Daily Review 17/10/2016
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5:30 pm, October 17th, 2016 - 22 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
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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
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- 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
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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. ...6 days ago
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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. ...6 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
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...14 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
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
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- 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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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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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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- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
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- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...4 days ago
- 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
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- 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
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- 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
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- 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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- Israeli-American historian describes attacks on Gaza as ‘war of annihilation’
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Here’s a couple more to add to the “Wanted” list ..for a Hang’n Party!
Nick “Quick, I’ll make something up” Smith, Pullah Benefit “as many times as I can” ,Tuku “Underpants”, “Dildo “Joyce, Simon”Dodgy Steel ” Bridges,Michael “I don’t Know Fuckall” Woodhouse & Hekia “NomorePay- Scool” Pariah … that’s a start.
Before you go and do some action – can I recommend this song to put you in the mood. You know like spray painting, stopping a petrol station, anything non-violent — that is direct action.
God Bless and fight the good fight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmbmeOgWsqE
“shrug”
What happens when you convert basic services to a charity case:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/315861/ambulance-staff-to-protest-'dangerous'-workload
They were always a charity……duh….
government should step up and fund them…but …
Natzi’s …good luck with that
John Key this morning used his own family for political purposes.
This is a tactic designed to position himself away from statistics showing crime rising across all categories nationwide, and to place himself and his family alongside the rest of us worried New Cylinders.
He painted some very dramatic imagery of his son getting king-hit and his daughter getting raped. A selfish and desperate use of his own children for political ends, imo.
Oink of a man.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/crime/news/article.cfm?c_id=30&objectid=11730346
It would have been cool if he spoke about how changing the culture of drinking and reducing behaviours that objectify women as important factors in reducing violence in social settings that his children participate in.
However that would take a degree of self-awareness, and that he does not have.
Sadly the US situation has now deteriorated with what is being called an “act of political terrorism” after an arsonist bombed the Republican Headquarters. The graffiti (leave town or else!!!) is somewhat childish and reminds me of the KKK.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3841896/amp/Republican-party-headquarters-firebombed-daubed-Nazi-graffiti-North-Carolina.html
Investigating the use of seclusion rooms in NZ schools is now top priority for the Chief Ombudsman.
Will the chief find that the use of these areas is because the current government has underfunded special education and is due to remove even more funding.
Anecdotal, but I heard of an incident at my kids’ school concerning a year 1 or 2 child who was disruptive. Instead of removing the child from the class for a while they removed the whole class and left the child with the teacher for a bit of one on one. You can imagine what parents might think of that strategy!
This move is yet another in a long line of blaming schools and teachers rather the the government whose responsibility it is to ensure there is the proper funding and training in place for all NZ kids.
I think it was Sam C somewhere around here saying Paula Bennett is trying to fix a broken system. That might be the case but what he fails to recognise is that across many ministries the National government is the one what broke the system.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/315875/'we-won't-let-this-just-gather-dust‘
I would say that the use of seclusion rooms stems from Tomorrow’s Schools, and the ’empowered’ principals slavish following of ‘zero tolerance’ policies that are in vogue in the USA ie expelling students for writing on their desks, talking too loud, etc and so on.
Expect more seclusion rooms when more charter school come online here.
They were brought in after corporal punishment was banned.
Basically, at my school, to counter those of us who had previously been on detention at least monthly and for whom the strap was the most extreme deterrent. Suddenly the worst thing they could do to us was something we could handle easily 🙂
How does this work? The headline says $15 million seized from criminals is to be used fighting meth.
If this is cash and assets seized from criminals by the Police then I assume that goes into the Police budget as it always has to be use by Police in operational matters, i.e. fighting meth.
Or is this new spending? In which case it’s not monies seized from criminals, it’s monies seized from working New Cylinders.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/315862/govt-pledges-extra-$15m-to-fight-drugs
Anyone?
Needs more research, but I think you’ll find that monies is set aside, and theirs way more than that piddly amount. This has been on hold for about five years, I’ll try and find my papers.
edit:I think you will find donkey has holding on till close to an election, look We care, even though we caused the closure of drug rehab units.
I thought that too – I think the news said something like $130mil had been seized from the proceeds of crime – I thought immediately what a piddling amount too. Why has this not all been allocated to Police, Customs, rehabilitation – everywhere where the crime proceeds have resulted from.
I can see where Double Dip has put most of it aside for – his Business mates, dodgy deals, unwanted tax breaks and certainly not into areas where it is most needed. I can understand why the Government do not want a Regional fuel tax for Auckland, they wouldn’t be able to get their grubby fingers on it.
Yea, The sad thing WK is they know we know, and don’t care. 👿
Looks like Theresa Gattung stole all the food out of my food bag and ate it.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11730609
‘Fatism’ and body-shaming are not really on. It’s possible (even necessary) to dislike Gattung and an absurd economic system that over-rewarded her so lavishly from the pockets of struggling Kiwis without resorting to commenting on her physical appearance. Difficult certainly, but possible.
AB do you approve of gluttony and the inevitable health consequences?
Diabetes is an epidemic in this country now and we all pay for it in many ways…. soaring health costs, decreasing access to health services because of that, premature death and many other related health problems such as cancer and heart disease.
Our health, as a population, is a disgrace.
No excuse to be like some 4chan-using MRA going round and being nasty towards women who arent size zero.
I would rather have Gattung than Kate Moss anyday. Even if she is a Tory.
Yeah, a bit clumsy, sorry. Attempted double meaning is my feeble excuse. The food thing and the general interests Gattung represents in the form of a private equity firm fattening up on the success of my food bag, presumably before stripping it of cash and running it into the ground.
It will be interesting if food bag can and will offer the same service.
Test 4