Daily Review 05/09/2017
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5:35 pm, September 5th, 2017 - 60 comments
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The Green Party supports the open letter released today by a cross-sector coalition calling for the Government to treat all drug use as a health issue, to repeal and replace the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. ...19 hours ago - Boosting small businesses
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- Strengthening Māori knowledge in science and innovationResearch, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has today announced the 16 projects that will together get $3.9 million through the 2021 round of Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund, further strengthening the Government’s commitment to Māori knowledge in science and innovation. “We received 78 proposals - the highest ...5 days ago
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- Continued investment in Central Otago schools supports roll growthSix projects, collectively valued at over $70 million are delivering new schools, classrooms and refurbished buildings across Central Otago and are helping to ease the pressure of growing rolls in the area, says Education Minister Chris Hipkins. The National Education Growth Plan is making sure that sufficient capacity in the ...5 days ago
- Two more Christchurch schools completeTwo more schools are now complete as part of the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme, with work about to get under way on another, says Education Minister Chris Hipkins. Te Ara Koropiko – West Spreydon School will welcome students to their new buildings for the start of Term 2. The newly ...5 days ago
- Independent experts to advise Government on post-vaccination futureThe Government is acting to ensure decisions on responding to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice. “New Zealand has worked towards an elimination strategy which has been successful in keeping our people safe and our economy ...5 days ago
- Supporting Māori success with Ngārimu AwardsSix Māori scholars have been awarded Ngārimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial scholarships for 2021, Associate Education Minister and Ngārimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The prestigious Manakura Award was also presented for the first time since 2018. “These awards are a tribute to the heroes of the 28th ...6 days ago
- Global partnerships propel space tech researchNew Zealand’s aerospace industry is getting a boost through the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), to grow the capability of the sector and potentially lead to joint space missions, Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has announced. 12 New Zealand organisations have been chosen to work with world-leading experts at ...6 days ago
- Government backs more initiatives to boost food and fibre workforceThe Government is backing more initiatives to boost New Zealand’s food and fibre sector workforce, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “The Government and the food and fibres sector have been working hard to fill critical workforce needs. We've committed to getting 10,000 more Kiwis into the sector over the ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes Bill to remove Subsequent Child PolicyMinister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni has welcomed the first reading of the Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill in the House this evening. “Tonight’s first reading is another step on the way to removing excessive sanctions and obligations for people receiving a Main Benefit,” says ...6 days ago
- Mental Health Amendment Bill passes first readingThe Government has taken a significant step towards delivering on its commitment to improve the legislation around mental health as recommended by He Ara Oranga – the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, Health Minister Andrew Little says. The Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Amendment ...7 days ago
- Whenua Māori Rating Amendment Bill passes third readingLocal Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Bill passing its third reading today. “After nearly 100 years of a system that was not fit for Māori and did not reflect the partnership we have come to expect between Māori and the Crown, ...7 days ago
- Trans-Tasman bubble to start 19 AprilNew Zealand’s successful management of COVID means quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia will start on Monday 19 April, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed the conditions for starting to open up quarantine free travel with Australia have ...7 days ago
- Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill passes Third ReadingMinister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little welcomed ngā uri o Ngāti Hinerangi to Parliament today to witness the third reading of their Treaty settlement legislation, the Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill. “I want to acknowledge ngā uri o Ngāti Hinerangi and the Crown negotiations teams for working tirelessly ...7 days ago
- Independent group announced to advise on firearms mattersMinister of Police Poto Williams has announced the members of the Ministers Arms Advisory Group, established to ensure balanced advice to Government on firearms that is independent of Police. “The Ministers Arms Advisory Group is an important part of delivering on the Government’s commitment to ensure we maintain the balance ...7 days ago
- Kiri Allan to take leave of absenceKiri Allan, Minister of Conservation and Emergency Management will undertake a leave of absence while she undergoes medical treatment for cervical cancer, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. “I consider Kiri not just a colleague, but a friend. This news has been devastating. But I also know that Kiri is ...7 days ago
- Excellent progress at new Waikeria prison buildExcellent progress has been made at the new prison development at Waikeria, which will boost mental health services and improve rehabilitation opportunities for people in prison, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says. Kelvin Davis was onsite at the new build to meet with staff and see the construction first-hand, following a ...1 week ago
- Expert panel proposes criminal limits for drug drivingTo reduce the trauma of road crashes caused by drug impaired drivers, an Independent Expert Panel on Drug Driving has proposed criminal limits and blood infringement thresholds for 25 impairing drugs, Minister of Police Poto Williams and Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill ...2 weeks ago
- Covid-19 immigration powers to be extendedTemporary COVID-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, providing continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced today. “Over the past year, we have had to make rapid decisions to vary visa conditions, extend expiry dates, and ...2 weeks ago
- Covid-19 imgration powers to be extendedTemporary COVID-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, providing continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced today. “Over the past year, we have had to make rapid decisions to vary visa conditions, extend expiry dates, and ...2 weeks ago
- More support for mums and whānau struggling with alcohol and other drugsThe Government is expanding its Pregnancy and Parenting Programme so more women and whānau can access specialist support to minimise harm from alcohol and other drugs, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “We know these supports help improve wellbeing and have helped to reduce addiction, reduced risk for children, and helped ...2 weeks ago
- Ahuwhenua Trophy Competition Field Day – Tātaiwhetū Trust at Tauarau Marae, Rūātoki*** Please check against delivery *** It’s an honour to be here in Rūātoki today, a rohe with such a proud and dynamic history of resilience, excellence and mana. Tūhoe moumou kai, moumou taonga, moumou tangata ki te pō. The Ahuwhenua Trophy competition is the legacy of a seed planted ...2 weeks ago
- Crown accounts again better than forecastThe economic recovery from COVID-19 continues to be reflected in the Government’s books, which are again better than expected. The Crown accounts for the eight months to the end of February 2021 showed both OBEGAL and the operating balance remain better than forecast in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal ...2 weeks ago
- FIFA Women’s World Cup to open in New ZealandSport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash have welcomed confirmation New Zealand will host the opening ceremony and match, and one of the semi-finals, of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Grant Robertson says matches will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin, ...2 weeks ago
- 1 April changes raise incomes for 1.4 million New ZealandersChanges to the minimum wage, main benefit levels and superannuation rates that come into force today will raise the incomes for around 1.4 million New Zealanders. “This Government is committed to raising the incomes for all New Zealanders as part of laying the foundations for a better future,” Minister for ...2 weeks ago
- New Dunedin Hospital – Whakatuputupu approved for fast track consenting processThe New Dunedin Hospital – Whakatuputupu has been approved for consideration under the fast track consenting legislation. The decision by Environment Minister David Parker signifies the importance of the project to the health of the people of Otago-Southland and to the economy of the region. “This project ticks all the ...2 weeks ago
- Next steps for Auckland light railTransport Minister Michael Wood is getting Auckland light rail back on track with the announcement of an establishment unit to progress this important city-shaping project and engage with Aucklanders. Michael Wood said the previous process didn’t involve Aucklanders enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Tourism fund to prioritise hard-hit regionsThe Minister of Tourism is to re-open a government fund that supports councils to build infrastructure for visitors, with a specific focus on regions hardest hit by the loss of overseas tourists. “Round Five of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund will open for applications next month,” said Stuart Nash. It ...2 weeks ago
- Governance Group to lead next phase of work on a potential new public media entityA Governance Group of eight experts has been appointed to lead the next phase of work on a potential new public media entity, Minister for Broadcasting and Media Kris Faafoi announced today. “The Governance Group will oversee the development of a business case to consider the viability of a new ...2 weeks ago
- Local Policies Can Reduce Problem Gambling
When local authorities tighten gambling regulations, player losses at the pokie machines are reduced. Around 10 percent of the New Zealand population is impacted by problem gambling. Those impacts include poor health, psychological distress, financial ...18 mins ago - Synlait CEO to step down month's end
Business & Investing: Two chief executives to leave Kiwi companies, Plus retirement village operator Summerset experiences booming demand ...23 mins ago - Showjumper's dream ride – from orphanage to Olympics
From humble beginnings in Siberia, Taupo teenager Annabel Francis has taken the New Zealand showjumping world by storm and is on the verge of her first Olympics. There’s a couple of things which make Annabel Francis stand out in her world of showjumping. The first is physical. As her coach, ...1 hour ago - MIQ Covid-19 case of security guard raises questions on use of ministry's testing register
The government's move to make it mandatory for all testing of border workers to be recorded in a central register is being derided as months too late. ...1 hour ago - Samoa waits to see if 'winds of change' prevail
The future of Samoa’s next government remains in the balance as the final election votes are counted, with a weeks-long wait for a definitive result - or a legal challenge - among the possible outcomes After 39 years of one-party rule, Samoan voters may - just - have finally looked ...1 hour ago - Free Six60 tickets for councillors ruffle feathers
Eden Park thanks Auckland councillors for their supposed 'support' for concerts at the venue, offering them free hospitality to watch the first concert. But the invite hasn't gone down well with some, as Matthew Scott reports. An offer of a free ticket for councillors to the first concert at Eden ...1 hour ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Tuesday 13 April
...1 hour ago - Knowing Charlotte as I do
We resume our series on Charlotte Grimshaw's memoir. Today: ReadingRoom literary editor Steve Braunias on navigating a friendship The fact that I'm friends with Charlotte Grimshaw as well as her parents Karl and Kay Stead, who she lovingly, persistently and ferociously hauls over the coals in her new memoir The ...1 hour ago - Pure As: Esther Molloy's little miracle
WATCH: Silver Ferns manager Esther Molloy talks about the stem cell transplant that saved her young daughter's life. Esther Molloy's dedication to the Silver Ferns is second only to her devotion to her family. And she knows the Silver Ferns always have Team Molloy's back, especially through the very tough times. ...1 hour ago - Officials track NZ's alt right after Capitol riot
As QAnon adherents and Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, officials in New Zealand kept a close eye on how our alt-right community was responding and sharing content Government officials closely monitored the online activity of New Zealand's alt-right community as their American counterparts stormed the US Capitol building, as ...1 hour ago - Quiet and avoidable catastrophes
Basic information on is missing, our screening programmes aren't up to scratch, and people are dying unnecessarily. Dr Peter Saxton lays out the problems with sexual health in this country. Sexual health has been making headlines. The spotlight has been on human papillomavirus (HPV), our most common sexually transmitted infection ...1 hour ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 13 April
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...1 hour ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Tuesday 13 April
...1 hour ago - Five pressing questions about the state of New Zealand’s vaccination programme
Vaccinations are up and running, but are they happening fast enough, why haven’t all frontline workers had their first shot, and what about the stats? Justin Giovannetti outlines the concerns being aired.While New Zealand’s Covid-19 vaccination programme is under way, it’s already hitting some bumps on the road to July ...2 hours ago - The India travel ban reminds me I’ll always be second-class in your eyesNews of the travel suspension on flights from India resurrects uncomfortable memories for Melanie Sharma-Barrow – and other women of Indian descent like her, she writes.Twenty-two years ago, at university, I studied “citizenship and ideology”, a course exploring how ideology feeds the principles underpinning citizenship. When I learned about the ...2 hours ago
- Does a sex offender register really keep children safe?
No one would argue against a Child Protection Act - but is a register for child sex abusers actually protecting children? Urgent changes to the law on the child sex offender register mean that hundreds of convicted offenders are back on the list. But one justice rights advocate says it doesn't ...2 hours ago - Air NZ loan extension a 'lost opportunity' for climate
The Government has offered $600m more for Air New Zealand, one of the country's top five emitters, without requiring any sustainability moves. ...2 hours ago - Reserve Bank to respond to unprecedented attack on its independence
As the Reserve Bank Governor delivers its Monetary Policy Review this week, Govt interference in monetary policy-making must stop ...2 hours ago - 'Can’t they see what’s good for them?'
COMMENT: The Royals have repeatedly indicated NZ’s constitutional future is a matter for NZ to decide. They are not afraid of the conversation – but we are. The Public Trust Office constantly reminds us of the importance of leaving our affairs in order. Can the same be said of New Zealand, as ...2 hours ago - The Greens' new relationship with power
While some Green MPs are enjoying their newfound political freedom, co-leader Marama Davidson is fighting the restraints that come with holding ministerial office. ...2 hours ago - Cyclone Seroja just demolished parts of WA – and our warming world will bring more of the same
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Nott, Professor of Physical Geography, James Cook University Tropical Cyclone Seroja battered parts of Western Australia’s coast on Sunday night, badly damaging buildings and leaving thousands of people without power. While the full extent of the damage caused by the Category ...3 hours ago - Samoa’s stunning election result: on the verge of a new ruling party for the first time in 40 year...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tamasailau Suaalii Sauni, Associate Professor in Criminology Programme, University of Auckland Samoan politics is on a knife edge. After the country voted in general elections on April 9, counting so far has resulted in a dead heat between the two major parties. ...11 hours ago
- If I could go anywhere: Boughton House, ‘the English Versailles’ and its shimmering treasuresSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Wellington, Senior Lecturer, Art History and Visual Culture, Australian National University In this series we pay tribute to the art we wish could visit — and hope to see once travel restrictions are lifted. If you are a country house fanatic ...13 hours ago
- New AstraZeneca advice is a safer path, but it’s damaged vaccine confidence. The government must u...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane E Frawley, NHMRC Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney The federal government’s recommendation last week that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now the preferred vaccine for adults under 50 has shaken public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The Australian Technical ...13 hours ago
- Misuse of Drugs Act overhaul off the cards for now, Andrew Little saysHealth Minister Andrew Little has shot down calls for a swift overhaul of drug laws, saying any major change would first have to go back to a referendum. ...13 hours ago
- The ebb and flow of COVID-19 vaccine support: what social media tells us about Australians and the j...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bela Stantic, Professor, Director of Big data and smart analytics lab – IIIS, Griffith University Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout has hit yet another crossroads. Public confidence has wavered following the federal government’s announcement last week that the Pfizer vaccine was the preferred ...14 hours ago
- Vaccination Botch Up Needs Urgent Fix“It’s unacceptable the Government won’t play hardball with unions and force those employees unwilling to get a COVID vaccine to vacate MIQ premises for another 18 days,” says ACT Leader David Seymour. “Stop pussyfooting about and take the ...14 hours ago
- MIQ employers asked to provide worker vaccine information – ArdernA year after MIQ was established, 86 percent of workers there have been vaccinated, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, while also signalling a state memorial service for Prince Philip. ...14 hours ago
- New Zealand Food Safety Minister Silenced In TransTasman GE ForumNew Zealand’s Ministerial engagement in the Trans Tasman GE Food Standards approval process has been silenced. The Conran review of the Council of Australian Governments COAG fora has recommended the dismantling of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand ...15 hours ago
- Live: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gives post-Cabinet briefingPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern is about to give an update following a Cabinet meeting this afternoon as more cases emerge from an Auckland managed isolation facility. ...15 hours ago
- Govt goes into partnership (again), this time to better deal with young Maori offenders
Our Beehive bulletin Has anyone been keeping tabs on the number of race-based “partnerships” established by the Ardern government? Another one popped up today, proudly announced by Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis. It’s an “innovative’ as well as new Youth Justice residence “designed in partnership with Māori” to provide “prevention, healing, ...15 hours ago - Cyclone Seroja last night demolished parts of WA – and our warming world will bring more of the sa...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Nott, Professor of Physical Geography, James Cook University Tropical Cyclone Seroja battered parts of Western Australia’s coast on Sunday night, badly damaging buildings and leaving thousands of people without power. While the full extent of the damage caused by the Category ...16 hours ago
- Abolition of property investor tax break a blunt tool – tax expertA tax expert wants the government to consider allowing some deductibility of interest payments for property investors. ...16 hours ago
- Smokefree Action Plan Must Elevate Vaping As A Safe SwitchA leading vaping advocate has joined mounting pressure on the Government to take all the necessary steps available to achieve the country’s decade-old smokefree ambition. This comes as Associate Health Minster Dr Ayesha Verrall prepares to release ...17 hours ago
- ECE Needs Flight Plan Overhaul, Not Flying SquadsNews the Ministry of Education is bringing back a Provider Assessment Group, a ‘surprise visit’ investigation unit that shut down 17 early learning services will only add to providers’ woes. There’s no question safety and quality comes first, and we ...17 hours ago
- Prime Minister and Governor-General sign book of condolences for Prince PhilipPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern has signed the book of condolences for Prince Philip, paying tribute to his life of service. ...17 hours ago
- Remembering New Zealand’s greatest talent show performancesWith Popstars returning to our screens tonight, we turn back the clock and relive some of New Zealand’s most memorable talent show stars.Being the country that essentially invented the reality talent show, New Zealand has no shortage of memorable performers from the last 22 years of the genre. Ben Lummis. ...17 hours ago
- Māori Party undeclared donations referred to policeThe Electoral Commission has referred the Māori Party to the police after it failed to declare more than $300,000 in donations. ...17 hours ago
- Indian flight ban passes muster with many lawyers but human rights chief wants more information
Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt is championing the rights of New Zealand citizens and residents who are being inconvenienced by the Government’s decision to suspend travel from India for two weeks. The Government needs to be more transparent about the decision, which took effect yesterday and will remain until ...17 hours ago - New Zealand’s new housing policy is really just a new tax package — and it’s a shamblesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Norman Gemmell, Chair in Public Finance, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Economists like to talk about “optimal policy instruments” — essentially, policies that achieve their objectives more effectively or efficiently than the alternatives, and have minimal unintended consequences. Judged ...17 hours ago
- Australia is failing to recognise an urgent need: recruiting more Chinese-Australians into public se...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yun Jiang, Managing Editor, Australian National University A powerful and assertive China poses significant policy challenges for Australia. Many of our most pressing policy issues have crucially important China angles, from freedom of speech on university campuses to scientific research collaboration and ...18 hours ago
- The knife-edge election in Sāmoa – and what happens nextThe battle for political control is not yet resolved, but what is clear is this is the dawn of a new chapter for Sāmoan parliamentary democracy, writes Mata’afa Keni Lesa from Apia.Nobody could have scripted the preliminary results. Although the signs had been ominous for the powerful Human Rights Protection ...18 hours ago
- How Covid-19 Impacted NZ’s Community SectorAs New Zealand’s community and voluntary sector played a street-by-street, home-by-home role in our COVID-19 response, the sector came under more pressure than ever before. Growing threats to the sector’s sustainability, and new insights on how Government ...19 hours ago
- Hamilton City Council Must Investigate LGOIMA And Spin Doctor CostsThe Taxpayers’ Union is stunned a Hamilton City Councillor is using inflated official information costs to pursue ‘utu’ on the Union for a series of exposés relating to the Council. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said: “There ...19 hours ago
- Government Needs To Come Clean On Foreign Buy-ups Of NZThe current government needs to instigate far stricter controls on foreigners buying up New Zealand’s countryside says the Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations as well as keeping the New Zealand public informed of the extent of outsiders buying ...21 hours ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – April 12 2021Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. Click here to subscribe to Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup and New Zealand Politics Daily. Today’s content Covid: India travel ban Sandeep Singh (RNZ): Indian travel ban leaves Kiwis stateless Audrey ...22 hours ago
- Yuri Gagarin’s boomerang: the tale of the first person to return from space, and his brief encount...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alice Gorman, Associate Professor in Archaeology and Space Studies, Flinders University Sixty years ago, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel in space when he completed his historic orbit of Earth on April 12, 1961. Out of respect for ...23 hours ago
- As Australia’s vaccination bungle becomes clear, Morrison’s political pain is only just beginnin...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Kenny, Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University Among many surprising things about 2020 was how a novel coronavirus drove an equally novel upending of Australia’s political orthodoxy. The hackneyed election straightener, “it’s the economy, stupid”, got shoved aside for a ...23 hours ago
- Has a backlash against political correctness made sexual misbehaviour more acceptable?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Last week’s Essential poll, conducted March 24-28 from a sample of 1,100, showed a striking difference by gender over approval of Scott Morrison. With men, Morrison’s approval since February ...23 hours ago
- More coal-fired power or 100% renewables? For the next few decades, both paths are wrongSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Ha, Associate, Grattan Institute The big question facing Australia’s National Electricity Market is how to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 without disrupted energy supplies or skyrocketing prices. Some say coal-fired power will be needed. Others say 100% renewable electricity is the ...23 hours ago
- Indigenous scholars struggle to be heard in the mainstream. Here’s how journal editors and reviewe...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Apisalome Movono, Senior Lecturer in Development Studies, Massey University In the world of research and scholarship, being published in academic journals is crucial to both the advancement of knowledge and the careers of those involved. In particular, the peer review process that ...23 hours ago
- ‘She’s a slut’: sexual bullying among girls contributes to cultural misogyny. We need to take ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Spears, Director: Wellbeing Research Group, Centre for Research in Education School of Education, University of South Australia In an online petition launched by Chanel Contos in February, thousands of women have now disclosed instances of sexual harrassment and assault when at ...23 hours ago
- If I could go anywhere: Japanese art island Chichu, a meditation and an educationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Meyrick, Professor of Creative Arts, Griffith University In this series we pay tribute to the art we wish could visit — and hope to see once travel restrictions are lifted. The Chichu Art Museum is located on the tiny island of ...23 hours ago
- Live updates, April 12: Four locations of interest after third MIQ worker tests positive for Covid-1...Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for April 12, bringing you the latest news throughout the day. Get in touch at stewart@thespinoff.co.nzThe Spinoff can’t exist without our members. If you want to help us stay curious and keep our team across New Zealand’s breaking stories, please donate today. 8.00am: ...23 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Change looms in Samoa after knife-edge electionGood morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Change looms in Samoa after knife-edge election, another border worker has tested positive for Covid-19, and dozens of organisations call for Misuse of Drugs Act to be scrapped.The balance of power could be shifting in an important country in our ...24 hours ago
- Police, Defence Force and Transport Agency contractor spending up by at least 15%Private contractors and consultants are doing well out of government spending propelled by the pandemic and big IT projects. ...24 hours ago
- Investor optimism pushes US markets higher
Business & Investing: Fear levels are down and optimism up in the US markets, Plus: Kiwi cancer diagnostic company Pacific Edge boosted by approval from US insurer ...1 day ago - National calls for all unvaccinated border workers to be removedThe National Party wants all border workers who aren't vaccinated against Covid-19 to be removed from the front line immediately. ...1 day ago
- Choose your kaimoana wisely
Just because you don't have to know the origin of your food doesn't mean you shouldn’t. Veronica Rotman provides a guide on what decisions we can make at the supermarket to avoid harming the oceans. Fifty years ago, we understood the ocean to be an infinite bowl of sashimi and snapper. The ...1 day ago - The book everybody is talking about
We devote much of this week to the Charlotte Grimshaw memoir that everyone is talking about. Today: an excerpt from The Mirror Book It was those banal, mundane life events that changed everything for me. My marriage blew up, I found myself alone, and in the aftermath I lost some ...1 day ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 12 April
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...1 day ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Monday 12 April
...1 day ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Monday 12 April
...1 day ago - Black Sticks relieved to have Sam Charlton back
One of the most capped Black Sticks players in history, Sam Charlton, is seeing her hockey career through fresh eyes. It wouldn’t have been a shock had Sam Charlton decided to wind up her Black Sticks career a few months ago. So much has happened in the 251-test defender’s life since the ...1 day ago - The School Strikes generation wants change – and they want it now
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Decision-makers faced with environmental issues now have an artificial intelligence tool to make the science more accessible than ever Jim McLeod first used aerial images to see what was happening in the bush in 1995. “You could probably make out a house on it, but nothing smaller,” said the Waikato Regional ...1 day ago - New Website To Hear Housing Stories“A flood of stories about the likely impacts of new interest deductibility rules has necessitated a new website to hear them all,” says ACT Housing spokesperson Brooke van Velden. “Labour’s interest deductibility changes represent a stealth ...1 day ago
- Fed up with NZ’s out-of-control housing market? Come to AustraliaWatching from the other side of the Tasman as housing back home goes from bad to worse, Paul Davies has one thing to say to his fellow New Zealanders: where the bloody hell are ya?It’s impossible to ignore the headlines. They keep revolving but seldom evolving. Derelict houses selling for ...1 day ago
- Grams on the ’gram: Why drug dealers are plying their wares on InstaInstagram was once a place for holiday snaps and influencers’ brunch pics. These days, accounts galore are dedicated to drug dealing – and they’re advertising to the masses.Dealing drugs online is not new. The dark web has been a hive of illicit content for years: hosting child pornography, as a ...1 day ago
- The Contact Tracer app just got gamified. Here’s what that means for youPokémon Go it’s not. But from swirly success icons and live stats to a flashlight option, Andrew Chen explains what’s changed, and why. Last week, the Ministry of Health released a new version of the NZ Covid Tracer app. After a lot of public debate and discussion in ...1 day ago
- Siouxsie Wiles: The data behind the decision to suspend arrivals from India in NZThe temporary halt on travel from India to New Zealand is unprecedented. But so is the state of Covid-19 in India, writes Siouxsie Wiles.As of yesterday, travellers from India are prohibited from entering Aotearoa New Zealand. The ban is temporary and due to be lifted at the end of April. ...1 day ago
- Hints of new leadership model for Greens
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The spotlight on anti-Asian attacks in America is spilling over to New Zealand, and has highlighted the fact that such sentiments lurk beneath the surface here too The rise of Asian hate crimes is growing in America, with the White House introducing new measures to stop it. New Zealand may ...1 day ago
Stepehen Joyce is a world renonwened expert on finance so…..8 respected economists must be wrong.
Yep, doubling down on the dead cat.
Crosby Textor playbook….dirty politics 2.0
They need to start querying the bills
Please note: Blinglish was also minister of finance for 8+ years.
Lol turns out Joyce is a full blown economics dropout! Too funny. Full marks whoever fact checked his cv:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11917623
Helen Clark tweet shuts Nats up
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11917479
Saw that. National’s response? They stand by it.
When did National last do something original, not old or borrowed?
They never, ever do tracey.
Even their lying is an age old political plan 😉
ROCK ON AUNTY 😀 That should always happen, and just did.
Things that make you go hmmm…
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/201857263/video-evidence-appears-to-contradict-nick-smith-s-claim
Nick Smith who abused his position of power to help a friend, lied???!!?
Funny that came out today, was told last night by a local that Smith had played it up big time.
He’s going to be pissed off when the sculpture hits town.
I’m guessing that when push comes to shove, Smith will say it was a metaphoric “rubbing my face in it”. Given that angle, there may have been a lot of pushing and shoving too.
Corbin Dann at TVNZ news smacks down the National “$11b hole” attack line.
That plus Clark countetstrike is Slapdown Tuesday.
In this interview, Jacinda is, well, wonderful!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11917479
Outstanding ain’t she. Takes the piss in a non piss taking manner.
Joyce is incredibly obtuse on the $11billion hole on Checkpoint after 6pm. Flatly continues with his position. Amazing!
Cameron Bagley also on line.
Includes the experts who deny Joyce.
Here it is!
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/201857408/no-11b-hole-in-labour-s-fiscal-plan-economists-say
Just what we need. A Finance Minister who doesnt understand numbers. And a Former Finance Minister and now PM who agrees with him. This has to reflect on Billshit’s economic credibility too
he knows exactly what he’s doing (and that the numbers work)…all he is attempting (and polls will say whether he’s succeeding) is create doubt amongst those soft Nat voters…unsure people stick with the devil they (think they) know.
….as to reputation, he hasn’t one to lose
Didn,t the Donald win his election by doing something similar? Waiting for Joyce to start calling Fake News at the news media any moment.
Well Pat if they’relying on third time lucky I have a feeling its going to be unlucky this time. Why? Because the media have decided to play a straight ball and are telling the whole story. In 2011 and 2014 they decided to stick with Key and so let the Nats get away with the lying and cheating.
Eg. the Donghua Liu Affair
granted the media are being somewhat more vigorous this election, however the desperate Nats are not appealing to the MSM rather they are appealing directly to those soft Nat voters that have been bleeding to JA and they obviously fear more (their in house polls must be bad)
(their in house polls must be bad).
I’m picking Labour is now significantly ahead of National. The Reid Research was carried out before the CB poll so probably was out of date by the time it was published.
I hope truly hope so….and we should know soon enough…when is the next poll due?
There’s a Roy Morgan due towards the end of next week, they say: https://mobile.twitter.com/roymorganonline/status/904538155302432768
as far away as that?….well by then any impact should show
English has economic credibility with a lot of middle New Zealanders. he said, in 2010, he’d deliver a surplus in 6 years. He duly delivered it. WE might not like what he did to get there, but we were hardly ever going to vote National, were we?
For the voters thinking about switching, his perceived competence and reliability, versus Labour’s sketchiness on tax, are going to be significant considerations.
Labour needs to get a simple and consistent tax message out. It isn’t like no-one could have anticipated National would attack them on this front, FFS.
joyce is fronting this…it was he who stated his reputation was on the line…English has kept himself at arms length…and yes they were always going to push the tax/costing line but an outright lie shows just how desperate they have become
Am I going crazy or did your earlier post (the one I quoted from) not mention Bill English’s credibility?
That’s why I posted about English. Because I thought you were talking about him.
you must be going crazy….never mentioned English,said the Nats..and Joyce is both fronting and campaign strategist, though it would be fair to say that English risks his reputation by being complicit but if he wins it will have been worth it and if he doesn’t nobody will care…its politics and almost expected.
Ah! It was Tracey’s comment above yours I was meant to reply to – particularly, “This has to reflect on Billshit’s economic credibility too.”
Quoted from the wrong post. So I’m not mad, just careless.
lurgee
Yep, exactly.
Around 140,000 former Clark Labour voters swung to Key’s Nats in 2008, attracted first and foremost by his charismatic leadership and his / English’s perceived economic competence (as highlighted by the 2008 New Zealand Election Study).
Similar numbers of Nats are now considering moving back to Labour (including, no doubt, many of those 140k 2008 defectors, women in particular). Jacinda-mania certainly has them interested, English’s National is looking tired and out of ideas, a long-term, latent desire for change is finally finding expression … and yet … and yet … they’ll still be difficult to win over decisively … they need solid reassurance about Labour’s economic credentials.
Values, Vision, Inspiration, the ethereal, Inter-generational change will only go so far … especially with Middle-aged and Older swing voters. I can imagine some thinking … ‘Where’s the Meat ?’ … lots of exciting, superficial froth (including the Let’s Do This slogan) but where’s the substance that shows us conclusively the Country will remain in safe economic hands.
Remember these are people who, in many cases, have happily voted National for 3 consecutive Elections. They are not English-sceptics.
which all reinforces my point
Yeah, actually your 7:04 pm comment was absolutely spot-on (I hadn’t got around to reading the upper reaches of the thread – just purely responding to lurgee’s argument without worrying too much about what or who he was taking issue with. I’m nothing if not an intellectually lazy geezer) 🙂
“I’m nothing if not an intellectually lazy geezer) ‘
lol…let us hope enough voters are not so inclined
Seems that I wasn’t too concerned, either.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11917623
face book is being flooded with nat lies this being one of them , hopefully more than 43% of kiwis aren’t easily fooled this time
its a cunning (and proven) strategy….and one that is unlikely to have a net loss of votes…it will succeed or not, as long as they brazen it out…it only falls over if the Nats admit they are wrong.
The lies are really stacking up here…
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/338766/principals-rubbish-national-s-prefab-classroom-claim
We knew Billshit wasn’t a MoF backside when he constantly predicted 173,000 new jobs from one “budget” to the next! He just pulled numbers out of his posterior.
Jacinda = Trump(!??)
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96519787/wall-street-journal-compares-labour-leader-jacinda-ardern-to-donald-trump
The point was that they are both anti-immigration. Jacinda was described as being like Trudeau in other respects. Seems fair
A.
Jacinta is NOT anti immigration.
She is for a modicum of control.
Well sure, in reality she probably really likes a lot of migrants. Nevertheless she finds herself campaigning on a promise to slash work and student visas (http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/06/labour-confirms-plans-to-cut-immigrant-numbers-by-up-to-30-000.html). If that isn’t an anti immigration policy, I don’t know what is.
A.
Anti-immigration policy would halt all immigration.
Controlled immigration is a more accurate term. Given the abuses that seems to be occurring for those on student and short term visas this is a long overdue and reasonable response.
So anyone who wants anything less than today is anti immigration? National has been anti children then judging by the state of health, education, housing, ….
> So anyone who wants anything less than today is anti immigration?
Yes, exactly.
I didnt mean it as a criticism, I also support some cuts to immigration.
A.
National is turning into a train wreck camapign
remember the Corporate Manslaughter proposals ?
“Justice Minister Amy Adams has ruled out corporate manslaughter being included in the Crimes Act, saying it is more appropriately dealt with by new health and safety legislation.”
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/277090/ministers-at-odds-over-corporate-manslaughter
They couldnt agree on anything at the end as the Business backers wouldn’t allow that to happen
Apparently Whats good enough for Mothers cant possibly apply to business
“Labour leader Jacinda Ardern says abortion should not be in the Crimes Act and she would change the law.
“Prime Minster Bill English, a conservative Catholic, said he supported the law as it was and he would be opposed to liberalisation.”
Access to abortion is governed by the Crimes Act 1961 and the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977.
During the Newshub debate on Monday night, Ardern said she would change the law if she became Prime Minister.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96494385/jacinda-ardern-abortion-shouldnt-be-a-crime
It’s been a train wreck from the start. Remember the first week when they kept parking Bill in empty, wintry paddocks or fruit picking sheds with just a couple of flunkies? Coleman and English scuttling out a side door at Dunedin hospital? Paula Bennet can’t help herself mouthy self and fucks up one of their meat and veg policies? Now Joyce has jumped the shark. It’s extraordinary just how bad National is at campaigning. This National Party campaign will keep poli sci students going for years.
Ardern could use this. Is there another debate? Again National protects Directors whose workers die or are maimed on the job but criminalises women in trouble.
RIP Walter Becker and thanks for the funny lyrics, putting jazz into rock and making awkward cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea3Bofkmwlc&feature=youtu.be&t=16s
Sea surface temperatures in the high twenties and 3/4 days out from significant landfall with the possibility it could move into the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
http://firsthandweather.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sst.png
https://twitter.com/hashtag/Irma?src=hash
I notice that some of the pro-Trump fake-news propogandists from last year have started to pop up on Facebook with anti-Labour and anti-Jacinda comments. An example is that the abortion policy will allow/encourage abortion up to full term. They are probably being fed this rubbish through social media. I hope our investigative journalists and media outlets are watching out for such deception.
https://www.national.org.nz/increasing_elective_surgeries_to_200_000_a_year
And there we have it (again), the sheer arrogance of National, the borne-to-rule mentality that flows from privilege and closed-mindedness.
I heard something of their elective surgery numbers.
What it really said was: Jonathan Coleman has be quoting for bullshit numbers for ages but the new ones are real.
There are large numbers on hidden waiting lists waiting to get on the actual official waiting lists. Doctors keep trying to get their patients put on the lists and they are knocked back until their small problems that could have been fixed easily are so bad they have to be put on the list. Even if they get on the list if the money is not there to do their surgery before they are on the list too long they will get knocked off again with some bureaucratic trick so that the waiting times are kept artificially lower than they really are.
Hippie’s ! , – Aussie ones !
Time for Labour to be in govt , get this election wrapped up and have a dance !
daddy cool – eagle rock – YouTube
doin the eagle rock▶ 3:48