Daily review 16/10/2024
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5:30 pm, October 16th, 2024 - 4 comments
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- The Why ACC’s $7.2 billion deficit is not what it seems
The revelation of ACC’s $7.2 billion dollar deficit is coming at an amazing time for Luxon, Seymour, and Winnie. To start with, two of the three of them are engaging in a subtle war with the judiciary, in which ACT and New Zealand First have decided to prey on the ...6 hours ago - Three chill games
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To the garage, to get a WOF. I think the tires might need replacing, you say.Leave it with us, they say.When you return, you notice the tyres are the same.In fact nothing appears to have been done.We fixed your birdshit problem, they tell you.My what, now? you ask.Your birdshit problem. ...9 hours ago - Vijay Prashad – New Zealand’s Role in US Military Imperialism: NATO, AUKUS & 5 Eyes
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- Au Revoir, PM Luxon
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- Wednesday 16 October
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- Tuesday 15 October 2024
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- CPI figures show rents continuing to soar
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The National Government has sneakily reneged on protecting the Hauraki Gulf, reducing the protected area of the marine park and inviting commercial fishing in the depleted seascape. ...4 days ago
- Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation
The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf. ...4 days ago
- Release: No time to slow-down on disaster response
Labour welcomes the release of the Government’s response to the report into the North Island weather events but urges it to push forward with legislative change this term. ...6 days ago
- Release: Where are the 100,000 families?
Nicola Willis has once again shown her promises are based on ghost families, with less than half registering for the FamilyBoost payments. ...7 days ago
- Significant step forward for Pasifika justice in Aotearoa
The Green Party has welcomed news that MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill has moved forward with unanimous support from the select committee. ...1 week ago
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Labour is pleased the Samoan Citizenship Bill has unanimous support as it enters second reading. ...1 week ago
- Release: National bent the rules to keep coalition commitment
The National Government bent all sorts of rules to give $24 million to Gumboot Friday just to fulfil a coalition agreement. ...1 week ago
- Greens support call for divestment from illegal Israeli settlements
The Green Party echoes a call for banks to divest from entities linked to Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, and says Crown Financial Institutions should follow suit. ...1 week ago
- Release: National’s deficit stories don’t hold up
Te Whatu Ora’s finances have deteriorated under the National Government, turning a surplus into a deficit, and breaking promises made to New Zealanders to pay for it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Politics over police safety puts shame on PM
The Prime Minister’s decision to back his firearms minister on gun law changes despite multiple warnings shows his political judgement has failed him yet again. ...1 week ago
- Govt Gambling Safety of our Moana
Yesterday the government announced the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking across Aotearoa. Trans-Tasman Resources’ plan to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki was one of these projects. “We are disgusted but not surprised with the government’s decision to fast-track the decimation of our seabed,” said Te ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets
At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system. ...1 week ago
- Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment
The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. ...1 week ago
- Release: Fast track list reveals Govt’s backroom deals
The coalition Government’s backroom deals with coal and ironsands mining companies have finally been revealed – and it’s not pretty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Nicole McKee unfit for firearms portfolio
Fresh questions have been raised about the conduct of the Firearms Minister after revelations she misled New Zealanders about her role in stopping gun reforms prior to the mosque shootings. ...1 week ago
- Release: The question remains… will schools get their classrooms?
Education Minister Erica Stanford still can’t confirm when the Government will deliver the $2 billion worth school upgrades she cut earlier this year. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt failing NZ’s manufacturing sector
Labour acknowledges the hundreds of workers today losing their jobs as the Winstone Pulp mill closes and what it will mean for their families and community. ...2 weeks ago
- Tell National what their $216m tobacco tax cut could have funded instead
In Budget '24, the National Government put aside $216 million to pay for a tax cut which mainly benefitted one company: global tobacco giant Philip Morris. Instead of giving hundreds of millions to big tobacco, National could have spent the money sensibly, on New Zealand. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt has made up a cost crisis to justify cuts
Te Whatu Ora’s financials from the last year show the Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify making cuts that are already affecting patient care. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world
The New Zealand business community is unique. It has always punched well above its weight on the world stage. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori Statement on Israel & Iran
Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Costello makes a fool of the PM
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...2 weeks ago
- Work to do on climate adaptation
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...2 weeks ago
- End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus
The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government breaks promise on ferry plan
Time has run out for Nicola Willis who has failed to keep her promise to deliver a solution to replace the Interislander ferries by today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports marches for better health
Labour supports Buller and Dunedin communities who are marching today and calling on the Government to act urgently to fix the health crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Raising speed limits will cost our communities
The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. ...3 weeks ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Buller community
The Green Party stands in solidarity with the Buller community in its silent protest for better healthcare. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Proposed job losses devastating for Timaru
News that the Smithfield meatworks could close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Question mark over financial sustainability of Polytechs
The Government is taking tertiary education down a worrying path with new reporting finding that fourteen of the country’s sixteen polytechnics couldn’t survive on their own,” Labour’s tertiary education spokesperson Dr Deborah Russell says. ...3 weeks ago
- Priorities set for Retirement Villages Act review
E te huru mā, haramai e noho. E tu te huru pango, hanatu e haere.The coalition Government is progressing mahi in the Retirement Villages Act 2003 review and focusing it on the areas of highest importance, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka and Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced today. “It’s ...8 hours ago - Trade Minister to attend G20 meeting in Brazil
Trade Minister Todd McClay will attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Brasilia next week. “As an exporting nation reliant on trade, this is a significant opportunity to boost our interests with some of the world’s largest economies and many of our most important trading partners,” ...11 hours ago
- More good news for Kiwis
Today’s inflation figures are more good news for New Zealanders, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today that the inflation rate had dropped from 3.3 per cent in the year to June to 2.2 per cent in the year to September. That is down from 5.6 per cent just ...11 hours ago
- Welfare traffic light system off to good start
Data from the first full calendar month of the Government’s welfare traffic light system shows more beneficiaries are doing what is required of them, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. A total of 331,530 people were in the system at the end of September due to having work-related ...16 hours ago
- Dairy export quota Bill passes first reading
The Government’s work to boost export value has hit another milestone, with a new dairy Bill passing its first reading in Parliament today, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “The Dairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill will modernise New Zealand’s dairy export quota system to grow export and farmgate ...1 day ago
- Government extends fight against cybercrime
Legislation that will help protect New Zealanders from cybercrime has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “11% of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2023, causing significant financial harm and emotional distress. “The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe ...1 day ago
- “Advancing New Zealand and Asia relations”
Good evening Before discussing the ‘advancing of New Zealand and Asia relations’, we would like to congratulate the Asia New Zealand Foundation and acknowledge its significant contribution to New Zealand’s relationship with, and understanding of, Asia over the past 30 years. Can we also welcome Thitinan Pongsudhirak, one of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the Institute of Finance Professionals NZ, 2024 Conference
Kia ora koutou Greetings from Wellington. I am sorry I can’t be with you in person today, but I’m delighted that I can talk to you virtually. I’d like to begin by acknowledging your chair Bill Goodwin and members of your board. I’d also like to acknowledge the fitness of ...1 day ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Thailand, attend Indonesian Presidential inauguration
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling this week to Bangkok for talks with his Thai counterpart, and to Jakarta to attend the inauguration of Indonesia’s next President, Prabowo Subianto. “New Zealand is committed to our Comprehensive Partnership with Indonesia, and our shared ties as democracies in the Indo-Pacific region,” Mr ...2 days ago
- Economic growth on the Fast-track
The one-stop-shop Fast-track Approvals Bill, and the 149 projects listed in the Bill, will help rebuild our struggling economy and kick-start economic growth across the country, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “Since 2022, New Zealand has battled anaemic levels of economic growth. If we want Kiwi kids to stop ...2 days ago
- Sir Brian Roche new Public Service Commissioner
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Roche as the next Public Service Commissioner. “I am delighted to appoint Sir Brian to this crucial leadership position,” Mr Luxon says. “Sir Brian is a highly respected New Zealander who has held significant roles across the public and ...2 days ago
- Government and sector to improve Forestry ETS Registry
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced the establishment of a Forestry Sector Reference Group to drive better outcomes from the Forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry. “We are committed to working with the forestry sector to provide greater transparency and engagement on the forestry ETS registry as we work to ...3 days ago
- Stronger fuel reserves to drive economic stability
New Zealand’s fuel resilience is being strengthened to ensure people and goods keep moving and connected to the world in case of disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “Fuel security is a priority for the Coalition Government. We are acutely aware of how important engine fuels are to our ...3 days ago
- Government to provide significant regulatory relief for business
The Government will reform New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system to provide significant regulatory relief for businesses, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will ensure streamlined, workable, and effective regulations for businesses, law enforcement, and ...4 days ago
- Big year of building reforms
Significant reforms are underway in the building and construction portfolio to help enable more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a construction sector that ...4 days ago
- Minister to attend cyber security, NATO meetings
Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins will travel to Singapore and Brussels for Singapore International Cyber Week and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting. New Zealand has been invited to attend the NATO meeting alongside representatives from the European Union and the ...4 days ago
- Significant protection for Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana
Toitū ngā pōito o te kupenga a Toitehuatahi! A Government commitment to restoring the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana will enhance the area for generations to come, Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says. Cabinet recently agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill into law, ...4 days ago
- Overseas investment changes to get New Zealand off the bench
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says the Government has committed to action on overseas investment, where the country’s policy settings are the worst in the developed world and holding back wage growth. “Cabinet has agreed to the principles for reforming our overseas investment law. At the core of these principles ...5 days ago
- Luxon wraps up East Asia Summit
The annual East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Laos this week underscored the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. "My first participation in an EAS has been a valuable opportunity to engage ...5 days ago
- Feedback will improve health and safety system and grow the economy
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the feedback from the health and safety roadshow will help shape the future of health and safety in New Zealand and grow the economy. “New Zealand’s poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions,” says Ms van ...5 days ago
- Government releases more Fast-track detail
The Government has released the independent Advisory Group’s report on the 384 projects which applied to be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, and further detail about the careful management of Ministers’ conflicts of interest, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. Independent Advisory Group Report The full report has now been ...6 days ago
- Government releases plan for affordable electricity
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...6 days ago
- Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...6 days ago
- Brakes put on contractor and consultant spending
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...6 days ago
- Accounts confirm need for spending restraint
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...6 days ago
- Minister to co-chair carbon market negotiations at COP29
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...6 days ago
- Confirmation of Payee service to improve payment security
A new confirmation of payments system in the banking sector will make it safer for Kiwis making bank transactions, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “In my open letter to the banks in February, I outlined several of my expectations of the sector, including the introduction of a ...7 days ago
- Medicines access continues to increase
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see Pharmac continue to increase availability of medicines for Kiwis with the Government’s largest ever investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our ...7 days ago
- Strengthening NZ’s emergency management system
The Government has released its long-term vision to strengthen New Zealand’s disaster resilience and emergency management, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “It’s clear from the North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry, that our emergency management system was not fit-for-purpose,” Mr Mitchell says. “We’ve seen first-hand ...7 days ago
- Brighter days ahead for Kiwis
Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.75 per cent is welcome news for families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Lower interest rates will provide much-needed relief for households and businesses, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money and increasing the opportunities for businesses ...1 week ago
- Sport NZ asked to update Transgender Inclusion Guiding Principles
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has asked Sport NZ to review and update its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. “The Guiding Principles, published in 2022, were intended to be a helpful guide for sporting bodies grappling with a tricky issue. They are intended ...1 week ago
- Freshwater farm plan rollout set to be paused by end of year
The Coalition Government is restoring confidence to the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans while changes are made to ensure the system is affordable and more practical for farmers and growers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “Freshwater farm plans ...1 week ago
- New report shows improvements in air quality
The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say. “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is ...1 week ago
- New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador appointed
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Horne as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador. “I am pleased to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to this important role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade, and economics, along with strong business connections,” Mr Watts says. “Stuart’s understanding ...1 week ago
- Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low. The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...1 week ago
- Holding careless builders accountable
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...1 week ago
- Further action to tackle driver licence wait times
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...1 week ago
- Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...1 week ago
- Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...1 week ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...1 week ago
- Call for rethink on prosecutions welcomed in some quarters while government disputes need
A Māori barrister hopes new guidelines will make judges and lawyers think carefully about the factors that put people before the courts. ...3 hours ago - Greenpeace Comment On The International Energy Agency World Energy Outlook 2024
The IEA report affirms that global demand for oil, gas, and coal is on track to peak by the end of this decade and warns that failure to accelerate the end of fossil fuels now will put the world on course for a catastrophic global average temperature ...4 hours ago - Celebrity Treasure Island Power Rankings: And the winner is…
Alex Casey power ranks the sixth and final week of Celebrity Treasure Island 2024. We’ve come to the end of another season of CTI, and what have we learned? We’ve learned that Bubbah reps Tony’s Steakhouse harder than any other human on planet Earth. We’ve learned that Christian Cullen is ...4 hours ago - View from The Hill: Albanese would be better off if the story wasn’t ‘all about him’
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Unless the government pulls up its political socks, Anthony Albanese could find himself spending a good deal of time in his spectacular new home, with its uninterrupted ocean views, sooner than he wishes. This ...5 hours ago - Charles III will be the first king of Australia to visit our shores. He could also be the last
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jess Carniel, Associate professor in Humanities, University of Southern Queensland King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s upcoming visit to Australia is significant for several reasons. It is Charles’ first visit since ascending to the throne – as well as the first time ...6 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: ‘It’s going to be a bad result for Labor’ – Antony Green and...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Queenslanders vote on October 26 when, according to the polls, the almost decade-long Labor government is expected to be defeated. Last year, in a bid to improve its chances, Labor dumped long-time premier Annastacia ...6 hours ago
- Claims that Qantas is greenwashing build a case for carbon assurance: here’s what it is
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Md Safiullah (Safi), Senior Lecturer in Finance, RMIT University ChristianChan/Shutterstock Qantas is being taken to Australia’s consumer regulator over its claim it is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The Environmental Defenders Office and the advocacy group Climate Integrity ...7 hours ago
- Sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui: Parliament reacts
The House: Rather than wait for the Opposition to apply for an urgent debate, the government decided to get in first and on Tuesday, gave a Ministerial Statement on the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui. ...8 hours ago
- Villagers call for compensation after Manawanui disaster
Safata district villagers in Samoa, where the Manawanui sank, will meet with Samoan officials on Friday to push for compensation. ...8 hours ago
- Happy Niue language week: The Samoans are fighting again
The Spinoff’s fake Samoan editor explains the latest poly drama. There is no debate as well-trodden or tired as the one that begins: can you be a “real” Samoan if you don’t [insert pretty much anything here]? The correct and normal answer is of course yes. If you’re Samoan, you’re ...8 hours ago
- Cross-border Cooperation Key To Bridge Climate Action Gaps – Globally And In Aotearoa New Zeal...
If done with integrity, using the Paris Agreement’s cooperative approaches could help reduce global emissions, without displacing what must be done at home. Offshore climate mitigation is also about providing critical support for sustainable development ...8 hours ago
- Wellington City Council: Urgent meeting held following intervention threat
City councillors spoke to RNZ after an urgent meeting some have called "positive" and "productive", with "nine-tenths on the same page". ...8 hours ago
- Mysterious black balls have washed up on Sydney’s Coogee beach. Are they the result of an oil spil...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Hook, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Sydney’s popular Coogee beach has been closed until further notice after hundreds of strange black balls washed up on the shoreline. The black balls were discovered on Tuesday afternoon. Randwick City Council The balls were ...8 hours ago
- Social media footage reveals little-known ‘surfing’ whales in Australian waters
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanessa Pirotta, Postdoctoral Researcher and Wildlife Scientist, Macquarie University Sapphire Coastal Adventures As humpback and southern right whales return to Antarctica at the tail end of their annual migration, east coast whale watchers may think the show will soon be over. ...8 hours ago
- Ex-staffer wants Reserve Bank to dump gender and ethnic balance requirements
The government should abandon any requirement for the Reserve Bank to have "gender or ethnic balance" on its board, a former senior staffer says. ...9 hours ago
- Anzac Day to honour more veterans following law change
The government is changing the law so it formally recognises a wider range of veterans on Anzac Day. ...9 hours ago
- The government has a target for Indigenous digital inclusion. It’s got little hope of meeting it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Carlson, Professor, Critical Indigenous Studies and Director of The Centre for Global Indigenous Futures, Macquarie University Digital inclusion for Indigenous communities is important. It’s so important, in fact, that the government has made it one of the targets under the Closing ...10 hours ago
- Should King Charles apologise for the genocide of First Nations people when he visits Australia?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebe Taylor, Associate Professor of History, University of Tasmania King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit Australia from Friday on a five-day tour of Canberra and Sydney. The king will be the second ruling British monarch to visit Australia, after Queen ...10 hours ago
- Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss than Ozempic. So how does it work? And why does it cost s...
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- Glucose monitors for diabetes have finally been funded – but a chronic workforce shortage will lim...
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- Overtly handmade and so very moving: Adam Elliot’s Memoir of A Snail is a stop motion triumph
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- Labour’s Barbara Edmonds to National: ‘Why are you so afraid’ of a capital gains t...
Labour's finance spokeswoman says "it may be time for another structural reform," calling National "irresponsible" for shutting down tax debate. ...10 hours ago
- ACC announces $7.2 billion deficit
The scheme blames court decisions for expanding its boundaries, and says it is also expecting higher costs. ...10 hours ago
- Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau admits government ‘right to be concerned’ about City Counci...
Wellington's mayor says ministers are "right to be concerned from what they've seen" at the council, but denies it is in shambles. ...11 hours ago
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The protest march will leave Cape Reinga on 11 November, and arrive at Parliament on 19 November - one day after the Treaty Principles Bill is expected to be introduced. ...11 hours ago
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- Senior southern region doctors send PM warning letter over stalled Dunedin Hospital rebuild
Some 44 clinical directors across the southern region have each signed a letter to Christopher Luxon, and his ministers of health, finance and infrastructure, warning services could be left in a "precarious" state if the project does not go ahead. ...11 hours ago
- Paula Morris wins Surrey
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Twelve months on from the election, we size up the winners, losers, risks and opportunities. Just over a year ago there were grave warnings about the risks that New Zealand would face were they to require Christopher Luxon to form a coalition with both the Act Party and New Zealand ...11 hours ago
- Wellington City Council: Urgent meeting to be held following intervention threat
Tory Whanau says she is focused on finding a solution to the issues Wellington City Council are dealing with. ...12 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Aspinall, Professor in Southeast Asian Politics, Australian National University As Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo (Jokowi) prepares to leave office, Indonesia is still routinely lauded as one of Asia’s most important democracies. Jokowi was first elected, in 2014, on the promise of ...13 hours ago
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- Wellington City Council ‘incredibly close’ to needing government intervention – fo...
The problems within the council appear to have been building for some time, former LGNZ president Stuart Crosby says. ...13 hours ago
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“The data shows that petrol prices fell 8% annually, and vegetable prices fell 18% annually. These reflect both softer global demand and a return to normal harvests after Cyclone Gabrielle. Prices for discretionary spending items such as furniture, ...13 hours ago
- Inflation Hasn’t Gone Away, Government Cannot Lose Its Focus
Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said “that’s only half the story, and the inflation beast isn’t slain yet.” ...14 hours ago
- Parliament’s watchdog against bullying – ‘I hope it’s having some impactR...
Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards Lyn Provost has found some workarounds making her more accessible - but some are calling for more investment into supports. ...15 hours ago
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- Govt’s hostile takeover bid for Wellington City
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In the latest edition of The Spinoff’s etiquette guide, we consider how to avoid some common text-messaging pitfalls. Text messaging! We do it all the time – for many people, it’s the default form of private communication, superseding the phone call, letter or email. There are dozens of platforms, practical ...16 hours ago
The cost falls on ACC of workers waiting longer for consults to get rehab etc.
Winter is coming for them with ACT now running the workplace safety regime.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/acc-books-plunge-72b-into-deficit-as-state-insurer-proposes-hiking-levies/SFIFI4L5JNEBDAVZNASG7J7QXI/
Based on a rumour heard by the Beehive Civilian.
Is it true that Tory Whanua will offer to resign the Mayoralty, if the government guarantees the Wellington City Councils insurance risk for the next 10 years?
Sounds like pure speculation.
If they have to find the equivalent of $600M for risk management (provision for insurance) – how about a sale of the final year of her position to the highest bidder?
National and ACT (who would sell any public asset) and NZ First (who have opposed selling airport assets) could ask their sponsors for a whip around and let the winner intervene the way they want.
https://thecivilian.co.nz/2024/09/20/tory-whanau-may-have-to-sell-wellington-mayoralty-to-make-ends-meet/