david parker
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Is Parker procrastinating or scene setting for fairer tax system?
Written By: - Date published: 3:40 pm, April 27th, 2022 - 49 comments
Is Revenue Minister David Parker’s plan to gather tax data on the wealthy just more procrastination by this Labour government on making the tax system fairer? Or is it recognition the public debate needs a long-term frame to get a capital gains, or wealth tax, over the line?
Our Energy Upheaval
Written By: - Date published: 7:39 am, December 23rd, 2021 - 79 comments
Ministers Wood, Shaw and Parker (Energy, Climate Change, and RMA reform respectively), must pull their eyes downward from the misty clouds of climate change and stuff multiple decades away and down into the jagged, shadowy deal-by-deal path of the transition to clean energy.
Fisheries reform is under way
Written By: - Date published: 7:57 am, June 23rd, 2021 - 10 comments
David Parker has shown a deft handling of the Oceans and Fisheries portfolio and in the past week has announced the accelerated roll out of cameras on fishing boats and a suite of actions designed to address the failing health of the Waitemata Harbour.
Water Rights War Brewing
Written By: - Date published: 3:30 pm, March 10th, 2021 - 6 comments
Minister Parker is firing an 18 inch gun round that he’s ready to take on all with his call-in of the Otago water rights plan change.
A Few Good Green Wins
Written By: - Date published: 8:37 am, December 23rd, 2020 - 22 comments
There is always plenty of bad news when it comes to nature in New Zealand, but this year has had an accumulation of good.
Labour’s new Oceans Ministry
Written By: - Date published: 8:19 am, November 3rd, 2020 - 23 comments
Jacinda Ardern’s decision to rename the Fisheries Ministery to “Oceans and Fisheries” and install David Parker instead of Stuart Nash shows a welcome desire to protect this most precious of resources.
The Covid Court Case
Written By: - Date published: 8:18 am, August 20th, 2020 - 30 comments
The High Court has ruled that for technical reasons during the first nine days of the lockdown statements that New Zealanders were legally required to remain at home were incorrect.
Parker gives Bridges a lesson in constitutional law
Written By: - Date published: 10:01 am, May 9th, 2020 - 175 comments
In a Facebook Live event David Parker has schooled Simon Bridges on basic principles of constitutional law. And it appears that Bridges demand that legally privileged advice be handed over is heading to the Privileges Committee.
Our damaged rivers and streams
Written By: - Date published: 9:51 am, April 23rd, 2020 - 25 comments
A new report out from the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics NZ showing that New Zealand’s fresh water system is getting worse, all over the place, but particularly in the South Island.
Sheepgate the final chapter
Written By: - Date published: 7:38 am, February 12th, 2019 - 44 comments
The final chapter of the Saudi Sheepgate saga has now been written with David Parker pulling the pin on the deal and saving the country $1 million.
The Reserve Bank Reform Bill
Written By: - Date published: 7:23 am, December 7th, 2018 - 11 comments
The Government is planning changes to the Reserve Bank Act to require it to seek full employment. Maybe it is time for a dramatic change to its powers so that it has the regulatory powers to properly deal with the Australian banks.
What is the RCEP?
Written By: - Date published: 3:55 pm, August 15th, 2018 - 14 comments
It’s time we paid attention to RCEP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
New Zealand trade negotiations with Europe
Written By: - Date published: 11:00 am, May 23rd, 2018 - 7 comments
On Thursday 31 May at the University of Auckland, the Fabians are hosting Max Harris on the topic “Is it time for an independent foreign policy?” What would be the costs of a really independent foreign policy, over the benefits of salving our conscience with greater national independence? And where does Trade fit in?
Where is our economic leadership?
Written By: - Date published: 10:06 am, March 16th, 2018 - 38 comments
This government has not yet developed an economic strategy.
What will 2018 hold for Labour?
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, January 10th, 2018 - 201 comments
What does Labour do this year to make sure this Government is a success and its achievements something that progressives can be proud of?
The TPP11 negotiations: ISDS provisions are gone – almost
Written By: - Date published: 1:08 pm, November 12th, 2017 - 113 comments
David Parker has confirmed that the TPP11 negotiations have resulted in a considerable minimising of the ISDS provisions. But will this be enough?
TPP11 close to being signed?
Written By: - Date published: 10:34 am, November 10th, 2017 - 127 comments
Mesia reports suggest that a possible TPP11 agreement is close to being signed.
Labour plans to stop overseas purchases of residential properties
Written By: - Date published: 9:41 am, November 1st, 2017 - 192 comments
Labour has announced plans to prevent foreign residents from buying residential homes in New Zealand.
The new cabinet
Written By: - Date published: 8:03 am, October 24th, 2017 - 78 comments
Details about how the next Cabinet may be made up are emerging. Winston Peters may regain the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as being Deputy Prime Minister.
A meeting in Wanaka
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, September 13th, 2017 - 162 comments
Ad reports on a recent meeting in Wanaka where David Parker addressed farmers face to face on Labour’s water policy.
The Government is misrepresenting the effect of the Ruataniwha Dam decision
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, July 9th, 2017 - 21 comments
The Government has responded to the Supreme Court decision which puts a halt on the Ruataniwha Dam by claiming wrongly that the protected land was of low quality and by stating that a law change, possibly retrospective, will occur.
Sheepgate: Government celebrates finding that McCully is not corrupt
Written By: - Date published: 6:01 pm, November 2nd, 2016 - 58 comments
The Auditor General’s report into Sheepgate has been released and there has to be questions about the accuracy of what Murray McCully has told Parliament and his ability to fullfil his role as a Minister.
The dump of the #sheepgate papers
Written By: - Date published: 8:52 am, August 5th, 2015 - 97 comments
The sheepgate papers have been dumped and despite John Key’s claims to the contrary the only evidence of a change in position on live sheep exports is that of the National Government, not the previous Labour Government.
#Sheepgate – some random impertinent questions
Written By: - Date published: 2:04 pm, June 25th, 2015 - 22 comments
Every day with the release of more information there are more and more questions arising over sheepgate. Update: and none of the questions were answered today in Parliament. At least not properly. Video is inserted.
#Sheepgate – did National ask the Saudi Sheep Farmer to sue NZ?
Written By: - Date published: 8:36 am, June 24th, 2015 - 42 comments
It seems crazy but it appears that National may have asked the Saudi sheep farmer to sue New Zealand. And John Key seems to be relaxed about facilitation payments aka bribes.
Money for nothing and the sheep are for free
Written By: - Date published: 8:36 am, May 29th, 2015 - 38 comments
The legal suit offered as part justification for the Government paying $11 million to a Saudi businessman was apparently “off the table” at the time that Cabinet agreed to the payment. So why was the payment made? And why didn’t Murray McCully tell this to Cabinet or to Parliament earlier?
Police neutrality
Written By: - Date published: 8:50 am, December 5th, 2014 - 113 comments
If anyone thought that David Parker was content to fade quietly into obscurity, they been proven thoroughly wrong. Parker has confronted one of politics’ sacred cows – police neutrality.
Key will apologise to Slater but not Billingsley or Vance
Written By: - Date published: 7:30 am, November 25th, 2014 - 21 comments
John Key has apologised to Cameron Slater for releasing an email which details a campaign against a senior Public Servant.
A late run succeeds
Written By: - Date published: 7:08 pm, November 18th, 2014 - 46 comments
On October 4th Andrew Little was looking to see if he was even going to be in Parliament because he hadn’t achieved the near impossible task of winning New Plymouth. He was at the bottom of small list and only got back into parliament on special votes. But Andrew Little has a well deserved reputation is a organiser and a campaigner. It showed.
Last chance to vote
Written By: - Date published: 11:36 am, November 17th, 2014 - 67 comments
The Labour leadership campaign is in the home straight. Various authors have declared their preference and why and I thought I should do the same.
My (late) vote
Written By: - Date published: 4:58 pm, November 16th, 2014 - 56 comments
Here are my votes for the leadership contest. It was a hard choice, especially having to rank them. But my main criteria was to look for the people who I think had the most chance retaining and utilising the ever increasing membership and the other parts of the party together into a election winning system for the left.
- New Zealand, we have a problem
Dear Aotearoa, we have a major problem that is inhibiting our success, namely racism. Destroying old and young alike, racism in New Zealand is the silent assassin, a killer that permeates through every facet of our society.On Thursday, the NZ Herald reported:Cricket: Black Caps great Ross Taylor's racism claim outlined ...5 hours ago - 2022 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #32
Listing of articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, August 7, 2022 through Sat, August 13, 2022. The following articles sparked above average interest during the week (bolded articles are from SkS authors): Electrifying transportation reduces emissions AND saves massive amounts of energy, ...13 hours ago - tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612441315352179822.post-632081873111245712
CLIMATE CHANGE UPDATE IN IMAGES 2022I am just wondering how hot is too hot before we commit to real global action to reduce our emissions and save our climate and natural environment. The images below are what has occurred in the northern hemisphere summer and it is likely we will ...2 days ago - Let’s read some Rushdie today
Salman Rushdie has been stabbed while on stage in New York where he was about to give a talk. He is now undergoing surgery. The British novelist has lived under death threats since the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against him in 1989 and put a $3 ...2 days ago - How Should We Run the Public Health System?
Two-and-a-half years on, the Government’s merged mega-polytechnic, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology – Te Pūkenga, is facing a deficit which is double the planned one. Will Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) be facing similar troubles in December 2024?Why did the Government centralise the 20 ...3 days ago - Asleep at the wheel
A couple of months ago, in response to a Newsroom piece about what endemic covid means for Aotearoa, I asked Treasury and the Ministry of Health what advice they'd produced on the impacts of "long covid" on the economy and health system. Treasury responded quickly, admitting that they hadn't been ...3 days ago - Parting Shots.
3 days ago - The Flashman Factor.The Empire Within Which Bullying Never Ceased: The bitter truth about Great Britain’s “public” schools (and their many imitators in the Empire’s far-flung dominions) is that they were consciously designed to produce a very particular kind of imperial administrator. These men needed to be courageous, but not compassionate; clever, but ...3 days ago
- Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing! ...4 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #32 2022A most amazingly air-tight conspiracy Not research, but research-related. Skeptical Science reader John G. writes to point out an omission in our collection of rebuttals: "You are failing to rebut a prevailing narrative which blames a Globalist Elite for promoting CC as part of The Great Reset." Thank you John, ...4 days ago
- Climate Change: Treasury’s sabotage(Cartoon by Jon Kudelka) There's a (paywalled) story on BusinessDesk about today's budget document drop - and in particular the climate change documents - about how Treasury resisted Ministerial demands for more spending on climate change, forcing cuts to a level deemed insufficient to meet the requirements of the ...4 days ago
- National’s Bad News
The travails of National MP Sam Uffindell are bad news for the National party in more ways than one. The obvious question is as to how an applicant with such a disreputable history could have secured the nomination as the National candidate in the Tauranga by-election. National’s vetting procedures seem ...4 days ago - Media Link: “A View from Afar” on China, Taiwan and future implications.
The “A View from Afar” podcast with Selwyn Manning and I resumed after a months hiatus. We discussed the PRC-Taiwan tensions in the wake of Nancy Pelosi’s visit and what pathways, good and bad, may emerge from the escalation of hostilities between the mainland and island. You can find it ...4 days ago - Eugenie Sage’s mining ban billA ballot for one member's bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Crown Minerals (Prohibition of Mining) Amendment Bill (Eugenie Sage) The bill is pitched as protecting conservation land, and it does immediately do that. But it also goes further, doing exactly what it ...4 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on how National’s ”new” welfare plan resurrects a past failureSam Uffindell’s defenders keep reminding us that he was only 16 at the time of the King’s College incident, and haven’t we all done things in our teens that, as adults, we look back on with shame and embarrassment? True. Let’s be honest. Haven’t we all at one time or ...4 days ago
- You can’t understand Ukraine without acknowledging its deep divisions
Our media insists on telling us that Ukraine is a unified country suffering aggression from its neighbour the Russian Federation. But it is hardly unified. A violent civil war has raged there since the overthrow of the democratically elected government in February 2014. This civil war arose from deep ...5 days ago - Bryce Edwards: Is Tauranga headed towards yet another by-election?
If National causes yet another by-election to be held in Tauranga, not only will it cost the taxpayers another unnecessary $1m for the taxpayers after Simon Bridges called it quits earlier in the year, but National will also pay a big price in terms of its reputation and integrity. A ...5 days ago - The Way We Used To Want It – And, Maybe, Still Do.Representing Pakeha Racism: The important thing to remember about Rob Muldoon, and the racist policies with which his name is associated, is that he drew his power from the hundreds-of-thousands of anxious, angry, and yes – racist – Pakeha who voted for him, and that his most effective campaign slogan was: “New Zealand the ...5 days ago
- Experts: Senate-passed bill will yield myriad climate benefitsThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act by a single vote on Sunday, August 7. The bill, headed to the House of Representatives within days, includes by far the largest and most consequential measures to reduce domestic climate pollution in the nation’s ...5 days ago
- Bullying's long shadow is cast across Sam Uffindell and the National Party
I remember feeling anxious before making the phone call, although not at anxious I might have expected. But what sticks most in my mind is how the phone call ended. It was the late 1990s. I was deputy editor of the NZ Listener and I had to ring a guy ...5 days ago - Another starving watchdogWorkSafe is supposed to make sure that every Kiwi is safe at work. Except they can't any more, because they're not funded to do the job properly: A lack of funding is forcing WorkSafe to reduce its focus on adventure activities, and it is unable to hold some companies ...6 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: The Uffindell scandal raises big questions about integrity in NationalNational is dripping “blue blood” again. The revelations over Sam Uffindell’s violent assault indicate that the National Party under Christopher Luxon hasn’t quite shed the toxicity and internal damage of the last few years. The crises besetting the party have recently been well documented in journalist Andrea Vance’s new book ...6 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on Sam Uffindell’s sorry excuse for an apologyMost of us believe in redemption and atonement… But the timing, the nature and the semantics of Sam Uffindell‘s apology for his role in a gang that beat a younger kid (reportedly) with wooden bed legs, has left much to be desired. The victim seems pretty clear about the motivation ...6 days ago
- Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Personal integrity in politicsYesterday the news broke that newly elected National MP Sam Uffindell was asked to leave private Auckland school King’s College at the end of his fifth form year after being part of a group that viciously beat a younger student one night. There are many elements to this latest political ...6 days ago
- Sam Uffindell must resignYou’ve got to wonder why the National Party knowingly hid information from the public about their newest MP, Sam Uffindell. Surely they must’ve realised that their secret would eventually leak into the public domain. New Zealand is far too small for cover-ups of this kind to be effective.Despite his violent ...6 days ago
- Electrifying transportation reduces emissions AND saves massive amounts of energyThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Karin Kirk With high energy prices and increasing urgency to reduce fossil fuel burning, it makes sense to get the most out of every gallon of gasoline or kilowatt-hour of electricity. A previous post showed that charging an EV costs around $1.41 per gallon ...6 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Luxon’s “New National”Back in the 1990s, Tony Blair rebranded The British Labour Party as “New Labour”, to try and draw a line under past failures. It’s as if Christopher Luxon is attempting to follow suit, and launch “New National” at the moment – a party that’s fresh-looking, has made some big breaks ...7 days ago
- Party of bulliesBack in June Sam Uffindell was elected to parliament in the Tauranga by-election. Turns out he's a bully who beat a kid with a bed-leg at school: The National Party’s newest MP, Sam Uffindell, was asked to leave his exclusive boarding school after viciously beating a younger student late ...7 days ago
- Submit!The Justice Committee has called for submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill. Submissions are due by Wednesday, 31 August 2022, and can be made at the link above. The bill improves disclosure of party finances, lowering the declaration threshold to $5,000 and requiring parties to disclose their annual financial statements. ...7 days ago
- Government-sponsored debt-slaveryStuff this morning has an appalling story about the exploitation of RSE workers in Blenheim, with workers being overcharged for substandard accommodation, denied sick-leave, and held in what is effectively debt-slavery: Migrant horticulture workers are being housed six men to a room, charged $150 a week to sleep in ...7 days ago
- Work, Work, Work!7 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on National’s plan to privatise welfare deliveryOn the rare occasions when it ever gets asked, the public keeps rejecting tax cuts as such, as a policy priority. It keeps saying it wants tax levels to either stay the same or be increased, so that public services can be maintained, or even (perish the thought) improved. In ...7 days ago
- 2022 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #31Listing of articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, July 31, 2022 through Sat, August 6, 2022. The following articles sparked above average interest during the week (bolded articles are from SkS authors): ‘Reality is scary’: climate culture war heats up for UK ...1 week ago
- Dunedin Winter Gloom: August 2022
Europe has been baking in a heatwave, of course. Not so much this part of the world, which benefits by still being in Winter (though let’s just say I am not looking forward to January 2023). Not that it’s been a particularly cold Winter – we haven’t had one ...1 week ago - Once again, those Russian neo-Nazis – the Wagner groupThe Wagner Group is a private military company – effectively mercenaries. It has been used for the military activity of the Russian Federation in various parts of the world. Currently, it is operating in Ukraine and apparently has a reputation as a very brave and effective force in the ...1 week ago
- Considering Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.I have said this in other forums, but here is the deal: PRC military exercises after Pelosi’s visit are akin to male gorillas who run around thrashing branches and beating their chests when annoyed, disturbed or seeking to show dominance. They are certainly dangerous and not to be ignored, but ...1 week ago
- A Cranky Uncle Cartoon a day, keeps misinformation at bay!From July 7 to 26 we tried something new on our Facebook page by sharing one Cranky Uncle cartoon each day for 20 days in a row. There were two reasons for doing this: firstly, we wanted to ensure that at least one post would get published each day while I was ...1 week ago
- Fighting Past Inflation Battles
Too many commentators on current price pressures have not understood that this time it is very different from the 1970s. Their prescriptions may accelerate inflation.The New Zealand economy is experiencing an external price shock arising from the Covid pandemic and the Ukrainian invasion compounded by related supply chain difficulties. It ...1 week ago - Gordon Campbell on National’s incredible disappearing tax policyDuring the years of the Key government one hardy perennial of political journalism was that whenever the Labour Opposition would suggest a policy alternative to the status quo, the hard bitten response from the Gallery realists would be “But how’re you gonna pay for it?” National in Opposition has been ...1 week ago
- In A Wizard's Garden.In The Wizard’s Garden: George Dunlop Leslie, 1904IT ALL SEEMS so long ago now, and, to be fair, in human terms, 48 years is a long time. New Zealand was a different country in 1974. Someone unafraid of courting controversy might say it had achieved “Peak Pakeha”. Although the Labour Government of ...1 week ago
- Seating ArrangementsProximate Cause: Tellingly, it was Helen Clark who was seated close by when, earlier this week, Jacinda Ardern delivered a speech carefully crafted to keep New Zealand’s dairy exports heading China’s way. Photo by PolitikPURISTS WOULD ARGUE that New Zealand’s foreign policy should not be determined by who its Prime Minister ...1 week ago
- Iambic Galadriel, Trochaic Gigwit, and Metrical Dialogue
We have a new clip out of The Rings of Power. It sees Galadriel and the affectionately nicknamed Gigwit* venturing into dark places in search of evil. At fifty-odd seconds, it also constitutes the longest single piece of show dialogue we have seen thus far. *An acronym. “Galadriel Is ...2 weeks ago - Crossing the Line: What Lies Behind the Surge To Te Pāti Māori?2 weeks ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #31 2022"CAGW." A thing? With its provocative title and remarks grounded in respected published research, the perspective Climate Endgame: Exploring catastrophic climate change scenarios just published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has caused a few ripples reaching into popular media. "Endgame" and "catastrophic" lean hard in the direction of "pay ...2 weeks ago
- Nothing to hide, nothing to fear?In the past there's been a few interesting data points about the New Zealand Intelligence Community's desire to covertly manipulate public opinion through media and academic mouthpieces. In 2015 the Council for Civil Liberties revealed the existence of an NZIC "Strategic Communications Group" tasked with persuading the public that spying ...2 weeks ago
- Windfall tax now!Inflation is through the roof, and "coincidentally" so is oil company profiteering. UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls it what it is: grotesque: The UN secretary general, António Guterres, has described the record profits of oil and gas companies as immoral and urged governments to introduce a windfall tax, using ...2 weeks ago
- Undoing Muldoon’s crimeA little over 40 years ago, Falema'i Lesa won her appeal before the Privy Council, which ruled that she - and every other Samoan born under New Zealand colonial rule - was a New Zealand citizen. Then-Prime Minister Rob Muldoon didn't like that, so he had an urgent law passed ...2 weeks ago
- The opposition is in disarrayWhat on earth is going on with the main opposition parties at the moment? Both National and ACT have been making numerous flip-flops and miscommunications, clearly indicating that they aren’t a viable alternative to the current Labour led Government.Of particular note is the duplicitous reasoning given for why they support ...2 weeks ago
- DrawnA ballot for two member's bills was held today, and the following bills were drawn: Housing Infrastructure (GST-sharing) Bill (Brooke van Velden) Prohibition on Seabed Mining Legislation Amendment Bill (Debbie Ngarewa-Packer) Ngarewa-Packer's bill looks likely to start a shitfight with Labour, and not just because the ...2 weeks ago
- How not to solve the climate change problemKevin Trenberth, Distinguished Scholar, NCAR; Affiliated Faculty, University of Auckland. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. When politicians talk about reaching “net zero” emissions, they’re often counting on trees or technology that can pull carbon dioxide out of the air. What ...2 weeks ago
- Misery and Fear of Misery: Musings on Malthus and Henry George
As you might have noticed, I have an on-going interest in working my way through old and intellectually influential reading material. Occasionally I even share my thoughts on it, which allows me to take a break from my generally-dominant Tolkien analysis. Well, today I thought I would take a ...2 weeks ago - Blowback on abortionAt the end of June, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, putting abortion rights in America under threat. The move was unpopular - abortion rights have had clear majority support for decades and only a tiny minority of religious bigots think it should be illegal in all circumstances ...2 weeks ago
- A new standard for BORA consistency?Golriz Ghahraman's Electoral (Strengthening Democracy) Amendment Bill will probably face its first reading today. And three months after it was introduced - pissing on the "as soon as practicable" requirement of Standing Order 269 - it has received a section 7 report from Attorney-General David Parker stating that its proposed ...2 weeks ago
- The IPCA wants teethThere's an interesting select committee report out today, from the Petitions Committee on the Petition of Conrad Petersen: The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA). The petitioner raises some concerns about the slowness of the IPCA process and its lack of oversight, and suggests some solutions. The committee doesn't seem keen ...2 weeks ago
- Member’s DayToday is a Member's Day, but likely to be a boring one. There's no general debate today, and instead the House will move right into the third reading of the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill, which will add unelected, inherently conflicted Ngai Tahu representatives to ECan. Then there's ...2 weeks ago
- 27,000 employed under LabourThe quarterly labour market statistics were released this morning, showing unemployment has risen slightly to 3.3%. There are now 96,000 unemployed - 27,000 fewer than when Labour took office. The media narrative around this release has been... interesting. Unemployment was predicted to be as low as 2.8%, causing panic from ...2 weeks ago
- Gordon Campbell on the “one person, many votes” principleThat gormlessly glum picture of Christopher Luxon in Samoa graphically tells us what kind of image New Zealand would be projecting abroad if there’s a change of government next year. The glumness is understandable. For months, National and ACT had been dog whistling to the bigots who oppose the creation ...2 weeks ago
- Bryce Edwards: Time to take political donations law seriouslyThere is no corruption in New Zealand. At least that’s what authorities want the public to believe. For decades now our system of political finance regulation has been portrayed as highly rigorous, ensuring our politicians cannot be bought. Unfortunately, that’s just not true. Although politicians and officials have claimed tight ...2 weeks ago
- Branko Marcetic: Who knew James Shaw had so many fans in the media?Pundits have come out of the woodwork to defend the Greens co-leader, after he was stripped of his leadership last week by unhappy party members. The defences have all stuck to basically the same script: Shaw is a successful leader and minister who’s handed the party big victories in politics ...2 weeks ago
- How likely would Britain’s 40°C heatwave have been without climate change?By Ben Clarke, DPhil Candidate in Environmental Research, University of Oxford; Friederike Otto, Associate Director, Environmental Change Institute, Imperial College London, and Luke Harrington, Senior Lecturer in Climate Change, University of Waikato. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Every heatwave occurring today ...2 weeks ago
- Meghan Murphy and Batya Ungar-Sargon on how journalism went woke
Meghan Murphy talks with Batya Ungar-Sargon the author of Bad News: How Woke Media Is Undermining Democracy. The book charts the trajectory of journalism in the US as it shifted from being a blue collar occupation producing the penny press for the masses, to a profession for Ivy League university ...2 weeks ago - A Grand Coalition For Peace, Unity and Democracy.Co-Leaders? The uncomfortable truth is: not the Army, not the Police, not the Spooks, and not even a combination of all three, could defeat the scale and violence of White Supremacist and Māori Nationalist resistance which the imposition of radical decolonisation – or its racism-inspired defeat – would unleash upon ...2 weeks ago
- Record rain in St. Louis is what climate change looks likeThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob Henson and Jeff Masters Torrents of rain that began before dawn on Tuesday, July 26, gave St. Louis, Missouri, its highest calendar-day total since records began in 1873. And the deadly event is just the latest example of a well-established trend ...2 weeks ago
- 2022 General Reading: July (+ Writing Update)Completed reads for July: The Prince, by Niccolo MachiavelliFaust, Part I, by Johann Wolfgang von GoetheFaust, Part II, by Johann Wolfgang von GoetheParadise Lost, by John MiltonParadise Regained, by John MiltonThe NibelungenliedAgricola, by TacitusGermania, by TacitusDialogue on Orators, by TacitusThe Gods of Pegana, by Lord DunsanyTime and the Gods, ...2 weeks ago
- Plugging the loopholeA couple of weeks ago the High Court exposed a loophole in our electoral donations law, enabling corrupt parties to take in unlimited amounts of secret money and explicitly sell policy to the rich. Pretty obviously, this is unacceptable in a country which wants to call itself a democracy, and ...2 weeks ago
- Gordon Campbell on why we should pay Kiwis living abroadThis morning, National’s deputy leader Nicola Willis managed to get top of the bulletin news coverage by pointing out that some Kiwis living abroad might receive the government’s cost of living payment. Quelle horreur. What is the problem here? Inflation is a global problem, and Kiwis living abroad may be ...2 weeks ago
- Fifty Wasted Years.2 weeks ago
- Geoffrey Miller: Jacinda Ardern strikes a softer tone on ChinaToday’s speech by Jacinda Ardern to the China Business Summit in Auckland was full of soothing words for Beijing. The headline-grabber was Ardern’s comment that ‘a few plans are afoot’ for New Zealand ministers to return to China – and that the Prime Minister herself hopes to return to the ...2 weeks ago
- 2022 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #30Listing of articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, July 24, 2022 through Sat, July 30, 2022. The following articles sparked above average interest during the week (bolded articles are from SkS authors): Cranky Uncle Cartoon 18/20 - Sinking Ship, Cranky Uncle Cartoon 20/20 ...2 weeks ago
- The Greens’ Unhappy Relationship With Power.Rule-Breaker? It is easy to see why poor James Shaw found himself brutally deposed as the Greens’ co-leader. By seeking the responsibilities of leadership – and exercising them – he violated the first rule of Green Party governance. Then, by accepting the limitations of the Green Party’s electoral mandate (7.8 ...2 weeks ago
- A heartwarming story about a Ukrainian prisoner of warAfter the incredibly sad story about the deaths of over 50 Ukrainian POWs in a Ukrainian missile attack on the prison they were housed in (see Over 50 POWs killed. A military accident or a cynical war crime?) I came across the heartwarming story about another Ukrainian POW. It’s about a ...2 weeks ago
- Over 50 POWs killed. A military accident or a cynical war crime?British mercenary Aiden Aslin, now a prisoner in the Donetsk People’s Republic, expressed real concern that he may die from the Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk. He has experienced many missile attacks that came close to the prison. Is he still alive? Understandably, we are always shocked about the losses ...2 weeks ago
- Turmoil in the National Caucus
Politics is largely reported as theatre: tragedy and comedy, thriller and farce. Andrea Vance captures it all very successfully in Blue Blood. But it is the politics of personality, not of policy – of the impact of government on the people’s wellbeing. Even so, we can see from the book ...2 weeks ago - A runaway successThis year the government finally got its clean car feebate scheme into place. But there's a problem: it's been too successful: Transport Minister Michael Wood will shortly review the cost of the fees and rebates in the Government's "feebate" scheme after the runaway success of the policy has meant ...2 weeks ago
- Gordon Campbell on Games fervour, and the music of S.G. GoodmanGiven how the pandemic has disrupted the sporting calendar, no-one would begrudge our elite athletes their chance to compete at international level. What with the war in Ukraine and the cost of living, there are also not many ‘good news” stories out there. So… I suppose the strenuous efforts the ...2 weeks ago
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- New public transport model must be backed with investment
The Green Party has once again shown that bringing people together to demand change works, with the announcement today that the Government will give communities a greater say over how their local transport services are run. ...4 hours ago - Exclusive view of the very real threat of losing St James Theatre, AucklandGreen Party MP for Auckland Central, Chlöe Swarbrick has released an exclusive video showing for the first time the extent of the damage done to St. James Theatre during a recent break-in. ...1 day ago
- Food prices demand urgent actionThe Green Party is calling on the Government to ensure that as a nation which produces enough food to feed 40 million people, everyone in New Zealand can put an abundance of nourishing, nutritious kai on the table. ...3 days ago
- Monkeypox elimination plan is essentialThe Green Party is calling on the Government to listen to public health experts and commit to an elimination strategy for monkeypox. ...4 days ago
- Bill to ban mining on conservation land pulled from biscuit tinFollowing months of work by the Green Party and community and environmental organisations, Parliament will have the opportunity to pass legislation to protect public conservation land and waters from mining. ...4 days ago
- Grassroots sports no longer excuse for alcohol harm inactionNew evidence released today by Alcohol Healthwatch shows there’s never been a better time for Parliament to pass Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick’s Alcohol Harm Minimisation Bill. ...4 days ago
- Supporting more Kiwis into jobs
We’re helping more Kiwis into work, to help support whānau, grow our skilled workforce and secure our economy for future generations. During our time in Government, we’ve delivered record low unemployment rates, as well as a steady fall in the number of New Zealanders receiving a main benefit, and we’re ...5 days ago - Bottom trawling on all seamounts must stopThe Green Party once again calls on the Government to ban bottom trawling on all seamounts following the release of an industry white paper on so-called ‘sustainable’ trawling. ...5 days ago
- Time to transform care and support for disabled peopleUrgent reform is essential to ensure disabled people have equal access to the care and support they need, the Green Party says in response to a new report that challenges politicians to fix the current system. ...5 days ago
- Three strikes law gone but not forgotten for manyThe repeal of the archaic three strikes law is welcome but it doesn’t go far enough, the Green Party says. ...6 days ago
- Better long-term planning needed for COVIDCOVID-19 is here to stay and so the Government needs to put in place long-term protection measures, including mandatory ventilation standards, the Green Party says. ...6 days ago
- Abuse revelations leave no choice but to overhaul RSE schemeThe Green Party is calling on the Government to overhaul the Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme in the wake of revelations of shocking human rights violations. ...7 days ago
- Decent work, not sanctionsThe Green Party is calling for a cross-party commitment to guaranteeing at least a living wage and safe working conditions to people seeking employment, instead of continuing benefit sanctions. ...7 days ago
- Member’s bill adds to growing demands on Govt to stop deep sea miningThe Green Party is once again calling on the Government to announce its support for a moratorium on deep sea mining, and to support a member’s bill going to select committee. ...2 weeks ago
- Let’s build better, warmer, and climate-friendlyThe Government must take steps to ensure that the way we build our homes is helping to meet New Zealand’s climate change targets, the Green Party said. ...2 weeks ago
- Mana in Mahi must guarantee liveable incomesThe Government’s employment initiatives led by the Ministry of Social Development must guarantee liveable incomes and fair working conditions, the Green Party says. ...2 weeks ago
- Time to strike anti-Pacific racism from New Zealand lawA Green Party member’s bill launched today would strike an anti-Pacific racist law from the country’s books and help heal the wrongs of the past. ...2 weeks ago
- More nurses, doctors and health workersNew Zealanders deserve a health system that works for everyone, no matter who you are or where you live. Our Government has a plan to make this a reality, and we’re taking the next steps. We now have thousands more health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, working in New ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party welcomes new report critiquing OT Oversight billThe Green Party once again calls on the Government to withdraw its Oversight of Oranga Tamariki Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- 15 times Jacinda Ardern has shown she’s a true leaderDuring her time as Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern has navigated New Zealand through unprecedented times. Through it all, she’s become known as someone who leads with kindness, compassion and strength, while keeping the wellbeing of Kiwis at the heart of her approach. To celebrate five years of Jacinda leading the ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must wipe debt to MSD as part of ‘cost of living’ responseThe Government needs to clear the debt that MSD has forced hundreds of thousands of low income people to take on, says the Green Party. ...2 weeks ago
- Easing the pressure on New ZealandersSince taking office in 2017, our Government has worked hard to lift wages and make life more affordable for New Zealanders, as we move forward with our plan to grow a secure economy for all. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First Foundation loophole must be closed at select committeeThe Government must use the opportunity of the Electoral Amendment Bill in Parliament to close the loophole in the political donations regime, the Green Party says. ...3 weeks ago
- Wider scope for birth injuries bill celebratedThanks to political pressure from the Green Party and the more than 900 personal stories of birth injury and trauma delivered to Minister Sepuloni, more injuries have been added to the ACC birth injuries bill. ...3 weeks ago
- Greens back taihoa call on Oranga Tamariki billThe Green Party will be voting against the Oranga Tamariki oversight bill as it comes up for second reading in Parliament today. ...3 weeks ago
- “A real game-changer” – how we’re supporting KiwisSupporting New Zealanders is at the heart of our approach as a Government, and we’re working hard to tackle the big issues Kiwis are facing. While long term challenges like child poverty won’t be solved overnight, we’re putting in place policies that make a real difference for New Zealanders. Here ...3 weeks ago
- Creating sustainable public transport for all
Our new approach to public transport will: Support ‘on-demand’ public transport services Allow councils to own and operate services in house Improve pay and working conditions Deliver routes and services that reflect community needs Incentivise the decarbonisation of the fleet Workers and public transport users are at the heart of ...3 hours ago - Welcome for Afghan human rights defenders, Government House AucklandAs-salamu alaykum, Tena tatou katoa, Thank you all for being here today. To the Afghan human rights defenders and your family members, welcome to Aotearoa. And thank you Your Excellency for hosting us all here at Government House. We have with us today from Afghanistan, human rights advocates, journalists, judges, ...3 days ago
- Speech on tax changes for Build-to-Rent sectorIt’s my great pleasure to be able to speak with you about a really positive move for the Build-to-Rent sector. As you know, we announced changes last year to help steer property investors way from the existing pool of housing and toward solving New Zealand’s grave housing shortage - by ...3 days ago
- Tax incentives to boost long-term rental supply· Tax changes aimed at growing quality, secure rental supply · New and existing build-to-rent developments exempt from interest limitation rules in perpetuity, when offering ten-year tenancies · Exemption to apply from 1 October 2021. The Government is encouraging more long-term rental options by giving developers tax incentives for as ...3 days ago
- Govt marks 350th tower in push for improved rural connectivityThe Government has marked another milestone in its push for better rural connectivity, welcoming the delivery of Rural Connectivity Group’s (RCG) 350th tower. Waikato’s Te Ākau, which sits roughly 50 kilometres out of Hamilton is home to the new tower. “The COVID 19 pandemic has highlighted the ever-increasing importance of ...3 days ago
- Joint Press Release: Trans-Tasman agriculture ministers discuss biosecurity co-operationBiosecurity co-operation topped the agenda when Australia and New Zealand’s agriculture ministers met yesterday. Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Murray Watt met with his New Zealand counterpart, Damien O’Connor, Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, and Rural Communities in a conference call, which had particular focus on foot and ...3 days ago
- Remote monitoring could give patients better care at homePeople could spend less time in hospital, thanks to a smart new remote device that lets patients be monitored at home, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “Technology has the potential to really change the way we do things – to do things that are better for patients and at the ...3 days ago
- Government supporting kids’ learning successConcrete steps to clarify inclusive, evidence-informed teaching practices Strengthen capability supports along the professional pathway Enhance partnerships between the education system and whānau, iwi, communities Embed equitable additional learning supports and assessment tools that help teachers effectively notice and respond to the needs of students Improved student achievement is a ...3 days ago
- Supporting prevention, preparedness and response to global pandemicsAotearoa New Zealand has committed to strengthen global prevention, preparedness and responses to future pandemics with seed funding for a new World Bank initiative, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We cannot afford to wait until the next pandemic. We must all play our part to support developing countries ...4 days ago
- Overseas investors converting farms to forests must show benefit to New ZealandA law change to ensure that forestry conversions by overseas investors benefit New Zealand has passed its final reading in Parliament. Previously, overseas investors wishing to convert land, such as farm land, into forestry only needed to meet the “special forestry test”. This is a streamlined test, designed to encourage ...4 days ago
- International visitors boosting economic recoveryInternational tourism recovery well underway with higher level of overseas visitor arrivals than previously expected UK and US card spend already back at pre-COVID levels Visitors staying in New Zealand longer and spending more compared to 2019 Govt support throughout pandemic helped tourism sector prepare for return of international ...4 days ago
- Ministry’s inaugural Strategy paves way for ethnic communitiesThe Ministry for Ethnic Communities has released its first strategy, setting out the actions it will take over the next few years to achieve better wellbeing outcomes for ethnic communities Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan announced today. “The Strategy that has been released today sets out ...4 days ago
- World class aquatic centre opened in Hawke’s BayThe Prime Minister has officially opened the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre today saying it is a huge asset to the region and to the country. “This is a world class facility which will be able to host national and international events including the world championships. With a 10-lane Olympic ...4 days ago
- Tulī Takes Flight winners take to the wingThe Associate Minister of Education, Aupito William Sio, has today announced the recipients of the Tulī Takes Flight scholarships which were a key part of last year’s Dawn Raids apology. The scholarships are a part of the goodwill gesture of reconciliation to mark the apology by the New Zealand Government ...4 days ago
- Govt supports free period products in over 2000 schools within one year96% of estimated menstruating students receive free period products 2085 schools involved 1200 dispensers installed Supports cost of living, combats child poverty, helps increase attendance Associate Minister of Education Jan Tinetti today hailed the free period products in schools, Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata, a huge success, acknowledging ...4 days ago
- Govt boosts tourism transformation to strengthen workforce and improve outcomesThe Tourism Industry Transformation Plan outlines key actions to improve the sector This includes a Tourism and Hospitality Accord to set employment standards Developing cultural competency within the workforce Improving the education and training system for tourism Equipping business owners and operators with better tools and enabling better work ...5 days ago
- NZ earns another major digital investmentMinister for the Digital Economy and Communications Dr David Clark welcomes Google Cloud’s decision to make New Zealand a cloud region. “This is another major vote of confidence for New Zealand’s growing digital sector, and our economic recovery from COVID 19,” David Clark said. “Becoming a cloud region will mean ...5 days ago
- Changes to NCEA & University Entrance in response to COVID-19 disruptionsA package of changes to NCEA and University Entrance announced today recognise the impact COVID-19 has had on senior secondary students’ assessment towards NCEA in 2022, says Associate Minister of Education Jan Tinetti. “We have heard from schools how significant absences of students and teachers, as a result of COVID-19, ...5 days ago
- 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Samoa- “Lifelong Fri...Te Reo Māori tauparapara… Tapatapa tū ki te Rangi! Ki te Whei-ao! Ki te Ao-mārama Tihei mauri ora! Stand at the edge of the universe! of the spiritual world! of the physical world! It is the breath of creation Formal acknowledgments… [Your Highness Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo] ...5 days ago
- New law passed to reduce gun harmThe Government’s commitment to combatting firearms violence has reached another significant milestone today with the passage of the Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill, Police Minister Chris Hipkins says. The new law helps to reduce firearm-related crime by targeting possession, use, or carriage of firearms by people whose actions and behaviours ...6 days ago
- Minister sends condolences as last Battle for Crete veteran passes awayMinister for Veterans, Hon Meka Whaitiri sends her condolences to the last Battle for Crete veteran. “I am saddened today to learn of the passing of Cyril Henry Robinson known as Brant Robinson, who is believed to be the last surviving New Zealand veteran of the Battle for Crete, Meka ...6 days ago
- Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill passes third readingLegislation to repeal the ‘Three Strikes’ law has passed its third reading in Parliament. “The Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill ends an anomaly in New Zealand’s justice system that dictates what sentence judges must hand down irrespective of relevant factors,” Justice Minister Kiri Allan said. “The three strikes law was ...6 days ago
- Government working on preliminary steps to improve support for abuse survivorsWork is under way on preliminary steps to improve the Government’s support for survivors of abuse in care while a new, independent redress system is designed, Public Service Minister Chris Hipkins says. These steps – recommended by the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry – include rapid payments for ...6 days ago
- Remarks upon 77th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and NagasakiRemembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki Online Forum 77 years ago today, an atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. Three days earlier, on the 6th of August 1945, the same fate had befallen the people of Hiroshima. Tens of thousands died instantly. In the years that followed 340,000 ...6 days ago
- Govt signs NZ–USA agreement launching new opportunities for space sectorAn agreement signed today between the New Zealand and United States governments will provide new opportunities for our space sector and closer collaboration with NASA, Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said. Stuart Nash signed the Framework Agreement with United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman. The signing ...6 days ago
- Govt strengthens emergency management cooperation between NZ and the USAn agreement signed today between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will strengthen global emergency management capability, says Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty. “The Government is committed to continually strengthening our emergency management system, and this Memorandum of Cooperation ...6 days ago
- New Zealand to stay at Orange as winter continuesNew Zealand will remain at the Orange traffic light setting, while hospitalisations remain elevated and pressure on the health system continues through winter. “There’s still significant pressure on hospitals from winter illnesses, so our current measures have an ongoing role to play in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases and ...6 days ago
- Path paved for communities to reshape streetsStreets will soon be able to be transformed from unsafe and inaccessible corridors to vibrant places for all transport modes thanks to new legislation proposed today, announced Transport Minister Michael Wood. “We need to make it safe, quicker and more attractive for people to walk, ride and take public transport ...6 days ago
- Boost for agricultural and horticultural science in schoolsMore young minds eyeing food and fibre careers is the aim of new Government support for agricultural and horticultural science teachers in secondary schools, Agriculture and Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The Government is committing $1.6 million over five years to the initiative through the Ministry for Primary ...6 days ago
- Bumper breeding season boosts Kākāpō populationKākāpō numbers have increased from 197 to 252 in the 2022 breeding season, and there are now more of the endangered parrots than there have been for almost 50 years, Conservation Minister Poto Williams announced today. The flightless, nocturnal parrot is a taonga of Ngāi Tahu and a species unique ...6 days ago
- Relationship with Malaysia to be elevated to Strategic PartnershipThe relationship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Malaysia is to be elevated to the status of a Strategic Partnership, to open up opportunities for greater co-operation and connections in areas like regional security and economic development. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta met her Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah today during a ...7 days ago
- Call for New Zealanders to get on-board with rail safetyWith additional trains operating across the network, powered by the Government’s investment in rail, there is need for a renewed focus on rail safety, Transport Minister Michael Wood emphasised at the launch of Rail Safety Week 2022. “Over the last five years the Government has invested significantly to improve level ...1 week ago
- Regional approach the focus at ASEAN and East Asia Summit talksThe Foreign Minister has wrapped up a series of meetings with Indo-Pacific partners in Cambodia which reinforced the need for the region to work collectively to deal with security and economic challenges. Nanaia Mahuta travelled to Phnom Penh for a bilateral meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and Aotearoa New Zealand, ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Criminal Bar AssociationKia ora koutou Firstly, thank you to the President of the Criminal Bar Association, Fiona Guy Kidd QC, for her invitation to attend the annual conference this weekend albeit unfortunately she is unable to attend, I’m grateful to the warm welcome both Chris Wilkinson-Smith (Vice-President, Whanganui) and Adam Simperingham (Vice-President, Gisborne) ...1 week ago
- The beat goes on as Government renews support for musiciansExtension of Aotearoa Touring Programme supporting domestic musicians The Programme has supported more than 1,700 shows and over 250 artists New Zealand Music Commission estimates that around 200,000 Kiwis have been able to attend shows as a result of the programme The Government is hitting a high note, with ...1 week ago
- Minister of Defence to attend Guadalcanal Commemorations in the Solomon IslandsMinister of Defence Peeni Henare will depart tomorrow for Solomon Islands to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. While in Solomon Islands, Minister Henare will also meet with Solomon Islands Minister of National Security, Correctional Services and Police Anthony Veke to continue cooperation on security ...1 week ago
- New programme to provide insights into regenerative dairy farming The Government is partnering with Ngāi Tahu Farming Limited and Ngāi Tūāhuriri on a whole-farm scale study in North Canterbury to validate the science of regenerative farming, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The programme aims to scientifically evaluate the financial, social and environmental differences between regenerative and conventional practices. ...1 week ago
- More women on public boards than ever before52.5% of people on public boards are women Greatest ever percentage of women Improved collection of ethnicity data “Women’s representation on public sector boards and committees is now 52.5 percent, the highest ever level. The facts prove that diverse boards bring a wider range of knowledge, expertise and skill. ...2 weeks ago
- Awards support Pacific womenI am honoured to support the 2022 Women in Governance Awards, celebrating governance leaders, directors, change-makers, and rising stars in the community, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. For the second consecutive year, MPP is proudly sponsoring the Pacific Governance Leader category, recognising Pacific women in governance and presented to ...2 weeks ago
- Govt investment into Whakatāne regeneration reaches new milestonesToday Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash turned the sod for the new Whakatāne Commercial Boat Harbour, cut the ribbon for the revitalised Whakatāne Wharf, and inspected work underway to develop the old Whakatāne Army Hall into a visitor centre, all of which are part of the $36.8 million ...2 weeks ago
- Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says bullying issues not widespread
Jacinda Ardern doesn't believe there are widespread issues of bullying across the party, but says employment matters will be raised from time-to-time in a large workplace. ...2 hours ago - ‘Life hates surprises’: can an ambitious theory unify biology, neuroscience and psychology?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ross Pain, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Philosophy, Australian National University Shutterstock In the early 1990s, British neuroscientist Karl Friston was poring over brain scans. The scans produced terabytes of digital output, and Friston had to find new techniques to sort and ...3 hours ago - Australia wasn’t always supportive of India becoming independent. But 75 years on, relations have ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amitabh Mattoo, Honorary Professor of International Relations, The University of Melbourne Mohandas Gandhi, who led India’s fight for independence, talks to a crowd in Ahmedabad, India in 1931. AP On this day 75 years ago, after a long battle for self-government, ...3 hours ago
- The COVID lab leak theory is dead. Here’s how we know the virus came from a Wuhan marketSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward C Holmes, ARC Australian Laureate Fellow and Professor, University of Sydney My colleagues and I published the most detailed studies of the earliest events in the COVID-19 pandemic last month in the journal Science. Together, these papers paint a coherent evidence-based ...3 hours ago
- Tall timber buildings are exciting, but to shrink construction’s carbon footprint we need to focus...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Ottenhaus, Lectuer in Structural Timber Engineering, The University of Queensland Developer Thrive Construct recently announced the world’s tallest steel-timber hotel to be built at Victoria Square, Adelaide. Australia has caught onto the trend of building taller in timber, with other plans ...3 hours ago
- Nathan Fielder’s new comedy The Rehearsal will be familiar to anyone with autismSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tamara May, Psychologist and Research Associate in the Department of Paediatrics, Monash University HBO While we all like to be prepared for what might happen in the future, like those difficult conversations and life choices, some go to extraordinary lengths ...3 hours ago
- Bullying allegations: Labour MP Gaurav Sharma claims misspending 'hushed'Labour MP Gaurav Sharma is doubling down on his claim a colleague misused taxpayers' money despite the Parliamentary Service determining no spending rules were broken. ...6 hours ago
- Business calls for ‘catch up’ migration, as participants position ahead of Albanese’s jobs sum...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Big business wants a “catch up boost” to permanent migration, with at least two thirds of the places going to skilled workers, In proposals for next month’s jobs and skills summit, the Business Council ...10 hours ago
- ‘It’s important not to overreact’: Australia’s top economists on how to fix high inflationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Australia’s top economists are divided about how to tackle ballooning inflation of 6.1% that’s forecast to climb to a three-decade high of 7.75% by ...18 hours ago
- Will Fiji’s 2022 hotly contested elections further cement democracy?ANALYSIS: By Shailendra Singh of the University of the South Pacific In Fiji’s politically charged context, national elections are historically a risky period. Since the 2022 campaign period was declared open on April 26, the intensity has been increasing. Moreover, with three governments toppled by coups after the 1987, 1999 ...2 days ago
- Mark Brown confirmed as Cook Islands PM with slim gripRNZ Pacific The Queen’s Representative in the Cook Islands, Sir Tom Marsters, has confirmed Mark Brown as the Prime Minister. In a statement issued from Mark Brown’s office, Sir Tom said he was “satisfied” that Mark Brown had the majority of the MPs elected to Parliament. Following the final count ...2 days ago
- Former list MP Aaron Gilmore says Sam Uffindell bullying is 'outrageous behaviour'Former list MP Aaron Gilmore, who resigned in 2013 after he used his position as a threat to a hotel employee, says there has been "outrageous behaviour" by those in Parliament. ...2 days ago
- It’s great education ministers agree the teacher shortage is a problem, but their new plan ignores...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pasi Sahlberg, Professor of Education, Southern Cross University Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and his state colleagues met in Canberra on Friday. Lukas Coch/AAP Last Friday, Australia’s state and federal education ministers met with emotional teachers, who spoke of working on weekends ...2 days ago
- Government's measles campaign a 'failure' – NationalNational has branded the government's two-year $20 million measles catch-up campaign as a failure that can't solely be blamed on Covid-19. ...2 days ago
- Local body nominee numbers still low as elections approachDespite an 11th-hour rush of nominations for this year's local body elections, Local Government New Zealand says the numbers could still be too low. ...2 days ago
- Labour refuses to comment on bullying claimLabour is refusing to comment on a former staff member's claim that she was bullied by an MP. ...2 days ago
- National says government must revoke idea backpackers not welcome in New ZealandThe National Party is criticising the Tourism Minister's comments on backpackers as harmful to the sector. ...2 days ago
- Efeso Collins could scoop Molloy votes – analystA political analyst says people who would have voted for Leo Molloy in Auckland's mayoral election may now turn to Efeso Collins, because both candidates have working-class appeal. ...2 days ago
- Focus on Politics: Uffindell saga has parties grappling with bullying claimsPodcast - After one of the fastest political downfalls in New Zealand's history, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher examines how both major parties now face bullying accusations. ...2 days ago
- Government's new literacy plan met with some skepticismThe government has unveiled what it is calling a radical plan to overhaul reading, writing and maths teaching after two decades of sliding literacy rates. ...2 days ago
- Russel Norman: Don’t be fooled by NZ greenwashing, the lack of real climate action is dangerousANALYSIS: By Russel Norman, executive director of Greenpeace Aotearoa Only people power can ensure genuine enduring progress on climate and people need to know the truth if they are to act on it. For that reason greenwashing is the enemy of progress on climate and where you stand on ...2 days ago
- PNG elections chief Sinai seeks extra extension for Southern HighlandsPNG Post-Courier Papua New Guinea’s Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai says he will seek a further extension from the Governor-General for the return of writ for Southern Highlands provincial seat which has faced protracted delays in counting. He said any discussions and talks of “failing” an election and calling for a ...2 days ago
- Historic new deal puts emissions reduction at the heart of Australia’s energy sectorSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Shutterstock Australia’s energy ministers on Friday voted to make emissions reduction a key national energy goal, in a major step forward in the clean energy transition. Federal, state and territory energy ministers agreed to ...2 days ago
- Labour MP Gaurav Sharma: 'I stand by my claims of ongoing bullying'Labour MP Gaurav Sharma has launched another broadside at his own party, posting a lengthy statement on social media that details his interactions with Parliamentary Service and the Labour whips. ...3 days ago
- Ron Mark throws hat in ring to be Carterton mayor againThe former NZ First MP didn't plan to run for Carterton's mayoralty - until residents suggested otherwise. ...3 days ago
- Royal commission delivers damning interim report on defence and veteran suicide. Here’s what happe...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Wadham, Director, Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families, Flinders University The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has released its interim report after more than 1,900 submissions and 194 witnesses. It includes recommendations considered so urgent ...3 days ago
- Three reasons why disinformation is so pervasive and what we can do about itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathieu O’Neil, Associate Professor of Communication, News and Media Research Centre, University of Canberra GettyImages Donald Trump derided any critical news coverage as “fake news” and his unwillingness to concede the 2020 presidential election eventually led to the January 6, 2021 ...3 days ago
- Getting super growth into those tree seedlings is simple – it can be done for a song (or two) and ...
The Government’s esteem for science and science-based research findings can be gauged from a press statement released by the Ministry for Primary Industries. The statement gives a progress report on a New Zealand Forest Services’ partnership with a marae-based tree-growing project and its grant of nearly $500,000 over two years ...3 days ago - The COVIDSafe app is dead. What can we learn from this ‘failure’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stan Karanasios, Associate professor, The University of Queensland Rob Hampson/Unsplash On August 9 2022, Australia’s COVIDSafe app was officially decommissioned, and all its features removed. People were encouraged to uninstall the app. Reports of its closure have made international news. ...3 days ago
- VIDEO: China tensions, the Barilaro affair, Albanese’s jobs summit, and more teals on the moveSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon talk about this week in politics. They discuss Australia’s relationship with China as tensions rise over Taiwan, the inquiry into ...3 days ago
- Personality testing in job applications: what can and can’t employers ask you?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominique Allen, Associate Professor, Monash University Photo by Sora Shimazaki/Pexels, CC BY You might have heard of jobseekers being asked to complete a “personality test” as part of a job application, or been through the process yourself. The questions can ...3 days ago
- Fetters are slapped on “fast-track” law to ensure the country benefits from forestry conversions...Buzz from the Beehive Some readers might be surprised to learn from Associate Finance Minister David Parker that the law has been changed to ensure forestry conversions by overseas investors benefit New Zealand. Did the law previously allow forestry conversions by overseas investors that would be to ...3 days ago
- 'We need more support from New Zealand': Ukraine ambassador wants tariffs lifted, free tra...The Ukrainian ambassador to New Zealand is urging the government to consider lifting tariffs temporarily to support his country. ...3 days ago
- Tax break for investors providing long-term rentalsThe government is giving long-term build-to-rent developments a tax break in a bid to increase secure rental supply for tenants for at least 10 years. ...3 days ago
- Aucklanders Now Have A Clear Choice
Aucklanders now have a clear choice between continuing the failing status quo or choosing a candidate who can fix Auckland, Mayoral candidate Wayne Brown says. “They can choose more of the same from current councillor Efeso Collins, or a new proactive ...3 days ago - New book has focus on Pacific activists against militarism, for climate justicePacific Media Watch newsdesk A new Aotearoa New Zealand book focusing on activists and their causes against militarism and for social struggles and climate justice across the Asia-Pacific is being launched in Wellington today. Peace Action: Struggles for a decolonised and demilitarised Oceania and East Asia, edited by Wellington-based activist ...3 days ago
- SIBC chief defends ‘free’ state media broadcaster in face of tighter controlsPacific Media Watch newsdesk The head of the Solomon Islands state-owned broadcaster has defended its role in the face of the government tightening control — a move that critics say is squarely aimed at controlling and censoring the news. The government said last Friday that the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation ...3 days ago
- Power Play: Houses in disorder after turbulent week for Labour, NationalWhat a difference less than a week can make: National lurching from success to controversy and Labour facing its own bombshell, Political Editor Jane Patterson writes. ...3 days ago
- Te Pāti Māori Celebrating 40-years Of Anthem, Poi EDebbie Ngarewa-Packer, Te Pāti Māori co-leader and list MP based in Te Tai Hauāuru will this weekend share in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Pātea Māori club anthem, Poi E. “Iwi of Taranaki and Ngāti Ruanui will be reminiscing ...3 days ago
- Auckland mayoralty candidate Leo Molloy quits raceMolloy says polls suggest he couldn't win the Auckland mayoralty race and withdrawing is the right thing to do. ...3 days ago
- Labour responds to Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma's allegations of bullying at ParliamentLabour's Whip's office says it has always acted in good faith with Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma, after he made explosive allegations about bullying. ...3 days ago
- Extinction Rebellion Whakatū Announce Their Candidate For This Year's Local Body ElectionToday, XR Whakatū are blocking the Trafalgar St to launch “The People” in the form of Te Tiriti based peoples assemblies as their candidate for this year's local body elections. “The climate and ecological crisis proves our political system ...3 days ago
- Sam Uffindell was lucky to avoid NZ’s criminal justice system as a schoolboy – but it was the ri...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Mehigan, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Canterbury Getty Images However you look at it, the National Party has selected someone who once committed an act of criminal violence to represent the Tauranga electorate in parliament. It’s an unfortunate ...3 days ago
- Getting more men into nursing means a rethink of gender roles, pay and recognition. But we need them...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patricia Davidson, Vice-Chancellor, University of Wollongong Shutterstock Demand for health care is soaring as the population ages, medical treatments become more widely available and more people live with chronic and complex illnesses. However, there is global shortage of health professionals ...3 days ago
- Catholic Church’s Redress Not Fit For PurposeA sexual abuse survivor group SNAP says the Government’s decision to allow faith-based institutions like the Catholic Church to continue providing redress to survivors would just re-traumatise Catholic Church survivors. SNAP’s national leader, Christopher ...3 days ago
- Additional $99,999 Available In The 2022 Round Of The Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy FundThe 2022 round of the Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund (RWLF) will see $299,999 in grants being distributed to programmes with a focus on mental health in rainbow communities thanks to a partnership with Foundation North. Foundation North, the community trust ...3 days ago
- A Slap In Face To Natural JusticeThe Government continuing to push through a Wairarapa treaty settlement without addressing serious flaws in it, is a slap in the face to natural justice and rank hypocrisy from the Crown. That’s the submission today to Parliament’s Maori Affairs ...3 days ago
- Rental Price Indexes: July 2022The rental price indexes measure the changes in prices that households pay for housing rentals. Key facts Monthly change In July 2022 compared with June 2022: the index for the stock measure of rental property prices rose 0.2 percent the index for the ...3 days ago
- Minister Unable To Back Claims Farmers Are Harming The ClimateClimate Change Minister James Shaw has been found wanting, after his response to a letter from Groundswell NZ lacked any evidence that New Zealand agriculture is contributing to climate warming, Groundswell NZ emissions spokesperson Steve Cranston ...3 days ago
- Kiwis Feel The Crunch: Over Half Of New Zealanders Have Changed Their Usual Food Purchases Due To Ri...New research from HelloFresh bites into the nation’s changing diets and reveals what’s impacting the way we eat Leading meal-kit provider, HelloFresh serves up fresh research that explores New Zealand’s changing diets, revealing how eating ...3 days ago
- Time To Throw The Book At Out Of Control Youth“The marked increase in violent youth crime has been long predicted and is being met by a chorus of excuses instead of admitting the soft youth system is a demonstrable failure,” says Darroch Ball Leader of Sensible Sentencing Trust. “Its time to ...3 days ago
- Political editors panel: Bullying behaviours under the spotlightMorning Report - This week RNZ and Stuff's political editors Jane Patterson and Luke Malpass discuss the accusations by Labour's Gaurav Sharma, and those against National's Sam Uffindell. ...3 days ago
- Government Inquiry Offers Chance For Rail Reset...3 days ago
- These unusual moths migrate over thousands of kilometres. We tracked them to reveal their secret nav...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myles Menz, Lecturer, Zoology and Ecology, James Cook University Christian Ziegler Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Author provided Migratory insects number in the trillions. They’re a major part of global ecosystems, helping to transport nutrients and pollen across continents ...3 days ago
- Why doesn’t monkeypox have a new name yet?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Toole, Associate Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute As monkeypox vaccination programs roll out and health authorities release information about how to reduce the spread of the virus, progress on another aspect of the outbreak is lagging: its name. On June 14, ...3 days ago
- Beyond net-zero: we should, if we can, cool the planet back to pre-industrial levelsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, The University of Melbourne Marc Pell/Unsplash, CC BY The world’s focus is sharply fixed on achieving net-zero emissions, yet surprisingly little thought has been given to what comes afterwards. In our new paper, ...3 days ago
- To lock out foot-and-mouth disease, Australia must help our neighbour countries bolster their biosec...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Alders, Honorary Professor, Australian National University Foot-and-mouth disease now poses a high threat to Australia. This highly contagious livestock virus is sweeping Indonesia – the closest it’s been to Australia since the 1980s. A large outbreak here could cause decimate the ...3 days ago
- NZ’s first climate adaptation plan is a good start, but crucial questions about cost and timing mu...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anita Wreford, Professor Applied Economics, Lincoln University, New Zealand Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto via Getty Images New Zealand’s national adaptation plan, launched last week, offers the first comprehensive approach to how communities can prepare for the inevitable impacts of a changing climate. ...3 days ago
- Australia’s teacher shortage won’t be solved until we treat teaching as a profession, not a trad...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Larissa McLean Davies, Professor of Teacher Education, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Today, state and federal education ministers will meet in Canberra to discuss the teacher shortage. In their first in-person meeting for more than a year, they will ...3 days ago
- Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon confirms there will be no sexual violence on screen. Her...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury HBO HBO’s fantasy series Game of Thrones dominated television and pop culture discourse for much of a decade. Its upcoming prequel series, House of the Dragon, is similarly ...3 days ago
- Local body nomination gaps remain as deadline loomsPeople wanting to stand for local government have just a few hours left to put their name on the list. ...3 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Will ‘teals’ strike Liberals another blow in Victorian and NSW elections?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The federal Liberals are in a parlous state, after an election that was not just lost to Labor but where “teals” stripped them of a batch of traditional seats. In coming months the Liberal ...4 days ago
- ‘Face of democracy is going to change’ in NZ, say Māori wāhine candidatesBy Leah Tebbutt, RNZ News reporter A number of Māori wāhine have put their hat in the ring to become mayor at this year’s Aotearoa New Zealand local body election across the motu in October. Georgina Beyer is believed to be the first and only Māori woman ever elected as ...4 days ago
- PNG has ‘gone to the dogs’, says lawyer calling on new MPs to step upBy Concy Simon of the PNG Post-Courier Leadership of Papua New Guinea has “gone to the dogs” represented by a rapid increase in prices of goods and services and the “worst national election” ever, says a lawyer. Lawyer Goiye Kondago made the crtiticism during the official declaration of Kerenga Kua ...4 days ago
- Uneasy Pacific makes wartime memories more important than everCOMMENTARY: By Barbara Dreaver, 1News Pacific correspondent Even from the grainy black and white footage of American soldiers wading towards shore while under fire, you can see and sense the fear, resignation and determination in that moment. The Battle of Midway in World War II may have been won, but ...4 days ago
- Cook Islands: Navigating the rise of third party politics and a new eraCook Islands Press By Jason Brown Tens of thousands of Cook Islanders celebrated 57th Constitution Day events these last weeks. Not just in the homeland, but overseas as well, with communities across New Zealand, Australia and beyond celebrating language, dance, culture and other arts. How many in all might be ...4 days ago
- Petition to expel Russian ambassador delivered to ParliamentA petition has been delivered to Parliament, calling for the Russian ambassador to be expelled, and for New Zealand to sever diplomatic relations. ...4 days ago
- Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma accuses Parliamentary Service of stonewalling bullying claimsA Labour backbencher has launched an extraordinary broadside, claiming MP-on-MP bullying is rampant within Parliament and facilitated by those supposed to prevent it. ...4 days ago
- Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code led the world. It’s time to finish what we startedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rod Sims, Professor in the practice of public policy and antitrust, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock Public interest journalism is essential to a well-functioning society, even for those who do not watch or read it. It holds ...4 days ago
- New immigration detention bill could give Australia a fresh chance to comply with international lawSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cleo Hansen-Lohrey, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania GettyImages Last week, independent MP Andrew Wilkie reintroduced to federal parliament the Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill 2022. This bill gives Australia the chance to bring its immigration detention ...4 days ago
- Transport Inquiry Chance To Get Regional Rail Back On TrackThe Greens will continue to push for climate friendly, affordable transport options as part of a new cross-party Parliamentary inquiry into the future of inter-regional passenger rail in New Zealand. “Investing in rail is a great way to connect our ...4 days ago
- A production to satisfy Sydney’s darkest imaginings: Sydney Theatre Company’s Strange Case of Dr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Huw Griffiths, Senior Lecturer in English Literature, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/ STC Review: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, directed by Kip Williams for Sydney Theatre Company With their new production, Kip Williams and the Sydney Theatre ...4 days ago
- National leaders don't let Sam Uffindell's university life revelations shake efforts in Te...National Party's leader and deputy leader say details of Sam Uffindell's flat are "not great" and "yuck", and the party will continue improving its candidate selection processes. ...4 days ago
- Local Businessman Decides Not To Run For Council: Endorses Ali Jones For Council SeatDavid Timbs from Peter Timbs Butchers has decided not to run in this year’s local body election. Mr Timbs initially said he would be running for council but has now put his support behind independent candidate Ali Jones who is running for the Innes ...4 days ago
- Govt has dived into Covid-19 recovery funds to help build aquatic centre that – gosh! – may brin...Buzz from the Beehive Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has been busy in the past 24 hours, joining the PM for the opening of a new aquatic centre, enthusing about data from the latest visitor statistics and announcing a new industry strategy. The Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca ...4 days ago
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