Daily Review 01/08/2018
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5:30 pm, August 1st, 2018 - 16 comments
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Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...2 days ago
- Release: National buries 1019 planned homes
It’s been revealed that National has cancelled 60 percent of its housing projects planned before mid-2025 amidst housing woes. ...3 days ago
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The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...3 days ago
- Release: Why not both? Luxon shuns Waitangi celebrations
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is running away from problems of his own creation, with his decision not to go to Waitangi. ...3 days ago
- Govt’s ‘free speech’ legislation stokes fear, not freedom
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...3 days ago - Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession
The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...3 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...4 days ago
- ECE no place to cut corners
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...4 days ago
- Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...4 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...5 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...5 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...5 days ago
- Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...5 days ago
- Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...6 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
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- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
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- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
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- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
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- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
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- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
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- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
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- Appointments to the ENZ board
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- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
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- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
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- Judicial appointment announced
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
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- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
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- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
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- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...2 days ago
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Found about this from a guy who came and saw me today. He’s a subcontractor and looks like he’s going to lose thousands, the worst part he just spent a few thousand upgrading gear with a promise of work from this outfit Ebert Construction going into receivership.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12098945&ref=CE-NZH-TOPSTORIES-EDM
It’s so wrong, they should be able to take home their tools.
Wonder if they would get any results if they got the police involved, and charge Ebert with theft of equipment.
The problem is who gets the tools and materials..as soon as it was known the site was down nothing is secure and the stuff that’ll walk is unbelievable….hard enough to secure stuff on a working site. Better to wait a day or two and at least have a reasonable chance of not having half your gear nicked,
Tbf it will be secure
They will be trying to hoard as much stuff to sell as they can
yes but not stuff they have no lein on…subbies tools and materials dont fall into that category
Same thing happened when that other even bigger one went down (Mainseal?)
Everyone got their tools back, but this doesn’t help when they have no tools to try to find some work in the interim.
Poor fella
Ebert might owe about $40 million.
It seems to me that the way that capitalists are running NZ is to get the people to take losses while they spirit away enough to keep themselves going nicely thank you.
The new way of tendering for large construction jobs will be to offer a price, with penalties if not done on time. And also to place in trust, up front, about $10 million, or a considerable sum in accordance with the size of the project. This will show the capacity of the company to carry the job forward and help to ameliorate problems that might occur. Also the lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.
This will mean that the margins will not be so slim as has been advised on the media as part of the cause of Ebert’s crash.
This is an indication of how shonky the message is that we have been receiving about the good that comes from competition, better prices, effeciency blah blah. Like all the truthiness we hear about the economy, we should rinse our mouths and ears out after hearing and spit out.
We have another foreign tramper involving a search. Will the tourist tax go to support these men and women who give up so much of their time to help find these people. And the medical needs that divert stuff from our own drongoes drugged out in the A&E. This all seems very inefficient. Perhaps the efficiency spotlight can turn on the above. Perhaps we will make a feature of having trained dogs escorting these valiant adventurers. They have to buy dogfood, have radio control, pay a hefty returnable payment for the dog’s services, cart everything needed, or take out an insurance policy to cover any misadventure rescues which would come with a free GPS position finder.
I wonder what money the country is left with from a tourists’s payments after paying out to help him or her? I suppose we have to offset that against the profits from others. But perhaps we could recover costs against the tourist sector that makes money from adventure tourism. That might encourage them not to booze up, to drive their vans more safely, to see that they and their machines are airworthy.
And Turoa buses show the danger of letting businesses regulate themselves. The bus doesn’t hae to be fancy, but the brakes are pretty important, a strong gearing system that could hold the speed back, safety handles that stay on.
There are a few ideas for planners who want to enhance our businesses and our image. It must be hard for you to make changes when you are assured about how well we are doing every day that there hasn’t been some disaster somewhere that shakes the confidence of the sensitive business people. I would even donate my little Austrian cottage weather diviner to give you some guidance, I am so concerned for you. And Tegal hope to corner the market in chicken entrails. Would it matter whether they were organic or not? We are all behind you, you know and if you don’t start working well, we’ll edge you over to a cliff and push you.
And that woman up top thanks, I hope a lot of people take in that message. I am sick of seeing black t shirts, black hoodies, black zip jackets etc It is so depressing to see black everywhere, cars too, and then silver as second choice.
She is telling us something exciting. I think that the Cook Islanders could encourage people afraid of wearing white on some of their lovely patterns from the tivaevae tradition. We will be liberated from black and I will be happy!
Have a look at what you could be wearing if the women would release some of their designs for tshirts.
Super tshirts for super people
Perhaps they are all feeling Unlovable…
Petition calls for independent monitoring of GPs. Well the HDC are pointless aren’t they?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12099111
“When asked if I am pessimistic or optimistic about the future, my answer is always the same: If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t understand data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth and the lives of the poor, and you aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a pulse. What I see everywhere in the world are ordinary people willing to confront despair, power, and incalculable odds in order to restore some semblance of grace, justice, and beauty to this world.”
Yes, thanks for the reminder Robert.
Eww….bed bugs.
This response from Work and Income Porirua
“When I showed [Work and Income] a letter from the doctor they said it wasn’t their problem to help me move to another motel. We had to sleep in the car.”
Later in the article Work and Income state they responded to the problem as soon as they became aware.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/health/105791908/rock-bottom-bites-mum-and-daughter-driven-out-of-emergency-housing-by-bedbugs
I like Trevor Mallard’s Tweet best (bottom of story)
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/105939489/one-wellington-bus-driven-up-wrong-road-and-abandoned-another-runs-out-of-fuel
My anxiety around going into town at this point is very high.
AWW
Listen to Radionz from Britain this morning. Kate Aidie? whio tells how awful it can be travelling in Britain. Took 14 hours to get to London from Northumberland. Story would be funny if it wasn’t also serious. And the stories of how the ‘advanced, developed’ countries that we follow are crumbling. But we follow on, the dingy dinghy.
RadioNZ
What Love Island contestants make of Brexit
UK correspondent, Kate Adie joins Kathryn with a bit of Brexit light relief from Love Island contestants; Jeremy Corbyn’s ongoing travails and are the British railways really the envy of Europe?
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018656311/what-love-island-contestants-make-of-brexit
https://www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_news/MTk3NzQ/Killer-drugs-tested-on-homeless
Developers of synthetic cannabis are giving their new recipes to people on the street to try.