People who rent their home shouldn’t have to get sick or complain before the safety of their home is tested and guaranteed.
housing
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In December 2022 We Will Be …
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, October 25th, 2021 - 15 comments
A year ago we were preparing for the America’s Cup and threading our way through the latest crisis quite well. What will we be planning next year?
Why Can’t We Do More?
Written By: - Date published: 8:44 am, October 16th, 2021 - 35 comments
The Government’s dramatic action taken over the past 18 months to respond to Covid and the population’s overwhelming support suggests that it should be taking similar drastic action to address poverty and climate change.
Why aren’t Labour acting on the housing crisis?
Written By: - Date published: 11:30 am, July 27th, 2021 - 68 comments
Bernard Hickey calls Labour’s inaction a scandal, and it’s hard to disagree.
Greens: a Warrant of Fitness for rental homes
Written By: - Date published: 6:10 am, July 23rd, 2021 - 118 comments
The Rock is moving
Written By: - Date published: 11:09 am, June 22nd, 2021 - 5 comments
Since real estate is that machine that relentlessly powers our society and most of our economy, it’s already worth checking whether this governments’ recent policy changes are starting to have some of its intended effects.
Housing, an update of sorts
Written By: - Date published: 6:05 am, May 18th, 2021 - 31 comments
Anarkaytie writes about the history of the housing crisis in New Zealand and how tiny housing provides some of the solutions.
Too much too far?
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 23rd, 2021 - 97 comments
As we lead up to Budget 2021, there’s much more shape to the whole direction of this government.
National’s housing policy
Written By: - Date published: 12:06 pm, April 16th, 2021 - 30 comments
National has released its housing policy and the proposals are predictable. Free up more land, loosen up the RMA, and require Councils in high growth areas to urgently review their district plans.
About Grant Robertson’s bright line tax statement
Written By: - Date published: 10:39 am, March 28th, 2021 - 217 comments
Media has been abuzz with comment about how last election Grant Robertson has backtracked on a promise on not extending the bright line test. Should politicians stick to their pronouncements no matter what? Or should they change their minds if circumstances demand a change in course?
The housing crisis and the Government’s response
Written By: - Date published: 9:28 am, March 25th, 2021 - 163 comments
The Government’s housing policy announcements have been attacked by the right and landlords as being an attack on rights and business, and by elements of the left for being too timid. Which suggests that the announcements are quite well pitched.
Government announces plan to help first-home buyers maintain the housing crisis
Written By: - Date published: 10:33 am, March 23rd, 2021 - 226 comments
Labour disappoints again. Individual investment rights trump collective responsibility for people having homes.
Something big but not like that
Written By: - Date published: 7:45 am, March 23rd, 2021 - 41 comments
I am going out on a limb here but I think that Comrade Chris Trotter suggesting that Jacinda Ardern may resign as Prime Minister may be overhashed.
National and the Greens on how to solve the housing crisis
Written By: - Date published: 11:04 am, March 17th, 2021 - 71 comments
Over the past week National and the Greens have released housing policy designed to address the country’s current housing crisis. National’s are tired and either reflect what is already happening or reinforce their doctrinal view of the world. The Green’s proposals are more radical and reflect steps that Micky Savage and the First Labour Government took in 1935.
The Unbearable Lightness of the Bright-Line Test
Written By: - Date published: 4:20 pm, March 13th, 2021 - 96 comments
The bright-line test is a red herring and does nothing to deter housing speculation.
So, You Want To Buy Your First Home?
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, March 7th, 2021 - 75 comments
Money does not grow on trees, it grows on houses. It is pure magic!
No Right Turn: One way of fixing the housing crisis
Written By: - Date published: 6:05 am, January 14th, 2021 - 63 comments
Yesterday we had the unseemly sight of a landleech threatening to keep his houses empty in response to better tenancy laws. Meanwhile in Catalonia they have a solution for that: nationalisation
The Government’s finances are in very good shape
Written By: - Date published: 7:55 am, December 17th, 2020 - 66 comments
The Government’s finances are in remarkably good shape. Who would have predicted that dealing properly with a global pandemic would have had better results for the economy than timidly dealing with it and trying to ensure that economic activity continued? But by international levels our Government debt is already low and maybe now is the time to spend on vital areas such as poverty, climate change and the housing crisis.
How can NZ incomes be lifted to match housing costs?
Written By: - Date published: 10:37 am, December 12th, 2020 - 68 comments
Not a vague let’s raise wages and benefits explanation, but an in-depth, number crunching, evidence-driven explanation. Where is it?
Tranquillum
Written By: - Date published: 7:28 pm, December 6th, 2020 - 134 comments
Don’t expect a jellyfish to grow a spine, they just bob along on the current and keep moving, gently, slowly, kindly.
National’s gonna National
Written By: - Date published: 8:25 am, December 2nd, 2020 - 73 comments
On two issues, pill testing at music festivals and tax changes to address the housing crisis, National yesterday indicated that it will do what conservative parties do and oppose any meaningful change.
The Speech From The Throne
Written By: - Date published: 7:35 am, November 27th, 2020 - 21 comments
I’m sure one needs a particular depth of political nerdiness to give a flying fig about such things, but since I am one of those, these are my highlights from the speech from the throne to Parliament this week.
No Right Turn: the obvious question
Written By: - Date published: 6:05 am, November 23rd, 2020 - 20 comments
One in four property speculators aren’t paying the bright-line tax.
Time’s up Labour
Written By: - Date published: 4:50 pm, November 20th, 2020 - 114 comments
It’s not possible to resolve New Zealand’s housing and poverty crises from within a neoliberal frame. Change is going to have to be driven from outside of parliament.
Capitalism’s end game
Written By: - Date published: 8:07 am, November 13th, 2020 - 145 comments
In Aotearoa New Zealand we are facing a new crisis. Not Covid, although the recent case of community spread is deeply concerning. The crisis is the value of houses.
Blood sucking leeches blame young for blood supply crisis
Written By: - Date published: 8:48 am, November 3rd, 2020 - 118 comments
The Property Investor Federation’s executive officer has expressed the opinion that every time a first home buyer buys a house it makes the housing crisis worse.
Why Can’t The Ministry of Works Just Build Houses Like 1935?
Written By: - Date published: 7:34 am, October 23rd, 2020 - 32 comments
We don’t have a government like the Labour government that formed in 1935.
NZ election 2020: Labour win is a watershed moment in the country’s history
Written By: - Date published: 12:27 am, October 20th, 2020 - 47 comments
The 2020 election was more than just a victory for Labour and more than a crushing defeat for the National Party (New Zealand’s main centre-right political party). This result marks a significant watershed in New Zealand politics which will likely have implications long after this parliamentary term.
Landlord lobby group hopes National Government will ditch warm flat requirement
Written By: - Date published: 8:49 am, September 7th, 2020 - 56 comments
The NZ Property Investors Federation has proposed to its members they should hold off on making flats warmer and drier just in case there is a change of government.
What progressive housing policy for renters looks like
Written By: - Date published: 6:05 am, September 4th, 2020 - 17 comments
Currently your politicians do NOT represent people who rent. But you all have a choice to vote for solutions that do!
Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Government: Style over substance or a guiding light for progressive politics?
Written By: - Date published: 8:42 am, August 10th, 2020 - 33 comments
Critics have dismissed the Jacinda Ardern government as being one of style over substance. This is unfair given the challenges this government has faced and the policy achievements it has had. However, it is a government that has much work to do if it wins a second term. And its over-reliance on Jacinda as party leader is a huge strategic risk, especially when the governments front bench is perceived, rightly or wrongly, to be lightweight.
New Zealand for the win!
Written By: - Date published: 7:05 am, June 25th, 2020 - 107 comments
$100,000 a year in capital gains.
- Misopogon: In Defence of Beards Among Tolkien’s Elves and Men
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- Vaccinating the Underclass
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- Gordon Campbell on why New Zealand needs to change its Defence habits
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- National's failed firearms bill cost over $390,0006 days ago
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Could 1 December be Freedom Day? ...7 days ago- Gordon Campbell on juggling Covid, and France’s Trump-like populist
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When The Green Party Co-Leader Speaks, Does He Make Any Sound? James Shaw must know that neither New Zealanders, nor the rest of humanity, will ever take the urgent and transformative action that Science now deems necessary to stave-off climate catastrophe.POOR JAMES SHAW: He’s the man this government sends out ...1 week ago- Gordon Campbell on the perils of declaring premature victory
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The Auckland Coronavirus Outbreak potters along, not helped by the perception that the Government is disturbingly enthusiastic about “managing the virus” or loosening the border. Health Minister Andrew Little said today he envisages 90% vaccination rates (which we don’t have) eventually leading to 5,000 cases in Auckland a week… ...2 weeks ago- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #41, 2021
How to fill a glass and thereby drink— from a fire hose So far this year, New Research has published listings for 3,291 papers concerning climate change from one aspect or another. Each edition includes two dozen or so articles describing freshly and directly observed effects of global waming. These ...2 weeks ago- Climate Change: UKanians supports cuts
The Guardian reports a study on emissions reduction policy from the UK, which found that UKanians overwhelmingly support stronger action than their government: The UK public backs a carbon tax on polluting industries, higher levies on flying and grants for heat pumps in order to tackle the climate crisis, ...2 weeks ago - Kids’ quality of life will depend on today’s climate choices
- Boosting support for hard-hit businesses
Our response to COVID-19 over the past 20 months means we’re in a stronger position than many other countries, but we know it’s been tough for businesses – especially those in Auckland. That’s why we’re boosting support for businesses affected by COVID restrictions as we move into the new COVID ...23 hours ago - Funding to test drugs at festivals a lifesaver
New funding for drug-checking services at festivals is a Green Party win that will save lives. However the Government needs to go further, faster and expand these lifesaving services. ...4 days ago - Green Party sets out more equitable approach to COVID-19 responseThe Green Party has warned that the Labour’s plan to move to a new COVID-19 response strategy is rushed and risky, and will leave some people at risk. Meanwhile, the Greens have a safer, more appropriate approach that won’t leave anyone behind. ...5 days ago
- Transform arms export regime to strengthen human rights protectionsThe Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is calling on the Government to urgently introduce legislation to better regulate the export of military products and technology that could be used to breach human rights in other countries. ...6 days ago
- Make it a shore thing – Bird of the Year 2021The Green Party is calling on people to go dotty for dotterel and vote for the New Zealand Dotterel/Tūturiwhatu as Bird of the Year 2021. ...7 days ago
- National’s irresponsible COVID plan will cost livesThe National Party’s plan to remove all COVID restrictions on 1 December, regardless of whether or not people are vaccinated, would cost lives, the Green Party says. ...7 days ago
- New research reinforces urgency to end conversion practicesNew research from the University of Waikato showing a link between conversion practices and negative mental health for trans and non-binary people reinforces the urgent need to pass the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill. ...7 days ago
- Te Mātāwaka: Greens call for the Government to listen to Māori health expertsTe Mātāwaka caucus support the call from iwi leaders, and Māori providers for a COVID-19 vaccination rate of 95 percent for Māori, Pasifika and other marginalised communities before further lifting COVID-19 restrictions. ...1 week ago
- Govt must build on foundation of planning rule changes to solve housing crisisFamilies looking for their first home will welcome a bipartisan commitment to increase housing supply, but will be asking what more can be done. ...1 week ago
- Equitable financial support urgently needed to combat COVID outbreakThe Green Party is calling for a broader and more equitable financial support package to slow the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure everyone in Alert Level 3 can make ends meet, following the announcement that Alert Level 3 has been extended for at least two more weeks in Auckland and at ...1 week ago
- Waste strategy needs to learn from natureAnything less than a transformational national waste strategy and waste legislation will not be enough, the Green Party said today. ...2 weeks ago
- 5 ways you can help New Zealand get vaccinatedGetting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and the people we care about from COVID-19. It means we’ll all be able to do more of what we love this summer, while keeping each other safe. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Mātāwaka: Greens support iwi led housing solutionsThe Green Party’s Te Mātāwaka Caucus welcome the Government’s investment into iwi Māori-led housing initiatives. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for expanded protection for renters, overseas voting for COVID-19 billThe Green Party is calling for expanded protections for renters and extended eligibility for overseas voters for the COVID-19 Response Management Measures Legislation Bill, which is currently before select committee. ...2 weeks ago
- One-off residency scheme needs to include working holiday and seasonal workersThe Green Party says the Government needs to extend the one-off residency scheme to all workers, instead of keeping them in limbo with visa extensions every 6 months. ...2 weeks ago
- Camping, concerts, cuddles: Kiwis tell us why they’re vaccinatedRight now, the single most important thing New Zealanders can do in the fight against COVID-19 is get vaccinated. More and more of us are stepping up, with more than two million people now fully vaccinated. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party deeply concerned space launches may be breaching nuclear-free lawsThe Green Party is deeply concerned that space launches by Rocket Lab may be breaching New Zealand’s long-standing nuclear-free position and legislation. ...3 weeks ago
- Govt backs business to vaccinate workforces
Vaccination will be required for all workers at businesses where customers need to show COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates, such as hospitality and close-contact businesses. New law to introduce a clearer and simplified risk assessment process for employers to follow when deciding whether they can require vaccination for different types of work. ...17 hours ago - Winners of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence AwardsFrimley Primary School in Hawke’s Bay is the Supreme Award winner of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “The past year has been a real test for teachers, schools and local communities. But out of the challenge of ...17 hours ago
- Government provides greater assurance to homeownersThe Government has provided greater assurance for homeowners with the introduction of a new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), Building and Construction Minister Poto Williams announced today. The Code of Ethics, which comes into force in October 2022, sets behavioural standards for LBPs to give both ...19 hours ago
- Primary sector returns strengthen export-led recoveryFarmers’ hard work in leading New Zealand’s export-led recovery from COVID-19 is being rewarded with high prices forecast for milk and very strong returns for meat, says Trade and Export Growth and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. Fonterra announced today a record predicted milk price of $7.90 to $8.90 for the ...19 hours ago
- Supporting economic resilience in the Indo-Pacific – Speech to the Asia Forum(Check against delivery) Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, kia ora koutou katoa Thank you Farib. It is a great pleasure to be invited to speak at this event. I want to acknowledge the on-going work of the Asia Forum. Over many years – decades, in fact – you have been ...23 hours ago
- RSI ‘state of the nation’ report publishedNew Zealand’s FCR cited research ratio is twice the world average Investment in R&D is increasing Case studies underscore how a science based COVID-19 response helped save lives In 2019, Māori and Pacific people represented 5 per cent of PhD graduates. The latest research, science and innovation system report card ...23 hours ago
- Funding to translate science into real life solutionsThe Government is investing in ‘Te Tītoki Mataora’ the MedTech Research Translator, to deliver new medical tools - and meet both the demands of a global pandemic and of a growing and aging population. “COVID-19 has shown that we need to build a more resilient, productive, innovative and economically-sustainable health ...2 days ago
- Tokelau champions language and cultureCOVID-19 continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of language and culture to the wellbeing of our Pacific communities, said the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio. “Our Tokelau community in Aotearoa has responded strongly to the challenges of the global pandemic by getting vaccinated and supporting ...3 days ago
- Festival drug-checking services get a boostThe Government is financially supporting drug-checking services to help keep young people safe at this summer’s large festivals and events, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “This is not about condoning drug use, but about keeping people safe,” Andrew Little said. “There is clear evidence that having drug-checking services at festivals ...4 days ago
- Expanded vaccination order for health and disability, education and prison workersA newly-signed Order means most people working in three key sectors will very soon need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the sake of themselves, their workmates and their communities, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed. The extended COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021 comes into effect ...4 days ago
- APEC finance ministers focus on inclusive, sustainable COVID recoveryAPEC finance ministers will continue to work together to respond to the effects of COVID-19 and ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery while capitalising on the opportunity to build a more resilient future. The New Zealand Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson chaired the virtual APEC Finance ...5 days ago
- Improvements to child and maternity facilities at Timaru Hospital on trackImprovements to child and maternity facilities at Timaru Hospital are well underway, and the next stage of the project will begin next month. Health Minister Andrew Little visited Timaru Hospital today to view progress onsite. “The improvements are part of South Canterbury DHB’s four-year refurbishment project and will create a ...5 days ago
- Govt responds to independent review into WorkSafeThe Government has clear expectations that WorkSafe must action the recommendations of the independent review into the regulator to improve its management of adventure activities following the tragedy at Whakaari White Island, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood says. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) today released the ...5 days ago
- Prevention funding to reduce tamariki in careA new iwi-led prevention programme will receive funding from Oranga Tamariki to help reduce the number of tamariki and rangatahi coming into state care, Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis has announced. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (Te Rūnanga) will receive $25.9m of Oranga Tamariki funding over three years to improve outcomes ...5 days ago
- Transforming New Zealand’s mental health legislationPublic consultation is now open for Aotearoa New Zealand to have a say on the repeal and replacement of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. “’He Ara Oranga, the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction’ made it clear that we needed to replace ...5 days ago
- COVID-19 Protection FrameworkKia ora koutou katoa Today I’m speaking directly to all New Zealanders to share a plan that will help us stay safe from COVID-19 into the future. A future where we want to continue to protect people’s lives, but also to live our lives – as safely as possible. Our ...5 days ago
- Business boost to transition to new COVID frameworkWe know that over the last twenty months the approach New Zealand has taken to COVID and Delta has saved lives and livelihoods. Along with one of the lowest mortality rates in the world, we have also had strong economic growth, low unemployment and one of the lower levels of ...5 days ago
- COVID-19 funding boost to protect maōri communitiesTēnā koutou katoa As you have heard from the Prime Minister, the new protection framework will support us to keep people safe especially our vulnerable communities and minimize the impact COVID-19 has on business and our day to day lives. If you want to protect yourself, your whanau and your ...5 days ago
- New COVID-19 Protection Framework delivers greater freedoms for vaccinated New ZealandersNew COVID-19 Protection Framework provides pathway out of lockdown and ability for businesses and events to re-open to vaccinated New Zealanders Simpler framework to minimise cases and hospitalisations without use of widespread lockdowns Auckland to move into the new framework when 90 percent of eligible population in each of the ...5 days ago
- New fund to accelerate Māori vaccinationsThe Government has established a $120 million fund to accelerate Māori vaccination rates and support communities to prepare for the implementation of the new COVID-19 Protection Framework. The new Māori Communities COVID-19 Fund will directly fund Māori, Iwi, community organisations and providers to deliver local vaccination initiatives for whānau, and ...5 days ago
- Government extends hardship assistance for low income workersIncome limits for Hardship Support through the Ministry of Social Development have been temporarily lifted so more people can recieve assistance. “Cabinet has agreed to make it easier for low income workers to recieve assistance for items such as food and other emergency costs,” Carmel Sepuloni said. “We know the ...5 days ago
- More support for learners with highest needsStudents most in need of extra help in the classroom are the focus of a new review that gets under way today, Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti says. About 50,000-80,000 children and young people are expected to benefit from a Ministry of Education review into Highest Need Learners that will ...5 days ago
- Parts of Waikato to stay at Alert Level 3 for next six daysThe parts of Waikato that have been in Alert Level 3 will remain at that alert level till Wednesday, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “Based on the latest public health information, maintaining level 3 in those parts of the Waikato continues to be the most prudent course of ...6 days ago
- Hon Peeni Henare September 2021 Proactive Diary Release...6 days ago
- NZ passes world-first climate reporting legislationNew Zealand has become the first country in the world to pass a law that will ensure financial organisations disclose and ultimately act on climate-related risks and opportunities, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr David Clark and Climate Change Minister James Shaw today announced today. The Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister NZ UK FTA opening remarksTēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. I am delighted to announce today that following a conversation with Prime Minister Johnson last night, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have Agreed in Principle a historic high-quality, comprehensive and inclusive free trade agreement. I’m joined today by the Minister ...6 days ago
- New Zealand secures historic free trade deal with the United KingdomA boost of almost $1 billion to New Zealand GDP, unprecedented access for New Zealand exporters to the UK market UK to eliminate all tariffs on New Zealand exports, with over 97% being removed the day the FTA comes into force NZ exporters to save approx. $37.8 million per year ...6 days ago
- Quarterly benefit numbers show more people in workBenefit figures released today show a year on year fall of 9,807 people receiving a Main Benefit in the September Quarter. “The Government is working hard to tackle COVID-19 and it is clear our strong response to the initial outbreak has created a resilient labour market which is providing opportunities ...6 days ago
- Health reforms bill introduced to ParliamentLegislation central to fixing the health system has been introduced into Parliament by Health Minister Andrew Little. “Rebuilding the public health system is critical to laying the foundations for a better future for all New Zealanders,” Andrew Little said. “We need a system that works for everybody, no matter who ...7 days ago
- NCEA and NZ Scholarship Exams to proceedNCEA and New Zealand Scholarship exams will proceed, including in areas where Alert Level 3 has been in place, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “The New Zealand Qualifications Authority, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health have been working together to ensure exams can be managed in a safe ...7 days ago
- Limited change to onsite learning – for senior secondary students – in Level 3 regionsOnsite learning at schools in Level 3 regions will start from next week for senior secondary school students to prepare for end of year exams, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “Secondary schools in these regions will start onsite learning for years 11 to 13 on Tuesday 26 October,” Chris ...7 days ago
- Guaranteed MIQ spots for health workersThe Government is changing the way managed isolation is co-ordinated for health workers, guaranteeing 300 spots a month for the health and disability sector. “Our world-class workforce is vital in rebuilding the health system and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Andrew Little said. “Whether it’s bringing doctors or nurses in ...7 days ago
- Govt helps to protect New Zealanders digital identitiesMaking it easier for New Zealanders to safely prove who they are digitally and control who has access to that information is one step closer to becoming law, Minister for Digital Economy and Communications, Dr David Clark said. The Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Bill passed its first reading today ...7 days ago
- Red tape cut to boost housing supplyNew building intensification rules will mean up to three homes of up to three storeys can be built on most sites without the need for a resource consent New rules will result in at least 48,200 and as many as 105,500 new homes built in next 5-8 years Bringing forward ...1 week ago
- Nationwide business partnership grows conservation jobsFurther Government support for New Zealand’s longest-standing sustainable business organisation will open up opportunities for dozens of workers impacted by COVID-19 to jump start a nature-based career, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. Partnering to Plant Aotearoa, led by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), is a collaboration with iwi, hapū and ...1 week ago
- New Zealand increases climate aid contributionGovernment commits $1.3 billion over four years to support countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change At least 50 percent of funding will go to the Pacific as it adapts to the impacts of climate change The increase means New Zealand now meets its fair share of global ...1 week ago
- Super Māori turnout for Super SaturdayMāori have put a superb effort into mobilising to get vaccinated over Super Saturday, with thousands rolling up their sleeves to protect themselves, their whānau and communities from COVID-19, Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare says. “It was absolutely outstanding that 21,702 Māori got vaccinated on this one day alone with 10,825 ...1 week ago
- Language assists Tagata Niue to thriveDespite the uncertain times we face with the challenges of COVID-19, our cultural knowledge, values and language remain constant, helping us progress towards goals in life, said the Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. This year, the Niuean community in New Zealand decided on the theme, “Kia tupuolaola e ...1 week ago
- New Zealand Ambassador to France announcedForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of Caroline Bilkey as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to France and the OECD. “Aotearoa New Zealand and France have a shared history, and enjoy a strong, collaborative partnership. This includes a strong trade and economic relationship, a shared commitment to support ...2 weeks ago
- Govt welcomes nurses’ pay settlementThe Government is welcoming news that a new employment agreement for nurses working in public hospitals has been settled. “I am very pleased that the hard work of the Nurses Organisation and District Health Boards has led to a settlement that both can support,” Health Minister Andrew Little said today. ...2 weeks ago
- If COVID hospitalisations increase, it’s still not clear how patients will be prioritised for ICU ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eliana Close, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology Around the world, the coronavirus pandemic has put unprecedented strain on intensive care resources. In some places, including parts of Italy, the United States, Canada, and the ...59 mins ago - If all 2030 climate targets are met, the planet will heat by 2.7℃ this century. That’s not OKSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, ARC DECRA fellow, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock If nations make good on their latest promises to reduce emissions by 2030, the planet will warm by at least 2.7℃ this century, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme ...59 mins ago
- Australia’s clean hydrogen revolution is a path to prosperity – but it must be powered by renewa...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Mathews, Professor Emeritus, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University Days out from the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, the Morrison government on Tuesday announced a “practically achievable” path to reaching its new target of net-zero emissions by 2050. As expected, the ...59 mins ago
- Missing out on PE during lockdowns means students will be playing catch-upSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jora Broerse, Research Fellow in Health Policy, Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy, Victoria University Shutterstock International evidence suggests children have poorer movement skills as a result of COVID-related lockdowns that reduced physical activity at school, socially and in the ...59 mins ago
- The first bisexual Bachelorette and the messy history of bisexual representation on reality TVSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca Beirne, Senior Lecturer in Film, Media and Cultural Studies, University of Newcastle Network 10 Reality TV staple The Bachelor, and its various franchises, has been described as a “primetime harem fantasy” even though it ultimately presents a fairly conservative portrait ...59 mins ago
- How does a library run out of e-books?
Auckland’s 56 libraries are closed, and no one knows when they’ll re-open. Devouring e-books online seems like a solution. For many, like my son, it’s not.He staggers around the house. He mopes along the hallway. He lies on his bed and stares at the ceiling. This is my son in ...1 hour ago - Live updates, October 27: 50 vehicle hikoī of ‘anti-vaxxers’ stopped at Auckland borderWelcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for October 27, by Stewart Sowman-Lund. Reach me on stewart@thespinoff.co.nz. Help support our Covid coverage – join Members today.The agenda 10.30am: An announcement on the government’s controversial three waters proposal is planned. 1pm: Chris Hipkins will front today’s Covid-19 press conference. Along with today’s ...1 hour ago
- The case against FacebookInternal documents reveal a company out of control, disregarding its own reports that it is causing deep social harm, Justin Giovannetti writes in The Bulletin.The Facebook Papers. The social media giant is at the centre of a firestorm after a trove of internal documents underscored earlier testimony to the US Congress ...2 hours ago
- Old wine in new bottles – why the NZ-UK free trade agreement fails to confront the challenges of a...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Professor of Law, University of Auckland Shutterstock When the sales pitch for a free trade agreement is that “British consumers will enjoy more affordable Marlborough sauvignon blanc, mānuka honey and kiwifruit, while Kiwis enjoy the benefit from cheaper ...2 hours ago
- PM denies aligning MIQ changes with rumoured EU trip
Jacinda Ardern says she has nothing to confirm about overseas travel as a free-trade agreement with the EU reaches "a critical juncture". ...3 hours ago - ‘World-leading’ Covid response exposes climate failure
The Government is being urged to heed health advice on climate change, as it did with Covid. David Williams reports On March 23 last year, a grim-faced Jacinda Ardern told the country the trajectory of Covid-19 was clear, and it was time to act. With two mystery cases in the ...3 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 27 October4 hours ago
- Newsroom daily crossword, Wednesday 27 October
...4 hours ago - Protecting our politicans from very real death threatsThe Detail - A lot of people think being an MP is a cushy job with a great salary. But along with debate comes an increasing number of death threats, some of them very real. ...4 hours ago
- The no-bullshit guide to NZ’s emissions record as James Shaw heads to GlasgowJames Shaw is one of many politicians around the world packing their bags for COP26. Going into this landmark summit, is New Zealand an international emissions pariah or are we doing our bit?Spare a thought for James Shaw. The climate change minister is about to hop on a flight to ...4 hours ago
- Which jobs have the highest risk factors for Covid transmission?As Covid embeds itself into our communities, catching the virus at work will become a real possibility for many more of us. But which occupations are by their nature the riskiest? Emma Vitz looks at the data.Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve been acutely aware of how lucky I ...4 hours ago
- Vaccine mandate terminations raise potential worker's rights issues
Businesses are eager to see how the Government's new risk assessment law for mandating staff to get vaccinated will work and protect them from litigation. Following last week’s announcement of businesses requiring vaccine certificates to offer services to vaccinated staff in the new post-lockdown traffic light system, the Government confirmed that workers ...4 hours ago - Indian diplomats weigh in on Hindutva spat
NZ's Indian High Commission is accused of spreading disinformation – but it says it was providing balance to "one-sided" research. ...4 hours ago - The slings, arrows, and death threats aimed at our politicians
Along with a high profile, the ability to change things and strident debate, New Zealand politicians are seeing an increasing number of death threats, some of them very real Being an MP has a lot of perks – free air travel, a good salary – but the job also has a ...4 hours ago - 'Rich get richer' holiday pay decision overturned
Employers are breathing a collective sigh of relief as the Court of Appeal says they don’t owe hundreds of millions of dollars of holiday pay to top executives. ...4 hours ago - Farming and greenhouse gases: is it time to take the bull by the horns?
This story originally appeared in The Irish Times and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story Agriculture is the Irish state’s biggest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, writes Irish Times political correspondent Harry McGee The ...4 hours ago - Virtual brain drain: Kiwis eye offshore firms for better benefits
Kiwis are increasingly interested in working for overseas employers from behind our closed borders ...4 hours ago - Reprieve for OT centre where abuse occurred
Whistleblower slates reversed decision as 'disingenuous' Oranga Tamariki performed a sudden u-turn yesterday when it announced it would not be closing its Te Oranga care and protection residence in Christchurch after all. The agency declared it would close the facility and launched a number of internal and external reviews and investigations ...4 hours ago - Review raises doubts over wage subsidy checks
Fresh scrutiny on the wage subsidy identifies potential rule-breakers from already-reviewed businesses. David Williams reports. Tax department analysis reveals 8 percent of sampled businesses might not have met the required revenue drop required to get the wage subsidy, lending credence to claims initial checks on the $17 billion scheme were ...4 hours ago - The good art friend
Is it ever morally okay to write about someone else’s intimate trauma? In a previous life, with a different name, I was a daily newspaper journalist. I was competitive, hungry for the front page, and ruthless in my chase for it. A good friend who worked for the then Health ...4 hours ago - Documents reveal 'real lack of preparedness for Delta'
Health briefings obtained by Newsroom show the Government only began planning for a Delta outbreak in late July, just weeks before the virus escaped MIQ in August. ...4 hours ago - O'Connor goes offshore again as Europe trade questions grow
Comment: A second trip to Europe by trade minister Damien O'Connor, at a time when such excursions are vanishingly rare, suggests an urgency to clear hurdles in trade talks with the UK and EU, Sam Sachdeva writes Clearly, one stay in managed isolation wasn’t enough for Damien O’Connor. Surprise news ...4 hours ago - Long read: How past climates hold secrets for our future
What can three-kilometre long ice cores, fossilised leaves and Whanganui's oceanside cliffs tell us about the climate of ancient Earth - and what warnings do they hold for humanity's current, high-carbon trajectory? Marc Daalder reports In 1996, scientists found a time machine buried deep in the Antarctic ice. Or rather, ...4 hours ago - The two-year search for elusive Black Ferns
Ahead of the Black Ferns' 100th test match, NZ's international women of rugby finally have their own A to Z, piecing together their fascinating history. Trying to track down all 222 women who've played for the Black Ferns has taken Adam Julian on a "pretty wild" odyssey around New Zealand, and ...4 hours ago - Six smarter tips for talking with friends who aren't vaccinated
Shouting at people who are unvaccinated only makes things worse, says Jess Berentson-Shaw. Try these strategies instead ...4 hours ago - Top diplomat catches Covid on overseas trade trip
A senior foreign affairs official has had to put off his return to New Zealand after testing positive for Covid during a lengthy trip to conclude trade deals One of New Zealand's top diplomats has been forced to prolong his stay overseas after catching Covid-19 during a trade trip. Vangelis Vitalis, the ...4 hours ago - View from The Hill: Morrison’s net-zero plan is built more on politics than detailed policySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Boris Johnson enthused about the Morrison government’s belated embrace of the 2050 net-zero target. “They’ve done a heroic thing, the Australians, in getting to that commitment,” Johnson said. “[It] was actually very difficult for Australia ...8 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Scott Morrison’s (thin) climate plan for GlasgowSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As well as Michelle Grattan’s usual interviews with experts and politicians about the news of the day, Politics with Michelle Grattan now includes “Word from The Hill”, where all things political will be ...13 hours ago
- Word from The Hill: Scott Morrison’s (thin) climate plan for GlasgowSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As well as Michelle Grattan’s usual interviews with experts and politicians about the news of the day, Politics with Michelle Grattan now includes “Word from The Hill”, where all things political will be ...13 hours ago
- ‘Illegal, dishonest, unethical and exploitative’ – but Crown Resorts keeps its Melbourne casin...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University Shutterstock The report of Victoria’s Royal Commission into Melbourne’s casino has been made public. It has found the behaviour of the casino’s operator, Crown Resorts to be ...13 hours ago
- Between the lines, Morrison’s plan has coal on the way out, with the future brightSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Masmikha/Shutterstock The most striking feature of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s long-term emissions reduction plan outlined on Tuesday is not the long-telegraphed commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, or the ...13 hours ago
- The government wants to expand the ‘digital identity’ system that lets Australians access servic...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelsie Nabben, Researcher / PhD Candidate, RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub / Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University Rodion Kutsaev/Unsplash, CC BY-SA The federal government has been asking the public for feedback on proposed legislation to create a “trusted digital identity” ...14 hours ago
- Victoria’s draft pandemic law misses one critical element – stronger oversight of the government...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Partlett, Associate Professor, The University of Melbourne The Victorian government is introducing a pandemic management bill that will structure its ongoing and future response to pandemics. According to a draft dated October 23, the bill gives the executive wide powers ...14 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – Covid19 and its impact so far on New Zealand MortalityAnalysis by Keith Rankin. Chart by Keith Rankin. The above chart of New Zealand weekly deaths since 2015 clearly shows the impact of winter influenzas and pneumonias on the mortality landscape of New Zealand. 2017 was a particularly bad year, with a substantially increased mortality in July of that year. ...15 hours ago
- What makes a good literary hoax? A political point, for startersSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Camilla Nelson, Associate Professor in Media, University of Notre Dame Australia Spanish authors (from left), Agustin Martinez, Jorge Diaz and Antonio Mercero, who have been writing bestsellers as Carmen Mola. Quique Garcia/EPA Literary hoaxes thrive on exposure. At best, they are politically ...15 hours ago
- Ardern rejects need to visit Auckland: 'I have a duty to run the country'Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she does not need to travel to Auckland to understand the impact of the lockdown there. ...16 hours ago
- How much do marine heatwaves cost? The economic losses amount to billions and billions of dollarsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alistair Hobday, Senior Principal Research Scientist – Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO Shutterstock Marine heatwaves are catastrophic impacts of climate change many of us are already familiar with. But how much do they cost society? During marine heatwaves, ocean temperatures can ...16 hours ago
- Now it’s Liberals telling us we are going to have to cut the capital gains tax concession if we wa...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University NSW is doing what Labor’s Bill Shorten could not – explaining why Australia’s capital gains tax concession is knocking first home buyers out of homes. Shorten went to the 2016 ...16 hours ago
- PNG’s Pangu Pati entangled in new legal row over female presidentBy Jeffrey Enapa in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea’s ruling Pangu Pati is entangled in another internal dispute just six months before the issue of writs for the 2022 general election. This time, the former president of the party, Patrick Pundao, has gone to the National Court to dispute the ...16 hours ago
- 79 new community covid cases in NZ – 75 in AucklandRNZ News New Zealand has reported 79 new community cases of covid-19 today. Of the new cases, 75 are in Auckland and four are in Waikato. Forty six of these cases are linked, including 24 household contacts, and 33 remain unlinked. There is also one new case at the border. ...16 hours ago
- Two covid cases arrive from New Caledonia at border in VanuatuRNZ Pacific The Vanuatu covid task force has confirmed that two arrivals from New Caleldonia have covid-19. But the organisation says Vanuatu remains free of any community transmission of the virus. Health officials are endeavouring to trace contacts from the airport to the Ramada Hotel where the two positive ni-Vanuatu ...16 hours ago
- Morrison’s climate plan has 35% 2030 emissions reduction ‘projection’ but modelling underpinni...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The government claims Australians would be nearly $2000 better off on average under its plan to reach net zero by 2050 compared with taking no action. According to the modelling – which the government has ...16 hours ago
- Clarity And Certainty For Business – Vaccine Certificates And Mandates
BusinessNZ endorses proposed law changes that will provide greater clarity and certainty and reduce risks for businesses when making decisions about workplace vaccination mandates. The plan will require vaccination of all workers at businesses where customers ...16 hours ago - Have Your Say On The Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply And Other Matters) BillThe Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill has been referred to the Environment Committee, and the Chairperson of the committee is calling for submissions. The bill proposes to amend the Resource Management Act ...17 hours ago
- ‘Disgraceful’ Level Of Vaccinations In Poorest Countries Will Hurt Us All, Says Helen ClarkFormer Prime Minister Helen Clark today called on donor countries to urgently step up the supply of vaccines to poorer countries. “It is critical for donor countries to see the bigger picture, to see that this really is a time not to profit, but to ...17 hours ago
- Greater Clarity On Vaccination Good For RetailersRetail NZ says that it is important that as many people as possible get vaccinated as soon as possible, and the greater certainty around vaccinations signalled by Government today is a good thing for employers and employees. “Retailers are working hard ...17 hours ago
- Vaccine Law For Hospitality Employees Awaited Warily...17 hours ago
- Victoria Police may soon be able to issue final intervention orders on the spot, but will this help ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ellen Reeves, Postdoctoral fellow, Monash University Police responses to family violence have long been the subject of scrutiny. Effective policing can play a key role in protecting victim-survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. Most recently across Australia, there has been heated debate about ...17 hours ago
- New Zealanders are super-connected. When restrictions lift in Auckland, it won’t take much to ampl...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dion O’Neale, Lecturer – Department of Physics, University of Auckland; Principal Investigator – Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland Hannah Peters/Getty Images As Aotearoa New Zealand moves from elimination to suppression, we need to understand how this could change the ...17 hours ago
- A fillip for farmers from Fonterra’s milk-payment forecast
In a timely boost to the rural regions, Fonterra has raised its forecast milk payment to farmers for this season to match its previous record high of 8.45kg/MS, as demand for dairy holds up while supply tightens. The giant co-operative lifted and narrowed its forecast farmgate milk price range for ...18 hours ago - More MIQ capacity for travellers and community cases 'within weeks' – HipkinsMIQ changes being announced this week will free up facilities to accommodate demand from New Zealanders overseas and from the Delta outbreak, the Covid-19 Response Minister says. ...18 hours ago
- New Covid-19 Strategy Raises Te Tiriti And Human Rights IssuesGreater clarity on the Government’s response to Covid-19 is welcomed by the Human Rights Commission, but it says the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and human right implications need careful analysis. A new Covid-19 Protection Framework for Aotearoa New Zealand ...18 hours ago
- 10 things every politician should know about historySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Clark, Australian Research Council Future Fellow in Public History, University of Technology Sydney The federal Education Minister, Alan Tudge, has announced a major edit of the draft history curriculum by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) as part of ...18 hours ago
- An ABC of science from Megan Woods (but you might need a translation) portends reform of the sector ...
Latest from the Beehive A speech from Phil Twyford, speaking as Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth, can be found on the Beehive website today – for those of who relish that sort of thing. He reminded his Asia Forum audience he has specific responsibility for ...18 hours ago - Our Observations On Local Government Risk Management Practices...19 hours ago
- “The Hoo-ha Is Hōhā” Leave The Hīkoi ‘til This Is OverIt’s understood that a hīkoi dubbed the Sovereign Hīkoi of Truth (SHOT) intends to travel from Rotorua to Waitangi today against the recommendations of Iwi. “Ngāti Whātua encourages all whānau to stay home during these lockdowns and only travel ...19 hours ago
- Collins denounces 'two-class system', but won't rule out vaccine certificatesNational Party leader Judith Collins has come out firmly against creating a "two-class system" by bringing in vaccine certificates, but she also wants to bring in vaccine certificates. ...21 hours ago
- Stay-at-home ministers are missing out on giving the personal touch to NZ’s foreign relationshipsThe reluctance of senior ministers from the PM downwards to travel too far – with the noteworthy exception of trade minister Damien O’Connor – is impacting NZ’s standing overseas. True, James Shaw and his sizeable entourage are attending this week’s COP26 climate change-fest in Glasgow. PM Jacinda Ardern wanted to ...21 hours ago
- Be Good And Ready In An EmergencyBeing prepared for an emergency or disaster reduces our vulnerability to their impact and helps save lives. This week is Good and Ready Week and New Zealand Red Cross is encouraging everyone to get involved and be prepared for when the next emergency ...21 hours ago
- Could government-funded vouchers help ease the hospitality industry’s woes?Dining out vouchers and subsidies to help restaurants and cafes bounce back from Covid-19 restrictions have been proposed by industry bodies and the opposition. But similar schemes implemented overseas haven’t always run smoothly, explains Charlotte Muru-Lanning.It’s clear that the hospitality industry is severely impacted by lockdowns, and the wider consequences ...21 hours ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – October 26 2021Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. You can sign up to NZ Politics Daily as well as New Zealand Political Roundup columns for free here. Today’s content Māori vaccination Derek Cheng (Herald): PM Jacinda Ardern ...22 hours ago
- OSOF Responds To NZ’s First Emissions Reduction PlanThe Ministry for the Environment (MfE) released New Zealand’s first Emissions Reduction Plan consultation document last Wednesday. The document provides a framework for reducing emissions across the energy, transport, waste, agriculture, construction ...24 hours ago
- Trust That Lost 12,000 Members To Hold ElectionsThe Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust who lost over 12,000 of its 19,000 iwi members is holding an election despite its membership register still being in ‘a shambles’. Mau Whenua and other iwi members took the Trust to the Māori Land Court ...1 day ago
- Intersex children in New Zealand are routinely undergoing unnecessary surgery – that needs to chan...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Breen, Professor of Law, University of Waikato Shutterstock Until very recently, people with intersex variations have often been unseen, stigmatised and routinely discriminated against. Intersex Awareness Day today (October 26) is therefore an opportunity to examine how much progress ...1 day ago
- Service Gaps Create Barriers For Māori With Prostate CancerA prostate cancer project funded by Movember has mapped ‘the cancer pathway’ for Māori men and their whānau. The findings reveal significant gaps in service provision and barriers to health that have whānau seeking help through emergency ...1 day ago
- Grant Robertson says government 'confident' with partial return to school in alert level 3With senior high school pupils returning to class in alert level 3 areas today, the R-rate for Covid-19 is not expected to be impacted "significantly", the deputy prime minister says. ...1 day ago
- “When Does The Team Of 5 Million Become The Gang Of 4 Million?” Asks New ConservativeThe Prime Minister’s warm smile is wearing off, and we can see the Labour government’s lack of compassion underneath. This is not the ‘Kind NZ”, that Labour promised. This is not the kind of New Zealand we know or want. Instead of taking ...1 day ago
- We ask locked-down writers the worst question in the worldIt’s a bad question at the best of times and a diabolical one right now. We asked it anyway, picking on writers who seemed to thrive during the first lockdowns last year.Eileen MerrimanDuring the first level four lockdown we resorted to a day camp in the back yard, and sat ...1 day ago
- A mysterious signal looked like a sign of alien technology — but it turned out to be radio interfe...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danny C Price, Senior research fellow, Curtin University CSIRO, Author provided In December last year, the media reported an intriguing signal we at the Breakthrough Listen project found in our radio telescope data. Dubbed BLC1, the signal didn’t appear to ...1 day ago
- China is accused of exporting authoritarian technology. But the west has done so, too, more covertlySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ausma Bernot, PhD Candidate, Griffith University Ng Han Guan/AP China’s 5G technology has now been banned in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the US and many in the European Union. In 2019, a NATO Cyber Defence Centre report identified ...1 day ago
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