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The strength of the left: working together…
Written By: - Date published: 8:31 am, April 27th, 2014 - 41 comments
The strength of the left: working together…. from the flaxroots. I agree with the parts of David Cunliffe’s speech to Young Labour where he talks of the importance of working together and mobilising the grass roots left in order to win the election. He is speaking about the Labour Party, but his words are equally true for the wider left
UBI (2) Why should we push for a UBI? (Universal basic income).
Written By: - Date published: 3:37 pm, January 17th, 2014 - 27 comments
Why a UBI?
Firstly. To overturn some paradigms:
That a great many people should lead poor and constricted lives, so a very few can be rich.
That ordinary people are disposable economic production units.
UBI (1). Memes and Paradigms.
Written By: - Date published: 9:34 pm, January 12th, 2014 - 227 comments
Those growing up after the 80’s will find it hard to imagine the paradigm shift, that was the rise of Neo-liberalism, in the 80’s, in New Zealand. The colossal untested experiment, it really was, and the huge shift of wealth from the lower and middle classes to the richest of us.
UBI
Written By: - Date published: 8:47 pm, January 7th, 2014 - 361 comments
New Zealand was once considered one of the best places on earth to live. It could be again …
National day of action against rape culture: 16 Nov (&15th)
Written By: - Date published: 9:27 am, November 15th, 2013 - 197 comments
Tomorrow is A Day of Action Against Rape Culture. There are a couple of actions starting today. Actions listed here, plus the reasons for the actions & demands/proposed solutions. Will update with info on any further actions as they become available. [Update: warning – the discussion under this post contains some challenges to the day of action]
Suffrage Day
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, September 19th, 2013 - 8 comments
It’s 120 years since women got the vote – what are you doing to celebrate?
UBI. (Universal Basic Income).
Written By: - Date published: 11:58 am, September 5th, 2013 - 232 comments
The concept of UBI has a long history in New Zealand.
Of course, we already have a UBI for those over 65. Which has been extremely successful at eliminating poverty amongst the elderly, at a very moderate cost by international standards.
The momentum of expectation….
Written By: - Date published: 12:20 pm, August 26th, 2013 - 115 comments
[Update] Surrounded by women, especially Pasifika women, Cunliffe announced he is standing for Labour leader. Iain Lees Galloway and Nanaia Mahuta signed the nomination forms. Report from New Lynn: photos added – Cunliffe answers some questions.
Children of gay parents are…
Written By: - Date published: 9:56 am, July 22nd, 2013 - 99 comments
…happier – according to preliminary research from the University of Melbourne.
NRT: A surfeit of caution
Written By: - Date published: 6:26 pm, July 18th, 2013 - 28 comments
I/S at No Right Turn on Street’s End of Life Choice Bill.
War on social security: demonisation of beneficiaries
Written By: - Date published: 7:57 am, July 15th, 2013 - 275 comments
Sweeping changes to NZ’s Social Security system begin today. This is a major shift from the the 1938 Social Security Act: a shift from support of those in need, to treating them as potential criminals, self-serving addicts, and malingerers. Shame on John Key & Paula Bennett! [Update: RNZ & BAF & AAAP]
Traitor or whistleblower?
Written By: - Date published: 8:01 am, July 13th, 2013 - 149 comments
Edward Snowden, now applying for temporary asylum in Russia, has been labeled both as traitor and as whistleblower. Is it a breach of trust to expose state use of surveillance to spy on citizens, especially if it is on behalf of powerful multinational corporations?
GCSB – independent inquiry needed
Written By: - Date published: 12:35 pm, July 10th, 2013 - 32 comments
A full, independent inquiry of the GCSB is needed , as argued by the Green & Labour Parties, and politics lecturer Damien Rogers. NZ First & Dunne – don’t support Key’s dodgy law changes! Key is masking political motives with spin and secrecy. [update] Campbell Live tonight – must see viewing.
Privacy tools
Written By: - Date published: 9:10 am, July 4th, 2013 - 33 comments
It looks like privacy is going to be an increasingly rare commodity in the brave new world. Want to protect yours? Here are some tools.
Revolting young
Written By: - Date published: 8:54 am, June 14th, 2013 - 400 comments
Bernard Hickey asked such an interesting question on Twitter that it’s worth a post and discussion here. When and how will the young revolt?
Spies and lies – can anyone trust Key?
Written By: - Date published: 6:52 am, June 13th, 2013 - 46 comments
The angles and implications of the GCSB / PRISM / Palantir story are multiplying at a frightening rate, and only a mug would trust anything coming out from the government about it. Key is openly contradicting himself on the GCSB law, it’s farcical.
The National government’s divided society
Written By: - Date published: 7:56 am, June 2nd, 2013 - 14 comments
A Fairfax poll shows an NZ divided by income inequalities & political allegiances. Little unemployment for National voters & more for opposition voters: a precariat with a high proportion of Maori & Pacific people. The right time for Russel Norman’s speech and blockupy?
Hand Mirror on can’t feed don’t breed
Written By: - Date published: 3:04 pm, May 30th, 2013 - 35 comments
Go check out a good post from Julie at The Hand Mirror – “A response to the Can’t Feed Don’t Breed Brigade”.
Images of our time: ‘shock’ capitalism
Written By: - Date published: 11:03 am, May 30th, 2013 - 87 comments
As Naomi Klein said in the Shock Doctrine documentary, disorienting natural and economic shocks result in the wealth being shifted from “public hands” to the wealthiest. The wealth gap, and extent of poverty in NZ is increasingly & devastatingly marginalising good Kiwis. Meanwhile, Peter Jackson is flying high.
Shocking the people into submission
Written By: - Date published: 10:10 am, May 29th, 2013 - 24 comments
Last night The Shock Doctrine (2009) aired on Maori TV. John Key, and his cheerleaders have followed their latest series of shock-inducing attacks on democratic processes and (low income) people’s rights, with positive forecasts for our future. Meanwhile, the gap between the haves & have-nots has grown.
How far right is John Key’s “centre”?
Written By: - Date published: 10:17 pm, May 26th, 2013 - 69 comments
Once again the MSM reports John Key’s assessment of his party’s place on the political spectrum without any critique. The NZ Herald has repeated Key’s line about his government being “centre right” and the Greens being “far left”. Key’s government’s continuing abuse of democracy is a long way from the centre of the “right”.
NRT: The spy bill
Written By: - Date published: 1:57 pm, May 7th, 2013 - 7 comments
The new GCSB spy bill is out. For the short version, as @lyndonhood commented: “Admittedly it will be easier for the GCSB to act within their legal boundaries if they don’t have any”. For the long version see the excellent I/S at No Right Turn…
On the new spy laws
Written By: - Date published: 10:33 am, April 23rd, 2013 - 27 comments
An Otago University academic and expert on computer security speaks out about the proposed new spy laws: “Surveilling the innocent – is that what we do to protect anyone or is that what we do in totalitarian society?”…
Marriage equality: living with prejudice
Written By: - Date published: 10:00 am, April 17th, 2013 - 117 comments
The marriage equality law will pass it’s final reading in the House tonight. It is a measure of how things have changed. The passing of the law will not bring an end to all prejudices, inequalities and debilitating practices. But, today is a day for celebrating. [Update: Louisa Wall’s speech added.]
NRT: Was Devoy’s appointment unlawful?
Written By: - Date published: 10:30 am, March 22nd, 2013 - 47 comments
No Right Turn asked an interesting question yesterday about how the appointment of Susan Devoy was made.
..it is highly doubtful that Devoy meets that statutory criteria for the office she has been appointed to. The advice on her appointment should make very interesting reading…
Punitive, anti-beneficiary Bill- opposition needed!
Written By: - Date published: 10:28 am, March 20th, 2013 - 48 comments
The Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill second reading is first up on the provisional order paper for today. It is a further step in Paula Bennett & NAct’s vicious, punitive, bennie-bashing campaign. MPs are urged to vote against it!
Stand back! The English language is evolving! GAY evolving!
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 pm, March 2nd, 2013 - 42 comments
Family First’s arguments against basic human rights continue to be absurd – now apparently we’re all going to forget what “husband” and “wife” mean.
Marriage equality bill progresses
Written By: - Date published: 1:21 pm, February 27th, 2013 - 25 comments
Good news, as Louisa Wall’s Marriage Equality Bill progresses through select committee.
THM: Questions that were never asked
Written By: - Date published: 1:03 pm, February 14th, 2013 - 89 comments
Stargazer at The Hand Mirror has a unique take on the Prosser affair. Prosser claims to have been motivated by concerns for his daughters’ rights and freedoms – which raises some interesting questions…
- The inside story of Auckland’s Korean culinary boom
From fried chicken and franchises to fusion and fine dining, Korean cuisine has taken over Tāmaki Makaurau, fuelled by the same ‘soft power’ that made K-pop go global and mukbang go viral. Jihee Junn charts the rise. In 1991, Il Mee on Auckland’s Queen Street became the first Korean ...2 weeks ago - The finalised second Emissions Reduction Plan is out – what’s in it and what’s not?
New Zealand’s second Emissions Reduction Plan has just been finalised, with eight key policies and a ‘technology-led’ approach. Shanti Mathias takes a look. This is an updated version of a piece that was published in July, when the draft Emissions Reduction Plan was released OK, so… what’s an Emissions Reduction ...2 weeks ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 12 December
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 12 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 weeks ago - Hopes for grand coalition on modern slavery law
Can Labour and National put aside their differences to take action on a growing concern? The post Hopes for grand coalition on modern slavery law appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 weeks ago
- Daily crossword, Thursday 12 December
The post Daily crossword, Thursday 12 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 weeks ago
- Xmas: Best novels of 2024
Issues and personal identities of race were at the absolute foreground of five of the best works of fiction of the year, each by writers of colour; the Pākehā authors of the other five outstanding works of fiction skirted the issue by largely avoiding having anything to do with Māori ...2 weeks ago
- NZ at a crossroads, where ‘back on track’ could easily be the wrong track
Opinion: As the 2024 political year draws to a close, New Zealand stands uncertainly at a series of crossroads. When the year began, there was some resonance with the new coalition Government’s commitment to get New Zealand “back on track”, but now, the polls say increasing numbers of people think ...2 weeks ago
- People can’t be measured on a balance sheet
Opinion: Recent discussions on proposals to exclude humanities and social sciences from future Marsden Fund grants have raised widespread concern. Yet this controversy has also sparked an overdue conversation about the value of the humanities and social sciences.These discussions pose fundamental questions:Can the importance of research outcomes always be measured ...2 weeks ago
- New roles a ‘Christmas miracle’ for redundancy casualties
Just two hours after Nicola Segal left the final-stage job interview, she received a call offering her the role – and asking if she could start immediately. Segal, a sales and marketing manager, had been out of work for more than four months after taking voluntary redundancy from her previous company, ...2 weeks ago
- Closing the gender pay gap, one disclosure at a time
The gender pay gap remains a persistent and prickly issue in New Zealand, but the Government is attempting to address it by amending a Bill and introducing a new calculator.As of late 2024, the gap is about 8.2 percent, meaning women earn on average 8.2 percent less than men for ...2 weeks ago
- Govt prioritises new rules for dietary supplement exports
Analysis: A little while back, in reporting for my podcast series Powder Keg, I paid a visit to NZ’s biggest gym, Les Mills in Auckland. I talked with young gym-goers arriving for their workouts.Most used some ... 2 weeks ago - Final Emissions Reduction Plan ‘Woefully Inadequate’ – WWF-New Zealand
WWF-New Zealand’s CEO, Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, says the utter lack of ambition in the plan shows the Government is not serious about tackling emissions in line with New Zealand’s international commitments and the Prime Minister’s own ‘performance ...2 weeks ago - Council Urges Government To Drop Treaty Principles Bill
The Council has particular concerns that the Bill would negatively impact the trust and collaboration underpinning its long-standing relationship with Ngāi Tahu. ...2 weeks ago
- ‘A sick wish fulfilment fantasy, so badly written’: Harry Ricketts’ biggest book regret
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Harry Ricketts – poet, literary scholar and author of memoir First Things and around 30 other books. The book I wish I’d written Byron’s comic verse-novel Don Juan. ...2 weeks ago
- Pure SEO Report Reveals Carbon Footprint Of New Zealand MPs
The critical analysis of MPs’ travel emissions reveals inefficiencies and discrepancies across all major parties. National leads in both expenses and emissions, with Labour close behind, reflecting the significant environmental impact of the dominant parties. ...2 weeks ago
- Kirihimete gift guide 2024: cool stuff from Māori and Pasifika-led brands
Our legendary guide is back to help you through another silly season. Note: When we first published this guide six years ago, it was about finding the small labels and makers out there and pointing hungry shoppers in their direction. Since then, there has been huge and exciting growth in ...2 weeks ago
- Five classic summer road trips, with burgers to match
Lollies and chips can only sustain you so far. Here are five of our favourite New Zealand road trips, with burger pairings to enjoy along the way. Auckland to Northland I know not everyone is a fan of new roads being built, but the drive from Auckland to Northland is ...2 weeks ago
- Stuff ‘consciously uncouples’ into two separate digital and print businesses
Exclusive: Leaked emails and documents show that the media giant will soon be two legal entities – opening up a range of options for owner Sinead Boucher. Duncan Greive analyses the move. News media giant Stuff will soon be two separate businesses, as it splits into one built around the ...2 weeks ago
- With its daily news bulletin scrapped, what’s next for Whakaata Māori?
With funding stagnant since 2008, the broadcaster is racing to adapt to a digital world – and a hard pivot might be the key to ensuring its survival. Last week, Whakaata Māori announced the end of its flagship daily news bulletin, Te Ao Māori News, which has been a fixture ...2 weeks ago
- PSA Takes Legal Action To Stop Govt Cutting Working From Home Arrangements
The PSA has filed a claim with the Employment Relations Authority to stop the Government restricting flexible workplace practices, including the recent directive on working from home. "The PSA is firmly of the view that the Government is unable to do ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing sprints toward the finish line
Some in the industry say a small number of negligent trainers ‘buggered it’ for everyone else, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund for The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...2 weeks ago
- Furious minister calls ‘please explain’ meeting over Lake Alice payments
Survivors of torture in state care say they’re being shortchanged by the Health Ministry, a situation that has left Cabinet Minister Erica Stanford “incandescent”.In October, Stanford, the minister in charge of the Crown’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, announced the Government had set aside $2.6 million ...2 weeks ago
- Calls for inquiry into billion dollar Kiwi dietary supplement
The US Food and Drug Administration reveals it’s received 118 adverse event reports this year alone, for users of a supplement marketed by big-name influencers as ‘made in NZ’.In particular, there are 30-plus reports of elevated hepatic enzymes and related symptoms of liver harm in 2023 and 2024. Scientists and ...2 weeks ago
- Auckland Council opposes new housing because motorists won’t be able to see a hill
Over the motorway from Sylvia Park is Mutukāroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park. Parts of it can be seen from the motorway and Auckland Council is fighting to keep that view sacred. If there’s one rule for being a safe driver, it’s keeping your eyes on the road. That may ...2 weeks ago
- How does New Zealand produce so many successful child actors?
Alex Casey takes a look back at the long history of Aotearoa’s child stars shining on the world stage and asks: are they our greatest export? If you too feel as if your sense of national pride is sinking into oblivion like a pavlova left outside in the forthcoming hottest ...2 weeks ago
- ECan councillors briefed in private by vested interests
Canterbury regional councillor expresses discomfort with minuteless, closed-door meetings which often have a ‘single narrative’ The post ECan councillors briefed in private by vested interests appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 weeks ago
- Cabinet approves $5m loan to support Whakapapa buyer
Whakapapa Holdings has received Crown support to buy the ski field out of receivership The post Cabinet approves $5m loan to support Whakapapa buyer appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 weeks ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 11 December
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 11 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 weeks ago
- How NZ businesses can find offshore success
As a small country at the bottom of the world, opportunities for New Zealand businesses to bring in offshore revenue at scale can be few and far between. But a sector that transcends borders – the technology industry – has shown an ability to do so and do so at ...2 weeks ago
- The most electric place in Auckland this year? Penrose 1061
A much maligned old friend is reborn as a field of dreams. In a year with too few causes to celebrate, in a city that still feels a few chips short of a scoop, one beacon shone bright and long and radiant. In the perfunctory suburb of Penrose, postcode 1061, ...2 weeks ago
- A Historic Victory For Greyhounds In New Zealand
"This is a huge win for greyhounds across New Zealand and sets a powerful precedent on the global stage," says Danette Wereta, spokesperson for the Animal Justice Party. "There are so many amazing ways to have fun that don’t harm animals or put them ...2 weeks ago
- No More Complicity! Aotearoa National Rally For Palestine
For over a year, thousands of New Zealanders have joined the millions across the world in taking to the streets to call for an end to the genocide in Gaza. ...2 weeks ago
- PSA Demand End To Sexist Pay Discrimination
"Thousands more women employed or funded by government are moving through the pay equity process to address the undervaluation of their work," Davies said. ...2 weeks ago
- Stand Tū Māia Sues Children’s Ministry For Breach Of Contract
Chief Executive Dr Fiona Inkpen said the Trust had been forced to bring court action to hold the Children’s Ministry to its contractual obligations and prevent the Ministry from acting as though the contract has been cancelled. ...2 weeks ago
- The Spinoff’s best NZ books of 2024
The best local books published this year, as selected by books editor Claire Mabey and a panel of experts. Welcome to the first of four best-of-books lists for 2024. These are the New Zealand books, for both children and adults, published in 2024, that stuck with our panel of writers, ...2 weeks ago
- PSA Calls On Minister To Reverse Cold-hearted Cuts To Children’s Charity Funding
Children’s charity Stand Tū Māia is today taking urgent legal action against Oranga Tamariki for unilaterally reneging on a three-year $21 million contract after only six months. ...2 weeks ago
- Review: Ram Raid Mums provides a blueprint for breaking the cycle
With youth crime dominating headlines and the government doubling down on punitive measures, Ram Raid Mums offers a powerful, humanising alternative. Liam Rātana reviews. It’s easy to say that all criminals should be locked up. That we should throw the book at people who break the law in an attempt ...2 weeks ago
- A close reading of the United Healthcare CEO suspect Luigi Mangione’s Goodreads account
Last week, the CEO of United Healthcare was shot and killed in New York. Today, we assess the suspect’s reading habits. Disclaimer: There is a slight possibility that someone with the same name and same face also has a Goodreads account and an interest in environmentalism and the healthcare industry. ...2 weeks ago
- The small town cinemas holding on at the edge of the world
Alex Casey talks to the owners of some of the country’s smallest cinemas about how they’re surviving – and even thriving – in 2024. To sit in the foyer of Ethel’s Cinema in Akaroa is to feel smack bang in the epicentre of the 600-strong Banks Peninsula community. The coffee ...2 weeks ago
- The cost of being: A thrifty baking apprentice who’s saving up to travel
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 21-year-old explains why she’s always on the hunt for a bargain. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 21. Ethnicity: NZ European. Role: Second-year baking ...2 weeks ago
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