david cunliffe
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Clean it up
Written By: - Date published: 10:00 am, September 23rd, 2014 - 70 comments
Action Station has a full page ad in today’s NZ Herald, asking to clean up dirty politics. Dirty Politics is not any isolated attack politics or criticism of those in power. It is a relentless two track strategy, an orchestrated smear machine, aimed at moving politics rightwards & disengaging (left wing) voters. Update: Hager comments on the election.
Our children in Wellington
Written By: - Date published: 9:06 am, September 23rd, 2014 - 282 comments
I’m pretty sure that David Cunliffe would win a members and affiliates vote. So suck it up MPs, stop playing your silly caucus games and do some frigging work this term rather than the self-indulgent posturing you wasted time with last term. We have to start building campaigning machinery as soon as possible. You are getting in the way.
Next time …
Written By: - Date published: 8:59 am, September 21st, 2014 - 174 comments
National has an outright majority and the left has gone backwards. Some thoughts on what may have happened.
Three final polls
Written By: - Date published: 7:15 am, September 19th, 2014 - 98 comments
Three last polls and National’s support is declining, Labour’s improving and the Greens are stable. Things are getting very close with Winston Peters looking more and more likely to hold the balance of power. This election will be decided vote by vote.
Shout out to The Standard
Written By: - Date published: 6:50 pm, September 18th, 2014 - 61 comments
A special call to work from David Cunliffe. http://youtu.be/0UK8ZPtjaxo If you don’t already have an date with a political party of the left on Saturday, then the best thing you can do is to Firstly vote left (and maybe Labour). Find a party that can employ you constructively on Saturday on turning out the vote. […]
Leader’s debate IV
Written By: - Date published: 8:34 pm, September 17th, 2014 - 155 comments
The fourth and final leaders debate has now finished. John Key will be pleased at his decision to limit it to 30 minutes.
Blue on the polls
Written By: - Date published: 12:04 pm, September 14th, 2014 - 62 comments
Landline polls are a traditional gripe for lefties. But this election polls look seriously out of whack with reality. Is National at 55%, 50%, 48% or 46%? But it’s always far too large for a party at National’s current stage in the political cycle. Just unbelievable and highly unlikely.
My Thinks: A manufactured consent
Written By: - Date published: 2:02 pm, September 13th, 2014 - 28 comments
Here we sit just a week out from an election. It’s a week in which you face a stark choice. Three more years of smile and wave dirty politics or a new direction.
Authenticity
Written By: - Date published: 7:39 am, September 13th, 2014 - 34 comments
Is Cunliffe inauthentic? Does Key get to have his own facts? And when will we get proper (ie not game) analysis from our pundits? (spoiler warning: praise for Josie Pagani)
A clear Cunliffe win
Written By: - Date published: 10:31 pm, September 10th, 2014 - 141 comments
David Cunliffe’s performance in tonight’s head-to-head with John Key was exactly what I wanted to see from the next Labour Prime Minister of NZ.
Cunliffe v Key – Round 3
Written By: - Date published: 8:01 pm, September 10th, 2014 - 87 comments
Round three between David Cunliffe and John Key is scheduled for tonight. John Campbell will moderate and Paul Henry will provide expert comment …
National’s mating dance with the Conservatives II
Written By: - Date published: 8:39 am, September 8th, 2014 - 30 comments
National is now talking up the possibility of a post election accommodation with the Conservative Party. But the thought of the Conservatives having a significant say in policy formation should make all progressives very afraid.
Two weeks to go …
Written By: - Date published: 11:05 am, September 6th, 2014 - 139 comments
Two weeks to go and polls suggest that National’s slide in the poll may be arrested. But for how long?
Thoughts from the crowd on Tuesday night’s debate
Written By: - Date published: 7:50 am, September 4th, 2014 - 51 comments
I was in the front row of the audience at the Press leader’s debate between David Cunliffe and John Key. While the media in Auckland and Wellington might have called it one way, the people in Christchurch were only presented with one leader who understands the issues in this city, and it wasn’t the Prime Minister.
National’s campaign train wreck
Written By: - Date published: 8:33 am, September 3rd, 2014 - 243 comments
So far National’s election campaign has been a train wreck. What was meant to be a leisurely walk to the finish line has turned into a limp. David Cunliffe is more than holding his own against John Key. And dirty politics is having a gradual corrosive effect on National’s support.
Score draw?
Written By: - Date published: 9:45 pm, September 2nd, 2014 - 181 comments
Cunliffe started best, Key got in a zinger and put him off his stride, Cunliffe dominated the second half.
The Press Debate – tonight, livestreamed on Stuff
Written By: - Date published: 2:00 pm, September 2nd, 2014 - 227 comments
The second big head-to-head between David Cunliffe and John Key will be livestreamed on Stuff from 7pm tonight.
Cunliffe 1 Key 0
Written By: - Date published: 8:39 am, August 29th, 2014 - 73 comments
Two new polls with different conclusions drawn and the first Leadership debate with a win to David Cunliffe. He may be a sterling campaign away from being the next Prime Minister.
And the winner is…
Written By: - Date published: 10:07 pm, August 28th, 2014 - 119 comments
The pundits say: Cunliffe
The first head-to-head debate – tonight!
Written By: - Date published: 7:45 am, August 28th, 2014 - 315 comments
The first head-to-head debate between David Cunliffe and John Key (tonight, 7pm, TV One) could be a real turning point of the election.
Bizarre attack on Cunliffe
Written By: - Date published: 4:52 pm, August 27th, 2014 - 48 comments
Andrea Vance has a weird attack piece on Cunliffe where she accuses him of not being hungry, not being able to offer instant affordable houses to everybody, not standing in the right place, and even sleeping.
Greens, Labour, NZH Hot Seat: coalitions
Written By: - Date published: 9:53 am, August 22nd, 2014 - 13 comments
In the NZ Herald panel interviews, Green & Labour Party leaders come across extremely well. The leaders are confident, considered and ready to govern.
The Left on policies and values
Written By: - Date published: 7:53 pm, August 16th, 2014 - 6 comments
In spite of what John Key & some of the media claim, Labour & the Greens have continued to campaign positively on policies and values throughout the week. The Greens officially launch their campaign tomorrow.
How Labour and the Greens win it from here
Written By: - Date published: 9:20 am, August 11th, 2014 - 81 comments
A great campaign launch from Labour on the weekend, a couple of bad weeks for National and suddenly there is a chance that David Cunliffe may be our next Prime Minister. But how does he succeed and what can progressives do to help?
Labour – “Ready to Win”
Written By: - Date published: 3:10 pm, August 10th, 2014 - 135 comments
David Cunliffe’s campaign launch speech.
Added a video of the speech.
Polity: When general reporters cover political stories…
Written By: - Date published: 11:19 am, August 10th, 2014 - 9 comments
You really have to ask what journalists are trained in. Clearly not learning about existing party policies. Some reporters managing to miss that Labour has been planning to extend Paid Parental Leave for 3 years.
The Labour Campaign Launch
Written By: - Date published: 8:26 am, August 10th, 2014 - 40 comments
Labour’s campaign launch is today and it is expected that major health initiatives will be announced.
Our Friends in the North
Written By: - Date published: 6:31 pm, August 6th, 2014 - 225 comments
It’s been an interesting few days in the battle for Te Tai Tokerau. Never mind the bollocks, people. The question for Labour isn’t should we stand aside for Hone in the north or Mana/IP anywhere else. The question is ‘do we need ’em?’. The answer is looking more and more like no.
Labour campaign launch this Sunday (Auckland)
Written By: - Date published: 1:00 pm, August 5th, 2014 - 56 comments
David Cunliffe is officially launching Labour’s campaign in Auckland this Sunday and you’re all invited.
Positive Policy on Youth Employment
Written By: - Date published: 6:09 pm, August 4th, 2014 - 8 comments
Other than fixing child poverty, there’s probably no more important policy than this. Labour will commit $183 million to a comprehensive Youth Employment Package designed to reach 24,000 young New Zealanders.
Wages up – Work secure – Labour policy
Written By: - Date published: 1:03 pm, July 30th, 2014 - 165 comments
Labour has today released its Work and Wages policy. An immediate lift to $15 in the minimum wage, and a raise to $16.25 in April next year. 90 day free sacking option for employers to go in first 100 days. Core public service to get the Living Wage first, others to follow. That’ll put some money where it’s most needed.
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Just a few months ago, Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was one of the final two candidates for the position of police commissioner. Now, he's on leave and facing multiple investigations for unspecified wrongdoing: The second-most powerful police officer in the country is on leave pending separate investigations, the Herald ...2 weeks ago
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- Poll number 4: Dead Govt Walking
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- Monday 9 December
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- Monday Wrap Up: Politics News
1. Anti-red tape ministry advises against anti-red tape bill (The Post, Andrea Vance)David Seymour's anti-red tape ministry says his new bill to slash red tape is unnecessary.An interim regulatory impact statement from [The Ministry of Regulation] said while it supports the overall objectives [of Seymour’s bill], it says the legislation ...2 weeks ago - Simeon Brown’s fanaticism kills Warkworth intersection fix
I grew up in Warkworth, and the infamous Hill Street intersection has been an issue not just my whole life, but for decades before I was even born. My dad told me stories of how, back in the 80s, he’d set up seats overlooking the intersection and sit watching the ...2 weeks ago
- Gordon Campbell on the fall of Assad, and the new Dylan movie
Hold the champagne. Ugly and brutal as it was, the Assad regime may have been the lesser evil for Syria, the Middle East region and the rest of the world. The last time an extremist Sunni fighting force – called Islamic State (IS) – exerted control over large swathes of ...2 weeks ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #49
A listing of 24 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, December 1, 2024 thru Sat, December 7, 2024. Alternative listing prototype Instead of a "Story of the Week" we added a listing by assigned category, so this installment will ...2 weeks ago
- Mokopuna Thinking
Because the sky is blueIt makes me crySongwriters: Paul McCartney / John Lennon.This morning, I went along to the launch of the Greens’ alternative plan for emissions reduction. Contrasting the coalition’s approach of burying their head in the sand and glowering “thou shalt not” at others who try to stop ...2 weeks ago - Are Lester Levy and Shane Reti “cooking the books?”
This news piece is important enough it serves as a recap of events:Please consider supporting my work if you can afford to.In July, after most Health NZ Board members had already resigned – many without notice and it was starting to look embarrassing for the sitting Government - Shane Reti ...2 weeks ago - Watching the Tide
So I'm just gonna sit on the dock of the bayWatching the tide roll awayI'm sittin' on the dock of the bayWastin' timeSongwriters: Stephen Lee Cropper / Otis ReddingChristmas PartiesAs you might recall from yesterday’s newsletter, last night was Christmas Party time for the Rockels.One of the younger members of ...2 weeks ago - My Saturday Soliloquy for Dec 7
Mōrena. Long stories short, the six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty in this week were:PM Christopher Luxon said his Goverment was ‘re-learning’ the austerity-infused economic lessons taught by former National Finance Minister Ruth Richardson in 1991, when she slashed spending to reduce public ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuel lobbyist appointment to EECA board called out
The Green Party condemns the Government’s appointment of a fossil fuel lobbyist to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority Board. ...2 weeks ago - Release: Boot camps must be shut down today
The Prime Minister has committed to shut down his government’s boot camps if there is evidence of harm to children – so he must do that today. ...3 weeks ago - Greens echo OECD call for electricity market reform
The Green Party has welcomed the OECD urging the Government to re-examine separating ‘gentailers’ to make a fairer electricity market for New Zealanders. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Govt breaks Auckland housing promise
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed National has broken yet another election promise. ...3 weeks ago
- Government smokescreen to downgrade climate ambition
Today the ACT-National Coalition Agreement pet project’s findings on “no additional warming” were released. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Health NZ admits errors led to claimed deficit
Health New Zealand has exaggerated its deficit to justify job cuts. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: More cuts to research, science and innovation sector
The Government’s latest round of cuts to research and innovation targets the long-established and successful Marsden Fund. ...3 weeks ago
- Govt guts funding for social sciences and humanities
The Government’s decision to axe all Humanities and Social Science research funding through the Marsden Fund is a massive step backwards. ...3 weeks ago
- You can’t bank on pine trees in a climate crisis
Today’s Government announcement to limit farm forestry conversions tinkers around the edges, instead of focusing on the real problem and stopping pollution at the source. ...3 weeks ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...6 days ago - Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
New Zealand is one step closer to reaping the benefits of gene technology with the passing of the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. "This legislation will end New Zealand's near 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab and is ...6 days ago
- New Zealand ratifies AANZFTA Upgrade
New Zealand has ratified the Upgrade to the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), Minister for Trade Todd McClay announced today. “ASEAN which is comprised of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, is New Zealand’s fourth largest trading partner in two-way trade – ...6 days ago
- PM’s Space Prizes highlight talent and innovation
The inaugural winners of the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes showcase the depth and breadth of talent in New Zealand’s dynamic space and advanced aviation sectors, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Space Minister Judith Collins say. “The Government established these prizes to recognise and encourage innovative expertise and rising talent in ...6 days ago
- One-stop shop fast-track bill passes third reading
The coalition Government’s new one-stop shop fast-track consenting regime for regionally and nationally significant projects will help rebuild the New Zealand economy, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones. The Fast-track Approvals Bill passed its third reading in Parliament today. Applications for projects to ...6 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointment
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Craig Ellison to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand. The appointment is effective from 18 December 2024 for a three-year term and brings the Board to its full capacity of seven members. “Mr Ellison joins the Board with a background in Antarctic ...6 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...7 days ago
- Financial measure and capital allowance updated
The Government is adopting a new financial indicator and a new approach to capital allowances, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. These changes follow reviews, announced at the Budget, of the operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) and the multi-year capital allowance (MYCA). “Since 2008, governments have used OBEGAL to ...7 days ago
- Lifting productivity key
Lifting the productive capacity of the economy is the key to realising New Zealand’s potential, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update released today shows the Crown’s financial position has deteriorated over the past six years, but the economy has reached a turning point. “Inflation ...7 days ago
- Consultation on Arms Act rewrite to begin
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed Cabinet’s decision to undertake public consultation on the rewrite of the Arms Act 1983. “Phase four of my firearms reforms is the rewrite of the Act and, as promised, we will be consulting with the New Zealand public. The consultation period will open ...7 days ago
- Government confirms reduction to Forestry ETS annual charge
The Government has today confirmed a 50 per cent reduction to the annual charge for forest owners participating in the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “This decision delivers on the Government’s promise to rebuild confidence in the forestry sector and support its role in achieving ...7 days ago
- First quarterly Oranga Tamariki performance data released
Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has welcomed the release of the first quarter of Oranga Tamariki performance data. “Since becoming Minister for Children, I have been clear that Oranga Tamariki must be relentlessly focused on the safety of children and young people in its care. “This is why I introduced key performance ...7 days ago
- Public to have their say on disability funding
The wider disability community will have their say early next year on how the Government should deliver disability support services that are fair, consistent, transparent, and sustainable, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “The Government is committed to better public services and building a disability support system that delivers better ...7 days ago
- Securing the skills and experience NZ needs
The Government is supporting businesses to secure the skills and experience New Zealand needs by continuing to refine the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). “A responsive immigration system is fundamental to rebuilding the economy,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. “Earlier in the year, we made initial changes to the AEWV ...7 days ago
- Minimum wage set for 2025
The adult minimum wage rate will increase by 1.5 percent to $23.50 an hour from 1 April 2025, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. This minimum wage increase meets the NZ First-National coalition commitment to moderate increases to the minimum wage every year. Cabinet’s decision reflects ...7 days ago
- Extra security to again keep EDs safe this summer
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti is again reminding New Zealanders that violence against patients, visitors and health workers won’t be tolerated, with additional security for hospital emergency departments across the country this summer. “Staff and patients in our EDs deserve to feel safe when they’re working or visiting hospitals across ...7 days ago
- Q4 plan sets NZ up for growth and infrastructure
It will soon be easier to get things built in New Zealand due to the actions delivered by the Government as part of our Quarter Four (Q4) Action Plan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “The modern and reliable infrastructure New Zealand desperately needs is a lot closer thanks to the ...1 week ago
- Government getting local government back to basics
The Government has agreed to reforms that refocus local councils on delivering essential services and core infrastructure, spending responsibly, and operating under greater scrutiny, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Homeowners face the fastest rates rise in more than twenty years. Rates are out of control and the Government is taking ...1 week ago
- Cabinet circular paves way for better regulation to benefit everyone
Regulation Minister David Seymour says that changes to the way regulations are made will ensure the process is more efficient, transparent and effective. From 1 January 2025, government agencies making new regulations will follow a more simplified and streamlined process, saving time and energy by focusing only on what’s important. ...1 week ago
- Ministers recognise health volunteers
Seven outstanding individuals and organisations have been recognised in the 2024 Minister of Health Volunteer Awards. The recipients hail from across the country, and range in age from 17 to 90 years old. Their work includes leading exercise groups for people with lung conditions, school students supporting disabled people, and ...1 week ago
- New plan for reducing family and sexual violence
The launch in Auckland today of the second Te Aorerekura Action Plan for the prevention of family violence and sexual violence featured three government ministers, together to symbolise this government’s commitment to reducing harm from violence. The launch was hosted by Karen Chhour, as Minister for the Prevention of Family ...1 week ago
- Speech – Launch of the Second Te Aorerekura Action Plan
Welcome everyone, thank you for joining us today for the launch of the Second Te Aorerekura Action Plan - Breaking the cycle of violence. My name is Karen Chhour – I am the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence and Minister for Children. This is a big ...1 week ago
- Low-emission hydrogen plan released
The Government has released a Hydrogen Action Plan which sets out key steps to unlock private sector investment in hydrogen energy and support New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced today.“New Zealand is fortunate to have abundant renewable energy ...1 week ago
- Trade Minister to visit India
Trade Minister Todd McClay will travel to New Delhi on 15 December to continue strengthening New Zealand’s relationship with India. Mr McClay will meet with his counterpart, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. He will also meet with senior members of the Indian business community. “India is an important partner ...1 week ago
- Modernising dietary supplement regulations
The first steps in modernising the regulation of exported dietary supplements have been announced today by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard, and Trade Minister Todd McClay. “We are using the Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill to address some long-term issues for New Zealand companies wanting ...1 week ago
- Therapeutic Products Act repeal bill passed
The Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill has been passed by Parliament, clearing the way for better regulation for medicines, medical devices, and natural health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “Repealing the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) was a promise this Government made to the New Zealand public, and ...1 week ago
- Assurance received from the National Library on freedom of expression
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has spoken to Rachel Esson, the National Librarian responsible for the National Library of New Zealand, about the importance of the Government institution remaining impartial and not attempting to censor academics hosted to talk at the National Library. “It is essential that Government ...1 week ago
- Kaitaia Airport resolution takes flight
Tērā te āniwaniwa e tāwhana mai ana i te rangi i runga i Te Waionepū me ngā pā tawhito ko Tūtūtarakihi ko Wharekākāriki – A rainbow arches in the skies above Te Waionepū and the ancient pā of Tūtūarakihi and Wharekākāriki. A vital future for the country’s northernmost airport has ...1 week ago
- New Zealand and Thailand make progress towards strategic partnership
New Zealand and Thailand have set an ambitious timeline to upgrade their relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. Mr Peters met with his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa in Auckland today. “New Zealand has great ambitions for our partnership with Thailand," Mr Peters says. “There are significant opportunities to do more ...2 weeks ago
- Government delivers standardised emissions measurement tool
The Government is delivering on our Q4 commitment, restoring certainty and credibility to the agriculture sector by introducing a standardised, science-based method for measuring farm-level greenhouse gas emissions, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, today announced. “Our farmers are some of the most carbon efficient food producers in the world, but they ...2 weeks ago
- New appointments to the Sport NZ board
Four new board members have been appointed to the board of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sport NZ), Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says. “Megan Campbell, John Fiso (ONZM), Kathryn Irving and Ken Laban will collectively bring strong governance experience in the community, sporting and recreational sectors to the ...2 weeks ago
- Government sets target to reduce persistent poverty
The Government has set a target to lift 15,000 children out of persistent child poverty by 2035, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston has announced. “We are committed to making New Zealand the best place in the world for children and addressing persistent poverty is an important step in realising ...2 weeks ago
- Next phase of Whangārei Hospital development underway
The next phase of the Whangārei Hospital redevelopment is underway, with Health Minister Dr Shane Reti breaking ground on the new child health centre. Dr Reti says the $35 million unit, Tira Ora, replaces the existing children’s clinic with a modern, fit-for-purpose facility which will provide significantly more capacity and ...2 weeks ago
- Judicial appointments announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of six lay members of the High Court under the Commerce Act 1986. Lay members assist the Court in cases involving appeals from decisions of the Commerce Commission and in other matters under the Commerce Act. They also play a key role in ...2 weeks ago
- Three Strikes Bill passes third reading
The Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill which passed its third reading today, makes it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending will not be tolerated, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Reinstating the Three Strikes regime will help keep New Zealanders safer while sending a strong message to those ...2 weeks ago
- Record wild goat hunting competition removes 12,935 goats
A collaborative effort between hunters, landowners, and conservation organisations has successfully removed 12,935 wild goats during the second annual National Competition, Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay announced today. This marks a 22 per cent increase from last year. “This is fantastic result demonstrates the importance and benefit of strong partnerships ...2 weeks ago
- Government to enable tolling to accelerate investment in roads
The Government has agreed key policy changes to enable tolling of roading infrastructure, helping bring forward critical investment in New Zealand’s transport network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Tolling is a tool used around the world to accelerate investment in roading infrastructure, and the changes the Government is making will allow ...2 weeks ago
- Sue Brake appointed to Guardians NZ board
Finance industry veteran Sue Brake has been appointed to the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board, while the chair of the board, John Williamson, has been re-appointed, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. “Sue Brake brings more than two decades of experience in investment management, governance and strategic advice and ...2 weeks ago
- Supporting safe, secure, responsible use of space
New legislation to manage risks posed by ground-based space infrastructure will be introduced next year, Space Minister Judith Collins says. “Ground-based space infrastructure are the systems on Earth that carry out tracking and control of spacecraft, space surveillance, and the transfer of data to and from spacecraft,” Ms Collins says. ...2 weeks ago
- Mental health targets provide foundation to build on
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the Government’s five mental health and addiction targets provide a foundation to build on in the first quarter of reporting, but the data highlights there is still plenty of work to do, particularly in key regions. “I am glad to see 80 per cent ...2 weeks ago
- Transmission Gully partnership breakdown will not hurt future public-private partnerships, Infrastru...
The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...3 days ago - Funding cuts to charity particularly felt over Christmas period
The number of people seeking help from Lifeline is expected to increase by 10 to 20 percent over Christmas. ...3 days ago
- Nelson Hospital conditions ‘unbearable’ – staff
One worker says the building is decrepit and falling down around them. ...3 days ago
- Early-onset dementia under the microscope
Comment: If we say the word ‘dementia’, many will picture an older person struggling to remember the names of their loved ones, maybe a grandparent living out their final years in an aged care facility. Dementia can also occur in people younger than 65, but it can take time before ...3 days ago - Keeping the pirates at bay: Should the Australian ‘Blocking Order’ case prompt a discussion in N...
Piracy is a reality of modern life – but copyright law has struggled to play catch-up for as long as the entertainment industry has existed. As far back as 1988, the House of Lords criticised copyright law’s conflict with the reality of human behaviour in the context of burning cassette ...3 days ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Luxon at Xmas
MONDAY“Merry Xmas, and praise the Lord,” said Sheriff Luxon, and smiled for the camera. There was a flash of smoke when the shutter pressed down on the magnesium powder. The sheriff had arranged for a photographer from the Dodge Gazette to attend a ceremony where he handed out food parcels to ...3 days ago
- Stand by for cricket’s Smash Palace
It’s a little under two months since the White Ferns shocked the cricketing world, deservedly taking home the T20 World Cup. Since then the trophy has had a tour around the country, five of the squad have played in the WBBL in Australia while most others have returned to domestic ...3 days ago
- ‘We were as famous as Tom Cruise’: Craig Parker on 90s Shortland St fandom
As he makes a surprise return to Shortland Street, actor Craig Parker takes us through his life in television. Craig Parker has been a fixture on television in Aotearoa for nearly four decades. He had starring roles in iconic local series like Gloss, Mercy Peak and Diplomatic Immunity, featured in ...3 days ago - ‘I prioritise the mission, not my health’: Adam McGrath’s perfect weekend playlist
The Ōtautahi musician shares the 10 tracks he loves to spin, including the folk classic that cured him of a ‘case of the give-ups’. When singer-songwriter Adam McGrath returns to Kumeu’s Auckland Folk Festival from January 24-27, he’s not planning on simply idling his way through – he wants the late ...3 days ago
- The rescue dog bringing joy to Christchurch retirement homes
Alex Casey spends an afternoon on the job with River, the rescue dog on a mission to spread joy to Ōtautahi rest homes. Almost everyone says it is never enough time. But River the rescue dog, a jet black huntaway border collie cross, has to keep a tight pace to ...3 days ago
- Fiji pro-Palestine nativity scene exposes Gaza as ‘hell on earth’ at Christmas
Asia Pacific Report Fiji activists have recreated the nativity scene at a solidarity for Palestine gathering in Fiji’s capital Suva just days before Christmas. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network recreated the scene at the FWCC compound — a baby Jesus figurine lies amidst the ...3 days ago - Vanuatu quake: ‘Our shop was flattened like a deck of cards’
By 1News Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver and 1News reporters A number of Kiwis have been successfully evacuated from Vanuatu after a devastating earthquake shook the Pacific island nation earlier this week. The death toll was still unclear, though at least 14 people were killed according to an earlier statement from ...3 days ago
- How diplomats have broken the law in NZ – and what happened next
A handful of foreign diplomats have misbehaved during their time here - and not all of them have been brought to justice. ...3 days ago
- Swim schools report sinking enrolments as downturn deepens
Being able to swim is often considered a life skill, but tough economic times are forcing many families to pull their children out of lessons. ...3 days ago
- ‘There will be deaths because of this’ – Warning over Health NZ IT cuts
A West Coast IT worker is warning patients will die as Health New Zealand aims to slash its data and digital staff. ...3 days ago
- Polytech sales possible but unlikely when Te Pūkenga disestablished – minister
In a surprise move, the sale of polytechnics will be on the table when the national institute of technology Te Pūkenga is disestablished. ...3 days ago
- Parliament’s final sitting day an insight into party factions
On Parliament's last day of the year, there was a rare glimpse of the factions within the major parties. ...3 days ago
- Former Labour MP, North Shore mayor Ann Hartley dies
Former Labour MP and mayor of Auckland's North Shore City Ann Hartley has died. ...3 days ago
- The closest thing Australian cartooning had to a prophet: the sometimes celebrated, sometimes contro...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Scully, Professor in Modern History, University of New England Bunker. Image courtesy of Michael Leunig, CC BY-NC-SA Michael Leunig – who died in the early hours of Thursday December 19, surrounded by “his children, loved ones, and sunflowers” – was the ...3 days ago
- Labour moves Speaker from the ‘nice’ to ‘naughty’ list
Last week's fights with the Speaker over the Fast Track schedule may have changed the tone in Parliament. ...4 days ago
- Govt ends pilot programme for Māori and Pacific, sparking outrage
The Government announced the end of the programme that allowed Māori and Pacific people to acess bowel cancer screening at 50-years-old. ...4 days ago
- Parliament fits an extra morning into final sitting day
The House - On Parliament's last day of the year, there was the rare occurrence of a personal (conscience) vote on selling booze over the Easter weekend. While it didn't have the numbers to pass, it was a chance to get a rare glimpse of the fact ...4 days ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Bejeweled log’ by Holly Fletcher
A new poem by Holly Fletcher. bejeweled log i was dreaming about wasps / wee darlings that followed me / ducking under objects / that i was fated to pickup / my fingers seeking / and meeting with tiny proboscis’s / but instead / i wake up / roll sideways ...4 days ago
- Sunglasses don’t just look good – they’re good for you too. Here’s how to choose the right p...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Hui, Research Fellow, Centre for Eye Research Australia and Honorary Fellow, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne Versta/Shutterstock Australians are exposed to some of the highest levels of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. While we ...4 days ago
- How does franchising work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Terry, Professor of Business Regulation, University of Sydney Michael von Aichberger/Shutterstock Even if you’ve no idea how the business model underpinning franchises works, there’s a good chance you’ve spent money at one. Franchising is essentially a strategy for cloning ...4 days ago
- The one episode of Shortland Street you need to watch this year
If something big is going to happen in Ferndale, it’s going to happen at Christmas. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. If there’s one episode of Shortland Street you should watch each year, it’s the annual Christmas cliffhanger. The final episode of ...4 days ago
- As China expands its cyber espionage and sabotage operations, how will the Trump administration resp...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William A. Stoltz, Lecturer and expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University US President-elect Donald Trump has named most of the members of his proposed cabinet. However, he’s yet to reveal key appointees to America’s powerful cyber warfare and intelligence institutions. ...4 days ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for 2024
Announcing the top 10 books of the the year at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Faber & Faber, $37) The phenomenal Irish writer is the unsurprising chart topper for 2024 with her fourth novel that, much like her first ...4 days ago
- Government confirms plan to dismantle Te Pūkenga, re-establish polytechs
The government has confirmed its plan to break up Te Pūkenga / New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and re-establish independent polytechnics. ...4 days ago
- AI can’t do your Christmas shopping just yet – but next year might be different
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jon Whittle, Director, Data61 Ganjalex / Shutterstock I’m a computer scientist and a bad Christmas shopper. Over the weekend, I wondered whether AI systems might be able to help me out. Could I just prompt ChatGPT to pick a personalised ...4 days ago
- Heading on an overseas holiday? The Australian dollar tumbled this week – but that’s not bad new...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Crosby, Professor of Economics, Monash University Michael Leslie/Shutterstock This week, the value of the Australian dollar fell to 62 US cents, its lowest level since October 2022. The acute cause? A revelation by the United States Federal Reserve that ...4 days ago
- Former political figure who abused teens confirms appeal
The former political figure who sexually abused two teens in the late 1990s will challenge his case in the Court of Appeal next year. ...4 days ago
- The real NZ Wrapped: Analysing the 2024 NZ Music charts
A couple of weeks after Spotify Wrapped comes a much more comprehensive survey of New Zealand’s listening. Duncan Greive casts an eye over the official 2024 end of year music charts. Streaming has changed music listening, and what we know about it, forever. Where once our charts were sales driven, ...4 days ago
- End of Clean Car discount, road user charges see EV sales decline
Subsidies are gone, road user charges are in, and ACC levies are up. So do electric cars still make financial sense? ...4 days ago
- Without clean water, Pacific Islanders turn to sugary drinks. Tackling this could reduce obesity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suneha Seetahul, Senior Research Fellow, Applied Microeconomics, University of Sydney Kara Math/Shutterstock One in two people in the Pacific Islands is classified as overweight (with a body mass index of 25–29) or obese (a BMI 30 or above). This is a ...4 days ago
- Beware of bad customers – and 3 other ways small and medium businesses can thrive in 2025
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Antje Fiedler, Senior Lecturer, Management and International Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau There is no denying times have been tough for small and medium-sized businesses, and 2025 is not looking that much better. Gross domestic product per capita is continuing ...4 days ago
- Community Voices Needed To Challenge Legislative Threats To Māori Wellbeing
The Regulatory Standards Bill and the Oranga Tamariki Bill are both open for public submissions, yet the urgency of these proposed laws remains largely under the radar for many. ...4 days ago - ‘Just like the pie’: Bubble tea is here to stay
Bubble tea has taken the world, and New Zealand, by storm. But where did it come from and is it here to stay? At 5pm on a sunny evening on Dominion Road, the retail shops have closed and the restaurants have yet to start doling out their saucy noodles ...4 days ago
- James Cameron to launch new ‘vision’ to save struggling Wellington
A group of high-profile Wellingtonians are launching a series of events about the future of the city, with the first to feature film director James Cameron. ...4 days ago
- Getting people out of their cars is possible with the right plans and policies – case study
Despite efforts by governments, councils and individuals, sustained increases in the use of alternative modes of transport remain elusive. ...4 days ago
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