Daily review 21/12/2020
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5:45 pm, December 21st, 2020 - 2 comments
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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
- Government delivers next phase of climate actionThe Government is delivering on a key election commitment to tackle climate change, by banning new low and medium temperature coal-fired boilers and partnering with the private sector to help it transition away from fossil fuels. This is the first major announcement to follow the release of the Climate Commission’s ...5 days ago
- 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
- 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, ...40 mins 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. ...50 mins ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 13 April
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...55 mins ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Tuesday 13 April
...55 mins 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 ...55 mins 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 ...55 mins ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Tuesday 13 April
...55 mins 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 ...55 mins 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. ...55 mins 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 ...55 mins 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 ...55 mins 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 ...1 hour 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 ...1 hour 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 ...1 hour 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. ...1 hour 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 ...1 hour 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 ...1 hour 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. ...1 hour 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 ...2 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. ...10 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 ...12 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 ...13 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 ...13 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 ...14 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 ...16 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 ...16 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. ...16 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. ...16 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 ...17 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 ...17 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 ...18 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 ...20 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 ...21 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 ...22 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 ...22 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 ...22 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 ...22 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 ...22 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 ...22 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 ...22 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: ...22 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 ...23 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. ...23 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 ...24 hours 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
- 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
The nationwide rallies of students and other New Zealanders are showing the Government there's a mandate for climate action and changing the strikers themselves. ...1 day ago - High-tech tool to help scientists see the wood for the trees
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 - 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 - 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
- Govt’s First Home Loan scheme 'totally redundant'
Comment: The Government’s much-touted Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme is all-but-useless in many parts of the country because unrealistic house price caps mean buyers can’t find a house cheap enough to qualify. It’s nuts. ...1 day ago - Hints of new leadership model for Greens
The Green Party is embarking on a big conversation about whether its co-leadership model is fit for purpose. ...1 day ago - Study: School streaming destroys kids' self-belief
Pressure mounts to end academic streaming as a report reveals the practice disadvantages Māori ...1 day ago - Social platforms should be captured in new media regulations – officials
After 12 years of indecision, government officials have renewed a push for more cohesive controls for social media. ...1 day ago - Anti-Asian issues in NZ
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 - Housing affordability is a problem. Here’s why super-for-housing isn’t a solutionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Household Finances, Grattan Institute The idea that young Australians should be able to dip into their super to help buy their first home keeps going round and round. The most recent iteration put forward by the Coalition’s Tim ...2 days ago
Software testing (my usual job) is often viewed as unskilled, unnecessary, or expensive. But if you don't do it and SHTF then you get global news like this.
Will the Uluru crew get lift-off tonight?
We sea shell!