Daily Review 25/05/2016
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6:00 pm, May 25th, 2016 - 50 comments
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- Earning The Huia Feather.
Still Waiting: Māori land remains in the hands of Non-Māori. The broken promises of the Treaty remain broken. The mana of the tangata whenua languishes under racist neglect. The right to wear the huia feather remains as elusive as ever. Perhaps these three transformations are beyond the power of a ...1 hour ago - Bernard’s Dawn Chorus and pick ‘n’ mix for Friday, May 24
Posters opposing the proposed Fast-Track Approvals legislation were pasted around Wellington last week. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: One of the architects of the RMA and a former National Cabinet Minister, Simon Upton, has criticised the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals bill as potentially disastrous for the environment, arguing just 1% ...2 hours ago - The Hoon around the week to May 242 hours ago
- Beijing troubleshooter’s surprise visit
The importance of New Zealand’s relationship with China was surely demonstrated yesterday with the surprise arrival in the capital of top Chinese foreign policy official Liu Jianchao. The trip was apparently organized a week ago but kept secret. Liu is the Minister of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) International Liaison ...3 hours ago - UK election a foregone conclusion? That’s why it’s interesting
With a crushing 20-plus point lead in the opinion polls, all the signs are that Labour leader Keir Starmer will be the PM after the general election on 4 July, called by Conservative incumbent Rishi Sunak yesterday. The stars are aligned for Starmer. Rival progressives are in abeyance: the Liberal-Democrat ...10 hours ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #21 2021
Open access notables How much storage do we need in a fully electrified future? A critical review of the assumptions on which this question depends, Marsden et al., Energy Research & Social Science: Our analysis advances the argument that current approaches reproduce interpretations of normality that are, ironically, rooted in ...14 hours ago - Days in the life
We returned last week from England to London. Two different worlds. A quarter of an hour before dropping off our car, we came to a complete stop on the M25. Just moments before, there had been six lanes of hurtling cars and lorries. Now, everything was at a standstill as ...16 hours ago - Forget about its name and focus on its objective – this RMA reform bill aims to cut red tape (and ...
Buzz from the Beehive A triumvirate of ministers – holding the Agriculture, Environment and RMA Reform portfolios – has announced the introduction of legislation “to slash the tangle of red and green tape throttling development in key sectors”, such as farming, mining and other primary industries. The exact name of ...16 hours ago - More National corruption
In their coalition agreement with NZ First, the National Party agreed to provide $24 million in funding to the charity "I Am Hope / Gumboot Friday". Why were they so eager to do so? Because their chair was a National donor, their CEO was the son of a National MP ...17 hours ago - Submit!The Social Services and Community Committee has called for submissions on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. Submissions are due by Wednesday, 3 July 2024, and can be made at the link above. And if you're wondering what to say: section 7AA was enacted because Oranga Tamariki ...18 hours ago
- Reading the MPS numbers thinking about the fiscal situation
Michael Reddell writes – The Reserve Bank doesn’t do independent fiscal forecasts so there is no news in the fiscal numbers in today’s Monetary Policy Statement themselves. The last official Treasury forecasts don’t take account of whatever the government is planning in next week’s Budget, and as the Bank notes ...18 hours ago - Charter Schools are a worthwhile addition to our school system – but ACT is mis-selling why they a...Rob MacCulloch writes – We know the old saying, “Never trust a politician”, and the Charter School debate is a good example of it. Charter Schools receive public funding, yet “are exempt from most statutory requirements of traditional public schools, including mandates around .. human capital management .. curriculum ...19 hours ago
- Paranoia On The Left.How Do We Silence Them? The ruling obsession of the contemporary Left is that political action undertaken by individuals or groups further to the right than the liberal wings of mainstream conservative parties should not only be condemned, but suppressed.WEB OF CHAOS, a “deep dive into the world of disinformation”, ...19 hours ago
- Budget challengesMuriel Newman writes – As the new Government puts the finishing touches to this month’s Budget, they will undoubtedly have had their hands full dealing with the economic mess that Labour created. Not only was Labour a grossly incompetent manager of the economy, but they also set out ...19 hours ago
- Rishi calls an Election.
Today the British PM, Rishi Sunak, called a general election for the 4th of July. He spoke of the challenging times and of strong leadership and achievements. It was as if he was talking about someone else, a real leader, rather than he himself or the woeful list of Tory ...19 hours ago - Photo of the Day: GNR
1 day ago - Choosing landlords and the homeless over first home buyersThe Government may struggle with the political optics of scrapping assistance for first home buyers while also cutting the tax burden on landlords, increasing concerns over the growing generational divide. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government confirmed it will dump first home buyer grants in the Budget next ...1 day ago
- Orr’s warning; three years of austerityYesterday, the Reserve Bank confirmed there will be no free card for the economy to get out of jail during the current term of the Government. Regardless of what the Budget next week says, we are in for three years of austerity. Over those three years, we will have to ...1 day ago
- An admirable U-turnIt doesn’t inspire confidence when politicians change their minds. But you must give credit when a bad idea is dropped. Last year, we reported on the determination of British PM Rishi Sunak to lead the world in regulating the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. Perhaps he changed his mind after meeting ...1 day ago
- Climate Adam: Can we really suck up Carbon Dioxide?This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Is carbon dioxide removal - aka "negative emissions" - going to save us from climate change? Or is it just a ...2 days ago
- Public funding for private operators in mental health and housing – and a Bill to erase a bit of t...Headed for the legislative wastepaper basket… Buzz from the Beehive It looks like this government is just as ready as its predecessor to dip into the public funds it is managing to dispense millions of dollars to finance – and favour – the parties it fancies. Or ...2 days ago
- Why has Einstein Medalist Roy Kerr never been Knighted?Rob MacCulloch writes – National and Labour and ACT have at various times waxed on about their “vision” of NZ as a high value-added world tech center What subject is tech based upon? Mathematics. A Chicago mathematician just told me that whereas last decade ...2 days ago
- Contestable adviceEric Crampton writes – Danyl McLauchlan over at The Listener on the recent shift toward more contestability in public policy advice in education: Education Minister Erica Stanford, one of National’s highest-ranked MPs, is trying to circumvent the establishment, taking advice from a smaller pool of experts – ...2 days ago
- How did it get so bad?Ele Ludemann writes – That Kāinga Ora is a mess is no surprise, but the size of the mess is. There have been many reports of unruly tenants given licence to terrorise neighbours, properties bought and left vacant, and the state agency paying above market rates in competition ...2 days ago
- How serious is an MP’s failure to declare $178k in donations?Bryce Edwards writes – It’s being explained as an “inadvertent error”. However, National MP David MacLeod’s excuse for failing to disclose $178,000 in donations for his election campaign last year is not necessarily enough to prevent some serious consequences. A Police investigation is now likely, and the result ...2 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on the privatising of state housing provision, by stealthThe scathing “independent” review of Kāinga Ora barely hit the table before the coalition government had acted on it. The entire Kāinga Ora board will be replaced, and a new chair (Simon Moutter) has been announced. Hmm. No aspersions on Bill English, but the public would have had more confidence ...2 days ago
- Our House.I'll light the fireYou place the flowers in the vaseThat you bought todayA warm dry home, you’d think that would be bread and butter to politicians. Home ownership and making sure people aren’t left living on the street, that’s as Kiwi as Feijoa and Apple Crumble. Isn’t it?The coalition are ...2 days ago
- Getting to NoPolitics is about compromise, right? And framing it so the voters see your compromise as the better one. John Key was a skilful exponent of this approach (as was Keith Holyoake in an earlier age), and Chris Luxon isn’t too bad either. But in politics, the process whereby an old ...2 days ago
- At a glance – How does the Medieval Warm Period compare to current global temperatures?On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...3 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: How serious is an MP’s failure to declare $178k in donations?
It’s being explained as an “inadvertent error”. However, National MP David MacLeod’s excuse for failing to disclose $178,000 in donations for his election campaign last year is not necessarily enough to prevent some serious consequences. A Police investigation is now likely, and the result of his non-disclosure could even see ...3 days ago - Get your story straight, buddy
The relentless drone coming out of the Prime Minister and his deputy for a million days now has been that the last government was just hosing money all over the show and now at last the grownups are in charge and shutting that drunken sailor stuff down. There is a word ...3 days ago - A govt plane is headed for New Caledonia – here’s hoping the Kiwis stranded there get better ser...Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to riot-torn New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home. Today’s flight will carry around 50 passengers with the most ...3 days ago
- Who is David MacLeod?
Precious declaration saysYours is yours and mine you leave alone nowPrecious declaration saysI believe all hope is dead no longerTick tick tick Boom!Unexploded ordnance. A veritable minefield. A National caucus with a large number of unknowns, candidates who perhaps received little in the way of vetting as the party jumped ...3 days ago - The Four KnightsRex Ahdar writes – The Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, likes to trace his political lineage back to the pioneers of parliamentary Maoridom. I will refer to these as the ‘big four’ or better still, the Four Knights. Just as ...3 days ago
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- UnacceptableThat is the only way to describe an MP "forgetting" to declare $178,000 in donations. The amount of money involved - more than five times the candidate spending cap, and two and a half times the median income - is boggling. How do you just "forget" that amount of money? ...3 days ago
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In this week’s “A View from Afar” podcast Selwyn Manning and spoke about the upcoming US elections and what the possibility of another Trump presidency means for the US role in world affairs. We also spoke about the problems Joe … Continue reading ...3 days ago - Web of Chaos, Secret Dolphins & Monster Truck Madness
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Been hoping we would see something like this from Sir Geoffrey Palmer. This is excellent.The present Bill goes further than the National Development Act 1979 in stripping away procedures designed to ensure that environmental issues are properly considered. The 1979 approach was not acceptable then and this present approach is ...3 days ago - Leading Labour Off The Big Rock Candy Mountain.He’s Got The Moxie: Only Willie Jackson possesses the credentials to meld together a new Labour message that is, at one and the same moment, staunchly working-class, union-friendly, and which speaks to the hundreds-of-thousands of urban Māori untethered to the neo-tribal capitalist elites of the Iwi Leaders Forum.IT’S ONE OF THE ...4 days ago
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- The Huge Potential Benefits of Charter SchoolsAlwyn Poole writes – In New Zealand we have approximately 460 high schools. The gaps between the schools that produce the best results for students and those at the other end of the spectrum are enormous.In terms of the data for their leavers, the top 30 schools have ...4 days ago
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- Thinking About The Property Rights In Resource Decisions As Well As Transaction Costswrites – The Fast-Track Approvals Bill enables cabinet ministers to circumvent key environmental planning and protection processes for infrastructure projects. Its difficulties have been well canvassed. This column suggests a different way of thinking about the proposal. I am ...4 days ago
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Pakanga o muaTukua, ka ngaroPuritia taku ringaNgaro ana te ara ki pae rauThere's a battle aheadMany battles are lostBut you'll never see the end of the roadWhile you're travelling with meLate yesterday morning I headed to Wynyard Quarter to see Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick give their pre-budget State of ...4 days ago - It’s up to Willis nowMaybe the Prime Minister and his Finance Minister expected the worst, so they mounted a stout defence of the Budget tax cuts to their party faithful at a party conference over the weekend. In turn, they were greeted with applause, which, though it may have been less than wildly enthusiastic, ...4 days ago
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TL;DR: Here’s six links that stood out to me in the last day in Aotearoa’s political economy to 6:06am on Sunday, May 19:Aotearoa-NZ is the seventh worst in the OECD’s homelessness rankings, just behind the United States and just ahead of Australia. BlackRock thinks rate hikes actually worsen inflation because ...5 days ago - Lords of the flies
5 days ago - Fact Brief – Does breathing contribute to CO2 buildup in the atmosphere?Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Does breathing contribute to CO2 ...6 days ago
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- Behind Blue Eyes.
No one knows what it's likeTo be the bad manTo be the sad manBehind blue eyesNo one knows what it's likeTo be hatedTo be fatedTo telling only liesHave you ever wondered what life must be like for Mike Hosking? Seeing things in black and white through blue tinted specs? In ...6 days ago - Road food
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past two week’s editions.Share More Than A FeildingBike bling, London Read more ...6 days ago - Some Reader Feedback For Your Weekend
Hi,I think we all made it through another week — congratulations. I’ve been digesting the new Arab Strap record, which is astonishing. In other news, I’m going to be doing a Webworm popup in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday July 13. I’ll bring a bunch of merch, and some other ...6 days ago - Thinking About the Property Rights in Resource Decisions As Well As Transaction Costs.
The Fast-Track Approvals Bill enables cabinet ministers to circumvent key environmental planning and protection processes for infrastructure projects. Its difficulties have been well canvassed. This column suggests a different way of thinking about the proposal. I am going to explore the Bill from the perspective of its proponents with their ...7 days ago - Bryce Edwards: Can Shane Jones be trusted in making Fast-track decisions?New Zealand First Cabinet Minister Shane Jones has become the best advertisement against the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill. In selling the radical new resource consenting processes, in which ministers can green light any mine, dam, or other major development, Jones seems to be shooting the proposal in the foot. ...7 days ago
- Seymour appeals to PPTA to call off meetings on charter schools – but does he seriously believe he...Buzz from the Beehive Associate Education Minister David Seymour is urging the PostPrimary Teachers Association to put learning ahead of ideology. He wants the union leaders to call off their teachers meetings around the country where they hope to muster the strength to undo the government’s plans to establish several ...7 days ago
- Police don’t fight crimeWhat are police for? "Fighting crime" is the obvious answer. If there's a burglary, they should show up and investigate. Ditto if there's a murder or sexual assault. Speeding or drunk or dangerous driving is a crime, so obviously they should respond to that. And obviously, they should respond to ...7 days ago
- Two central banksMichael Reddell writes – I got curious yesterday about how the Australia/New Zealand real exchange rate had changed over the last decade, and so dug out the data on the changes in the two countries’ CPIs. Over the 10 years from March 2014 to March 2024, New Zealand’s ...7 days ago
- TVNZ hīkoi documentary needs a sequel
Graham Adams writes that 20 years after the land march, judges are quietly awarding a swathe of coastal rights to iwi. Early this month, an hour-long documentary was released by TVNZ to mark the 20th anniversary of the land-rights march to oppose Helen Clark’s Foreshore and Seabed Act. The account ...7 days ago - The missing Green MPDavid Farrar writes – The Herald reports: Suspended Green MP Darleen Tana has passed an unpleasant milestone: she has now been absent for as many parliamentary sitting days as she has been present for this year. Tana is on full pay while she is suspended, and will benefit from a ...7 days ago
- The contest for the future heart and soul of the Labour PartyPeter Dunne writes – It is no coincidence that two Labour should-have-been MPs are making the most noise about public sector cuts. As assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, Fleur Fitzsimons has been at the forefront of revealing where the next round of state sector job ...7 days ago
- Lobbying for Waikato’s Medical School causing problems for the GovtBryce Edwards writes – It’s becoming a classic case study for why lobbying deals with politicians need greater scrutiny. Former National Minister Steven Joyce runs a lobbying company with a major client – the University of Waikato. The University desperately wants $300m+ of taxpayer funding to establish a ...7 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on the psychological horror film PossessionThis is one of the (extra) weekly columns on music or movies. Plenty of solid analyses of Possession exist online and most of them – inevitably – contain spoilers. This column is more in the way of a first-timer’s aid to getting your initial bearings. You don’t need to have ...7 days ago
- Portrait of a Man.
I am painting in oil, a portrait of a manWho has taken all the heart aches,And all the pain he can stand.I am using all the colors of blue,I have here on my stand.I am painting in oil, a portrait of a man.This has been an interesting week for me. ...7 days ago
- Coalition of coal will prove catastrophic for climate
The Government’s plans to ramp up coal mining in the heat of a climate crisis will see our chances of a liveable future melt away. ...15 hours ago - Aotearoa must follow in the footsteps of countries recognising Palestinian statehoodThe Green Party is calling on the Government to follow in the footsteps of Ireland, Spain and Norway in recognising Palestinian statehood. ...21 hours ago
- Release: Time to make stalking a crime
Following a horrific case of stalking that ended in tragedy, Labour’s police spokesperson Ginny Andersen has drafted a bill that would add stalking to the Crimes Act. ...2 days ago - $24 million for free mental health counselling for young kiwis
The Rt Hon Winston Peters, joined by Mike King, has announced $24 million over four years for the ‘I Am Hope Foundation’, and will provide young people aged between 5 to 25 years with free mental health counselling services. This funding will help I Am Hope’s ‘Gumboot Friday’ initiative give ...2 days ago - Release: Strong support for disability fundingTwo thirds of Kiwis in a new poll want funding flexibility reinstated for disabled people and carers. ...2 days ago
- Petition launched to save Māori babies and their right to be with whakapapaTe Pāti Māori have launched a petition to stop the repeal of Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act. This announcement comes prior to the first reading of the Section 7AA repeal bill in Parliament today. “Section 7AA forces the Government to adhere to Te Tiriti o Waitangi with respect ...3 days ago
- Government introduces Bill to roll back Māori WardsThe Green Party has sounded the alarm over the Government’s introduction of legislation to remove Māori Wards and roll back years of progress. ...3 days ago
- Release: Pre-Budget Speech: Barbara Edmonds...3 days ago
- Release: Another announcement, still no funding for more public housesThe Government has yet again failed to do the one thing that needs to happen to ensure houses can be built – commit to ongoing funding, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...3 days ago
- Government must build more public houses, not find excuses to sell themThe Green Party says the Government must use the review of Kāinga Ora as a platform to build more homes, not an excuse to sell them off. ...4 days ago
- Government must build more public houses, not find excuses to sell themThe Green Party says the Government must use the review of Kāinga Ora as a platform to build more homes, not an excuse to sell them off. ...4 days ago
- Release: Treasury advice show flaws in Fast Track Approvals BillTreasury officials have outlined many ways in which the Fast Track Approvals Bill is deeply flawed, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking says. ...4 days ago
- State of the Planet speeches, 2024Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick used this year's State of the Planet to call on the Government to prioritise people and planet as the delivery of the Budget approaches. A full transcript of their speeches can be found below. ...5 days ago
- State of the Planet: Government must be guided by values not moneyGreen Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick have used their State of the Planet speeches to challenge the Government to prioritise people and planet over profit as the delivery of the Budget approaches. ...5 days ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins’ speech: New Zealand in 2040 – A vision worth fighting for...6 days ago
- Release: 4,500 jobs lost – and countingMore than 4,500 jobs are set to go as the National Government continues its deep cuts to services to pay for irresponsible and ill-timed tax cuts. ...7 days ago
- No-cause evictions leave no hope for rentersThe Government’s introduction of legislation that would enable landlords to end tenancies with no reason marks a dark day for the 1.4 million people who rent their home in Aotearoa. ...1 week ago
- Release: National winding back mental health workThe Minister for Mental Health has found the Suicide Prevention Office and mental health support for 111 calls slipping through his fingers, says Labour spokesperson for Mental Health Ingrid Leary. ...1 week ago
- Government ignorant of evidence in neglect of tamarikiToday’s justification from the Minister for Children for scrapping protections for our tamariki was either a case of ignorance or deliberate deception. ...1 week ago
- Gang policy setting communities up for failureThe Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. ...1 week ago
- Statement from police spokesperson Ginny Andersen“With Police pay negotiations still unresolved after six months in Government, Mark Mitchell has today rolled the Commissioner out for a rebrand of their approach to gang crime,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. ...1 week ago
- Charter schools not a serious solutionWe need serious investment and solutions into our education system, not a vanity project from David Seymour. ...1 week ago
- Release: Ideological charter schools won’t increase achievementThe Government bringing back 50 charter schools will not increase achievement and is a distraction from the core mission of the education system, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Visas needed for Palestinians with family in New ZealandThe Government must show some compassion and create a special visa to allow Palestinians with family in New Zealand to be reunited with them here. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt’s stubbornness will harm Māori childrenGovernment has remained stubborn and is ramming its Bill into the House today, which the Waitangi Tribunal has said will hurt vulnerable children. ...2 weeks ago
- ‘Lucky dip’ process too casual for hearing critical submissions on Fast Track approvals billTe Pāti Māori is showing extreme concern over the Environment Select Committees adoption of a lucky dip draw to determine hearings for the Fast Track Approvals bill. Of the 27,000 submissions, 2,900 requested to present. All organisations will be heard; however, the remaining 2,350 submitters will be subject to a ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to protect women’s spacesToday New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect women’s spaces. The ‘Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill’ will require, primarily in the interest and safety of women and girls, that all new non-domestic publicly accessible buildings provide separate, clearly demarcated, unisex and single sex bathrooms. This Bill ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Support for climate adaptation inquiryLabour supports a Notice of Motion in the House today to move the Finance and Expenditure Committee to conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptationThe Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Sexual violence prevention among hundreds of job cuts at ACCThe National Government plans to cut 390 jobs at ACC, including roles in the areas of prevention of sexual violence, road safety and workplace safety. ...2 weeks ago
- Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdownThe Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries. ...2 weeks ago
- Minister of Finance reheats austerity politicsThis morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans. ...2 weeks ago
- A win for Wellington – Greens welcome more housingThe Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Backtrack on school lunches a win for Kiwi kidsDavid Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford UnionHon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...2 weeks ago
- Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscationsGreen Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...2 weeks ago
- TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgradeThe Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be releasedMinisters must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand’s minerals future
Introduction Today, we are sharing a red-letter occasion. A Blackball event on hallowed ground. Today we underscore the importance of our mineral estate. A reminder that our natural resource sector has much to offer. Such a contribution will not come to pass without investment. However, more than money is needed. ...13 hours ago - Government sets out vision for minerals futureIncreasing national and regional prosperity, providing the minerals needed for new technology and the clean energy transition, and doubling the value of minerals exports are the bold aims of the Government’s vision for the minerals sector. Resources Minister Shane Jones today launched a draft strategy for the minerals sector in ...13 hours ago
- Government progresses Māori wards legislationThe coalition Government’s legislation to restore the rights of communities to determine whether to introduce Māori wards has passed its first reading in Parliament, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says. “Divisive changes introduced by the previous government denied local communities the ability to determine whether to establish Māori wards.” The ...16 hours ago
- First RMA amendment Bill introduced to ParliamentThe coalition Government has today introduced legislation to slash the tangle of red and green tape throttling some of New Zealand’s key sectors, including farming, mining and other primary industries. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says the Government is committed to unlocking development and investment while ensuring the environment is ...17 hours ago
- Speech to Employers and Manufacturers Association: Relief for today, hope for tomorrowKia ora, Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou kātoa Tāmaki Herenga Waka, Tāmaki Herenga tangata Ngā mihi ki ngā mana whenua o tēnei rohe Ngāti Whātua ō Ōrākei me nga iwi kātoa kua tae mai. Mauriora. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the EMA for hosting this event. Let me acknowledge ...18 hours ago
- Government invests in 1,500 more social homesThe coalition Government is investing in social housing for New Zealanders who are most in need of a warm dry home, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. Budget 2024 will allocate $140 million in new funding for 1,500 new social housing places to be provided by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), not ...2 days ago
- $24 million boost for Gumboot FridayThousands more young New Zealanders will have better access to mental health services as the Government delivers on its commitment to fund the Gumboot Friday initiative, says Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey. “Budget 2024 will provide $24 million over four years to contract the ...2 days ago
- Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill passes first readingThe Coalition Government’s Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which will improve tenancy laws and help increase the supply of rental properties, has passed its first reading in Parliament says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The Bill proposes much-needed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 that will remove barriers to increasing private ...2 days ago
- Montecassino Commemorative Address, Cassino War CemeteryStanding here in Cassino War Cemetery, among the graves looking up at the beautiful Abbey of Montecassino, it is hard to imagine the utter devastation left behind by the battles which ended here in May 1944. Hundreds of thousands of shells and bombs of every description left nothing but piled ...2 days ago
- First Reading – Repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989I present a legislative statement on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill Mr. Speaker, I move that the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Social Services and Community Committee to consider the Bill. Thank you, Mr. ...3 days ago
- First reading of 7AA’s repeal: progress for childrenThe Bill to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has had its first reading in Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the care and safety of children in care, says Minister for Children Karen Chhour. “When I became the Minister for Children, I made ...3 days ago
- China Business Summit 2024Kia ora koutou, good morning, and zao shang hao. Thank you Fran for the opportunity to speak at the 2024 China Business Summit – it’s great to be here today. I’d also like to acknowledge: Simon Bridges - CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. His Excellency Ambassador - Wang ...3 days ago
- Assisted depatures from New CaledoniaForeign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home. “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing ...3 days ago
- Assisted departures from New CaledoniaForeign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home. “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing them ...3 days ago
- Government to rollout roadside drug testingThe Coalition Government will introduce legislation this year that will enable roadside drug testing as part of our commitment to improve road safety and restore law and order, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In ...4 days ago
- Minister responds to review of Kāinga OraThe Government has announced a series of immediate actions in response to the independent review of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “Kāinga Ora is a large and important Crown entity, with assets of $45 billion and over $2.5 billion of expenditure each year. It ...4 days ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelvesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased that Pseudoephedrine can now be purchased by the general public to protect them from winter illness, after the coalition government worked swiftly to change the law and oversaw a fast approval process by Medsafe. “Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their ...4 days ago
- New Zealand-China Business SummitTēnā koutou katoa. Da jia hao. Good morning everyone. Prime Minister Luxon, your excellency, a great friend of New Zealand and my friend Ambassador Wang, Mayor of what he tells me is the best city in New Zealand, Wayne Brown, the highly respected Fran O’Sullivan, Champion of the Auckland business ...4 days ago
- New measures to protect powerlines from treesEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events. “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...6 days ago
- Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming awardWairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...6 days ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...7 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...7 days ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...7 days ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...7 days ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...7 days ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...1 week ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...1 week ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...1 week ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...1 week ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...1 week ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...1 week ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...1 week ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...1 week ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...1 week ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...1 week ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...1 week ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...1 week ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...1 week ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...1 week ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...1 week ago
- Our mental health crisis, and the $24m questions
Gumboot Friday pocketed a significant budget boost this week, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin, but concerns have been raised over transparency. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...1 hour ago - Politicians vs farmers in fundraiser rugby match in Gisborne
Politicians and farmers are aiming to raise $300,000 to help farmers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. ...1 hour ago - NZ companies could benefit from US military space strategy, documents showNZ supports a US defence strategy to get hold of commercial space tech in a conflict, according to briefing papers. ...2 hours ago
- Where is she now? Lorraine Moller
It’s 40 years since Lorraine Moller and her peers broke a glass ceiling at the Los Angeles Olympics. The Games in 1984 saw the inclusion of the women’s marathon for the first time and for Moller, then 29, it was the first of four consecutive appearances in the Olympic race ...2 hours ago - Government's mining proposal an attack on NZ environment – Forest and BirdThe plan could harm Aotearoa's biodiversity and clean green image, environmental group says. ...3 hours ago
- Why are book festivals thriving while the publishing industry is struggling?While New Zealand writers festivals are reporting record audiences, booksellers and publishers are struggling under financial pressure. Books editor Claire Mabey looks at the challenges faced by the industry, and what can be done about it. Last week the Auckland Writers Festival broke all attendance records with more than 85,000 ...3 hours ago
- The media is in crisis… and I just bought a magazineWhen the publisher of NZ Lifestyle Block announced it was closing down, its editor had a scary decision to make. Michael Andrew tells what happened next. At three in the morning a few months ago, I sat at my desk with two windows open on my computer. One was a ...3 hours ago
- Government looks to scrap tax incentive for utesRevenue Minister Simon Watts has asked tax officials to work to remove a perceived tax incentive for double-cab utes as part of a larger re-working of fringe benefit tax (FBT). In a briefing released to Newsroom under the Official Information Act, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) laid out two options ...3 hours ago
- Defence Force slashes study support schemeThe NZDF has cut funding in half for a scheme to help personnel study on the job The post Defence Force slashes study support scheme appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Outgoing ERA member shreds ‘unstuck’ restaurant owners in 19-year firstIn a stunning summary of what appears to have been one of the worst hearings of his 19 years as an ERA member, Michael Loftus has ordered a $100k penalty against the owners of a Hamilton restaurant The post Outgoing ERA member shreds ‘unstuck’ restaurant owners in 19-year first appeared ...3 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – May 24FICTION 1 The Bone Tree by Airana Ngarewa (Hachette, $37,99) Sales of the author’s 2023 novel went through the roof after he appeared at the Auckland Writers Festival in the weekend. A witness at Ngarewa’s event commented, “It’s the schools and adult combo – not many authors traverse both. Airana ...3 hours ago
- French claws in the PacificFrench President Emmanuel Macron’s priority on his rush visit to New Caledonia is to quell the unrest that has been tearing at the territory for nearly two weeks. But what is he likely to achieve in his 24 hours on the ground? A Pacific leader here says France is in ...3 hours ago
- Luxon: No excuse for NZ not to do ‘incredibly well’It’s tempting to host a lolly scramble on Budget Day, but the Prime Minister says he’s making ‘tough calls’ needed to get the fundamentals right. The post Luxon: No excuse for NZ not to do ‘incredibly well’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Raw Politics: Is that a tax boost in your pocket?National promised a “back pocket boost” when it unveiled a tax package before the election, and now in Government in tough economic times its Budget next week will sort the easy promises from reality. The tax bracket changes and other in-work and family payment adjustments might need to land with ...3 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 24 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 24 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Wellington’s urban density balancing actOpinion: Wellington recently passed a new ambitious district plan, which paves the way for increased housing density in the city. But as Wellington embraces opportunities for urban intensification, it also needs to consider how this shift will affect residents’ lives. Key to ensuring urban development does not adversely affect health ...3 hours ago
- The Great Game resumes on public housingSir Bill English’s Kāinga Ora review looked way beyond its financial troubles to propose a new social housing system, harking back to his own government The post The Great Game resumes on public housing appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 24 MayThe post Daily crossword, Friday 24 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- NZ students stage Gaza protests in global ‘take a stand’ rallies
Asia Pacific Report Thousands of students across Aotearoa New Zealand protested in a nationwide rally at seven universities across the country in a global day of solidarity with Palestine, calling on their universities to divest all partnerships with Israel. A combined group of students and academic staff from the country’s ...6 hours ago - Rob Campbell: Unrest in New Caledonia – as seen through moana or colonialist eyes?COMMENTARY: By Rob Campbell Is it just me or is it not more than a little odd that coverage of current events in New Caledonia/Kanaky is dominated by the inconvenience of tourists and rescue flights out of the Pacific paradise. That the events are described as “disruption” or “riots” without ...9 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Growing momentum for governments to fight social media’s grip on childrenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra While federal politics often seems “top down”, some issues are pushed onto the national agenda from lower levels. We’re seeing this with the increasing concern to protect kids from the harmful effects of social media. ...9 hours ago
- Hunger striker sceptical after meeting with Foreign Affairs officials to discuss GazaThe former Shortland Street actor says there was a lot of "nodding and smiling" but he doesn't know if his message got through. ...10 hours ago
- More New Zealanders to arrive home from riot-torn New CaledoniaForeign Minister Winston Peters says the government has received approval from France to bring another group of New Zealanders home. ...10 hours ago
- Macron says ‘peace, calm and security’ his top priority for New CaledoniaBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific Desk French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Nouméa today under heavy security after pro-independence protests by indigenous Kanaks followed by rioting in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Speaking to a pool of journalists, he set as his top priority the return ...11 hours ago
- Honk! These monkeys have truly legendary noses – now we better understand why they evolvedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharine Balolia, Senior Lecturer in Biological Anthropology, Australian National University Slavianin/Shutterstock Of all the monkey species around the world, one stands out with its large, bizarre nose. In male proboscis monkeys, their bulbous noses will often hang past their mouths. But ...11 hours ago
- War in space: US Space Force looks to tie in allies, including New ZealandAnalysis - Space is going off, and we're involved. ...12 hours ago
- Bird flu is hitting Australian poultry farms, and the first human case has been reported in Victoria...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC L3 Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney Dewald Kirsten/Shutterstock The first human case of avian influenza (bird flu) in Australia was reported yesterday in Victoria. A child acquired the H5N1 ...12 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Madeleine King on investment incentives and the pivotal role of gasSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The energy debate has ramped up, with government and opposition trading blows over their respective plans to secure Australia’s energy future. The budget announced big tax incentives for green energy projects. Earlier the government ...13 hours ago
- Public Service Commission looks to cut nearly 20 percent of its workforceThe "brutal" change proposal has left many in tears, angry, and feeling like they have been "sold down the river", a staff member says. ...13 hours ago
- Coromandel Watchdog Of Hauraki Says Mining Strategy Full Of Pitfalls
Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki says the mining strategy launched at Blackball on the West Coast today by Minister Shane Jones is a huge risk to the environment and a disingenuous promotion of the alleged benefits of mining. “The focus of the launch ...13 hours ago - No complaints but Speaker Brownlee to pursue use of f-word by Green MPSeveral long-standing MPs were astonished when Ricardo Menéndez March dropped the f-bomb in Parliament. ...14 hours ago
- War On Nature 2.0The Government’s war on nature enters its next phase today with the tabling of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. ...14 hours ago
- First Home Grants scrapped: Hopes for ownership dwindleThose blindsided by the government's announcement to scrap the First Home Grants scheme say the news comes as a slap in the face. ...14 hours ago
- Scarlett Johansson’s row with OpenAI reminds us identity is a slippery yet important subject. AI l...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Englezos, Lecturer, Griffith Law School, Griffith University OpenAI will be removing access to one of its ChatGPT voices, following objections by actor Scarlett Johansson that it sounds “eerily similar” to her own. Earlier this week, the company said it was ...14 hours ago
- I Am Hope chair's donations to National questioned after $24m Gumboot Friday pledgeThe chairperson of Mike King's charity donated nearly $30,000 to National over the past few years. ...14 hours ago
- Critical minerals for the world – or just for the US? Turning Australia into a green minerals po...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marina Yue Zhang, Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney Panga Media/Shutterstock Globalisation is on shaky ground. As China rises, the United States and its allies are moving to reduce their reliance on the world’s factory. The rivalry between the US ...14 hours ago
- PSA Comment On DOC CutsThe PSA is gravely concerned that the drive to respond to Government saving cuts has seen DOC confirm to staff that is cutting 124 net roles. ...15 hours ago
- Recognition of Palestine requires conditions to be met – PetersForeign Minister Winston Peters says recognition of Palestine as a state is a matter of when, not if - but NZ would need to see a Palestinian election first. ...15 hours ago
- French ‘betrayal’ triggered Kanak youth rebellion in Nouméa, says activistBy Adam Gifford of Waatea News A New Zealand Kanak woman, Jesse Ounei, says young people in New Caledonia feel a sense of anger and betrayal at the way France is attempting to “snuff out” any prospect of independence for its Pacific territory. France invaded New Caledonia in 1853 and ...16 hours ago
- Ministry of Social Development job losses top 700 after more cuts announcedThe Ministry of Social Development's workforce is set to drop by more than 700 now, and the Department of Conservation has confirmed it's cutting 124 jobs. ...16 hours ago
- Resources Minister Shane Jones unveils mineral mining strategyThe strategy aims to double the sector's export value to $2 billion by 2035 and boost jobs. ...16 hours ago
- Watch: 'Tough choices' Luxon defends scrapping first home grantsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has stood by the coalition's decision to scrap the First Home Grants scheme. ...16 hours ago
- US hostility towards the ICC is nothing new – it has long supported the court only when it suits A...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Furger, Graduate Researcher and Teaching Fellow in International Law, The University of Melbourne This week, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) applied for arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister ...17 hours ago
- Ministry of Social Development proposes further job cutsIts workforce is set to drop by more than 700, after further proposed cuts announced today. ...17 hours ago
- It’s not just retiring athletes who need mental health support – young sportspeople need it, tooSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vita Pilkington, Research Assistant, PhD Candidate, The University of Melbourne Retiring from professional sport can be anguishing for some athletes. In Australia, high-profile athletes such as Brendan Cannon, Nathan Bracken, Stephanie Rice and Lauren Jackson have spoken about the loss of ...18 hours ago
- Need a side hustle in these tough times? Here are your National-approved optionsGetting by in a cost of living crisis is easier than you think. Just open a mine (plus five other brilliant ideas). Like all times, it’s a bad time to be poor. Food is expensive. Rents continue to rise. My local second-hand stores are now selling Anko clothing for more ...18 hours ago
- Nicola Willis gives pre-budget speech to business leadersThe finance minister is speaking to the Employers and Manufacturers Association ahead of Budget 2024. ...18 hours ago
- Watch live as Nicola Willis gives pre-budget speech to business leadersThe finance minister is speaking to the Employers and Manufacturers Association ahead of Budget 2024. ...18 hours ago
- The Vatican is cracking down on miracles. Here are the new rules for ‘supernatural’ occurrencesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip C. Almond, Emeritus Professor in the History of Religious Thought, The University of Queensland Gustave Moreau’s The Apparition (1876-1877). © President and Fellows of Harvard College, CC BY-NC-SA New norms for differentiating supernatural phenomena from the natural within Roman Catholicism took ...19 hours ago
- More Kiwis arrive home from riot torn New CaledoniaThere will be no rescue flights on Thursday after France declined applications amid Emmanuel Macron's visit to Noumea. ...20 hours ago
- NZTA to axe 24 more jobs in third round of proposed cutsThe proposed further reduction of 24 jobs will affect staff working on road safety campaigns. ...20 hours ago
- What it’s like to go through a MAFS divorceIn a rarity for the international franchise, the first season of Married at First Sight NZ saw contestants legally wed to a stranger. Seven years later, Alex Casey talks to one groom who only just finalised his divorce. The man behind the counter at the courthouse was combing through the ...20 hours ago
- Repeal of Section 7AA fuels fiery debate in ParliamentLabour's Willow-Jean Prime says the level of frustration is building and concern is mounting over what the government will set its sights on next. ...21 hours ago
- Budget 2024: A novice's cheat sheet, and what to expectWith one week to go, this handy-dandy cheat sheet will bring you up to speed on all the jargon you need to impress your friends. ...21 hours ago
- How to end the wasteful boom-bust cycle driving NZ’s infrastructure gap: new reportSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Debates about infrastructure often turn around money – with good reason. It’s estimated New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit – the amount we would need to spend to ...21 hours ago
- French President Emmanuel Macron lands in Nouméa amid unrestBy Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist French president Emmanuel Macron has landed in Nouméa. The French Ambassador to the Pacific Véronique Roger-Lacan was on the flight. “The unrest in New Caledonia is absolutely unacceptable,” Roger-Lacan told RNZ Pacific in an interview. She had just arrived back from Caracas where she ...21 hours ago
- What can disabled people expect in the budget?The finance minister says Whaikaha is in line for a funding boost, but disabled people won’t be holding their breath, writes Robyn Hunt. The mother of all budgets in 1991 was the last time I remember feeling pessimistic, or anything much, about a budget announcement. Disabled people are used to ...22 hours ago
- ETS Tinkering: Willis Plunging Into Waters Too Deep For HerThe price signalling that ETS auction floor and CCR settings might be lowered is redolent of economic, political, legal and climate risks. Minister of Finance and Associate Minister of Climate Change, Nicola Willis, appears oblivious to all these. ...22 hours ago
- ETS Tinkering: Willis Plunging Into Waters Too Deep For HerThe price signalling that ETS auction floor and CCR settings might be lowered is redolent of economic, political, legal and climate risks. Minister of Finance and Associate Minister of Climate Change, Nicola Willis, appears oblivious to all these. ...22 hours ago
- ‘Facebook probably knows I sell drugs’ – how young people’s digital footprints can threaten ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robin van der Sanden, Postdoctoral Fellow, Public Health, SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, Massey University Marco Piunti/Getty Images Social media and messaging apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Messenger are increasingly used to buy and sell drugs in many countries. ...22 hours ago
- What it's like to be a renting MPMarama Davidson is in a minority in Parliament - one of just a handful who do not own a home. ...22 hours ago
- Community housing providers welcome fund to 'crack on' with building stalled projectsAbout 500 homes have been in limbo due to a lack of funding, a community housing group says. ...23 hours ago
- Five data points that show the New Zealand economy may be in worse shape than you thinkAnalysis - It's bad, but could it be worse than it looks? ...23 hours ago
- Parenting a perfectionist? Here’s how you can respondSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Westrupp, Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University Annie Spratt/Unsplash Some children show signs of perfectionism from early on. Young children might become frustrated and rip up their drawing if it’s not quite right. Older children might avoid or refuse to ...23 hours ago
- New research suggests girls in single-sex schools do slightly better in exams than girls in co-ed en...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Charles, Senior Lecturer in Education (Pedagogy and Curriculum), Deakin University Mary Taylor/Pexels , CC BY Students at all-girls’ schools do slightly better in their exams than girls at co-educational schools, according to new research from the United Kingdom. This ...23 hours ago
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The Greens on what we need from the Budget,
https://blog.greens.org.nz/2016/05/25/metiria-turei-what-we-need-from-budget-2016/
Now we just need the bottom of the ladder non-voters to start voting for their interests. If it’s possible to engage them.
These parties might have to start talking with those people then, instead of continuously talking at them.
You think the Greens don’t do that already?
I know a number of Green MPs, and all spend a great deal of time visiting and talking with people in social agencies, woman refuges, schools, etc – not only the practitioners, but also clients.
OK allow me to reframe. I’m thinking of what Hamas did to gain its reputation in the occupied territories.
Not dropping in, having a chat, and then heading back to your life of 1% privilege, tax payer funded flights and drinks in the Koru club. But actually being part of life amongst the people who are the most disadvantaged.
Having met Marama Davidson for instance I know the last place she will be found is the Koru Club. She speaks on social housing from a position of knowing it and living it.
Parliamentary Services pays for Koru. AFAIK no MP has turned down membership, given how much flying they all do.
But fair enough, I think Davidson is a great MP.
Would you have?
I can say the same regarding Jan Logie as well. She speaks on the social issues of Social development, sexual abuse, domestic violence, etc and has a huge background of work in this area.
I opened up my DomPost yesterday and guess what fell out?
A little newspaper from the People’s Republic of China’s China Daily, called China Watch, with a little disclaimer from the Dom Post saying their editorial and news departments had nothing to do with it..
It extoled the wonders of the NZ China relationship with articles on trade, tourism and some photos of China – “country’s exquisite beauty shines in pictures and words”.. ” Xi’s new diplomacy offers solutions” etc
Lo and behold on the back page – “Manila has no leg to stand on”.. where the paper accuses the Phillipines of violating international law over the South China sea dispute.
At best one could say the Chinese government is bypassing the media in order to get it’s own message across, at worst, well, ……….
I wonder if this is going to be a regular thing?
How do the colonisers feel being colonised?
As always, China is doing this with the long term in mind.
That’s the interesting question.
The long term what?
Apparently the long term plan to become the world hegemon when the US Empire collapses.
Dude you are so ignorant in these matters it isn’t even worth measuring.
My question was genuine CV. I’d be interested to hear what you meant.
I mean, formulate an actual fucking question which shows some basic thought and interpretation, if you don’t mind.
it is obvious what CV meant and likely very close to the mark.
So, China isn’t trying to annex several million square kilometres of the South China Sea that it has no claim to?
It isn’t building up it’s influence across the Pacific, Asia, Africa and Latin America?
It’s not building up its military capabilities to match that of the US?
It’s not buying up land in other nations as fast as it can?
Hi Draco, yes China is returning to its natural position in the history of human civilisation after a brief 200 year hiccup.
What’s your point?
…China is returning to its natural position in the history of human civilisation…
Manifest destiny!
Once it was Britain, currently USA, and future China with Russia a would be player awhile ago.
By the Bye .. They talk about Maori being first to NZ but surely it was the Chinese before their Emporer closed things down.
There is no such natural position no matter how much the fascists like to think that there is.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Territories_of_Dynasties_in_China.gif
It’s like Draco thinks that only the USA is allowed to build influence across the world, only the USA is allowed to have an effective military , only the USA is allowed to control the world’s seas as it pleases.
Talk about vassal state conditioning.
it has always been my understanding that China (probably due to the shear size of its population) has been little concerned with expansionism and more concerned with retaining control within its immediate area of influence…..history would appear to bear this out..consider North (or south for that matter) Korea….does anyone seriously suggest that China could not annex the peninsula if they wished?
As most empires have discovered ,if you expand too far the collapse when it comes is usually from within.
i may be wrong, but I have no great fears of Chinese expansionism and as to influence, well we have survived (sort of) 70 years of US hegemony
The USA is on a drive to surround both Russia and China with military forces right now, as well as engineering political, financial and social brush fires on the borderlands of those countries where possible.
Both China and Russia have been seeking ways to push back and secure what they see as their respective and traditional spheres of influence.
More specific to China – I don’t think the Chinese leadership want the headache of trying to manage millions of Vietnamese, Koreans, Japanese, Thai, Cambodians, etc. when the Chinese themselves have a tonne of internal problems right now.
But China wants to be able to project power thousands of kilometres from its shores, in order to counter the total dominance the US has held in the region since the end of WWII.
the US is a dying empire…..that in my opinion is a positive….provided there isn’t a new dark age in the following vacuum.
If the US accepts its future role as a major world power relating to a small club of other major world powers, life will go much easier for the 99% around the world.
However, if the US attempts to maintain global dominance and pole position at any cost…well, its going to be a rocky ride for the entire world.
think there is little doubt the US (or rather corporate america) will seek to retain preeminence….I doubt their success in that, it is more a question of how much damage they cause and how long it takes.
BTW it is quite possible that US corporation driven climate denial has already properly fucked our civilisation.
there is that
WTF have I ever said that only the US can build an empire? In fact, where have I ever said that anyone should build an empire?
Now prove it or apologise.
good luck with that
There is an island in Caribbean, between Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba but US has sovereignty. Not anywhere near anything to do with US. How did that happen
Christmas Is , is 1600km from Australia and 350 km from Java, but Australia has sovereignty. How did that happen
Diego Garcia in south India Ocean is a US military base, but the UK expelled the local residents before giving it over to US in exchange for nuclear missiles in early 60s. Previously UK administered the Chagos Archipelago as part of Mauritius but when they got independence they found Chagos Is didnt come with it.
There are many island territories in pacific that US has control, some came from victory in WW2 over Japan, others like Guam came from victory over Spain in war ( when they got Philippines)
So rule previously was if you took it was yours, now its not ?
Thank Christ for China.
They have saved our economy for nearly a decade now.
You’ve just mistaken selling out our economy* for saving it. An easy error to make when you have no idea how to properly deal with China.
*eg. handing over all our dairy processing knowledge, livestock genetic information, our best farming breeds etc. to the Chinese for a few pieces of silver.
Actually, doing that would do more to ‘save’ our economy than all the FTAs that we’re a part of. It’d mean that we’d have to develop our own economy because we couldn’t possibly compete on the world stage and thus won’t be either able to export or import.
Caption competition…?
“Oh, you found us….we didn’t think you would see us under here!”
‘See, plenty of room for a family of five.’
Ha, very good!
“Opposition that led to a legal challenge against a popular teaching scheme that puts top university graduates in low decile schools could be reignited, the Post Primary Teachers Association says.
With the long-term future of the programme unclear, a crucial agreement was reached between the Ministry of Education, Teach First NZ, the University of Auckland and PPTA.”
So now the Government’s gone back on the deal. “A spokeswoman for Education Minister Hekia Parata said she was unable to comment on the matter as it was before the select committee, and to do so would be a breach of privilege.”
Isn’t it lovely how the bastards invoke all sorts of protocols and resort to propriety when it suits them.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11644737
Teach First NZ was supposed to be about putting new graduates into teaching positions where there were no suitable applicants. It wasn’t supposed to be about replacing highly qualified, experienced teachers.
The TFNZ learner-teachers get placed into the poorest schools where the kids actually need the best teachers we can give them not those with the most basic of teacher education and zero experience.
All eyes on the budget tomorrow
http://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/81776/cam-preston-argues-insurers-are-running-out-steam-canterbury-rebuildrepair-marathon
Has anyone else noticed Paula Bennett being referred to as “Mrs Bennett” on RNZ in the past couple of days? Bennett is her maiden name so is this just another case of news media ignorance/laziness/incompetence?
No, Bennett’s staff would have called RNZ double quick if she hadn’t wanted that title used. So she is OK with it. Or, that is what she asked for.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/304378/no-housing-crisis-in-nz-paula-bennett
I see an RNZ online story from the past few days quotes Ms Bennett so maybe the Mrs was a slip by the reporter.
This really isn’t a good blog on which to be making something out of married women continuing to use their “maiden” name…
David Farrar’s modus operandi is to indulge in cherry-picked Poll comparisons, carefully aimed at favouring National and making the Left look as bad as poss.
Here are some comparisons based on the latest 3 Polls to be released (1 Reid Research / 2 Roy Morgans) that you’re unlikely to see on Kiwiblog:
Nat/L+G = Nat’s percentage point lead over combined Lab+Green Support
Right Bloc = Govt Bloc + Cons
Party/Bloc ………2014 Election ………..Last 3 Polls ……………. Diff
Lab+Green……………..36%………………………….41%…………………..+5
NZF………………………….9%………………………….10%……………………+1
Oppo Bloc……………….46%…………………………51%…………………..+5
National………………….47%…………………………45%………………….– 2
Nat/L+G………………….11 points……………….4 points………………– 7
Govt Bloc………………..49%…………………………47%………………….– 2
Right Bloc………………..53%………………………..48%………………….– 5
Oppo/Govt Lead……Govt by 3 points……Oppo by 4 points….7
The key comparison is Oppo Bloc vs Right Bloc = 5 point swing.
Essentially, there’s been a significant swing from National to the Opposition Parties (particularly Nat-to-Lab) since the last Election – but this has been partially disguised by the collapse of Colin Craig’s Conservatives: most of whose former supporters have swung to National.
Just had to share this cartoon
Trump wont be the first arsehole to become President, he’ll be the first to run as an arsehole.