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A letter to my middle-class, well meaning, professional, liberal friends and family
Written By: - Date published: 10:24 am, October 18th, 2017 - 4 comments
A post about the responsibility to advocate for change in a visible way.
Happy Oompa Loompas?
Written By: - Date published: 12:48 pm, October 14th, 2017 - 9 comments
Dunedin hosts a celebratory graduation ceremony for discarded labour.
Industrial dairying and blue babies
Written By: - Date published: 8:56 am, October 11th, 2017 - 165 comments
When you run an economy that sees harm to babies as acceptable risks that can be mitigated, then you are approaching society’s end game.
Donkey Dick Duncan
Written By: - Date published: 11:34 am, October 9th, 2017 - 318 comments
Gross political incompetence, not immigration, is what lies behind and beneath New Zealand’s infra-structure problems. Only a excited donkey’s dick waving in a stiff breeze might point accusingly towards immigrants and immigration as the problem.
There is hope
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, October 4th, 2017 - 22 comments
Anarchism and democracy.
WINZ and Super Scandals
Written By: - Date published: 11:40 am, August 28th, 2017 - 138 comments
Here’s the scandal.
Do you?
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, August 11th, 2017 - 69 comments
In the interests of keeping it simple, an obvious fact or two and a basic proposition.
Corbyn-esque NZ
Written By: - Date published: 6:17 pm, August 9th, 2017 - 11 comments
This post was written and ready to go and then news of Metiria Turei stepping down hit. Some of it might read a little strangely because of that. I’ve changed some of the tenses used.
Messages for the Left
Written By: - Date published: 6:59 am, August 6th, 2017 - 106 comments
Kōrero Pono writes about the class divide within the parliamentary Left and the importance of the wider Left’s message in this election.
#IamMetiria
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, July 20th, 2017 - 35 comments
If you know that feeling of dread when you get a WINZ letter, or if you’ve had roiling anxiety from being ‘called in’ for a WINZ interview, or sighed with relief when the letter from WINZ turns out to be a replacement community services card, then follow #IamMetiria. And if you just don’t recognise those, then you might want to follow #IamMetiria to find out why others do…
Election 2017: the battle lines are drawn
Written By: - Date published: 8:57 am, July 17th, 2017 - 77 comments
The 2017 election campaign has been set alight by the Greens adopting brave policies that Jeremy Corbyn would be proud of and NZ First adopting policies that would meet with Donald Trump’s approval.
This is not an image of a Low Flying Penguin.
Written By: - Date published: 1:40 pm, July 16th, 2017 - 62 comments
It’s also is not a picture of a person claiming entitlements who has not felt compelled to bend the truth when dealing with WINZ. Both images would be equally difficult to find.
Signals
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 16th, 2017 - 124 comments
The politics of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Missing voices
Written By: - Date published: 11:24 am, April 20th, 2017 - 39 comments
Former Trump supporter speaks Her Truth
#Trumpcare
Written By: - Date published: 8:44 am, March 16th, 2017 - 22 comments
The proposed Republican replacement of Obamacare will, surprise surprise, result in lower benefits, reduced coverage and a tax cut for the wealthy.
More Multi-millionaires than ever!
Written By: - Date published: 11:59 am, January 16th, 2017 - 98 comments
In this glorious ‘go ahead’, ‘get ahead’ land of opportunity…
Chloe King – John Key, I am a low waged worker, and neither “lazy” nor “drug addled”
Written By: - Date published: 2:39 pm, September 9th, 2016 - 254 comments
Blogger and social activist Chloe King, one of the hundreds of thousands of low waged workers in this country was devastated by John Key’s comments suggesting that she and others were lazy and had no work ethic. This is her response.
Race, Class, Global Warming and Democracy.
Written By: - Date published: 1:06 pm, September 7th, 2016 - 18 comments
Nothing and no-one is separate in this world. Nothing and no-one is more important than anything else or anyone else; no voice greater and no voice lesser.
New Zealand’s most shameful secret: ‘We have normalised child poverty’
Written By: - Date published: 4:01 pm, August 16th, 2016 - 175 comments
Fuck the whole “Brighter Future” New Zealand.
House Tales.
Written By: - Date published: 3:01 pm, March 22nd, 2016 - 32 comments
If ‘home is where the heart is’ then what’s the story when everything’s heartless?
Glasses and Brick Walls (& woods and trees).
Written By: - Date published: 9:41 pm, March 21st, 2016 - 47 comments
The thing about not having great sight is that sometimes you don’t really see things coming.
The mantra of ‘Poor Choices’
Written By: - Date published: 1:45 pm, December 12th, 2015 - 195 comments
It is that time of year when poor people realise just how poor they really are – the season for giving, the season to be jolly. Well that may be so for some of us, but some people will be working on Christmas day instead of spending time with loved ones. These will probably be […]
There is Hope.
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, November 10th, 2015 - 65 comments
Anarchism, past and present.
Food Bank Charity
Written By: - Date published: 4:45 pm, October 30th, 2015 - 97 comments
Guest post from Kōrero Pono on the politics and ethics of food banks.
The problem is child poverty not CYF
Written By: - Date published: 1:49 pm, September 28th, 2015 - 33 comments
The Rebstock Panel inquiry could be read to confirm that Child Youth and Family is unable to perform its job properly because of it is not properly resourced to provide the job. But it is clear that National is loathe to provide it with any more resources. And the elephant in the room is that the Government fails to understand that escalating child poverty is the cause the crisis.
John Key’s brighter future is not for everyone
Written By: - Date published: 1:43 pm, August 20th, 2015 - 46 comments
While beneficiary numbers decrease the incidence of beneficiaries being trespassed and the numbers of pregnant women living homeless is increasing. Are we really seeing things improve or are more and more people falling through the cracks?
Dear NZ Labour. Listen up.
Written By: - Date published: 12:06 pm, May 12th, 2015 - 48 comments
For the sake of reference – Nye Bevan was a Labour mp and the architect of the British NHS. Michael Sheen’s speech was a defense of that institution, but the underpinning message is, well…
Pillock of the week
Written By: - Date published: 9:30 am, April 24th, 2015 - 47 comments
Although John Key clearly wins the award this week for unbecoming insensitive and bizarre behaviour there is a media figure who did their best to provide him with competition. And it is not Rachel Glucina.
Politician salary rises and the minimum wage increase
Written By: - Date published: 7:30 am, February 27th, 2015 - 106 comments
John Key has yet again asked the Remuneration Authority to limit the increase in MPs pay. And yet again they have said that the law required them to make the decision they did. So MPs get a hefty raise at the same time that the minimum wage is raised slightly. And the media report Key’s comments sympathetically. He is the Prime Minister. If anyone can change the law he is the person best placed.
War HUH!
Written By: - Date published: 8:18 am, February 13th, 2015 - 417 comments
NZ is again being asked to go to war in Iraq. The Clark Labour Government said no a decade ago, but in 2015 there may be a compelling reason to join the fight; this time it’s the right thing to do. New Standard author te reo putake puts the case for NZ entering the battle against ISIS.
One word away from needing food parcels
Written By: - Date published: 1:05 pm, December 24th, 2014 - 71 comments
The smug middle class National voter seems oblivious to how close they are to financial hardship…
- Dark Transactions: Winston Peters Decision To “Go Left” Has Already Set His Enemies In Motion.
12 hours ago - Sunday reading 22 October 2017
Welcome back to Sunday reading: The first edition since it’s been confirmed that we’re getting a new Government. But that’s not what I’m going to talk about! The first article of the week is some new research into house prices ...19 hours ago - 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #42
A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook page during the past week. Editor's Pick New Fire Danger Threatens to Worsen Most Disastrous Wildfire Season in California History A firefighter holds a water hose while ...23 hours ago - New research, October 9-15, 2017
A selection of new climate related research articles is shown below. The figure is from paper #79. Climate change 1. Channelized Melting Drives Thinning Under a Rapidly Melting Antarctic Ice Shelf "High-resolution altimetry measurements from 2010 to 2016 show that Dotson ...2 days ago - I don’t fully know how to feel so here’s some graphs
The day after the election I said “I’d be extremely surprised if it doesn’t turn out to be National-NZ First.” Well, I have the pleasure (I think?) of being able to say again: I was wrong. I’m not entirely sure ...2 days ago - The Wireless’ very cool Labour Weekend playlist
How are you celebrating Labour Weekend? Illustration: Luke McPake / The Wireless Whether you’re going on an epic road trip or staying at home eating Maltesers, The Wireless has your Labour Weekend playlist covered. We asked some cool ...3 days ago - How ’bout that new government, eh?
Tom Kitchin in Wellington heads to Victoria University, and Susan Strongman in Auckland heads to MIT's Otara campus to capture the zeitgeist. *** The morning after Winston Peters announced he would form a coalition with Labour, we headed to ...3 days ago - Hard News: The climate changed
Yesterday was not only the day a new government was announced. It was also the day that a new stocktake compiled by the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand laid out the challenges posed to New Zealand by ...3 days ago - We have a government; what’s next?
I’ve got a piece up at Radio NZ about the next steps for our new goverment: After the sigh of relief, time to set a decisive course For those of us on the left, the temptation will be to down ...3 days ago - Our Democratic Process Worked
The formation of a Labour-led coalition government will be celebrated by many – and even for those who would have preferred a different outcome, there are grounds for optimism and satisfaction. The new government may not please everyone, but we ...3 days ago - A mistake
On October 1st, Catalans marched to the ballot boxes in the face of Spanish police batons, and voted loudly and clearly for independence. This then, there's been an esclating crisis as Spain has lost its shit over people peacefully and ...3 days ago - What can young people expect from a Labour-NZ First coalition?
Time will tell. Winston Peters, Jacinda Ardern and James Shaw. Image: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Winston Peters has made his choice and now the country must live with it. The New Zealand First leader yesterday plucked ...3 days ago - Hard News: All ChangeNew Zealand's not-really-all-that-lengthy coalition negotiations were conducted with a degree of discretion that meant there were few tidbits for an increasingly frazzled press gallery to bring to a probably less frazzled public. But one thing we did learn was significant: ...3 days ago
- Schrodinger’s cat is Malawi’s flag
So, very late yesterday afternoon (let's be charitable) Winston Peters lifted the box's lid and out wandered a cat with a black head, red body and green tail.read more ...3 days ago - A walking Tui ad?
The election turned out OK as far as I am concerned. My decision to support Labour after years of supporting the Greens seems to have paid off as they are now leading the new government. The Greens were punished for ...3 days ago - Change coming to transport in NZ
Huge news last night with Winston Peters announcing that he’d chosen to a coalition with Labour to form a new government. So far, all the talk from the various parities is that this new government will represent a significant change ...3 days ago - Martha & The Vandellas “Dancing in the Streets”
...3 days ago - Sounds Good Doesn’t It?
3 days ago - We Have A New Progressive Government!
So tonight I'm going to party like it's 1999!Video Courtesy of YouTubeThis posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...3 days ago - Tories out, Xenophobes in?
by Phil Duncan With Winston Peters announcing that his New Zealand First party is going with Labour and not with National, it looks like the Tories are out and the Xenophobes are in. We’ll now have the two most xenophobic ...3 days ago - ChangeSo, nearly four weeks after the election, and two weeks after the results, Winston has chosen Labour and the Greens. While I'm not overjoyed at the result, because Winston, its certainly the better outcome of the hand the voters dealt ...3 days ago
- Pretty Boys and Bangable Faces
3 days ago - British spies are sharing data illegallyFor years, British spies have been collecting personal information on innocent UKanians, building huge "bulk personal datasets" of personal information on ordinary UK citizens who they admit are of no intelligence interest. That's bad enough, but it also turns out ...4 days ago
- Students and staff hit hardest by constant upheaval
Tertiary Update – Vol 20 No 31 Tertiary education institutions across New Zealand are restructuring how courses and services are delivered, causing unnecessary stress and uncertainty for thousands of staff and students. Eleven universities, polytechnics and wānanga have notified staff of ...4 days ago - Happy Labour DayMillions of Kiwis will enjoy a day off paid work on Monday to commemorate the successful union campaign for an eight-hour working day. New Zealand workers were among the first in the world to claim this right when, in 1840, the ...4 days ago
- Accreditation withdrawn from yet another for-profit providerThe New Zealand Qualifications Authority has withdrawn accreditation from the International College of Auckland (ICA), effecting around 80 international students. The loss of accreditation, which was withdrawn voluntarily by ICA, relates to four business and management courses. NZQA is working to ...4 days ago
- Telford celebrate takeoverTaratahi Agricultural Training Centre has celebrated its takeover of Lincoln University’s Telford campus. Ministers provided the consents necessary to allow Taratahi’s acquisition of the Telford campus in July, with the transfer taking effect on 31 July. The Otago Daily Times reported that the celebration ...4 days ago
- Flaw and porkie in anti-fluoride report claiming a flaw in Canadian study
Anti-fluoride group, Fluoride Action Network, ironically stamps their own critique of the Calgary fluoridation cessation study as “debunked.” Anti-fluoride campaigners have launched another attack on a Canadian fluoridation cessation study. They claim it is flawed – but there is a huge ...4 days ago - Taika the traitor
Not all New Zealand's rivers are poison, egg! Taika Waititi Photo: Claire Eastham-Farrelly This morning, broadcaster Duncan Garner said he thinks New Zealand director Taika Waititi is treasonous. Garner was talking about comments Waititi made in ...4 days ago - Western Victoria Quarter Part 1: Introduction
This is a Guest Post by David R, and the first of a series about the need to improve the Western Victoria Quarter. After arriving back from a stint in Vancouver and Amsterdam, my partner and I decided we wanted ...4 days ago - The Grow Room Profiles – Erny Belle
"I left the city because it had nothing to offer me anymore. Songstress Erny Belle makes no bones about relocating in order to reclaim control of her creativity. Visuals by the The Grow Room. ...4 days ago - Winston’s Dream Can Only Be Realised By Putting New Zealand Second.
4 days ago - Do Good Thursday: End solitary confinementPeople Against Prisons Aotearoa (formerly No Pride in Prisons) are campaigning to end solitary confinement in New Zealand prisons – or as Corrections insists on referring to it in the most Orwellian way possible, “directed segration”. PAPA says: Every year, ...4 days ago
- Kicking off for the swimming season
First swim of the season at ‘my’ beach this morning … brrr! But totally worth it. ...4 days ago - More PT ridership milestones
It’s been a year for milestones on public transport and Auckland Transport are celebrating another one. We’ve now passed 90 million trips within a 12-month period. That follows us hitting 20 million trips on rail and 5 million trips on ...4 days ago - Letters from America, take eight: on the fear of “good negro government.”One notable aspect of contemporary US politics is the re-emergence of so-called culture wars. Orchestrated by Steve Bannon, assorted alt-Right platforms and Murdoch media outlets in response to what could be called the de-WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant)-ification of US ...4 days ago
- Insulting people in printPerhaps contrary to appearances, I endeavour to keep my criticism of people in the spotlight here on topic, and confined to a recounting of facts (to the best of my knowledge) and then express my opinions and conclusions. I don’t ...4 days ago
- Auckland show to commemorate the Russian RevolutionAs Russia’s political leaders and oligarchs struggle with how to commemorate the centenary of the 1917 workers’ revolution, Auckland actors and activists will be assembling in Karangahape Road on Guy Fawkes’ Day in November for a show that examines ...4 days ago
- CliFi – A new way to talk about climate change
Cli-Fi refers to “climate fiction;” it is a term coined by journalist Dan Bloom. These are fictional books that somehow or someway bring real climate change science to the reader. What is really interesting is that Cli-Fi books often present ...4 days ago - Artist Erin Forsyth wants you to care
We chat to Erin Forsyth about her illustrations of threatened native species that are on display at Whitespace Gallery. Erin Forsyth Whether it be the ground dwelling bats, male frogs that carry babies on their backs or parasitic plants with ...5 days ago - Battery train plans go flat
Back in July, the council was pushed by Auckland Transport to make an urgent decision to approve additional funding to buy much needed new trains. Primarily this was to provide additional capacity on the network by enabling all trains (except ...5 days ago - The lessons from the 2017 election … so farHey, we still don’t have a government! Nevertheless, the Wellington Fabians got together last night to hear Jane Clifton, Morgan Godfery, Mike Smith and me talk about the election aftermath. Here’s my speech notes. ~ The 2017 general election is ...5 days ago
- 5 Percent Of The Population, 100 Percent Of The Power.
5 days ago - He toa takitini: if anything needs fixing, it’s our communities, not young people
Morocco Tai died on 9 October. He was 15 years old and driving a stolen car. He died when the car collided with a tree during a police pursuit. His two passengers are both in hospital, seriously injured. I do ...5 days ago - South Auckland’s missing bus lanes
Back in December last year, newly elected Mayor Phil Goff looked to assert some authority over Auckland Transport through a Letter of Expectation. It included clear expectations about the need for more bus lanes with comments such as: We invite ...5 days ago - Inferno XI: The geography of crime and punishment
Hell is a place on Earth. And although it is inhabited by spirits that are non-corporeal, they too will be reunited with their bodies after the Day of Judgment – whereupon they shall have to endure a second eternity, longer ...5 days ago - The beautiful world of whakawhanaungatanga
I got asked by my cousin Tommy Wilson to respond to Don Brash’s column (find it here on page 18) on the demise of the Māori Party in our local Bay Waka. Originally I was going to be his ghost ...5 days ago - The Maker Of “Men” – Masculinity and its Origins
5 days ago - Bird of the Year – Loving Aotearoa
I love that I live in a country where there is a competition for ‘Bird of the Year’. Right now, around New Zealand, there are teams and campaigns promoting the attributes of our native birds; from the famous kākāpo creeping ...5 days ago - #MeToo must be translated into action.
"They cannot just let it be a hashtag." Photo: creative commons / Richard Potts On Sunday, “When my tormentor died, I didn't feel a thing,” was the headline of broadcaster Alison Mau’s Star Times column. Mau’s father had ...6 days ago - Farmers are poisoning CanterburyThanks to intensive farming, a quarter of Canterbury's wells are close to exceeding safe nitrate limits:Increased irrigation in Canterbury is putting newborn babies at increased risk from water contamination, a medical officer of health says. Canterbury Regional Council figures show ...6 days ago
- From Syria to Porirua
Meet the refugee rapper who rhymes to remember. Sharif King outside his home in Porirua. Photo: The Wireless/Max Towle Sharif King has been shot at, punched so hard his teeth have shattered and had an iron bar ...6 days ago - Spain has political prisoners againUnder Franco's dictatorship, Spain had political prisoners. And now, under the Francoist People's party, it has them again, with two Catalans jailed for sedition for organising peaceful protests for independence:The leaders of two of the main pro-independence civil society organizations ...6 days ago
- This is it – a government – soon – maybeThis is the week we will be told what parties will make up the governing coalition and who will sit on the opposition benches of Parliament. Of this I am sure. read more ...6 days ago
- The Waterview Voluntary Tax
The Waterview tunnels were opened in July and one of the many pieces of equipment in them are a set of four speed cameras to monitor the 80km/h speed limits. Yesterday police revealed how many tickets they had issued and the ...6 days ago - The Zero Carbon Act
On 8th of November 2016 the World Meteorological Organization first demonstrated that global temperatures surpassed 1°C above earth’s pre-industrial average for an entire year. Believer in climate change or not, the scale of the job in front of our policy-makers ...6 days ago - The war on coal is over. Coal lost.Last week, Trump’s EPA administrator Scott Pruitt announced, “the war on coal is over.” If there ever was a war on coal, the coal industry has lost. According to a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, many old American coal power plants ...6 days ago
- Sue Bradford: Constant RadicalMy first memory of Sue Bradford is of the feisty speech she gave to the 1984 Economic Summit Conference pleading that a greater commitment be given to the people she worked with – those on the margins of society: the ...6 days ago
- A Post Election UpdateIt’s the start of another week and I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s happening in relation to our efforts to form a new Government for New Zealand. We’ve been working hard to ensure that the issues ...7 days ago
- Dainties and Chains: Progressive MPs And The “Wellington Bubble”
7 days ago - We should not be involved in thisIn 2015, the National government sent New Zealand troops to Iraq. Their role there was to train the Iraqi army so it could be used to fight "terrorists". Now, the army we helped train is being used to invade Kurdistan:Iraqi ...7 days ago
- Council’s City Centre video
On Friday the council published this video highlighting the importance of Auckland’s city centre and busting a few common myths, such as that the city sucks rates out of the rest of the region. Overall the video is pretty good ...7 days ago - Did Britain manipulate Australia’s dismissal?The British government and its monarch have always denied any responsibility for the 1975 dismissal of an elected government by an unelected governor-general. But it appears they were lying:Representatives of the British government flew to Australia in the lead-up to ...7 days ago
- Abortion denied at 18 weeks
A woman considered driving off the road when she discovered she was four months pregnant. Photo: Flo Karr / Unsplash A 22-year-old woman has been denied an abortion by North Shore Hospital, in the second known case ...7 days ago - Erotica from a woman’s perspective
Taking ownership of your body. Naomi Werrett, or Sylvia Gold. Photo: Carlos de Treend There are no photos of a teenage Naomi Werrett. Born in the Saudi Arabian port city Jeddah, on the Red Sea, she ...7 days ago - We have one year to create the largest ever protected area on Earth
In the words of David Attenborough, “Our planet is a blue planet”. With over 70% of our world covered by water, our oceans can be seen from across the solar system. It wasn’t long ago that the oceans were ...7 days ago - 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #41
Story of the Week... El Niño/La Niña Update... Toon of the Week... Graphic of the Week... SkS Spotlights... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... SkS Week in Review... 97 Hours of Consensus... Story of the Week ...7 days ago - Safety must become a higher priority
It has been a terrible time on our roads recently. Fourteen people died in the space of a week on our roads and the individual stories are heartbreaking: Police said a 56-year-old woman, 60-year-old man and a five-year-old boy who ...7 days ago - The Ocean Plastic Crisis
"Plastics!" This became one of the most famous film lines from the 1960s era. In the film The Graduate, young university graduate, Ben (Dustin Hoffman) appears annoyed and distracted when his wealthy American parents stage an elaborate party to show ...1 week ago - Sunday reading 15 October 2017
In the last few weeks we’ve seen a lot of engagement on the topic of housing, so I thought I’d share the perspectives of a few young women doing the mahi in this space. Firstly, Women in Urbanism Aotearoa ...1 week ago - 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #41
A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook page during the past week. Editor's Pick Record Amazon fires stun scientists; sign of sick, degraded forests If climate change continues to worsen unchecked, and forest degradation ...1 week ago - An Expression Of Democratic Interest.
People Power: "Politics without romance" was how the extreme right-wing "public choice" theorist, James Buchanan, described the substitution of market forces for Democracy’s “expressive interests”. If the 2017 election was about anything, it was about turning that around.REGARDLESS of NZ First’s ...1 week ago - Time to Use the Remedy Provided by the Constitution?We have now had three-quarters of a year in which to form a judgment of Donald Trump’s fitness to hold office. That judgment cannot help but be adverse – and the only remaining question is, how much more damage will ...1 week ago
- Making massive profits from Greece’s debtCapitalism can turn almost anything to private profit for the rich minority. Take the massive Greek debt and the misery of austerity imposed on the Greek masses: by Michael Roberts The announcement by the European Central Bank that it has ...1 week ago
- New research, October 2-8, 2017
A selection of new climate related research articles is shown below. Climate change 1. Comment on “Scrutinizing the carbon cycle and CO2 residence time in the atmosphere” by H. Harde "As we will show, this alternative scheme is too simple, is based on ...1 week ago
- Labour Ministers of the Crown announced
Today caucus has elected the 21 Labour Ministers of the Crown who will serve in the new government’s executive, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “Across the board these members have the experience, expertise and drive I want in our team ...2 days ago - Agreement with New Zealand First to support a Labour-led GovernmentLabour is pleased to have successfully concluded negotiations with New Zealand First as a critical step to forming a Labour-led progressive Government, says Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern. “I thank the New Zealand First Party and Leader Winston Peters for agreeing ...3 days ago
- Bird of the Year – Loving Aotearoa
I love that I live in a country where there is a competition for ‘Bird of the Year’. Right now, around New Zealand, there are teams and campaigns promoting the attributes of our native birds; from the famous kākāpo creeping ...5 days ago - A Post Election UpdateIt’s the start of another week and I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s happening in relation to our efforts to form a new Government for New Zealand. We’ve been working hard to ensure that the issues ...7 days ago
- Labour welcomes final election resultsToday’s final election count has strengthened the mandate for change, and for negotiations to continue in earnest, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern. “We congratulate Angie Warren-Clark on becoming Labour’s 14th additional MP, which expands the Labour caucus to ...2 weeks ago
- Lewis Moeau – he aituā, he aituā!Kua tau ngā pōkeao ki runga i te marae o Te Poho o Taharākau ki roto o Manutūkē, oti rā ki runga o Puketapu me Manawaru, ngā maunga tipua o te hautipua kua riro nei. E heke ana ngā roimata me ngā ...3 weeks ago
- Labour must address its own criticism of TPPA
Labour must address its own criticism that the TPPA lacks evidence of benefits to NZ ‘Before the new government can decide its position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), including whether it would genuinely boost exports and provide ...13 hours ago - Q+A: James Shaw interviewed by Greg BoyedGreen Party says Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan still on the table Green Party leader James Shaw told TVNZ 1’s Q+A programme that the scheme is still on the negotiating table. JAMES Yes, well, it’s certainly still on the table. Obviously, ...17 hours ago
- Q+A: Prime Minister-elect Jacinda ArdernJacinda Ardern: no point gloating about economic growth with high rates of homelessness and child poverty Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern told TVNZ 1’s Q+A programme that her Government will be more proactive in intervening where the market is failing ...17 hours ago
- The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews Jacinda ArdernLabour leader and Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern says her government will have a range of targets similar to Better Public Service targets that will be reported on annually - these could include things like environmental measures, homelessness ...2 days ago
- The Nation: Lisa Owen interviews James ShawGreens leader James Shaw says his party’s ministers will be Eugenie Sage, Julie Anne Genter, Jan Logie, and himself. Gareth Hughes will be the chief musterer and Marama Davidson the deputy musterer. He says he can’t confirm yet who will ...2 days ago
- Māori Party congratulates new GovernmentMāori Party congratulates new Government The Māori Party is congratulating the leaders of the Labour and NZ First parties for forming a new Government for Aotearoa. “Good on Winston Peters for treading carefully during his negotiations with both ...2 days ago
- LGNZ welcomes new GovernmentLGNZ welcomes new Government, looks forward to productive relationship Local Government New Zealand congratulates the incoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and welcomes the new Labour-led government. LGNZ also congratulates New Zealand First and the ...2 days ago
- Outdoor Council Expects More Enlightened EnvironmentalismThe Council of Outdoor Recreational Associations of New Zealand (CORANZ) has welcomed the new coalition government of NZ First and Labour backed by the Green Party. ...3 days ago
- Trout Fishers’ Federation Welcomes Government ChangeA national trout fishing organisation has welcomed the formation of the NZ First, Labour and Green Parties government and the relegation of the National-led government to opposition. ...3 days ago
- New Government should protect women and unborn childrenJacinda Ardern has publicly committed herself and her party to removing abortion from the Crimes Act, but Voice for Life hopes that as the new Prime Minister, she will realise just how dangerous such a move would be for both ...3 days ago
- New government presents opportunities for actionThe community campaigning group ActionStation us welcoming the new government and hopeful about the opportunities it presents for action on several pressing issues. ...3 days ago
- Equal pay about to boost New Zealand communitiesNew Zealand Council of Trade Unions Vice President Rachel Mackintosh said today that she had woken up full of excitement for New Zealand women, their families and communities following the announcement of the new coalition Government. ...3 days ago
- Nurses looking forward to health spend hikeNew Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) acting Chief Executive Jane MacGeorge says nurses welcome the new government and are looking forward to a reversal of the 2017 ‘scrooge health budget’ and the $2B going back into health. Jane MacGeorge today ...3 days ago
- Common sense prevails on water taxIrrigationNZ says that a decision by the new government not to introduce a water tax would be a victory for common sense. ...3 days ago
- Closing the Gap Delighted at New Government & DirectionThe income equality project Closing the Gap, today congratulated the country's incoming coalition government, saying it offered hope for the kind progressive change most New Zealanders voted for. ...3 days ago
- EDS welcomes new government and environmental reforms“The policy commitments from Labour, NZ First and the Greens promise a remarkably progressive trajectory for the environment and conservation over the next 3 years,” says EDS CEO Gary Taylor. ...3 days ago
- New Government’s TPPA Problems Start Next Week‘The new government of Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens will have to move fast if they are going to influence the outcomes of trade and investment agreements being negotiated under the National government’s mandate, and which they all, ...3 days ago
- Primetime Politics: 1 NEWS Reached 1.3M Viewers Last Night...3 days ago
- Campaign Will Say Nope To DopeFamily First NZ says that the Green party have now declared their true intention – to legalise dope – and a strong campaign will be run to encourage families to ‘say nope to dope’ in any upcoming referendum. ...3 days ago
- Government has ‘Historic Opportunity’ to Restore NZ NatureThe new government has an historic opportunity to unlock a future where New Zealanders thrive in harmony with nature, says environmental organisation WWF-New Zealand. ...3 days ago
- PSA Welcomes Progressive New Coalition GovernmentThe Public Service Association warmly welcomes the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and congratulates Labour, New Zealand First and the Green Party on the formation of a new Government. ...3 days ago
- No mandate for immigration crackdownNew Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI), a leading voice in the immigration sector, believes there is no mandate for the new Labour-led coalition Government’s proposed crackdown on immigration. ...3 days ago
- Robust primary sector a solid foundation for incoming ruleA flourishing primary sector with exponential growth will ensure the new Labour led coalition government starts office on a solid footing, says Federated Farmers. ...3 days ago
- NZ First Promised Anti-Smacking Law ReferendumFamily First NZ says that if a referendum is going to be held on legalising dope as requested by the Green party, then NZ First should also be delivering a referendum on the anti-smacking law, based on statements made by ...3 days ago
- Annual net migration down to 71,000Annual net migration was 71,000 in the September 2017 year, Stats NZ said today. Migrant arrivals were 131,600 and migrant departures were 60,600. ...3 days ago
- Stunning Hypocrisy on Referendums By GreensFamily First NZ is slamming the Green party as being hypocritical after their call for a referendum on legalising dope. ...3 days ago
- Time for Change in NZ Wood IndustryThe NZ Wood Processors and Manufacturers' Association (WPMA) congratulates The NZ Labour Party, NZ First and The Green Party on successfully joining together to form the next government. Mr Brian Stanley, Chair of WPMA, notes that, "this is a ...3 days ago
- Please Don’t Throw Out the Emissions Trading SchemeChuck out the bathwater - keep the baby. With two coalition partners recommending axing the Emissions Trading Scheme in favour of a carbon tax, Ekos is concerned that the new government will upset the apple cart and set us back ...3 days ago
- NZUSA Congratulate Labour-Led GovernmentThe New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) says that student issues should be a top priority in the first 100 days of the new Labour-led Government. ...3 days ago
- Four young Hamiltonians having a global impactThe Lucy Foundation , a local social enterprise creating an inclusive supply chain of coffee from seed to cup. The Lucy Foundation works with coffee-farming families affected by disability to create ethical and sustainable coffee for the New Zealand ...3 days ago
- Road safety educator calls for increased vigilanceNew Zealand’s largest Youth Road Safety Educator, is sending a timely reminder to keep road safety front of mind when travelling this Labour weekend. They are asking drivers and passengers to commit to giving the road their full attention to ...3 days ago
- Social Service Providers welcome change of focusSocial Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA) national manager Brenda Pilott has welcomed the incoming Labour – NZ First – Green government in which all parties have stated their commitment to improving how government works with community organisations. ...3 days ago
- Time to Make HistoryThis new government must be given time to find its footing, and prioritise areas of agreement. However, part of that process must be the corporate understanding and recognition of the drivers of New Zealand’s negative statistics, so that these ...3 days ago
- ALRANZ Welcomes Promise of Law Reform under LabourALRANZ welcomes the announcement this afternoon of a Labour-led coalition forming the next government. During the campaign, Labour leader, now Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern pledged to decriminalise abortion in New Zealand, saying pregnant ...3 days ago
- Students congratulate Labour-led GovernmentThe New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) says that student issues should be a top priority in the first 100 days of the new Labour-led Government. ...3 days ago
- Feds ready to engage new coalition governmentFederated Farmers says it is ready to engage and work with the new coalition government. ...3 days ago
- Campaign is over, now the real work begins"On behalf of working people, I can say how excited we are to have a coalition Government who have committed to lifting incomes, to women actually getting equal pay and to ending poverty in New Zealand" said CTU Secretary, Sam ...3 days ago
- Chamber welcomes the Labour-NZ First negotiation outcomeThe Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes the outcome of the negotiations to form the new government, and congratulates Labour, says Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford. ...3 days ago
- ILGA Oceania Welcomes the New Labour Led GovernmentCo-convenor, Rawa Karetai said that, "after a long campaign and coalition negotiations, it is great to know that LGBTI rights will continue to progress in New Zealand" ...3 days ago
- E tū ecstatic as we welcome a Labour-led GovernmentE tū says it is ecstatic after confirmation tonight that E tū member Jacinda Ardern is our next Prime Minister. ...3 days ago
- Educators call on new government to take actionTeachers and educators have huge hope that the new Labour led Government will herald the rebuilding of New Zealand’s public education system and restore our children’s birthright to a free, world-class education. ...3 days ago
- Greenpeace “cautiously hopeful” about new GovernmentThursday, October 19: Greenpeace Executive Director, Dr Russel Norman, says he’s cautiously hopeful that a Labour-led Government could be a turning point for the environment. ...3 days ago
- PEPANZ acknowledges new emissions reportPEPANZ acknowledges new emissions report -- The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ) says a new report from the Ministry for the Environment today on global and domestic greenhouse gas emissions shows the challenges ahead ...3 days ago
- White Ribbon wants your helpThe Weinstein allegations and subsequent ‘Me too’ Facebook status have demonstrated in a very public manner what family violence organisations have known for a long time, says Campaign manager Rob McCann. ‘That while one in three women experience ...4 days ago
- Waikato DHB’s oversight of former CEO yet again in questionReacting to a story by the NZ Herald last night, that suggests former Waikato DHB CEO, Dr Nigel Murray, may have been claiming expenses for a woman he was not married to, brings further into question the oversight of the ...4 days ago
- Worrying Report Sparks Need for New Climate LawEnvironmental organisation WWF-New Zealand calls Parliament to pass a new climate law, in response to today’s ‘Our Atmosphere and Climate 2017’ report that highlights how climate change is harming our country, environment, and people. ...4 days ago
- Govt Urged To Source External Carbon From Pacific IslandsEnvironmental financing charity Ekos is urging Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett to source any foreign carbon credits from the Pacific Islands before searching for credits elsewhere, and only after making every effort to reduce emissions at home, ...4 days ago
- Fairfax makes up quotes to attack NZ-Israel innovation dealJordan Williams, Executive Director of the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, has issued a press release and penned an article to correct false and misleading reporting by Fairfax journalist, Madison Reidy, that gave the impression that the Taxpayers’ ...4 days ago
- Government Must Put Search for New Oil On HoldGovt must put search for new oil on hold after release of “disturbing” MfE climate report ...4 days ago
- Gov Report Confirms Need for More Action on Climate ChangeThe latest in the series of environmental assessment reports from the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand confirms the need for more urgent action to curb our burgeoning greenhouse gas emissions. ...4 days ago
- Six couples married in mass wedding in new trend in PNG
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz The mass wedding in Port Moresby today. Video: EMTV News Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk A mass wedding ceremony was conducted for six couples in the Papua New Guinea capital of Port Moresby today, reports EMTV News. All ...4 hours ago - NZ First refuses to say if Kermadec plans are afloat
The proposed Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary could still be blocked by New Zealand First, new information suggests. ...9 hours ago - Prof Jane Kelsey: Labour must address its own criticism that the TPPA lacks evidence of benefits to ...
Opinion by Prof Jane Kelsey: Labour must address its own criticism that the TPPA lacks evidence of benefits to New Zealand ‘Before the new government can decide its position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), including whether it would genuinely ...9 hours ago - Greens sticking to plan to reduce dairy farmingThe Greens intend pushing ahead with their plan to pay dairy farmers to convert to other forms of farming. ...11 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: NZ’s radical new government of change
14 hours ago - The reasons the All Blacks lost last night (hint: it wasn’t because Jacinda Ardern cursed them)
There are plenty of reasons why the Wallabies scored an upset, none of them involving random sexist slurs, writes Jamie Wall.This morning, for some reason, the New Zealand Herald decided to float the idea that the new, still to be ...16 hours ago - Ardern to push for TPP changesIncoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will push for changes to the Trans-Pacific Partnership when she attends next month's Apec meeting in Manila. ...16 hours ago
- Kermadec sanctuary plans still afloatThe Labour and Green parties have scotched reports that the proposed Kermadec Ocean marine sanctuary is dead in the water. ...18 hours ago
- Dispelling the myth of ‘poaching’ in Pacific Island rugby
Jamie Wall chats to Manu Samoa veteran Dan Leo about unfairness, welfare and the myth of ‘poaching’ in Pacific Island rugby.It’s the same depressing tale we hear every year: a Pacific Island nation tours, plays tests against tier one nations ...19 hours ago - The best of The Spinoff this week: It’s Labour weekend – for the next three years
Bringing you the best weekly reading from your friendly local website.Simon Wilson: 10 things Auckland desperately needs from the new governmentIs Auckland in crisis over transport, housing, schools, you name it, or are we heading in the right direction? The ...19 hours ago - Insight: A matter of life or deathInsight - Among the legislation facing the new parliament is an End of Life Choice Bill. After a record-length select committee hearing delivered no recommendations, Alex Perrottet examines where the debate is now. ...20 hours ago
- Preview review: Sean Paul, Ne-Yo, Craig David and more of the Friday Jams lineup, live in Melbourne
The best era in recent R&B history unites for a concert in downtown Auckland tonight. Duncan Greive reviews the Melbourne version.I don’t know what the strangest moment of the night was. Maybe the whole crowd singing Ne-Yo ‘Happy Birthday’ ahead ...20 hours ago - Wait For Me Hollywood tells the incredible story of the Boy who lived
Alex Casey previews Wait For Me Hollywood, the final TVNZ1 Sunday Special following movie star James Rolleston in the aftermath of his near-fatal car accident. When James Rolleston was a little boy, he used to peer at the TV from his ...20 hours ago - Just let me finish my sentence: life with a stutter
Today is International Stuttering Awareness Day. Spinoff staff writer Sam Brooks has a stutter; this is what it’s like.Sometimes I can’t be bothered cooking. It’s been a long day of spinoffing at the Spinoff office, I’ve written a lot of ...21 hours ago - Rod Oram: 30 years on, could markets crash again?
Rod Oram had a box seat on Wall Street's historic crash 30 years ago this week. He looks at how much is different, and whether the risks of another crash are really as remote as some think. Thirty years ago ...1 day ago - Indonesian academic exchange an opportunity for unique collaborationReport by David Robie. This article was first published on Café Pacific From AUT University Pacific Media Centre director Professor David Robie will next week join academics from around the world in a global professorial exchange with Indonesia’s Universitas Gadjah ...1 day ago
- Climate Change Minister not being ‘downgraded’ – ShawThe Greens leader James Shaw says he's not concerned the Climate Change Minister will be outside the Cabinet in the new government. ...1 day ago
- National needs to be a ‘practical and sceptical’ oppositionOpinion - The National Party will need to be wary of the potential pitfalls of an unexpected stint in opposition, writes Rob Hosking. ...1 day ago
- Pressure on Māori MPs to deliver in new govtThe pressure is on for all Māori MPs in the new government to deliver changes that were promised during their election campaign. ...1 day ago
- Top award for Māori, Treaty and colonial historian with new focusArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Professor Paul Moon … top accolade for sustained and exceptional academic achievement. Image: AUT Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk One of New Zealand’s best-selling and most-respected historians and social commentators, Professor Paul Moon, has been acknowledged ...2 days ago
- New PM tells Aussie journo how to say her last nameAn Australian radio journalist has been boasting on social media after getting Jacinda Ardern to personally confirm how she pronounces her name. ...2 days ago
- What does Jacinda mean for women in New Zealand?
The team from On the Rag weren’t able to get in the same room following Jacinda’s win, so here they are with their feelings. Definitely real* picture of us together Leonie Hayden I write this from a room filled with Ngāpuhi ...2 days ago - Ardern confirms Labour’s immigration target to hold swayThe incoming Prime Minister says the new government will follow Labour's policy on immigration numbers rather than New Zealand First's. ...2 days ago
- US officially congratulates Labour and ArdernThe United States has officially congratulated Labour and Jacinda Ardern on forming the next Government. ...2 days ago
- Who’s afraid of the big, bad Wallaby? Not the All Blacks
There’s not a lot of hope for Australian rugby ahead of tonight’s test, says Scotty Stevenson. Despite the usual cork floats of confidence bobbing about in the sea of indifference that constitutes the vast majority of planet rugby in Australia these ...2 days ago - Green Party announces ministersThe Green Party has announced the four people who will get government roles in the new adminstration. ...2 days ago
- We did it, now let’s actually do it – Kiri Allan on delight for Labour (and two other labours)
I’d forced myself not to think about it, but now the incredible has happened, writes Spinoff candidate diarist and new star of the Labour caucusRead all the candidate diaries from election 2017 hereIt’s 6.42am and I’m on a flight to ...2 days ago - Labour-NZ First govt: How did it get to this?Opinion - The Labour-New Zealand First minority government may seem bizarre, but it's simply the next stage on our MMP journey, Claire Robinson writes. ...2 days ago
- Are changes to our trade policy a done deal?
New Zealand’s trade policy could be set for a shakeup under the new Labour government. A likely target is investor-state dispute resolution provisions in New Zealand’s free trade agreements, which may go from status quo to status no. Chris Gillies ...2 days ago - How Ardern will spend her long weekendThe incoming PM will spend the weekend finalising her party's coalition deal with New Zealand First. ...2 days ago
- How Jacinda Ardern will spend her long weekendThe incoming prime minister will spend the weekend finalising her party's coalition deal with New Zealand First. ...2 days ago
- Wellingtonians hopeful for changeBeyond the Beehive, the suburbs are abuzz with the news that a new government is about to take the reigns after nine years under National. ...2 days ago
- The Greens’ drug reform policyThe Green Party is one of the few parties to have a defined drug reform policy and a specific approach to cannabis. ...2 days ago
- Sixth Labour govt: What’s in store for NZPower Play - As New Zealand's government hashes out the final details of how it will proceed, RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson looks at the policy moves and promises on the line. ...2 days ago
- Bringing youth to powerJacinda Ardern is set to be one of the ten youngest world leaders, but is joining a trend of fresh-faced politicians succeeding, writes RNZ's Liz Brown. ...2 days ago
- Ardern vows to improve Cabinet gender balanceIncoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she's not happy with the gender balance of Labour's ministerial positions, and has vowed to change it over time. ...2 days ago
- (WATCH) A whole bunch of men talking over women the night Jacinda won
On the evening of the 19th of October 2017 a new government was anointed. Change might have been in the air, but a whole lot of men were still talking over women. ...2 days ago - Goodbye Maggie baggage – RIP neo-liberalism in NZ: 1984–2017Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz OPINION: By Frank Macskasy Winston Peters has called it: NZ First is going into coalition with Labour-Greens. In reality, it was the only decision he could possibly make. Firstly, National has a scary reputation for devouring it’s ...2 days ago
- Jokowi’s foreign policy becomes more visible, says ex-envoy to USArticle by AsiaPacificReport.nz Diplomats say Indonesia’s provincial and district leaders should to tap into international opportunities that arise from the country’s position as one of the founders of Asean. Image: Muhammad Adimaja/ Jakarta Globe/Antara Indonesia’s foreign policy under ...2 days ago
- Politics podcast: A whole new government editionThe Gone By Lunchtime team chews over the new government, what it means for Labour, NZ First, the Greens and where it leaves National – and how we got there. Guest starring an exciting new podcasting talent.With a showmanship to ...2 days ago
- Looking forward there’s lots to look forward toOpinion - "Our government suddenly looks a lot more like all of us" - The Spinoff's Simon Wilson tells us all the things he's looking forward to from a Labour-NZ First government. ...2 days ago
- Raise your hands to the damned sky: Beastwars’ Matt Hyde battles cancer
Legendary Beastwars vocalist Matt Hyde has been diagnosed with cancer. Here Toby Morris pens a tribute, and outlines how fans can help Hyde win his battle. If you’ve ever seen Beastwars you’ll know what I’m talking about in that headline. You’ll ...3 days ago - VIDEO: Who’s in? Who’s out?The Labour caucus met earlier, but details of ministerial portfolios will not be known until next week. ...3 days ago
- Emily Writes: Are mum groups on Facebook a vortex to hell?
Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes wonders if Facebook groups for parents do more harm than good.I saw Blade Runner finally. Without much of an interest in blades or running it took me a while. I saw it only because it ...3 days ago - Always be ready to sell: Entrepreneur Mark Hurley on selling to an $11 billion agencyBusiness is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand, with the interview available as both audio and ...3 days ago
- Pike River families: ‘We’ve got a voice now’Pike River families campaigning for re-entry to the mine are confident that the new government will make it happen. ...3 days ago
- Best Songs Ever: Julia Deans is back on patrol
Our regular round-up of new songs and singles, featuring Julien Barker, Julia Deans, Hopetown Brown, the handsomer Gallagher and more…SONG OF THE WEEKJulien Baker – ‘Turn Out the Lights’A new song for communal despairThe Fader recently described 21-year old Memphis songwriter ...3 days ago - Mum is an awkward British love letter to difficult families everywhere
Tara Ward watches British sitcom Mum, a show for anyone who has found themselves in an inescapable family mess. What’s the story?Mum is a family comedy seen through the eyes of newly widowed Cathy. The show follows Cathy as she negotiates ...3 days ago - Cannabis referendum part of Greens’ dealNew Zealand will have a referendum on legalising marijuana for personal use as part of the Greens deal with Labour. ...3 days ago
- Kiwis of Snapchat new government poetry slam (WATCH)In our video series Kiwis of Snapchat, comedian Tom Sainsbury sources exclusive Snapchat footage of Kiwi citizens and luminaries making the news. Today: The stars of Election 2017 react to new PM Jacinda Ardern – in rhyme.Click here for all ...3 days ago
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