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Peter Dunne’s chance to shine
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, July 18th, 2013 - 27 comments
Peter Dunne may be the best chance that we have of defeating the GCSB amending legislation. He has said that there is a principle at stake in that his rights of privacy have been breached and I believe that he is right. Time to seek his support?
From a sinking ship
Written By: - Date published: 12:43 pm, June 12th, 2013 - 61 comments
Ongoing problems for Peter Dunne and United Future.
Gone
Written By: - Date published: 4:03 pm, June 7th, 2013 - 241 comments
Having resigned as Minister, how long before we see a by-election in Ohariu as Peter Dunne’s credibility keeps dripping away? And will we see an early election?
You can be a leader of nothing!
Written By: - Date published: 2:45 pm, June 6th, 2013 - 67 comments
Well it turns out I was wrong – you can be a leader of nothing! Chaos in Parliament at the Speaker’s ruling.
You can’t be a leader of nothing
Written By: - Date published: 8:50 am, June 6th, 2013 - 19 comments
Peter Dunne’s status as a party leader in Parliament (i.e. funding and perks) is under threat. Seems pretty cut and dried – you can’t be a leader of nothing. Being a sensible type, I’m sure that Peter will agree.
Stable government?
Written By: - Date published: 10:30 am, June 3rd, 2013 - 55 comments
There isn’t a single party in the government coalition that could be said to be stable.
Dunne abandons charter schools
Written By: - Date published: 9:15 am, April 19th, 2013 - 33 comments
Peter Dunne is concerned about the use of unqualified teachers in charter schools. As well he should be – the Ministry of Education has issued a detailed warning against this daft policy.
NRT: Reported back
Written By: - Date published: 3:23 pm, December 12th, 2012 - 4 comments
The Transport and Industrial Relations Committee has reported back on David Clark’s Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Bill, with the National majority recommending it not be passed. The bill will now go back before the House, where its fate will be in the hands of Peter Dunne. Will he vote for it or not?
Frankly Speaking: “John Banks: condition deteriorating”
Written By: - Date published: 3:05 pm, August 15th, 2012 - 18 comments
Frank Macskasy over at Frankly Speaking writes some very long posts that are often full of interesting information. This one does a good analysis of the recommendations from the Electoral Commission and various party positions on it. On the way through he has a good swipe at John Banks, who it would be safe to say, he considers to be political cabbage.
Dunne angry
Written By: - Date published: 1:39 pm, May 18th, 2012 - 106 comments
Underneath the ‘common-sense’ exterior, and all that hair, Peter Dunne is an angry man. He lashed out that those who pointed out he’s voting for asset sales he never told his electorate he would support. He screamed at losing TVNZ7 – Backbenches is his one chance to get on the telly. And he’s going feral on the Conservatives because they could usurp him.
Seriously extreme and nutty
Written By: - Date published: 9:27 am, May 10th, 2012 - 82 comments
Amongst all the topical chatter about the Conservative Party there was one comment that I think we should get on record for future reference.
Will Dunne heed his own poll on asset sales?
Written By: - Date published: 11:48 am, April 30th, 2012 - 46 comments
United Future are polling the public about their support for partial privatisation. Will Peter Dunne heed his own poll?
Dunne has no mandate to vote for asset sales
Written By: - Date published: 10:25 am, March 11th, 2012 - 113 comments
“What the public of New Zealand really do not like is politicians who say one thing before an election and do something else after it. And I invite every member of this House to look at every statement United Future made prior to the election and every statement subsequently and try to draw a difference” – Peter Dunne. As they say, yeah right.
Villain or hero
Written By: - Date published: 4:09 pm, March 5th, 2012 - 158 comments
The Nats have announced their asset sales legislation. Mum and dad aren’t at the front of the queue. No provisions to ensure 85-90% stays in Kiwi hands. Nothing to stop the companies being sliced up and sold after partial privatisation. No real way to stop one company owning more than 10%. There’s 1 vote that can stop this. It’s all down to Dunne now. Will he be the hero or the villain?
Too many ministers
Written By: - Date published: 10:47 am, December 16th, 2011 - 16 comments
Brian Fellow wrote a piece in the Herald yesterday on how NZ has too many ministers. Hard not to agree. 28 ministers. Nearly half of the governing parties’ MPs. 90+ portfolios. Ministerial warrants are clearly being used to keep backbenchers and minor parties in line. Too many do nothing ministers on big salaries while the rest of us have to cut back.
The big win
Written By: - Date published: 11:22 am, December 12th, 2011 - 41 comments
The new government comprises the same parties as the previous one: National, ACT, United Future, and the Maori Party but with 64 votes, not 69. The governing parties’ total vote fell from 51.84% to 50.41%. Even the narrower Nat+ACT bloc fell. National’s ‘big win’ was just one more seat. And the most powerful man in the country now? Peter Dunne.
What gains for Nat support “parties”?
Written By: - Date published: 2:34 pm, December 5th, 2011 - 75 comments
Coalition agreements are expected to be signed today, with Ministerial roles expected for both Dunne and Banks. But it is the details of the policy gains that will tell us the mettle of these two. Did they achieve anything significant with their negotiating power?
More opening addresses
Written By: - Date published: 5:41 pm, October 29th, 2011 - 42 comments
Opening addresses from the remaining parties screen on TV1 starting at 7:30pm. Should be good fun for political junkies, make sure you tune in…
What do you think Righty – a perfect score?
Written By: - Date published: 1:30 pm, February 17th, 2011 - 50 comments
Even the most optimistic lefty can’t deny that National are continuing to dominate the opinion polls. That must be quite a source of pride and confidence for the Right. But I wonder, is there anything that rightwing voters believe this National-led Government has done wrong? A couple of years ago I asked what rightwing voters thought […]
What would a National win mean in 2011?
Written By: - Date published: 9:28 pm, December 6th, 2010 - 49 comments
In my final post I look at the possible influence coalition partners could have on a future National government. Even if Labour loses in 2011, an outright win for right-wing economic doctrine is not necessarily on the cards.
What was that squeak?
Written By: - Date published: 12:05 pm, November 14th, 2010 - 31 comments
According to Radio NZ “Mr Dunne criticised the Labour Party’s approach to MMP politics and its relationship with the Green Party.”
I’m sure Labour are shaking in their boots from Mr Dunne’s criticism.
Perhaps “Mr 0.87%” should draw some focus here. He was marginally ahead of a joke last election. Literally. The Bill and Ben Party was polled just behind Mr Dunne. Let’s hope someone steps on that Tory squeek next election.
That made my Auckland anniversary day
Written By: - Date published: 9:45 am, February 1st, 2010 - 21 comments
Peter Dunne on his record against Jeanette Fitzsimmons is really an exercise in ego instead of substance
The distances between parties
Written By: - Date published: 12:53 pm, November 9th, 2008 - 5 comments
Just before the election They Work For You released some impressive work on the voting distances between parties based on:- There are 110 final bill reading votes included in the analysis. All the votes are from the 48th New Zealand Parliament which was in term between 7 November 2005 and 3 October 2008. The plot […]
Making the decision
Written By: - Date published: 3:00 pm, November 7th, 2008 - 56 comments
Have you still not decided who you’ll vote for? The final poll shows the race between a National/ACT/United Future or a Labour/Green/Progressive/Maori government is neck and neck, so your choice matters. Here is some advice and tools that may help: When choosing who to vote for there are three things you should consider: policy – […]
Dunne’s deal?
Written By: - Date published: 9:58 am, November 3rd, 2008 - 37 comments
The revelations in today’s Dompost that Peter Dunne’s United party took a donation from the Vela family shows again what a messy business donations can be. The Vela family opposed New Zealand following a new UN fishing agreement. Ross Meurant, acting for the Velas met with Dunne, days later he issued a press release opposing […]
A clear choice on ACC
Written By: - Date published: 9:59 am, October 29th, 2008 - 48 comments
If you vote National, United Future, or ACT, you will be voting for the ACC system to be privatised. Consequences of this include: – $200 million in profits flowing offshore, according to John Key’s former employers Merril Lynch – higher levies on most workers, as private insurers cherry-pick the most profitable for themselves, leaving the […]
Key breaks flip-flop world record
Written By: - Date published: 2:29 pm, September 9th, 2008 - 68 comments
Can’t put it any better than Jafapete has: Seems that John Key has done it again. Announced policy off-the-cuff and back tracked later. TV3 reports that, speaking to an Auckland families forum yesterday, Key ‘veered away from a written speech appearing to announce in off the cuff remarks that National would axe the commission.’ ‘He […]
Centre party? Yeah, right
Written By: - Date published: 3:14 pm, June 11th, 2008 - 31 comments
Why is it that UnitedFuture is branded a centre party? We all know they’re socially right wing, in bed with the Christian fundamentalists, and the tax plan Dunne announced on the weekend proves they’re far-right economically too. They would blow the Budget with $4.6 billion cuts (no mention of where the money would come from and no-one […]
If I were UnitedFuture’s Campaign Strategist
Written By: - Date published: 11:09 am, May 16th, 2008 - 15 comments
Last in our ‘campaign strategist’ series is UnitedFuture, perhaps the least inspiring party in Parliament. UnitedFuture (ie. Peter Dunne) should play the same strategy as was used in 2002. Keep your head down, shore up support in Dunne’s safe seat of Ohariu/Belmont and wait for a chance to present itself to make a splash. That […]
Peter Dunne answers your questions
Written By: - Date published: 6:32 am, May 12th, 2008 - 23 comments
We’re very pleased to have UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne respond to your questions as part of our Interview the Leaders series. Question to all leaders: Of which of your achievements in politics are you most proud? At a national level, I am most proud of the tax changes for which I have been responsible in […]
Get your questions in for Dunne
Written By: - Date published: 9:33 am, May 2nd, 2008 - Comments Off on Get your questions in for Dunne
Do you have a burning question to ask Peter Dunne? Does it not involve his hair? If so, submit your question here by Sunday and it could be selected for our questions to Dunne as part of our ‘Interview the Leaders’ series.
- Dream Scenario
2023, directed by Kristoffer Borgli Dream Scenario is a movie about a mild-mannered (read: kind of pathetic and outright whiny) professor played by a nigh on unrecognisable to me Nicolas Cage who suddenly starts appearing in people’s dreams. At first he’s not doing anything other than just watching, failing to ...1 week ago - How Fed Farmers is driving Willis’s campaign against the banks
The pressure on the retail banks might only be just starting.Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday announced that she was changing the Reserve Bank remit to make it more pro-active in encouraging competition within the retail bank sector.And, Federated Farmers, who have been a major prod in the government’s side over ...1 week ago - Poll number 4: Dead Govt Walking
..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.RNZ reports the latest TVNZ/Verian Poll results:National: 37%, n/c (46 seats)Labour: 29%, n/c (36 seats)Greens: 10%, -2% points (12 seats)ACT: 8%, n/c (10 seats)Te Pāti Māori: 7%, up 3% (9 seats)NZ First: 6%, -1% ...1 week ago - Guest post!
David has, unfortunately, been losing pieces of himself and turns out it’s a bit hard to write a column when the affected parts are your eyeballs and it’s painful to read, so I offered to add to his pain by writing a guest column for him and the fool said ...1 week ago - Climate Change: An alternative plan
The government is supposed to release its second Emissions Reduction Plan any day now, and if its anything like the draft, it will be a pile of false accounting and wishful thinking, which will do nothing to actually reduce emissions. The central problem here is that national is legally required ...1 week ago - Monday 9 December
The families of two workers killed in the forestry industry are pushing for a boss connected to both deaths to be pushed out of the industry, highlighting the need for corporate manslaughter legislation. Politicians are heading to Tokoroa to attend the Save Our Mill meeting regarding the significant proposed job ...1 week ago - Climate Change: Sabotaging the Climate Commission
Throughout its term in government National has been annoyed by repeated unwelcome advice from He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission to move faster, do more, or even just do something. But Rod Carr's term as commission chair expired over the weekend, as did those of two other board members. ...1 week ago
- I Put A Spell On You
You know I can't stand itYou're running aroundYou know better, daddyI can't stand it 'cause you put me downOh, noI put a spell on youBecause you're mineSongwriter: Jay Hawkins.Please note that there is a paywall later in this newsletter, so before I begin, a reminder of my current offers and ...1 week ago - A Confession
Hi,I have a confession to make — I have been on holiday. I don’t really do holidays. They fill me with guilt. I need to be making something, or trying to make something. It’s all tied in with my sense of self worth, but we’ll get to that another day.I’ve ...1 week ago - Simeon Brown alienates another National electorate
Brown’s abrupt and ideological rulings have overturned locally driven plans and expectations and angered locals in yet another National electorate. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday, December 9 are:Warkworth residents are angry that Transport ...1 week ago - Monday Wrap Up: Politics News
1. Anti-red tape ministry advises against anti-red tape bill (The Post, Andrea Vance)David Seymour's anti-red tape ministry says his new bill to slash red tape is unnecessary.An interim regulatory impact statement from [The Ministry of Regulation] said while it supports the overall objectives [of Seymour’s bill], it says the legislation ...1 week ago - Simeon Brown’s fanaticism kills Warkworth intersection fix
I grew up in Warkworth, and the infamous Hill Street intersection has been an issue not just my whole life, but for decades before I was even born. My dad told me stories of how, back in the 80s, he’d set up seats overlooking the intersection and sit watching the ...1 week ago - Gordon Campbell on the fall of Assad, and the new Dylan movie
Hold the champagne. Ugly and brutal as it was, the Assad regime may have been the lesser evil for Syria, the Middle East region and the rest of the world. The last time an extremist Sunni fighting force – called Islamic State (IS) – exerted control over large swathes of ...1 week ago - 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #49
A listing of 24 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, December 1, 2024 thru Sat, December 7, 2024. Alternative listing prototype Instead of a "Story of the Week" we added a listing by assigned category, so this installment will ...1 week ago - Mokopuna Thinking
Because the sky is blueIt makes me crySongwriters: Paul McCartney / John Lennon.This morning, I went along to the launch of the Greens’ alternative plan for emissions reduction. Contrasting the coalition’s approach of burying their head in the sand and glowering “thou shalt not” at others who try to stop ...1 week ago - Are Lester Levy and Shane Reti “cooking the books?”
This news piece is important enough it serves as a recap of events:Please consider supporting my work if you can afford to.In July, after most Health NZ Board members had already resigned – many without notice and it was starting to look embarrassing for the sitting Government - Shane Reti ...1 week ago - Watching the Tide
So I'm just gonna sit on the dock of the bayWatching the tide roll awayI'm sittin' on the dock of the bayWastin' timeSongwriters: Stephen Lee Cropper / Otis ReddingChristmas PartiesAs you might recall from yesterday’s newsletter, last night was Christmas Party time for the Rockels.One of the younger members of ...1 week ago - My Saturday Soliloquy for Dec 7
Mōrena. Long stories short, the six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty in this week were:PM Christopher Luxon said his Goverment was ‘re-learning’ the austerity-infused economic lessons taught by former National Finance Minister Ruth Richardson in 1991, when she slashed spending to reduce public ...1 week ago
- TKP 26/50 solutions: A new home without a power bill
As part of The Kākā Project of 2026 for 2050 (TKP 26/50) and When The Facts Change ,I interviewed Octopus Energy Zero Bills Technical Director Nigel Banks from the UK about this week's launch in New Zealand of a partnership with Classic Homes to build new homes in Auckland1 with ...1 week ago
- A wellbeing economy is the only option!
I recently attended a conference organised by WEALL (Wellbeing Economy Alliance) Aotearoa. WEALL defines 'economy' differently from the current neoliberal approach and that is simply 'the way that we produce and provide for one another'. Attending this conference made me even more aware of how far we have drifted away ...1 week ago
- Interview with John Cook about misinformation and artificial intelligence
In March, John Cook met with Adam Ford from Science, Technology & the Future to talk about his work researching misinformation and how to counter it. The interview - published on October 10 - explored the complex and evolving landscape of climate misinformation, covering a range of topics including the different types ...2 weeks ago
- Economic Progress May Not Add To Wellbeing
How the Prospect Theory of Behavioural Economics Makes Economic Analysis DifficultBehavioural economics has been described as the most revolutionary thing which has happened to economics for ages. The notion that people do not behave like ‘rational economic men’ (women are mainly ignored) undermines the microeconomic foundations of the subject. Not ...2 weeks ago - National finds out
Since coming to power last year, National has viciously cut the public service, sacking nearly 10,000 public servants (to date). Those people weren't just doing nothing, and it was obviously going to have an impact on something other than the government's books. But while National's over-paid, privately-insured, and DPS-guarded Ministers ...2 weeks ago
- Lockout of disability workers before Christmas unacceptable
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting President Rachel Mackintosh is condemning the actions of disability support provider Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau Trust in deciding to respond to legitimate strike action by locking out their workers with just a few weeks before Christmas. “The actions of Te Roopu Taurima are totally ...2 weeks ago
- Friday 6 December
In another blow to the media landscape, Māori TV’s daily news service is set to end after 20 years, following the announcement that they have cut 27 jobs. PSA members at MBIE have voted to initiate industrial action, after rejecting a pay offer because it failed to keep up with ...2 weeks ago
- An experiment and our Christmas offer to subscribe to The Kākā
Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāIt’s that time of the year when we offer 50% off for a year to new subscribers for the next fortnight until December 21, which is ‘Gravy Day’1. It’s our version of a Christmas/Black Monday/Cyber Monday/Singles Day/Boxing Day offer. We call it the ‘Gravy Day ...2 weeks ago
- The State of David Seymour’s Shameless Condescension and Unbridled Arrogance
.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work..Setting the stageQuestion: How does one make money, when something stands in the way?Answer: Get rid of that thing. Or at least dilute it.Present Day, Aotearoa New ZealandIn his Beehive media statement, Seymour recently ...2 weeks ago - Weekly Roundup 06-December-2024
It’s another Friday and it has been a big week in Auckland. We hope everyone’s excited to be in the final stretch of the year! Here’s some of the stories that have caught our attention this week. This post, like all our work, is brought to you by a largely ...2 weeks ago
- The Days Go By
It must be your skin, I'm sinkin' inIt must be for real, 'cause now I can feelAnd I didn't mind, it's not my kindIt's not my time to wonder whySongwriter: Gavin Rossdale.As the year winds up, I’m feeling a bit mentally drained, so today’s newsletter is one of reminiscing. Today, ...2 weeks ago - The Hoon around the week to December 6
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the week’s news with: on Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay saying New Zealand would not buy emissions credits overseas, effectively admitting we’ll renege on our Paris commitments. (RNZ) ...2 weeks ago
- Paying for National’s roads
The Government has promised 17 Roads of National Significance, but the brutal truth is that it cannot afford them. So Transport Minister Simeon Brown yesterday announced that from now on, tolls and other user charges will be the way New Zealand pays for new roading infrastructure. Tolls are likely ...2 weeks ago
- Confession: Why Shane Reti & Ayesha Verrall’s Performance Helps Me
Video above. These videos are also designed for those not versed in the detailed subject matter so excuse any repeats of Health NZ facts you are aware of from reading Mountain Tui for too long!Recently, I read a Substack article which, on my brief skim, lamented the rise of critiquing ...2 weeks ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #49 2024
Open access notables Global emergence of regional heatwave hotspots outpaces climate model simulations, Kornhuber et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Multiple recent record-shattering weather events raise questions about the adequacy of climate models to effectively predict and prepare for unprecedented climate impacts on human life, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Here, we ...2 weeks ago
- The Bewildering World of Chris Luxon – Three Bad Polls – Three Strikes for National?
.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work..As I wrote on 3 December:“One bad poll for a government can be dismissed as “rogue”. Two? That’s damaging.”Three bad polls? That is when Red Alert lights start flashing; klaxons start to blare; and ...2 weeks ago - Climate Change: More unwelcome advice
He Pou a Rangi / Climate Change Commission has just released its Review of the 2050 emissions target including whether emissions from international shipping and aviation should be included. After noting that there have been significant changes since the target was originally set in 2019 - stronger evidence that we ...2 weeks ago
- Join us at 5pm for The Hoon
2 weeks ago - No sweat
Let's say I want to run a marathon, but I’m not keen on all that running.At the registration desk I say, I want to start at the last kilometre. What's the fee for that?They tell me,We don't offer that option. You have to do the whole race.I reply,Yeah but I ...2 weeks ago - Climate Change: National wants to cheat on Paris II
Back in September, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts shocked us by suggesting that New Zealand could refuse to meet its international commitments under the Paris Agreement. Now Forestry Minister Todd McClay has echoed that position: Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Todd McClay says the Government won't be buying carbon ...2 weeks ago
- Marsden Fund changes will undermine prosperity and social cohesion
The Government’s rewrite of the Marsden Fund’s investment plan and terms of reference demonstrates a complete lack of understanding and risks undermining the breadth of research that is essential for the wellbeing and prosperity of New Zealanders, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting President Rachel Mackintosh. “Humanities and social science ...2 weeks ago
- Thursday 5 December
The Government has announced further changes to the personal grievance regime that will make it even tougher for workers, and changes to the Marsden Fund investment plan to stop funding for humanities and social sciences research. Workers at Kinleith mill are worried that they will lose even more jobs. A ...2 weeks ago
- Can desalination quench agriculture’s thirst?
This article by Lela Nargi originally appeared in Knowable Magazine, a nonprofit publication dedicated to making scientific knowledge accessible to all. Sign up for Knowable Magazine’s newsletter. Ralph Loya was pretty sure he was going to lose the corn. His farm had been scorched by El Paso’s hottest-ever June and ...2 weeks ago
- A housing market with bits tacked on doesn’t need many (if any) pure scientists
The humanities and social sciences panels of The Marsden fund will be disbanded and no longer supported, because “real impact on our economy will come from areas such as physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences,” said Judith Collins. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMorena. Long stories short in Aotearoa’s ...2 weeks ago
- Cooking the Books
Come with me, and you'll beIn a world of pure imaginationReach out, touch what was onceJust in your imaginationDon't be shy, it's alrightIf you feel a little trepidationSometimes, these things don't needExplanationSongwriters: Anthony Newley / Leslie Bricusse.If you don’t ask, you don’t get... Dream big, or go home… Ask for ...2 weeks ago - Kirikiriroa Rising
This post is essentially an update on a very similar one I wrote seven years ago. Hamilton: City of the Future, the intervening years have confirmed those speculations. The case for good passenger rail service between our biggest city and its fast growing neighbour remains compelling. Below I offer a ...2 weeks ago
- Treasury to Government; cut super or raise taxes
The warnings from the Treasury about the state of the country’s finances are starting to appear on a regular basis. So far, they have been delivered by Treasury’s Chief Economic Advisor Dominick Stephens, and yesterday, he faced the Finance and Expenditure Committee to answer questions on Treasury’s long-term thinking about ...2 weeks ago
- Gordon Campbell On How Slavishly This Government Is Serving Its Corporate Donors
For much of 2024, centre stage has been taken by (a) the government’s relentless attacks on all forms of Māori empowerment and (b) by the wholesale embrace of mid-1980s style austerity policies, which even the most conservative economies in Europe abandoned a decade ago. Easy to miss that the government ...2 weeks ago
- Big Eyes
2014, directed by Tim Burton I didn’t expect to be watching a Harvey Weinstein movie today. How it happened was, I had a few hours to kill before my regular afternoon streamer came on, so I was browsing Netflix looking for something I hadn’t already seen that didn’t look terrible, ...2 weeks ago
- What a thing to happen.
Subjection!Poor, unloved, disparaged, AT. What a thing to happen.In the Game of Thrones version, smirking Little Lord Simeon orders them to disrobe and commands them to parade along K Road, across the rainbow crossings, down Queen Street to Britomart while being pelted with trash, rotten produce and Big Mac boxes.Here ...2 weeks ago - Government’s personal grievance changes will empower bad employers
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting President Rachel Mackintosh is saying that the Government’s proposal to further weight the scales in favour of employers in personal grievance cases will make workplace culture worse and harm efforts to create a fair playing field for workers. “Making the personal grievance regime even tougher ...2 weeks ago
- Climate Change: The ETS needs reform
The final ETS auction of the year was held today, resulting in a partial clearance: 4 million of the available 11.1 million units were sold, at the minimum price of $64/ton. Once you add in March's partial sale, the government managed to sell just over 7 million tons all year ...2 weeks ago
- Throw Away All You Know.
In the cradle of the civilised disobedience derivedFrom a forlorn weeping widow crying tearsthat don’t see eye to eyeKeep the well fullA thirst forgotten A misery made for twoThat’ll use you then throw you awayThat’ll use you then throw you awayThat’ll use you then throw you awaySong: Nowhere.Today, I’m feeling ...2 weeks ago - NZCTU Rūnanga calling for submissions on proposed changes to NZ Post
The CTU Rūnanga is asking affiliates to support postal workers and get out and make submissions against contracting out postal delivery, to stop job cuts and ensure fair pay and conditions for postal workers. The Postal Workers Union is fighting NZ Post’s plans to replace postal workers with contracted couriers. ...2 weeks ago
- ‘The cuts will continue until the economy improves’
Health Minister Shane Reti has even more cuts in his sights. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMorena. Long stories short on Wednesday, December 4, with more detail and analysis in the podcast above:Health Minister Shane Reti says spending cuts will continue for an extra year into 2027 because of a ...2 weeks ago
- Auckland Transport (mostly) goneburger
Auckland Transport has long been a easy punching bag for the public, politicians and media, sometimes deservedly so, other times not. That could all be about to change following an announcement yesterday by the Browns – Wayne and Simeon. Greater Auckland is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon Takes A Beating
The latest polls are in.Mountain Tui is a reader-supported publication. And who could have guessed that a government that destroys the economy (‘economic vandalism on steroids’), tears up our public health system (‘National is BAD for health’), de-stabilises Crown-Māori relations (‘largest protest in modern history’), eviscerates environmental progress and protections ...2 weeks ago - It’s not easy being green
As Kermit the frog said, it isn’t easy being green. A Select Committee yesterday heard how difficult it was for the country’s electricity grid operator, Transpower, to prepare for the electrification of New Zealand that will be required if we are to meet net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Their ...2 weeks ago
- *THOSE* polls! And *NOT* a hung Parliament!
..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.One bad poll for a government can be dismissed as “rogue”. Two? That’s damaging.A recent Talbot Mills done for the Labour Party - released on 1 December - had startling results that would’ve raised ...2 weeks ago - Sabin 33 #5 – Is solar energy worse for the climate than burning fossil fuels?
On November 1, 2024 we announced the publication of 33 rebuttals based on the report "Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles" written by Matthew Eisenson, Jacob Elkin, Andy Fitch, Matthew Ard, Kaya Sittinger & Samuel Lavine and published by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia ...2 weeks ago
- We like to watch
Some millions of years ago, our ancestors learned the trick of standing upright. This made it much easier to reach the bottles on the top shelf and surely aided our progress towards splitting the atom.It also made us more vulnerable. Giving birth became more perilous. Our infants - needing to ...2 weeks ago - Waimate Water: Not A New Problem
The last time residents of Waimate received a nitrate warning was only two years ago. In 2022, the Glenavy township in South Canterbury were unable to drink their own water for over four months due to it containing nitrate levels high enough to kill an infant. This restriction was lifted ...2 weeks ago - Restoring the status quo is not enough
Labour held its party conference over the weekend, and Chris Hipkins gave a speech promising to make the current coalition a one term government. Along the way he made some policy promises: restoring free prescriptions, resuming the Smokefree Aotearoa policy, restarting the build of Dunedin hospital, restoring state housing investment, ...2 weeks ago
- No Matter What I Do, Everything I Do Is Bad
Hi,I wanted to share something that’s been on my mind a bit lately, and I’m not quite sure how to say it besides expressing this idea that on some days I feel like throwing myself into the sea.I am saying this metaphorically — don’t worry — but it’s just this ...2 weeks ago - Political Wrap Up: 11,000 construction jobs gone, Nurses Strike & Unemployment to reach Pandemic...
Good morning, here’s a quick wrap up of 10 developments:1. HEALTH: AUSTERITY BUDGETFront-line hospital workers told jobs could soon be gone (RNZ / Lauren Crimp)The government is set to fire non-clinical front line roles in Auckland as part of its cost saving measures. This includes teams who support clinical logistics, ...2 weeks ago - Tuesday 3 December 2024
Today NZNO healthcare workers are striking for safe staffing and fair pay. More job losses are on the line at NZDF due to budget deficits. In political news, Chris Hipkins is trying to build some momentum following the Labour Party conference. Union coverage NZNO: 36,000 Health NZ nurses to ...2 weeks ago
- Where Is My Mind?
With your feet in the air and your head on the groundTry this trick and spin it, yeah (Yeah)Your head will collapse, and there's nothing in itAnd you'll ask yourselfWhere is my mind?Where is my mind?Where is my mind?Songwriter: Black FrancisClear craniums are the order of the day. Not to ...2 weeks ago - Gt North Rd improvements to finally start
After around 10 years of delays and frustration, Auckland Transport are finally going to make Gt North Rd greater. In an update sent out yesterday, they said: We are pleased to advise that we have appointed JFC Ltd to deliver the work and they’ll be starting work early January. The ...2 weeks ago
- Govt says borrowing to build now last resort
The way through our $100 billion-plus infrastructure deficit will not be eased by Chris Bishop’s approach. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Chris Bishop unveiled his major infrastructure funding and financing plan yesterday that made clear borrowing with public debt to build infrastructure would be a last resort, with private ...2 weeks ago
- Gordon Campbell On Why An AUKUS Led By Trump Is A Scary Prospect
According to Social Development Minister Louise Upton her latest crackdown on the unemployed is just “common sense.” Oh, really. Upston is threatening to reduce or cancel the income of an increasing number of people already living on the breadline – unless they spend more of their scarce money on the ...2 weeks ago
- Incy Wincy History: Pre-Tolkien Fantasy Arachnids of Unusual Size
It has been remarked that the only truly original invention in The Hobbit is the hobbit himself. Tolkien stole his dwarves from the Poetic Edda (albeit, he redefined the spelling of the plural). The trolls and the manner of their death are also borrowed from Norse tradition. Gandalf is rooted ...2 weeks ago - How Plastics Fuel Climate Change
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). We're choking our planet with pollution - whether that's greenhouse gases or plastics. But these two crises are deeply connected - ...2 weeks ago
- Labour 2026, Democrats 2024, and Luxon Accidentally Admits Neoliberalism has Broken the Country
Kia ora kotou, and I hope everyone is having a good start to their week. Usually I try to be a bit more themed and connected and essay-like in what I write, but it’s been too long since I got anything out at all and the topics I keep meaning ...2 weeks ago - Gendered violence and harassment in the world of work
International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention 190 (C190) provides a framework for the legal, cultural and industrial changes necessary to eliminate and prevent violence, in all its forms, from the world of work. It establishes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based ...2 weeks ago
- The Prime Minister hits the cones
More Than A Feilding: Prime Minister thanks for taking the time to chat again with More Than A Feilding.Prime Minister Old Mate Grabaseat: Gidday Jack what I would say to you Jack is what I would say to you.MTAF: I think that was yesterday’s interview, Prime Minister. I’m Dave.OMG: Oh. ...2 weeks ago - Media Link: “A View from Afar” on the lame duck window of opportunity.
In the last episode of this year Selwyn Manning and I discuss the rebel assault on Aleppo in Syria and tit-for-tat missile exchanges between Russia and Ukraine as illustrative of foreign actor attempts to gain geopolitical leverage as part of … Continue reading ...2 weeks ago - Subsidising ecocide
Aotearoa has long been an opponent of fossil fuel subsidies. In 2010 we joined the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform. In 2015 we reviewed our policies to eliminate subsidies following advice from APEC. In 2021 we "lead the call" for subsidy reform at the WTO. And at COP29 just ...2 weeks ago
- Casey Costello: International Day of Older Persons
Throughout New Zealand it is difficult to think of a sports club, charity, church group, festival, foundation, or service organisation that does not owe its existence, effectiveness, or success to the contribution of older New Zealanders. October 1st is International Day of Older Persons so please take a moment to consider ...2 weeks ago - NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago
- Tanya Unkovich: It’s time to start the debate on palliative care as a ‘right’
There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...2 weeks ago
- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...2 weeks ago
- Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS
New Zealand will not sign up to the nuclear-powered pillar one, or the pillar two of AUKUS under a Labour Government. ...2 weeks ago - Release: Labour will build Dunedin Hospital
Labour will build Dunedin Hospital as it was committed to prior to election 2023. ...2 weeks ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech to Labour Party Conference 2024
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira ma Tena koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon Folds on ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, is calling Luxon’s leadership a joke after it was revealed this morning on Q+A that ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill was not a bottom line. "New Zealand officially has a laughing-stock Prime Minister whose leadership folded as he trades away the rights of tangata whenua ...2 weeks ago
- Prime Minister shirks responsibility on global climate commitment
In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. ...2 weeks ago - Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Government’s latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...3 weeks ago
- COURT OF APPEAL RULING: SFO METHODS “OVERREACH, UNLAWFUL, OPPRESSIVE”
Today the Court of Appeal has found the Serious Fraud Office has been acting indiscriminately and unlawfully throughout an eight year long investigation. The SFO has shown their incompetence and arrogance and shown to be abusing their authority to conduct its own overreaching and unlawful fishing expeditions. The Court of Appeal said the SFO has relied on its misuse of compulsory interview ...3 weeks ago
- Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...3 weeks ago
- Waititi Orders Police Withdraw from Matapihi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki is demanding that the Police Minister immediately remove the heavy Police presence in the Matapihi community, as hundreds of officers saturate the Western Bay of Plenty area. “Minister Mitchell must intervene immediately and order the removal of the armed Police presence in ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Opposition parties unite on way forward to protect ECE
Early childhood education needs to be treated as a public good, say Labour, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori in their newly released report of findings from public hearings they held into the Government’s ECE Regulatory Review. ...3 weeks ago
- Government’s First Year a ‘Catastrophe for Māori’
Te Pāti Māori is calling the Government’s first year a catastrophe for Māori, following a year of policies that have done nothing but marginalise tangata-whenua. Today marks one year since the coalition was sworn into power. “This year has been an absolute catastrophe for Māori. This Government has fast-tracked us back ...3 weeks ago
- Release: 1500 Te Whatu Ora cuts will hurt New Zealanders’ health
Massive cuts across Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora demonstrate National’s willingness to risk the health of New Zealanders. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Government to make public transport more expensive… again
The Government’s decision to push for significant fare increases on buses and trains over the next few years is a huge blow to communities across the country. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: National has given up on climate action
Climate action is missing from the list of things National is patting themselves on the back for one year on from becoming government. ...3 weeks ago
- Second RMA Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament
The coalition Government’s second RMA Amendment Bill, introduced to Parliament this week, will help drive economic growth and increased productivity by making it easier to get things done in New Zealand,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says. “Our second RMA Amendment Bill is a precursor to full replacement of the ...5 days ago - NZGIF update
Cecilia Tarrant has announced she has resigned as Chair of New Zealand Green Investment Finance, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “I want to acknowledge the work Ms Tarrant has led over the last six years and thank her for her service.” Ms Tarrant will stand down with effect from ...5 days ago
- Speech to the New Zealand China Council
It is a pleasure to be here this afternoon and thank you to John McKinnon and the New Zealand-China Council for the invitation. New Zealand greatly values its long-standing relationship with China. The connections between our two countries are strong, although recovering after being deeply affected by the impacts of ...5 days ago
- Hairdressers and barbers to receive a regulatory clean shave
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the third sector review, led by the Ministry for Regulation, will cut red tape for the hairdresser and barber industry. “Hairdressers and barbers provide a valuable service in every community. They make up a billion-dollar industry of more than 5000 mostly ...5 days ago
- Aucklanders save $899 million in water charges with Local Water Done Well
The Government has approved the Watercare Charter to keep Auckland’s water services affordable, saving households about $899 million over four years while ensuring improved service quality and record infrastructure investment to unlock housing growth in Auckland says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown.Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says the Watercare Charter which was ...5 days ago
- Fintech innovation to boost consumer competition
The launch of a bespoke pilot programme for financial technology companies will help boost competition for Kiwi consumers and improve choice in the financial and banking sectors, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The Government is relentlessly focused on improving competition so we can lift productivity and improve outcomes ...5 days ago
- Karen Walker and Keven Mealamu join CNZ Board
Fashion designer Karen Walker CNZM and former All Black Keven Mealamu MNZM have been appointed to the Creative New Zealand Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am excited to have these two highly respected individuals join Creative New Zealand, who will undoubtedly add great experience and perspectives to New ...5 days ago
- Health targets encouraging – work continues
New data shows that the Government’s focus on health targets is putting the brakes on the steep decline in delivery seen over the past five years. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says while there is much more work to do, health target results in the three months to 30 September ...5 days ago
- Independent review of ACC announced
ACC Minister Matt Doocey has today announced an independent review of ACC because of concerns about declining rehabilitation rates and increasing costs. “ACC provides critical support to New Zealanders in times of need, but I am concerned that ACC’s performance has been declining for a decade. Rehabilitation rates are down, ...5 days ago
- New research to aid tourism and hospitality sector
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey today announced investment in a suite of new surveys and research which will help fill critical gaps in tourism and hospitality sector data. “Government investment totalling around $3 million will fund essential research including a domestic visitor survey, tourism sentiment survey, new research into ...5 days ago
- Seafood sector a ‘Kiwi success story’
New Zealand’s seafood exports are set to hit a record $2.2 billion in the year to June 2025, and increase to $2.4b the following year, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “Our seafood sector is a Kiwi success story. The sector’s hard work, healthy demand, tight global supply and ...5 days ago
- Food and Fibre sector set to break records
New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are forecast to hit $56.9 billion by 30 June 2025 and climb to a record $58.3 billion the following year, showcasing the strength and resilience of the sector, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today. “The hard work and innovation of our world ...5 days ago
- Thai Foreign Minister to visit
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa will visit New Zealand this week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced. “Thailand is an important economic and security partner for New Zealand in Southeast Asia,” Mr Peters says. “The visit is another important step as our two countries work to lift our relationship to a ...6 days ago
- New ferries will ensure safe, resilient connection
The Government is establishing a new company to procure two new ferries to ensure a safe, reliable and commercially viable ferry service, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “This decision will ensure New Zealand has a safe, reliable and resilient service to move people and freight between the North and South ...6 days ago
- Milestone for Iwi Māori Partnership Boards
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Iwi Māori Partnership Boards have taken a major step as part of the Government’s commitment to the health of Māori communities. Minister Reti has now received 15 IMPB community health plans, representing the vision and plans of the boards for health and wellbeing in ...6 days ago
- New seafood processing factory opens in Porirua
A new seafood processing factory in Porirua north of Wellington will bring export revenue, jobs and opportunities for the community, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The Wellington Kaimoana Hub, a joint venture between Māori owned seafood companies Moana New Zealand and Port Nicholson Fisheries, was formally opened by ...6 days ago
- Gisborne receives mental health beds boost
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today opened Gisborne Hospital’s new acute mental health unit, Te Whare Awhi Ora, and says the region will be better served by a bigger, more therapeutic acute mental health unit.“I have been clear that we need to build a strong mental health and addiction ...6 days ago
- Our journey towards net zero
The Government has unveiled its second Emissions Reduction Plan, outlining a path to keep New Zealand on track to meet its climate change targets while supporting the economy to thrive, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The plan sets the foundation to meet our net zero 2050 target as early ...6 days ago
- Repealing advertising restrictions for media
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has been introduced to Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Traditional media outlets are operating in an extremely difficult environment and as the Government we must ensure regulatory settings are enabling the best chance of ...7 days ago
- Government announces future of greyhound racing in New Zealand
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced the Government’s plans to end greyhound racing in New Zealand. “This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs. “Despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent ...7 days ago
- Government cuts red tape for food exporters
The Government is delivering on its commitment to cut red tape and increase the value of exports by making it easier for exporters to deliver safe New Zealand food to more markets, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Food exports are the bedrock of our economy, so when industry asked ...1 week ago
- Relationships & Sexuality Education refresh
The Government welcomes a new report which confirms the way Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) is taught in schools isn’t fit for purpose, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “In a world that’s rapidly changing, young people deserve every opportunity to be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to ...1 week ago
- Applications open for mental wellbeing campaigns
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced that applications will open today for the $5 million Mental Health Promotion Fund for organisations to run campaigns that promote mental wellbeing while at the Digital Mental Health Summit. “Strengthening the focus on prevention and early intervention is one of my key priorities. Our ...1 week ago
- Raising the visibility of New Zealand’s ethnic communities
A first-of-its-kind report launched today lays the groundwork for growing the visibility of New Zealand’s ethnic communities through data, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “Too often and for too long, ethnic communities have largely been invisible in public sector data. As a result, their voices have not always been ...1 week ago
- Pay deductions for partial strikes to be reintroduced
Changes to collective bargaining will help rebalance the rights and consequences of industrial action, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says. A bill to allow for pay deductions in response to partial strikes will be introduced today. “Partial strikes are industrial actions that normally involve turning up to ...1 week ago
- Strategic leasing another tool in the infrastructure procurement belt
The Government is issuing strategic leasing guidance to agencies to ensure more efficient use of taxpayer dollars where the private sector is better placed to own and maintain infrastructure, Infrastructure Under-Secretary Simon Court says. “On a basic level, strategic leasing is like any other government leasing arrangement, where the government ...1 week ago
- Next steps for banking competition
The Government is pushing ahead with moves to increase banking competition by boosting Kiwibank and taking steps to ensure the Reserve Bank places greater importance on competition in the sector, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “The change will enable the New Zealand-owned bank to more vigorously compete against the ...1 week ago
- New campaign promotes alcohol-free pregnancies
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched a new public health campaign to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder by promoting alcohol-free pregnancies. FASD is the leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disorders in New Zealand, causing lifelong physical, behavioural, learning and mental health problems. “The impact of FASD in ...1 week ago
- New Climate Change Commission Chair appointed
Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy has been appointed as the new chair of the Climate Change Commission, the independent Crown entity that provides the Government advice, monitoring and reporting to support New Zealand’s transition to a climate-resilient, low emissions future, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “I’m pleased that Dame ...1 week ago
- Commonsense changes to insulation standards
The Government is proposing commonsense changes to reduce the upfront cost of building, while maintaining robust energy efficiency standards, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “We know from a social investment point of view that Kiwis do much better when they have access to affordable, insulated, secure housing. “However, ...1 week ago
- Racing Act changes to boost racing industry sustainability
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced the introduction of legislation to amend the Racing Industry Act 2020 which will extend TAB NZ’s current land-based monopoly for sports and racing betting to online. The Racing Industry Act established TAB NZ for the purposes of funding the racing industry. It provides ...1 week ago
- New members appointed to EECA Board
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) Board.John Carnegie and Vijay Goel have both been appointed as members for three-year terms which will begin on 6 January 2025 and end on 5 January 2028.“As Minister for Energy, my goal ...2 weeks ago
- JOINT STATEMENT ON AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND FOREIGN AND DEFENCE MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS (ANZMIN) DECE...
1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters MP and Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC MP hosted Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong on 6 December in ...2 weeks ago
- Swift avian influenza response in Otago on track
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says good progress is being made in the response to the detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, but there is more work to do. “Rigorous testing and monitoring continue to show no confirmed signs of the disease in chicken farms outside of Mainland ...2 weeks ago
- Funding for Hawke’s Bay water security project
Up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been allocated for pre-construction development of the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke’s Bay, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The grant for the project, which is being co-funded by the Tukituki Water Security Project, is limited to work to ...2 weeks ago
- Waimārama ban on taking pāua to continue
A two-year temporary closure banning the take of pāua from Waimārama south of Hastings will support efforts by local iwi to rebuild pāua stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The closure includes Waimārama Beach and Ocean Beach, two beaches popular with holidaymakers and recreational fishers. Ngāi Hapū o ...2 weeks ago
- Appointments to the New Zealand Post board
Four new appointments have been made to the New Zealand Post Ltd (NZ Post) board, Acting State-Owned Enterprises Minister Chris Bishop says. “NZ Post is one of New Zealand’s largest State-owned enterprises with revenue of around $1.2 billion and total assets of around $1.5 billion. It is the designated universal ...2 weeks ago
- Government to partner with private sector to plant trees on low value Crown land
Ministers responsible for Climate Change, Forestry, Conservation and Land Information today announced that Cabinet has agreed to explore public-private partnerships to plant trees on Crown land, supporting New Zealand’s climate change targets and creating more jobs. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says that nature-based solutions is a key part to ...2 weeks ago
- International data confirms maths transformation
New international data validates the Government’s plan to transform maths education in New Zealand, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the longest-running, large-scale international assessment of mathematics and science and takes place every four years. While 2023 results show an improved ...2 weeks ago
- Government partners to boost rural productivity in Hawke’s Bay
The Government is partnering with Hawke’s Bay farmers and the Regional Council to improve farm productivity and build resilience against adverse weather events, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay announced today at a ceremony in Hawke’s Bay. “The Government is co-investing $995,000 to grow the Land for Life (LFL) pilot programme ...2 weeks ago
- Wellbeing provisions distracting councils from core job – Simeon Brown
The local government minister says they're also driving up rates - Labour says it's "a complete fabrication". ...15 hours ago - Government warned operating Aratere ferry until 2029 ‘simply not possible’
A leaked report authored by the government's expert ministerial advisory group warns the Aratere should be retired as early as next year. ...16 hours ago
- Government Washes Its Hands Of “Unethical” Plastic Waste Exports
Chai says the Government’s final decision to reject her petition “gives a lot of reasons for doing nothing”. ...16 hours ago - Ngāti Kahungunu Submits In Opposition To The Treaty Principles Bill
The Ngāti Kahungunu submission clearly states the reasons why it opposes the Treaty Principles Bill, “due to its inherent contradictions and potential for detrimental consequences. Each principle, while seemingly benign, harbours flaws that necessitate ...17 hours ago
- More coal and gas, less renewables: what a nuclear power plan for Australia would really mean
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Bilanol/Shutterstock Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s plan for nuclear power in Australia has provoked a great deal of discussion and analysis – most of it critical. Experts point out the Coalition’s long-awaited ...19 hours ago - Fast-track project publication a brick through window of democracy
It beggars belief that the government has redacted the wannabe seabed miner Trans Tasman Resources application's economic benefits to Aotearoa New Zealand, for a bill whose only purpose is the economic benefit to Aotearoa New Zealand. ...19 hours ago
- What Christopher Luxon makes of his government’s 2024 efforts
The PM says 2024 has been a good start - but "I'll be the first to tell you we have a lot more to do". ...19 hours ago
- What is a dark comet? A quick guide to the ‘new’ kids in the Solar System
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca Allen, Co-Director Space Technology and Industry Institute, Swinburne University of Technology Artist’s impression of ‘Oumuamua. ESA/Hubble, NASA, ESO, M. Kornmesser In 2017, NASA discovered and later confirmed the first interstellar object to enter our Solar System. It wasn’t aliens. But ...19 hours ago
- Homelessness biggest driver of youth crime – advocate
An advocate for young homeless people says it's clear Oranga Tamariki needs more funding to care for teenagers and children. ...20 hours ago
- Live: Chrisopher Luxon at year’s last post-Cabinet briefing
The PM says 2024 has been a good start - but "I'll be the first to tell you we have a lot more to do". ...20 hours ago
- Chalmers unveils new look Reserve Bank, with women in the majority on both its boards
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A person with long experience in the financial services sector, Marnie Baker, and a distinguished academic economist, Renée Fry-McKibbin, have been appointed to serve on the Reserve Bank’s new monetary policy board: Treasurer Jim Chalmers ...21 hours ago
- Push For Police To Charge For Presence At Public Events A Deterrent On Free Speech
Police have a duty to protect the public from physical harm, and the public fund them to do so. Event organisers should not be put off hosting events due to imposed costs from Police. ...21 hours ago
- Open Letter On Importance Of Research In The Social Sciences And Humanities
The role of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, as set out in the Royal Society of New Zealand Act, is to advance and promote science, technology, and the humanities, and to provide expert advice on important public issues to the Government and people ...21 hours ago
- Global watchdog condemns Fiji for ‘blocking’ protest marches over Gaza genocide
Asia Pacific Report A global civil society watchdog has condemned Fiji for blocking protest marches over the Palestine genocide by Israel and clamping down on a regional Pacific university demonstration with threats. However, while the Civicus Monitor rates the state of civic space in Fiji as “obstructed” it has acknowledged ...21 hours ago
- FIFA has a human rights policy, so how could it award Saudi Arabia the 2034 soccer World Cup?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keith Rathbone, Senior Lecturer, Modern European History and Sports History, Macquarie University Last week, FIFA officially awarded Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup. The Gulf Kingdom was the sole bidder after the Asian Football Confederation made it clear it would not ...22 hours ago
- Naloxone can reverse opioid overdose. Here’s why you might need some at home or in your bag
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shane Darke, Professor at the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Tunatura/Shutterstock Opioids are some of the most widely used and misused drugs in the world. Opioids are central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity ...22 hours ago
- Greenpeace Slams Late Release Of Redacted Fast Track Seabed Mining Documents
Over 20,000 people have signed an open letter pledging resistance to companies opting into the fast track, and a further 45,000 have signed a petition calling on the Government to ban seabed mining outright. ...22 hours ago
- Fiji resort guests reported to be stable following suspected alcohol poisoning
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The seven people hospitalised in Fiji with suspected severe alcohol poisoning are reported to be in a stable condition, says Tourism Fiji chief executive Brent Hill. Seven people, including four Australian tourists and one American, and two other foreigners who live in Fiji, had ...22 hours ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you enjoy local documentaries: Shortland Street: Reflecting a Nation (TVNZ+, December 19) Since arriving on our screens in 1992, the iconic soap opera Shortland Street and ...23 hours ago - Govt Announces No Christmas For Children In Persistent Poverty For The Next 10 Years
CPAG calls on the current government and all political parties to work towards a future where all tamariki grow up surrounded by loving, thriving whānau within supportive communities where there are resources, opportunities and systems to enable them to ...23 hours ago
- Superpower rivalry is making Pacific aid a bargaining chip – vulnerable island nations still lose ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sione Tekiteki, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images The A$140 million aid agreement between Australia and Nauru signed last week is a prime example of the geopolitical tightrope vulnerable Pacific nations are walking in the 21st ...23 hours ago
- Everyone will want to see Yayoi Kusama at the NGV. Those who don’t will spend a lifetime regrettin...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University Visitors in the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until April 21 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA Photo: Danielle Castano Now aged 95, Yayoi Kusama for many decades has been considered ...23 hours ago
- NZ police officers’ China trip had all the hallmarks of foreign interference operation –...
The SIS has IDed China as the major source of foreign interference activities - and the police should take heed, Anne-Marie Brady says. ...1 day ago
- Announcing the Vince Geddes In-Depth Journalism Fund
A new fund has been launched to provide freelance writers with grants to work on ambitious, in-depth journalism. The Vince Geddes In-Depth Journalism Fund, supported by the Auckland Radio Trust (ART), has been established to provide much-needed financial and editorial support to talented freelance journalists, empowering them to produce ...1 day ago
- Police China trip a classic bid to ‘curry favour’ – Andrew Little
Andrew Little says it "ought to be a worry" that 33 police staff visited China in October. ...1 day ago
- Number of youths kept in police cells 10 times higher than two years ago
The number of young people kept overnight in police cells was 418 in the year ended June. ...1 day ago
- 20 Years On: Has The Supreme Court Delivered?
Two decades after its creation, is the Supreme Court hearing the right cases and meeting its statutory objectives? ...1 day ago
- Auckland City Mission delivers dignity and holiday cheer, but faces funding uncertainty
Months of planning, scores of volunteers and thousands of food boxes are all part of Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai’s annual Christmas celebration. But without an ongoing funding commitment from the government, the future of this community support is uncertain. Volunteer Uncle Mike arrives at Grafton’s Boston Road, ...1 day ago
- I made it to the end of 2024 without finding out what ‘hawk tuah’ means
As soon as a new viral moment started circulating six months ago, Alex Casey made a choice to avoid it for as long as humanly possible. This is her story. It’s not that I’m totally ignorant. I know the two words: hawk tuah. I know that these two words relate ...1 day ago
- Letter From Winners Of The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize
We write to voice our disagreement with the decision to alter the Terms of Reference of the Marsden Fund such that "approximately 50 percent of funds will go towards supporting proposals with economic benefits to New Zealand". We urge the Government ...1 day ago
- ‘The best is still ahead’: I spoke with LGBTQ+ people on ageing well. This is what they told me
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jinwen Chen, PhD Graduate in Social Geography, Flinders University What does it mean to live and age well? My doctoral research sought to understand this from the perspective of LGBTQ+ people of diverse cultural backgrounds in Australia. I spoke with 14 ...1 day ago
- What is it about Holloway Road? The ghosts of Wellington’s most atmospheric street
Claire Mabey explores the past and present of Holloway Road, one of Wellington’s most mysterious and storied communities. All photos by Claire Mabey. A pair of long-eared goats graze high on the verdant hillside. There’s a near-constant shriek of kākā flying overhead, passing over like fantastical creatures. The Lilliput library ...1 day ago
- Many more men are dying on Australian roads than women. It’s time we addressed it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Brown, Adjunct Research Fellow, UniSA Justice and Society, University of South Australia Shutterstock Men are killing themselves on the roads in large numbers. Currently, policymakers fail to recognise the different ways men and women use roads, and the resulting ways ...1 day ago
- Holidays help us rest and recover. But Greeks and Romans weren’t always convinced
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, researching Greco-Roman antiquity, The University of Melbourne Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock The Greek philosopher Plutarch of Chaeronea (1st-2nd century AD) observed that our lives are divided between relaxation and exertion. For example, there are times when we ...1 day ago
- Shrinking wings, bigger beaks: birds are reshaping themselves in a warming world
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Ryding, Postdoctoral research fellow, Deakin University The Common Bronzewing is one of the birds that has increased beak size in response to climate change Ryan Barnaby. For wildlife, climate change is a bit like the “final boss” the protagonist faces in ...1 day ago
- You’ve just got your Year 12 results. What do you do now?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kellie Tobin, Lecturer in Education – Applied Learning, Deakin University Cottonbro Studio/Pexels, CC BY The wait is finally over. Year 12 students around Australia are receiving their Year 12 results. Victorian and Queensland students got their ATARs last week, with other ...1 day ago
- Being carers costs women more than $500,000 over a lifetime, leaving them with less in retirement th...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myra Hamilton, Associate Professor, gender, ageing and care, University of Sydney Pikselstock/Shutterstock This article is part of The Conversation’s “Retirement” series where experts examine issues including how much money we need to retire, retiring with debt, the psychological impact of retiring ...1 day ago
- NZ police officers’ China trip had all the hallmarks of foreign influence operation – ex...
The SIS has IDed China as the major source of foreign interference activities - and the police should take heed, Anne-Marie Brady says. ...1 day ago
- What’s left on the parliament agenda for 2024?
Get ready for the pre-Christmas push, writes The Bulletin’s Stewart Sowman-Lund. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...1 day ago
- Auckland foodbanks face closure, reducing services as funding to stop
"I'm worried. I know hundreds of thousands of Aucklanders rely on the mission for food," City Missioner Helen Robinson says. ...1 day ago
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