national
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- same old national (1,615)
Clearing the decks
Written By: - Date published: 10:00 am, December 13th, 2021 - 14 comments
The draft report into Nick Smith’s treatment of a young staff member that eventually saw him leave Parliament has made its way into the public realm, just in time to be lost in the pre Christmas media wash up.
Fair pay agreements – the employers fight back
Written By: - Date published: 10:19 am, December 11th, 2021 - 48 comments
BusinessNZ and Federated Farmers have this week attacked the Government for intending to implement policy designed to improve the plight of poorly paid workers.
National’s caucus reshuffle
Written By: - Date published: 7:49 am, December 7th, 2021 - 140 comments
The deckchairs have been reshuffled. And Chris Luxon is confident that reorganising the pecking order of a deeply dysfunctional caucus will make all the difference.
Some good news about Covid
Written By: - Date published: 7:58 am, December 6th, 2021 - 230 comments
In Auckland there ares welcome signs that the spread of Covid is declining and the Health system is holding up. And the Vaccination roll out has gone that well that Chris Luxon has described Auckland as having some of the highest vaccination rates of any city in the world.
Chris Luxon is not National’s messiah
Written By: - Date published: 9:16 am, December 2nd, 2021 - 245 comments
Two days into Chris Luxon’s reign as National leader and my initial impression is an overwhelming Meh.
National’s new leader is …
Written By: - Date published: 2:06 pm, November 30th, 2021 - 291 comments
Chris Luxon is set to be the next leader of the National Party.
National’s factional problem
Written By: - Date published: 9:18 am, November 28th, 2021 - 91 comments
National’s basic problem is that it has three discrete factions, christian conservatives, urban liberals and the country grouping. And no coherent vision to reconcile these totally disparate groupings.
What National Needs To Do
Written By: - Date published: 9:04 am, November 27th, 2021 - 83 comments
Since the left are experts at internal knifing, National should learn from the left about how to recover. What National needsto do to recover.
The winners and losers from National’s leadership spill
Written By: - Date published: 8:12 pm, November 25th, 2021 - 146 comments
The winners and losers of today’s National Party leadership spill are …
How many centrist votes go to Labour?
Written By: - Date published: 12:38 pm, November 25th, 2021 - 105 comments
Judith Collins lost a vote of confidence. David Farrar seems to think that Act will get the inevitable flow. Sounds unlikely. The far right and nutbar fringe has already vacated to Act – who represent them so well. But Labour overwhelming won last election on a vote from previous National voters. History repeats in 2023?
National’s civil war reerrupts
Written By: - Date published: 7:35 am, November 25th, 2021 - 131 comments
National’s civil war which has been simmering for a while erupted last night after Judith Collins demoted Simon Bridges for making inappropriate comments to Jaqui Dean five years ago.
National – let the virus rip
Written By: - Date published: 8:29 pm, November 24th, 2021 - 21 comments
There is no other explanation, and this week Paul Goldsmith gave the game away, National thinks that we should let the Corona virus rip.
Astroturfers of the world unite
Written By: - Date published: 9:14 am, November 20th, 2021 - 52 comments
Two days before what is claimed will be the mother of all protests links between the Groundswell organisation and the Taxpayers Union have been discovered.
National is being utterly irresponsible
Written By: - Date published: 7:46 am, November 19th, 2021 - 58 comments
In the middle of a pandemic where the numbers in hospital are increasing and a number of Kiwis have died from a virus that is spreading promising the loosening of current restrictions is the most irresponsible, stupid, foolhardy, idiotic, imbecile thing I could ever expect a political party to do.
Down the rabbit hole
Written By: - Date published: 8:17 am, November 17th, 2021 - 83 comments
Former National MP and University Lecturer Simon Thornley are in the news after publishing a video interview questioning the effectiveness of the Covid vaccine and suggesting that the evidence that Ivermectin is useful in treating Covid is epidemiologically sound and strong.
Covid and the latest polls
Written By: - Date published: 8:13 am, November 12th, 2021 - 148 comments
The results of two polls were leaked recently both showing a drop in support for Labour. Clearly the Delta outbreak has rattled confidence. But National has not surged up in support and the Greens have picked up some of the former Labour vote.
Won’t someone think of the business owners?
Written By: - Date published: 12:04 pm, October 24th, 2021 - 174 comments
This week Judith Collins was reported to be close to tears. But not about the possibility of a significant number of deaths but by the prospect of business closures.
National’s plan – open and be damned
Written By: - Date published: 9:43 am, October 21st, 2021 - 71 comments
Yesterday National released what feels like take 16 of its Covid response plan, this one focussing on business interests and setting a hard timeline for reopening. But getting significant details wrong and rehashing failed policies previously tried in England has dampened its effect.
Time for Auckland to go back to level four?
Written By: - Date published: 7:55 am, October 15th, 2021 - 114 comments
With daily Covid infection rates in Tamaki Makaurau increasing it may be time for the Government to consider a short sharp lockdown to try and arrest this increase and to let vaccination rates improve.
Goudie blunders again
Written By: - Date published: 8:46 am, October 14th, 2021 - 176 comments
Thames Coromandel mayor Sandra Goudie who previously admitted not scanning where she goes has been at it again, this time stating that the Pfeizer vaccine is not good enough for her and she will be waiting for the Novovax vaccine to be available before she gets vaccinated.
Covid D day
Written By: - Date published: 8:38 am, October 11th, 2021 - 159 comments
Some big decisions are due to happen today. What happens to Auckland’s Covid status? Should the lockdown level be reduced or should the Government think about putting it back up?
Gender split is interesting in latest poll
Written By: - Date published: 10:49 am, October 7th, 2021 - 30 comments
The latest Roy Morgan poll was run between August 30th and September 26th. The headline results of Labour/Greens with 55% (increase by 3.5%) against opposition National/Act/Maori parties on 41% (up 0.5%) were good enough. But they also showed the gender split.. Women are deserting the right.
Covid does not give a fuck about your plans
Written By: - Date published: 11:20 am, September 30th, 2021 - 31 comments
This week we have seen reckons from John Key, Act and National on how we should be loosening up Covid lockdown restrictions. Yesterday’s 45 new cases shows how dangerous it is to think that dealing with Covid is a simple management exercise.
About the latest Colmar Brunton poll
Written By: - Date published: 7:55 am, September 28th, 2021 - 152 comments
The latest Colmar Brunton poll confirms that National’s polling is in the doldrums and David Seymour’s preferred PM rating is twice that of Judith Collins.
Smug hermit king
Written By: - Date published: 9:44 am, September 27th, 2021 - 127 comments
John Key has doubled down on his claims that Aotearoa is a smug hermit kingdom and claimed that it is imperative that international travel is eased although he is fine with all other restrictions to stay in place.
Key’s baaaack
Written By: - Date published: 9:35 am, September 26th, 2021 - 273 comments
John Key is back and has described New Zealand as a smug hermit kingdom for daring to so far achieve something no other western nation has been able to accomplish, holding back Covid and preventing thousands of deaths.
Where’s Judith?
Written By: - Date published: 8:27 am, September 22nd, 2021 - 104 comments
Crusher Collins, the leader who has taken great delight in giving back double, has been too afraid to be interviewed by Radio New Zealand this morning.
National’s urban wing moves against Collins
Written By: - Date published: 8:17 pm, September 15th, 2021 - 106 comments
Events this afternoon have confirmed that Judith Collins is indeed toast.
National’s next leader?
Written By: - Date published: 8:28 am, September 3rd, 2021 - 60 comments
As the damage caused by Judith Collins’ leadership of the National Party intensifies it is inevitable that there will be internal discussions about who should replace her, and soon. And I think the best candidate is clear.
Judith’s very bad two days
Written By: - Date published: 8:12 am, September 2nd, 2021 - 50 comments
Judith Collins’ insistence that Parliament be reconvened even at a time that the country was in lockdown level 4 has backfired spectacularly.
Covid and the media
Written By: - Date published: 10:42 am, August 29th, 2021 - 54 comments
This week there has been some argy bargy between the Twitterati including the Waitakerati and the media on coverage of Covid in Aotearoa with elements of the media complaining that the criticisms are unjustified. A brief review of some of the offerings this week would suggest otherwise.
- Submissions Open For The Gambling (Definition Of Remote Interactive Gambling) Amendment Bill
The Gambling (Definition of Remote Interactive Gambling) Amendment Bill, as introduced, would amend the Gambling Act 2003 to permanently exempt class 3 gambling in the form of a lottery from the prohibition on remote interactive gambling, allowing it to ...2 weeks ago - Government Shows Little Understanding Of Climate Change
TRAC National Coordinator Niall Robertson says that this line could be built a lot quicker and connect with the rebuilt NAL taking thousands of road damaging trucks off SH1, improving road safety, reducing carbon emissions and polluting particulate. ...2 weeks ago
- Order In Council Rarely Appropriate For Firearms Law
COLFO strongly encourages Governments to use the full legislative process, including public consultation with vulnerable communities, for significant changes, to create enduring firearms laws that increase public safety. ...2 weeks ago
- Global Indigenous Leaders Condemn New Zealand Government Treatment Of Māori
Global Indigenous leaders and environmentalists condemn New Zealand's Treaty Principles Bill as a significant affront to Māori rights and democratic processes, urging government respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- NZCTU Slams Govt For Failing Mill Workers
NZCTU criticises the Government for neglecting to save 300 jobs in Ruapehu after Winstone Pulp International's mill closures, highlighting regional economic impacts and the need for proactive support. ...2 weeks ago
- Closure Of Winstone Pulp International Shows Need For Urgent Change In Electricity Market
Octopus Energy's COO warns that New Zealand's prolonged high electricity prices necessitate urgent regulatory changes for increased market competition and improved investment. ...2 weeks ago
- Wadestown Residents Reject Wadestown Connections Proposal
Wadestown residents firmly oppose Wellington City Council's proposed cycle lanes and parking management changes, demanding a comprehensive re-evaluation that prioritises community input. ...2 weeks ago
- BSA Report Bangs Drum For Censorship By Claiming Freedom Of Expression Causes ‘harm’, From Self-...
The BSA's report on harmful speech raises concerns about subjectivity and potential censorship of controversial views, according to Free Speech Union’s Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling. ...2 weeks ago
- IRD Betrays Taxpayers By Leaking Personal Information
Concerns arise over IRD allegedly sharing sensitive taxpayer data with tech giants, prompting calls for accountability and privacy protection from the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union. ...2 weeks ago
- 400 Christian Leaders Call On MPs To Vote Down The Treaty Principles Bill
Over 440 Christian leaders oppose the coalition's Treaty Principles Bill, asserting it undermines Te Tiriti o Waitangi's recognition of Māori rights and relationships with the Crown. ...2 weeks ago
- NZTA Commitment To Accessibility Questioned Following Block Of E-scooter Remote Piloting
Disability advocacy groups criticise NZTA’s decision to block Ario’s remote e-scooter reparking technology, arguing it undermines accessibility and safety in urban environments. ...2 weeks ago
- MUNZ Back Struggle Of Australian Unions Against Anti-Union, Anti-worker Laws
The Maritime Union of New Zealand is federated with the Maritime Union of Australia, and the MUA and the wider CFMEU have our full support in their struggle. ...2 weeks ago
- Metlink Spends More Than $1.3 Million On Seven Toilets
At an average cost of over $185,000 per toilet, it makes you wonder – are the seats made of gold? ...2 weeks ago
- Aotearoa’s Moral Crossroads – The True Cost Of Live Animal Exports
Defending Aotearoa's Moral Victory - The Fight to Preserve Our Live Export Ban ...2 weeks ago
- Two Prominent Free Speech Advocates To Tour New Zealand With Free Speech Union Before End Of The Yea...
We’re thrilled to announce that Distinguished Prof. Nigel Biggar (Oxford University) and Dr. Peter Boghossian (Portland State University) will both tour New Zealand with the Free Speech Union before the end of the year, says Nathan Seiuli, the Free Speech ...2 weeks ago
- Confirmed Candidates For 2024 TECT Trustee Election
Nominations for the 2024 trustee election for the TECT Community Trust closed at 12 noon, Wednesday 4 September. The following 9 nominations were received for the 3 vacancies on the Trust: ...2 weeks ago
- Footage Released By Greenpeace Reveals Damage In The Deep Ocean From Industrial Fishing
The compelling evidence emphasises how this precious ecosystem has been decimated by years of bottom trawling, which involves dragging heavy weighted fishing gear across the sea floor, destroying fragile communities that take thousands of years ...2 weeks ago
- Wellington City Council Taking Ratepayers For A Ride With $563k Bike Rack
“These latest figures on the costs of Wellington City Council’s latest bike rack have truly humbled the Taxpayer’s Union. Imagine a Council so incompetent it can make its previous $84k bike rack blowout look almost reasonable in comparison. ...2 weeks ago
- Save The Children Opposes Proposed Changes To Schools’ Legislated Objectives
Save the Children is extremely concerned the Government’s proposal to narrow the focus of schools’ legislated education objectives to prioritise achievement and remove references to children’s rights will have a detrimental impact on children ...2 weeks ago
- South Taranaki Proves Luxon Right
The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act that South Taranaki District Council’s new cultural centre (Te Ramanui O Ruaputahanga) has blown out from a starting point of $8 million ...2 weeks ago
- Disturbing Data In Latest “Assisted Dying” Report
The latest review of assisted suicide / euthanasia was quietly released last month by the Ministry of Health – but it should sound significant and loud warning bells about the law, especially at a time when proponents want it to be liberalised even ...2 weeks ago
- Government Cuts To Pay Parity Don’t Help Children
All teachers deserve to be paid fairly. We have a shortage of qualified early childhood staff in Aotearoa and are already losing teachers overseas. Reducing pay and conditions for relief teachers won’t make that problem any better. ...2 weeks ago
- Common Sense (finally) Prevails With Pause On Freshwater Farm Plan Rollout
Federated Farmers says pressing pause on the rollout of freshwater farm plans until improvements can be made is a practical and pragmatic step from the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Disabled People Invisible In Too Many Government Announcements
Too many government announcements affecting disabled people don’t even mention disabled people, leaving the community googling for answers, and feeling forgotten or invisible. ...2 weeks ago
- Canterbury Bridge Blowing Out $13.5 Million Budget With Nothing To Show For It
Despite Kaikōura District Council’s project to rebuild the Waiau Toa/Clarence River Glen Alton bridge after the Kaikōura earthquake being eight years deep, the Council have still not even managed to gain the appropriate resource consents or ...2 weeks ago
- Misogyny Behind Attacks On Women’s Rights Campaigners And Women Politicians, The Women’s...
A man who threw what turned out to be tomato juice at UK women’s rights advocate Kellie-Jay Keen and Tania Sturt, an organiser of the “Let Women Speak” event in Auckland’s Albert Park on 25 March last year, has been convicted of assault ...2 weeks ago
- Panel Discussion Featuring Global Experts Will Raise Awareness About Apartheid Against Women In Iran...
The panellists will speak about the importance of formal recognition of gender apartheid, give background as to the situation of women and girls in Iran and Afghanistan and outline a way forward towards greater equality and basic rights for all. ...2 weeks ago
- Catholic Church Abuse Survivors Respond To Death Of Bishop Denis Browne
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) in Oceania calls on the current bishops of Hamilton, Auckland, and Rarotonga, and all church leaders, to not follow in Bishop Browne’s negligent ways, and instead, support the abused in their dioceses ...2 weeks ago
- Govt Cuts Mean Salvation Army Frontline Workers Face Axe
The change proposal covers workers in Auckland (Glenfield, Manukau, Royal Oak and Waitakere), Tauranga, Hamilton, Hutt City and Palmerston North. ...2 weeks ago
- Disappointment By Court’s Decision For No Maximum Water Intake For Griffin Creek
The Court of Appeal recently ruled that the Griffin Creek hydro scheme concession, issued by DOC in 2011, contains no maximum water take. It is now possible that a bigger scheme could be built on Griffin Creek than had originally been proposed. ...2 weeks ago
- Rail Cuts Set New Zealand Up For Failure
The government’s war on rail is setting New Zealand up for failure, says the Rail and Maritime Transport Union. ...2 weeks ago
- GPs Should Be Lining Up Around The Block, Too
“We shouldn’t see queues like that anywhere, let alone in a supposedly developed country like New Zealand,” says Dr Buzz Burrell, interim chair of General Practitioners Aotearoa (GPA). ...2 weeks ago
- IVL Increase Good For MBIE, Bad For The Economy
The Government looks to have cemented New Zealand as one of the most expensive countries in the world for a holiday today by increasing the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) to $100. ...2 weeks ago
- $100 IVL Will Dent New Zealand’s Global Competitiveness
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) is very disappointed the industry’s cumulative voice hasn’t been heard, and is keen to see the government’s investment plan for the funds to be raised from the increase in the International Visitor Levy (IVL) ...2 weeks ago
- Greenpeace Slams Govt Decision To Expand Seabed Mining Permit Area
Greenpeace says it’s "unbelievable" that wannabe seabed miner Trans-Tasman Resources has been given the go-ahead to nearly quadruple the size of the area it wants to mine in the South Taranaki Bight. ...2 weeks ago
- New Rail Deviations Needed To Improve Productivity
In light of the governments shopping list of roading projects, TRAC would like to draw attention to the governments total wilfully neglectful attitude to rail, climate change, pollution, road congestion and road safety. ...2 weeks ago
- Watchdog Report On Places Of Detention Highlights Ongoing Harm
The 2022/23 annual report by the National Preventive Mechanism on the Optional Protocol to the United Nation’s Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) has been tabled in Parliament (Friday, 3pm) ...2 weeks ago
- Local MP Opposes Greenwoods Car Park Removal
ACT Leader and MP for Epsom David Seymour has written to Auckland Transport and the Albert Eden Local Board in opposition to removing car parks from the West Side of Manukau Rd at Greenwoods Corner. ...2 weeks ago
- NRC Pleased To See RONS And RORS Funding Allocation
National Road Carriers Association (NRC) is pleased to see the Government’s announcements today allocating funding to Roads of National Significance (RONS) and Roads of Regional Significance (RORS). ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand Catholic Church Suppresses Abuse Report
Catholic Church leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand have refused to fully disclose an independent report on how they have handled abuse complaints. ...2 weeks ago
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