the European Central Bank that it has ...1 week ago
- New research, October 2-8, 2017
A selection of new climate related research articles is shown below. Climate change 1. Comment on “Scrutinizing the carbon cycle and CO2 residence time in the atmosphere” by H. Harde "As we will show, this alternative scheme is too simple, is based on ...1 week ago - Golriz Ghahraman on discrimination, hate, and white dudes on Twitter
'We're not in a post-race, post-gender society at all.' Iran-born New Zealand MP Golriz Ghahraman. Photo: Luke McPake / The Wireless "It's funny," Golriz Ghahraman says. "My Twitter account is going into the national archives... It ...1 week ago - Weekly Reading: Best longreads on the web
Our weekly recap highlighting the best feature stories from around the internet. The allegations of sexual harassment made against Harvey Weinstein this week are explored in depth by Ronan Farrow for The New Yorker. Photo: AFP ...1 week ago - CRL bus stop changes 3.0
A reality of a project like the City Rail Link is disruption. This disruption creates challenges but it can also provide interesting opportunities too. Challenges One of the challenges has been that Albert St has long been one of Auckland’s ...1 week ago
- Labour Ministers of the Crown announced
Today caucus has elected the 21 Labour Ministers of the Crown who will serve in the new government’s executive, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “Across the board these members have the experience, expertise and drive I want in our team ...1 day ago - Agreement with New Zealand First to support a Labour-led GovernmentLabour is pleased to have successfully concluded negotiations with New Zealand First as a critical step to forming a Labour-led progressive Government, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “I thank the New Zealand First Party and Leader Winston Peters for agreeing ...2 days ago
- Bird of the Year – Loving Aotearoa
I love that I live in a country where there is a competition for ‘Bird of the Year’. Right now, around New Zealand, there are teams and campaigns promoting the attributes of our native birds; from the famous kākāpo creeping ...4 days ago - A Post Election UpdateIt’s the start of another week and I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s happening in relation to our efforts to form a new Government for New Zealand. We’ve been working hard to ensure that the issues ...5 days ago
- Labour welcomes final election resultsToday’s final election count has strengthened the mandate for change, and for negotiations to continue in earnest, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “We congratulate Angie Warren-Clark on becoming Labour’s 14th additional MP, which expands the Labour caucus to ...2 weeks ago
- Lewis Moeau – he aituā, he aituā!Kua tau ngā pōkeao ki runga i te marae o Te Poho o Taharākau ki roto o Manutūkē, oti rā ki runga o Puketapu me Manawaru, ngā maunga tipua o te hautipua kua riro nei. E heke ana ngā roimata me ngā ...2 weeks ago
- Statement on coalition negotiations“This morning I spoke with New Zealand First Leader, Winston Peters. We will look to hold a meeting between our respective teams later this week, while we wait for special votes to be counted. “Special votes remain an important part ...3 weeks ago
- The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews Jacinda Ardern
Labour leader and Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern says her government will have a range of targets similar to Better Public Service targets that will be reported on annually - these could include things like environmental measures, homelessness ...10 hours ago - The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews James ShawGreens leader James Shaw says his party’s ministers will be Eugenie Sage, Julie Anne Genter, Jan Logie, and himself. Gareth Hughes will be the chief musterer and Marama Davidson the deputy musterer. He says he can’t confirm yet who will ...10 hours ago
- Māori Party congratulates new GovernmentMāori Party congratulates new Government The Māori Party is congratulating the leaders of the Labour and NZ First parties for forming a new Government for Aotearoa. “Good on Winston Peters for treading carefully during his negotiations with both ...1 day ago
- LGNZ welcomes new GovernmentLGNZ welcomes new Government, looks forward to productive relationship Local Government New Zealand congratulates the incoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and welcomes the new Labour-led government. LGNZ also congratulates New Zealand First and the ...1 day ago
- Outdoor Council Expects More Enlightened EnvironmentalismThe Council of Outdoor Recreational Associations of New Zealand (CORANZ) has welcomed the new coalition government of NZ First and Labour backed by the Green Party. ...1 day ago
- Trout Fishers’ Federation Welcomes Government ChangeA national trout fishing organisation has welcomed the formation of the NZ First, Labour and Green Parties government and the relegation of the National-led government to opposition. ...1 day ago
- New Government should protect women and unborn childrenJacinda Ardern has publicly committed herself and her party to removing abortion from the Crimes Act, but Voice for Life hopes that as the new Prime Minister, she will realise just how dangerous such a move would be for both ...1 day ago
- New government presents opportunities for actionThe community campaigning group ActionStation us welcoming the new government and hopeful about the opportunities it presents for action on several pressing issues. ...1 day ago
- Equal pay about to boost New Zealand communitiesNew Zealand Council of Trade Unions Vice President Rachel Mackintosh said today that she had woken up full of excitement for New Zealand women, their families and communities following the announcement of the new coalition Government. ...1 day ago
- Nurses looking forward to health spend hikeNew Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) acting Chief Executive Jane MacGeorge says nurses welcome the new government and are looking forward to a reversal of the 2017 ‘scrooge health budget’ and the $2B going back into health. Jane MacGeorge today ...1 day ago
- Common sense prevails on water taxIrrigationNZ says that a decision by the new government not to introduce a water tax would be a victory for common sense. ...1 day ago
- Closing the Gap Delighted at New Government & DirectionThe income equality project Closing the Gap, today congratulated the country's incoming coalition government, saying it offered hope for the kind progressive change most New Zealanders voted for. ...1 day ago
- EDS welcomes new government and environmental reforms“The policy commitments from Labour, NZ First and the Greens promise a remarkably progressive trajectory for the environment and conservation over the next 3 years,” says EDS CEO Gary Taylor. ...1 day ago
- New Government’s TPPA Problems Start Next Week‘The new government of Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens will have to move fast if they are going to influence the outcomes of trade and investment agreements being negotiated under the National government’s mandate, and which they all, ...1 day ago
- Primetime Politics: 1 NEWS Reached 1.3M Viewers Last Night...1 day ago
- Campaign Will Say Nope To DopeFamily First NZ says that the Green party have now declared their true intention – to legalise dope – and a strong campaign will be run to encourage families to ‘say nope to dope’ in any upcoming referendum. ...1 day ago
- Government has ‘Historic Opportunity’ to Restore NZ NatureThe new government has an historic opportunity to unlock a future where New Zealanders thrive in harmony with nature, says environmental organisation WWF-New Zealand. ...1 day ago
- PSA Welcomes Progressive New Coalition GovernmentThe Public Service Association warmly welcomes the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and congratulates Labour, New Zealand First and the Green Party on the formation of a new Government. ...1 day ago
- No mandate for immigration crackdownNew Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI), a leading voice in the immigration sector, believes there is no mandate for the new Labour-led coalition Government’s proposed crackdown on immigration. ...1 day ago
- Robust primary sector a solid foundation for incoming ruleA flourishing primary sector with exponential growth will ensure the new Labour led coalition government starts office on a solid footing, says Federated Farmers. ...1 day ago
- NZ First Promised Anti-Smacking Law ReferendumFamily First NZ says that if a referendum is going to be held on legalising dope as requested by the Green party, then NZ First should also be delivering a referendum on the anti-smacking law, based on statements made by ...1 day ago
- Annual net migration down to 71,000Annual net migration was 71,000 in the September 2017 year, Stats NZ said today. Migrant arrivals were 131,600 and migrant departures were 60,600. ...1 day ago
- Stunning Hypocrisy on Referendums By GreensFamily First NZ is slamming the Green party as being hypocritical after their call for a referendum on legalising dope. ...2 days ago
- Time for Change in NZ Wood IndustryThe NZ Wood Processors and Manufacturers' Association (WPMA) congratulates The NZ Labour Party, NZ First and The Green Party on successfully joining together to form the next government. Mr Brian Stanley, Chair of WPMA, notes that, "this is a ...2 days ago
- Please Don’t Throw Out the Emissions Trading SchemeChuck out the bathwater - keep the baby. With two coalition partners recommending axing the Emissions Trading Scheme in favour of a carbon tax, Ekos is concerned that the new government will upset the apple cart and set us back ...2 days ago
- NZUSA Congratulate Labour-Led GovernmentThe New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) says that student issues should be a top priority in the first 100 days of the new Labour-led Government. ...2 days ago
- Four young Hamiltonians having a global impactThe Lucy Foundation , a local social enterprise creating an inclusive supply chain of coffee from seed to cup. The Lucy Foundation works with coffee-farming families affected by disability to create ethical and sustainable coffee for the New Zealand ...2 days ago
- Road safety educator calls for increased vigilanceNew Zealand’s largest Youth Road Safety Educator, is sending a timely reminder to keep road safety front of mind when travelling this Labour weekend. They are asking drivers and passengers to commit to giving the road their full attention to ...2 days ago
- Social Service Providers welcome change of focusSocial Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA) national manager Brenda Pilott has welcomed the incoming Labour – NZ First – Green government in which all parties have stated their commitment to improving how government works with community organisations. ...2 days ago
- Time to Make HistoryThis new government must be given time to find its footing, and prioritise areas of agreement. However, part of that process must be the corporate understanding and recognition of the drivers of New Zealand’s negative statistics, so that these ...2 days ago
- ALRANZ Welcomes Promise of Law Reform under LabourALRANZ welcomes the announcement this afternoon of a Labour-led coalition forming the next government. During the campaign, Labour leader, now Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern pledged to decriminalise abortion in New Zealand, saying pregnant ...2 days ago
- Students congratulate Labour-led GovernmentThe New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) says that student issues should be a top priority in the first 100 days of the new Labour-led Government. ...2 days ago
- Feds ready to engage new coalition governmentFederated Farmers says it is ready to engage and work with the new coalition government. ...2 days ago
- Campaign is over, now the real work begins"On behalf of working people, I can say how excited we are to have a coalition Government who have committed to lifting incomes, to women actually getting equal pay and to ending poverty in New Zealand" said CTU Secretary, Sam ...2 days ago
- Chamber welcomes the Labour-NZ First negotiation outcomeThe Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes the outcome of the negotiations to form the new government, and congratulates Labour, says Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford. ...2 days ago
- ILGA Oceania Welcomes the New Labour Led GovernmentCo-convenor, Rawa Karetai said that, "after a long campaign and coalition negotiations, it is great to know that LGBTI rights will continue to progress in New Zealand" ...2 days ago
- E tū ecstatic as we welcome a Labour-led GovernmentE tū says it is ecstatic after confirmation tonight that E tū member Jacinda Ardern is our next Prime Minister. ...2 days ago
- Educators call on new government to take actionTeachers and educators have huge hope that the new Labour led Government will herald the rebuilding of New Zealand’s public education system and restore our children’s birthright to a free, world-class education. ...2 days ago
- Greenpeace “cautiously hopeful” about new GovernmentThursday, October 19: Greenpeace Executive Director, Dr Russel Norman, says he’s cautiously hopeful that a Labour-led Government could be a turning point for the environment. ...2 days ago
- PEPANZ acknowledges new emissions reportPEPANZ acknowledges new emissions report -- The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ) says a new report from the Ministry for the Environment today on global and domestic greenhouse gas emissions shows the challenges ahead ...2 days ago
- White Ribbon wants your helpThe Weinstein allegations and subsequent ‘Me too’ Facebook status have demonstrated in a very public manner what family violence organisations have known for a long time, says Campaign manager Rob McCann. ‘That while one in three women experience ...2 days ago
- Waikato DHB’s oversight of former CEO yet again in questionReacting to a story by the NZ Herald last night, that suggests former Waikato DHB CEO, Dr Nigel Murray, may have been claiming expenses for a woman he was not married to, brings further into question the oversight of the ...2 days ago
- Worrying Report Sparks Need for New Climate LawEnvironmental organisation WWF-New Zealand calls Parliament to pass a new climate law, in response to today’s ‘Our Atmosphere and Climate 2017’ report that highlights how climate change is harming our country, environment, and people. ...2 days ago
- Govt Urged To Source External Carbon From Pacific IslandsEnvironmental financing charity Ekos is urging Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett to source any foreign carbon credits from the Pacific Islands before searching for credits elsewhere, and only after making every effort to reduce emissions at home, ...2 days ago
- Fairfax makes up quotes to attack NZ-Israel innovation dealJordan Williams, Executive Director of the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, has issued a press release and penned an article to correct false and misleading reporting by Fairfax journalist, Madison Reidy, that gave the impression that the Taxpayers’ ...2 days ago
- Government Must Put Search for New Oil On HoldGovt must put search for new oil on hold after release of “disturbing” MfE climate report ...2 days ago
- Gov Report Confirms Need for More Action on Climate ChangeThe latest in the series of environmental assessment reports from the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand confirms the need for more urgent action to curb our burgeoning greenhouse gas emissions. ...2 days ago
- Report Confirms Increasing Greenhouse Emissions Impacting NZNew Zealand is seeing impacts of excess greenhouse gas emissions in our climate and oceans, according to the latest national report from the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ about the state of the atmosphere and climate. ...2 days ago
- Climate Report Must Spur Action from New GovernmentA new climate report being released today must spur New Zealand’s political and industrial leaders into reducing greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of who takes the reins of government later today, says Forest & Bird. ...3 days ago
- Christchurch Helicopters helps rare parakeetChristchurch Helicopters helps rare parakeet A new partnership between the Department of Conservation and Christchurch Helicopters to help save our rarest forest bird, the orange-fronted parakeet/kākāriki karaka, was announced at an event in Christchurch ...3 days ago
- Indonesian academic exchange an opportunity for unique collaboration
Report by David Robie. This article was first published on Café Pacific From AUT University Pacific Media Centre director Professor David Robie will next week join academics from around the world in a global professorial exchange with Indonesia’s Universitas Gadjah ...48 mins ago - Climate Change Minister not being ‘downgraded’ – Shaw
The Greens leader James Shaw says he's not concerned the Climate Change Minister will be outside the Cabinet in the new government. ...4 hours ago - National needs to be a ‘practical and sceptical’ oppositionOpinion - The National Party will need to be wary of the potential pitfalls of an unexpected stint in opposition, writes Rob Hosking. ...5 hours ago
- Pressure on Māori MPs to deliver in new govtThe pressure is on for all Māori MPs in the new government to deliver changes that were promised during their election campaign. ...7 hours ago
- Top award for Māori, Treaty and colonial historian with new focusArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Professor Paul Moon … top accolade for sustained and exceptional academic achievement. Image: AUT Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk One of New Zealand’s best-selling and most-respected historians and social commentators, Professor Paul Moon, has been acknowledged ...8 hours ago
- New PM tells Aussie journo how to say her last nameAn Australian radio journalist has been boasting on social media after getting Jacinda Ardern to personally confirm how she pronounces her name. ...8 hours ago
- What does Jacinda mean for women in New Zealand?
The team from On the Rag weren’t able to get in the same room following Jacinda’s win, so here they are with their feelings. Definitely real* picture of us together Leonie Hayden I write this from a room filled with Ngāpuhi ...10 hours ago - Ardern confirms Labour’s immigration target to hold swayThe incoming Prime Minister says the new government will follow Labour's policy on immigration numbers rather than New Zealand First's. ...11 hours ago
- US officially congratulates Labour and ArdernThe United States has officially congratulated Labour and Jacinda Ardern on forming the next Government. ...11 hours ago
- Who’s afraid of the big, bad Wallaby? Not the All Blacks
There’s not a lot of hope for Australian rugby ahead of tonight’s test, says Scotty Stevenson. Despite the usual cork floats of confidence bobbing about in the sea of indifference that constitutes the vast majority of planet rugby in Australia these ...11 hours ago - Green Party announces ministersThe Green Party has announced the four people who will get government roles in the new adminstration. ...12 hours ago
- We did it, now let’s actually do it – Kiri Allan on delight for Labour (and two other labours)
I’d forced myself not to think about it, but now the incredible has happened, writes Spinoff candidate diarist and new star of the Labour caucusRead all the candidate diaries from election 2017 hereIt’s 6.42am and I’m on a flight to ...13 hours ago - Labour-NZ First govt: How did it get to this?Opinion - The Labour-New Zealand First minority government may seem bizarre, but it's simply the next stage on our MMP journey, Claire Robinson writes. ...13 hours ago
- Are changes to our trade policy a done deal?
New Zealand’s trade policy could be set for a shakeup under the new Labour government. A likely target is investor-state dispute resolution provisions in New Zealand’s free trade agreements, which may go from status quo to status no. Chris Gillies ...14 hours ago - How Ardern will spend her long weekendThe incoming PM will spend the weekend finalising her party's coalition deal with New Zealand First. ...14 hours ago
- How Jacinda Ardern will spend her long weekendThe incoming prime minister will spend the weekend finalising her party's coalition deal with New Zealand First. ...14 hours ago
- Wellingtonians hopeful for changeBeyond the Beehive, the suburbs are abuzz with the news that a new government is about to take the reigns after nine years under National. ...1 day ago
- The Greens’ drug reform policyThe Green Party is one of the few parties to have a defined drug reform policy and a specific approach to cannabis. ...1 day ago
- Sixth Labour govt: What’s in store for NZPower Play - As New Zealand's government hashes out the final details of how it will proceed, RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson looks at the policy moves and promises on the line. ...1 day ago
- Bringing youth to powerJacinda Ardern is set to be one of the ten youngest world leaders, but is joining a trend of fresh-faced politicians succeeding, writes RNZ's Liz Brown. ...1 day ago
- Ardern vows to improve Cabinet gender balanceIncoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she's not happy with the gender balance of Labour's ministerial positions, and has vowed to change it over time. ...1 day ago
- (WATCH) A whole bunch of men talking over women the night Jacinda won
On the evening of the 19th of October 2017 a new government was anointed. Change might have been in the air, but a whole lot of men were still talking over women. ...1 day ago - Goodbye Maggie baggage – RIP neo-liberalism in NZ: 1984–2017Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz OPINION: By Frank Macskasy Winston Peters has called it: NZ First is going into coalition with Labour-Greens. In reality, it was the only decision he could possibly make. Firstly, National has a scary reputation for devouring it’s ...1 day ago
- Jokowi’s foreign policy becomes more visible, says ex-envoy to USArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Diplomats say Indonesia’s provincial and district leaders should to tap into international opportunities that arise from the country’s position as one of the founders of Asean. Image: Muhammad Adimaja/ Jakarta Globe/Antara Indonesia’s foreign policy under ...1 day ago
- Politics podcast: A whole new government editionThe Gone By Lunchtime team chews over the new government, what it means for Labour, NZ First, the Greens and where it leaves National – and how we got there. Guest starring an exciting new podcasting talent.With a showmanship to ...1 day ago
- Looking forward there’s lots to look forward toOpinion - "Our government suddenly looks a lot more like all of us" - The Spinoff's Simon Wilson tells us all the things he's looking forward to from a Labour-NZ First government. ...1 day ago
- Raise your hands to the damned sky: Beastwars’ Matt Hyde battles cancer
Legendary Beastwars vocalist Matt Hyde has been diagnosed with cancer. Here Toby Morris pens a tribute, and outlines how fans can help Hyde win his battle. If you’ve ever seen Beastwars you’ll know what I’m talking about in that headline. You’ll ...1 day ago - VIDEO: Who’s in? Who’s out?The Labour caucus met earlier, but details of ministerial portfolios will not be known until next week. ...1 day ago
- Emily Writes: Are mum groups on Facebook a vortex to hell?
Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes wonders if Facebook groups for parents do more harm than good.I saw Blade Runner finally. Without much of an interest in blades or running it took me a while. I saw it only because it ...1 day ago - Always be ready to sell: Entrepreneur Mark Hurley on selling to an $11 billion agencyBusiness is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand, with the interview available as both audio and ...1 day ago
- Pike River families: ‘We’ve got a voice now’Pike River families campaigning for re-entry to the mine are confident that the new government will make it happen. ...1 day ago
- Best Songs Ever: Julia Deans is back on patrol
Our regular round-up of new songs and singles, featuring Julien Barker, Julia Deans, Hopetown Brown, the handsomer Gallagher and more…SONG OF THE WEEKJulien Baker – ‘Turn Out the Lights’A new song for communal despairThe Fader recently described 21-year old Memphis songwriter ...1 day ago - Mum is an awkward British love letter to difficult families everywhere
Tara Ward watches British sitcom Mum, a show for anyone who has found themselves in an inescapable family mess. What’s the story?Mum is a family comedy seen through the eyes of newly widowed Cathy. The show follows Cathy as she negotiates ...1 day ago - Dame Anne Salmond: A new start for NZ
Many politicians and commentators have argued that under MMP, the largest party should have the first chance at forming a government. This assumes that the rights of political parties matter more than the rights of citizens to choose the policies ...1 day ago - Cannabis referendum part of Greens’ dealNew Zealand will have a referendum on legalising marijuana for personal use as part of the Greens deal with Labour. ...1 day ago
- Kiwis of Snapchat new government poetry slam (WATCH)In our video series Kiwis of Snapchat, comedian Tom Sainsbury sources exclusive Snapchat footage of Kiwi citizens and luminaries making the news. Today: The stars of Election 2017 react to new PM Jacinda Ardern – in rhyme.Click here for all ...1 day ago
- What can young people expect from a Labour-NZ First coalition?A 'youth-adjacent' Prime Minister teams up with one of Parliament's old soldiers - what might this intergenerational government deliver for rangatahi? The Wireless asks. ...1 day ago
- This may be a kind of Malawi mix. But it’s also MMP’s coming of age
Andrew Geddis assesses the shape and viability of the new Jacinda Ardern led government. And sings the praises of two individuals, one from the Greens, the other National.So, very late yesterday afternoon (let’s be charitable) Winston Peters lifted the box’s lid and ...1 day ago - The Friday Poem: ‘Deidre Barlow’ by Jilly O’BrienNew verse by Jilly O’Brien. Deirdre Barlow Deirdre do the neck thingDeirdre do the neck thingDeidre do that thing with your neckThe worried neck and specs thing Oh Ken a lady gave birth in an ambulance because she left it too latewatching you leave ...1 day ago
- Expect a vigorous opposition, former MP saysNational will come swinging for the new government in its unfamiliar role in opposition, a former MP says. ...1 day ago
- The wairua goes out for a wander: on the value of sleep
Health campaigner Te Miri Rangi looks at what we can learn from our ancestors about the ancient art of a good night’s rest.When it comes to adopting a healthy lifestyle, the first two things that we turn to are eating ...1 day ago - NZ’s new PM: What is being saidWinston Peters announced yesterday that NZ First will go with Labour, making Jacinda Ardern New Zealand's new Prime Minister. ...1 day ago
- LIVE: Pike River families hopeful re-entry will happenA spokesperson for some of the families of the Pike River Mine says they are confident that with a new government, a re-entry into the mine is going to happen. Follow our live coverage. ...1 day ago
- After the sigh of relief, time to set a decisive courseOpinion - Labour was always a logical choice for New Zealand First, and now's the time to wrench the steering wheel as far as it can go in a new direction, writes Stephanie Rodgers. ...2 days ago
- Unity Books best-seller chart for Labour WeekendThe best-selling books at the best two bookstores beneath the Sun.AUCKLAND UNITY1 Goodbye Māoriland: Songs & Sounds of NZ’s Great War by Chris Bourke (Auckland University Press, $60)Fabulous new social and cultural history by the author of Blue Smoke. “An impeccably ...2 days ago
- The moment Ardern knew Peters would choose LabourThe new PM says she guessed Winston Peters would choose Labour when he spoke about wanting all New Zealanders to share in the country's economic prosperity. ...2 days ago
- I was a National MP for 15 years, and today I’m excited about JacindaWith Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, New Zealand has a chance to rebrand itself as a dynamic country where interesting things happen, says Wayne Mapp, the former National government minister of defence.Well, we now have a new government with Jacinda ...2 days ago
- Watch: James Shaw on Greens’ govt roleThe Green Party will have ministerial responsibilities relating to climate change, restoring forests and rivers and eradicating poverty, leader James Shaw says. ...2 days ago
- James Shaw on Morning ReportThe Green Party will have its first ministerial portfolios in the party's history in the new Labour-led coalition. Watch James Shaw on Morning Report. ...2 days ago
- Watch live: James Shaw in the studioThe Green Party will have its first ministerial portfolios in the party's history in the new Labour-led coalition. Watch James Shaw live on Morning Report. ...2 days ago
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