Daily review 29/04/2022
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5:30 pm, April 29th, 2022 - 11 comments
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Daily review is also your post.
This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.
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- Comforting but warped narratives are damaging our potential future: time we kill off all the myths
One thing is abundantly clear: the way we understand the world is largely a matter of narrative management. It is through the strength of narratives we frame concepts around politics, life, and our consequent approach to it. Personally. As Nations. Too often, we don’t even realise where these come ...2 hours ago - Gutting the OIA
Stuff's Henry Cooke reports that the government is planning a significant increase in proactive release of official information, with plans to proactively release almost all advice to ministers. Which is an idea I love, and want to happen, but at the same time fear, because under this government it is ...6 hours ago - Something on NZ military diplomacy.
A few weeks ago it emerged that NZ Minister of Defence Peeni Henare had asked cabinet for approval to donate surplus NZDF Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) to Ukraine as part of the multilateral efforts to support the Ukrainian defence of its homeland against the Russian invasion that is now into ...7 hours ago - What is Really Causing the Sharp Price Rises
Reductions in effective productivity, largely as a result of events overseas, require reductions in real incomes. Ignore that and you cannot defeat inflation. What would you think of a doctor who treated only the symptoms and never tried to identify the causes? A quack? Skilled quacks will have accounts about ...1 day ago - Climate Change: Farmers versus treesFarmers have been whining for years about carbon forestry, and now they seem to have got their way, with the government proposing to ban permanent pine forests from the ETS. Which is a mistake on multiple levels. The one the government may care about is that it will cost us ...1 day ago
- Political Roundup: 29 April 2022
THREE WATERS Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Three Waters reforms: Nanaia Mahuta and Grant Robertson announce next steps Thomas Manch (Stuff): Government accepts Three Waters recommendations, councils to have shareholding, aspects of co-governance to remain Cameron Russell (Stuff): Three Waters reaction: Mayor Phil Goff says Auckland is being penalised, LGNZ welcomes ratepayer ...1 day ago - Working class and the poor most impacted by inflation
In an opinion piece in the Herald Bryce Edwards looks at rising inflation and the huge transfer of wealth to the rich under this Labour government. Some excerpts below detail the growing poverty gap. Business profitability is currently very high – banking profits were up 48 per cent last year, ...1 day ago - The Bewildering World of Christopher Luxon – Don't you know who I am, Bottomfeeders!
The media's "honeymoon" with National's leader, Christopher Luxon, ended abruptly on 21 March when on Kerre McIvor's NewstalkZB show, he uttered these astonishing words:“If you want to have a go, and you want to make something of yourself -- we don't just do bottom feeding and just focus on the ...2 days ago - Armies Of The Dead.
Not Forgotten, Or Forgiven: At this moment our television screens are filled with stories featuring Ukrainians and Russians. Over the course of the past century, both of these peoples have endured almost unbelievable levels of pain, rage and guilt. The statue pictured above, entitled The Bitter Memory of Childhood is ...2 days ago - No Good Options. Will Co-Governance Break Our Democracy?A Dangerous Moment: Given the intense preparation which has gone into raising Māori expectations of co-governance, it would now be extremely dangerous for any political party to bring its institutional evolution to a halt. That said, the lack of any serious preparation of the non-Māori population for the revolutionary implications ...2 days ago
- Everything You Know About Ukraine Is WRONG
Obviously not true for everyone. But it is amazing how many people take up a strong, emotional stance on the war in Ukraine despite being completely ignorant about what has been happening there. This short video does a great job of condensing the history of Ukraine – and presents ...2 days ago - Ancient Greek Drama: Tier Rankings
This month I finished working my way through the surviving corpus of Ancient Greek Drama (in translation). For those keeping track at home, that is forty-six plays – seven by Aeschylus, seven by ... 2 days ago - AUT cancels ‘cancel culture’ union meetingby Daphna Whitmore The Auckland University of Technology has just deplatformed a talk on cancel culture. Yes, you read that right. The cancellation was instigated by an “Inclusion Officer” (of course it was). A bit Orwellian isn’t it? I was invited to give a lecture at a Free Speech Union meeting ...2 days ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2022
We can't go on like this Past and future warming – direct comparison on multi-century timescales walks us through the improvements in methods between the IPCC AR5 and AR6 leading to the latest report's startling conclusion about our rapid, ongoing effect on global mean temperature. Unleashing the fossil hydrocarbon genie has ...2 days ago - The Night of Parmenides: Published
As of yesterday, I can report that the 2022 SpecFicNZ anthology, Aftermath: Tales of Survival in Aotearoa New Zealand, was released: https://specfic.nz/2022/04/27/aftermath-tales-of-survival-in-aotearoa-new-zealand/ It features The Night of Parmenides, my take on a post-apocalyptic Dunedin. Also notable for referencing Scribes, the much-missed second-hand bookshop of North Dunedin. ...2 days ago - Bryce Edwards: Could inflation lead to a voter backlash?The current cost of living crisis in the New Zealand economy could yet have severe political consequences. Warning signs could be seen in Monday’s French presidential election result – in which the nationalist-populist Marine Le Pen upset the status quo by getting through to the second round and winning an ...2 days ago
- Unlawful secrecy in RotoruaRNZ has a story today about fireworks at today's Rotorua lakes Council meeting, where a motion to move into confidential session over the controversial Rotorua District Council (Representation Arrangements) Bill caused a councillor to resign. The actual events can be viewed on the council livestream here (from 4:15 to 8:15). ...2 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on Parker’s tax plan and Musk’s Twitter purchase
Such is our devotion to the ordinary Kiwi battler, we ruthlessly tax the wages they earn and the stuff they buy, while letting people who amass wealth from speculative investment (and stash it in trusts) to go on their merry way, largely untroubled by the tax department. In the latest ...2 days ago - Monthly lectures introducing Capital Volume 1Karl Marx’s Capital remains the most important theoretical work explaining the capitalist mode of production from a working class and socialist perspective. The Centre for the Study of Social and Global Justice (CSSGJ) is pleased to be hosting a series of monthly lectures introducing each part of Volume 1 by Andy Higginbottom, ...3 days ago
- When Rights Become Wrongs: Repeal NZBORA
I have always taken a dim view of entrenching the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (NZBORA). In contrast to certain other online commentators, I consider subjecting parliamentary statutes to judicial review ... 3 days ago - Political Roundup: 27 April 2022TAX REFORM AND WEALTH Luke Malpass (Stuff): What are Revenue Minister David Parker’s new tax principles really all about? Bridie Witton (Stuff): Revenue minister has ‘virtually no idea what rate of tax is paid by the very wealthy’ Bernard Hickey: David Parker’s long, long game towards a fairer tax system ...3 days ago
- Two electionsThere were two elections over the weekend. In France, neo-liberal Emmanuel Macro managed to defeat neo-fascist Marine Le Pen, which should be a relief to everyone (especially given what a le Pen victory would have meant for Ukraine). But its hardly a particularly inspiring choice, effectively just a question of ...4 days ago
- UnderwhelmingAotearoa has an inequality problem. The top 1% own 20% of the wealth, and nearly half our total wealth is owned by the top 5% (and as that paper notes, it likely understates the problem, as wealthy individuals are poorly captured by the Household Economic Survey on which it is ...4 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on the Tame interview, and Macron’s endless challengesNational truly is the party of aspiration. Any centre-right voter who watched their champion’s trainwreck interview with Jack Tame on last Sunday’s Q & A programme would have to conclude that if Christopher Luxon can lead National to victory in 2023, any wealthy white man in a suit can do ...4 days ago
- Political Roundup: 26 April 2022PARTNERSHIP POLITICS (CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM, CO-GOVERNANCE, THREE WATERS; MĀORI WARDS) Morgan Godfery (Guardian): In New Zealand, Māori co-governance is already underway – referendum or not Damien Grant (Stuff): The shaky claims and untested ideology underpinning Three Waters John Weekes (Herald): Willie Jackson says democracy has changed, co-governance is good, Act leader ...5 days ago
- Climate action, as patriotismThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Dennis Laich, Larry Wilkerson, and Erik Edstrom The US military is about to find itself committed to yet another unwinnable mission costing trillions of dollars. No, we are not referring to the possibility of American escalation in Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine: ...5 days ago
- Another Chain of Custody: Possessors of the Silmarils
Some time ago, I put together a complete and overly pedantic chain of custody for the One Ring: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2020/05/07/a-chain-of-custody-listing-the-ringbearers/ Today, I decided to match that, by doing something similar for the Silmarils. In the interests of clarity, I will be using the text as it appears in the published ...5 days ago - The Bewildering World of Christopher Luxon – Health reforms
There are currently twenty DHB's servicing Aotearoa - a country with five million people. A population that would fit comfortably in eightyone cities around the world.The fragmented system has twenty CEOs; twenty Boards (with up to eleven members each); twenty IT systems (to be confirmed); twenty HR departments; twenty payroll ...5 days ago - Christopher Tolkien’s Amazonian Requests
An interesting piece of news out of Fellowship of Fans today. Not one that we were realistically expecting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmc3sY0GQ0g) The news is that prior to his death in January 2020, Christopher Tolkien made some requests of Amazon, with regards to their impending Second Age adaptation, now called The Rings ...5 days ago - 2022 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16Listing of articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, April 17, 2022 through Sat, April 23, 2022. The following articles sparked above average interest during the week (bolded articles are from SkS authors): The Greenhouse Effect, 1.5 vs 2C: What difference can a ...6 days ago
- Woke stomping on speech rights in NZhttps://freespeech.buzzsprout.com/370355/10486710-special-report-aut-cancel-a-free-speech-union-meeting The Free Speech Union has had a speaking event canceled by AUT. In the first public talk in what was to kick off a nationwide lecture series, Free Speech Union member Daphna Whitmore was to talk about (ironically) her experiences with women’s rights group ‘Speak Up For Women’ and ...7 days ago
- Political Roundup: 23 April 2022INFLATION Bernard Hickey: The dirty little secrets inside our nation of inflation Bridie Witton (Stuff): Poorest hit harder by inflation with benefit hikes now linked to average wage Luke Malpass (Stuff): High inflation a lose-lose for the Government, but it won’t be panicking – yet Janet Wilson (Stuff): Robertson ...1 week ago
- Some sense on the Russia-Ukraine warIt’s a truism that the first casualty in war is the truth. But a close second is rational thought. We face this now where partisanship, wishful thinking and disinformation dominate what we read about the Ukraine-Russia war in our media. So, it is refreshing to come across an informed ...1 week ago
- Firing Canon: Finding Authority in Middle-earthA subject doing the rounds at the moment is the question of Tolkienian Canon. On one hand, there are the passionate Purists, for whom fidelity to Tolkien’s text is paramount in assessing Adaptations in general and The Rings of Power in particular. On the other, one finds discussions such ...1 week ago
- The Economic Costs of Warfare
We do not go to war for free; we need to factor its economic costs and its consequences into public discussions.Wars are costly. People die, life is disrupted while wars divert resources to war use and wantonly destroy. We are currently involved in two major wars: the war against the ...1 week ago - A conviction for hate speechThe Herald reports that a man who recoded a violent rant calling for genocide of Māori has been convicted for hate speech: Richard Jacobs, 44, filmed a video from his Pāpāmoa home in May last year where he called for the killing of Māori. The video was uploaded to ...1 week ago
- Approaching storm over the horizon.The Solomon Islands and PRC have signed a bilateral security pact. The news of the pact was leaked a month ago and in the last week the governments of both countries have confirmed the deal. However, few details have been released. What we do know is that Chinese police trainers ...1 week ago
- Elizabeth Rata: The Decolonisation of Education in New ZealandThe Ministry of Education is currently attempting to decolonise the New Zealand schooling system, using some radical innovations. In this article, Prof Elizabeth Rata challenges some of the ideological underpinnings and practical outcomes of this agenda. Prof Rata welcomes debate on this issue, and the Democracy Project welcomes further submissions ...1 week ago
- Controlling The Past.1 week ago
- Gordon Campbell on Ukraine virtue signalling, and our inflation spikeInflation at 6.9% is a bad sign of the rising cost of living, and hidden within the headline numbers are some even grislier figures. As CTU economist Craig Renney has pointed out: Food prices rose nearly 7%, led by fruit and vegetables which rose 17%. Meat rose 7.2%. The price ...1 week ago
- Passing Down The Power: Exploring The Revolutionary Potential Of Subsidiarity And Participatory Demo...Making Ourselves Heard: Is participatory democracy really that important? Yes, it is, because without returning effective political power to the people, there is no possibility of also returning their resources. No one involved in the management of local government will have failed to notice the fake subsidiarity of neoliberalism: making ...1 week ago
- A glaring omission in the new history curriculum: classTony Simpson writes in a Newsroom article about a major shortcoming of the new history curriculum. Here’s an excerpt: I don’t disagree at all with what the Committee have come up with which is largely about Māori indigenous culture, where it came from and how it has responded to incomers ...1 week ago
- British volunteer soldier in Ukraine tells his storyOK, this is a bit controversial as it is an interview of a surrendered combatant. Mind you he did personally ask for the interview (and specifically asked that fellow Brit Graham Phillips carry out the interview) as a chance to appeal for a prisoner exchange. He is technically a ...1 week ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2022Water packing heat: it's not only the oceans It's often remarked that we don't directly notice or feel most global warming because most excess energy being retained by the planet is ending up "stored" in Earth's oceans. Given its high specific heat capacity, liquid water is an effective sponge for ...1 week ago
- Bryce Edwards: Political Roundup – A polarising co-governance decision for ParliamentCo-governance is currently the most polarising issue in New Zealand politics. There’s something of a culture war over the concept of giving Māori voters or leaders a mandated equal political influence in public affairs. It’s an issue that has the potential to be socially explosive as plans are being developed ...1 week ago
- Hosking v. the Prime Minister
Mike Hosking continues to deliver what his paymasters pay him for, if today’s Herald is anything to go by. No surprise there – Hosking has always been under no illusion as to what it is that he has to sell. What is worth remarking on, however, is the evident emotional ...1 week ago - Ash samples provide vital information for volcanic eruption response
PHOTO (cropped): Japan Meteorological Agency, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114321094 Jenny Stein, Resilience to Nature’s Challenges National Science Challenge Following a volcanic eruption, local communities understandably have more pressing concerns than ensuring a sample of ash gets sent to a lab. But that sample will provide crucial insight into the extent ...1 week ago - Ranking the reasons why the Larsen C ice shelf is meltingThis is a re-post from Carbon Brief by Ella Gilbert, John King, and Ian Renfrew Scientists know the surface of the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica is melting, making it vulnerable to collapse. For the first time, we can rank the most important causes of melting over the recent past. ...1 week ago
- Legal Beagle: The local bill to remove equal suffrage
There are four types of bills that Parliament considers: most bills are government bills, but there are also members bills, private bills and local bills. Members bills are relatively well know (some important ones have passed over the last few years), but these latter three types are often grouped together. ...1 week ago - Reported backThe Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee has reported back on the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Bill. The bill is one of those boring administrative ones, establishing a regulatory framework for providers of "digital identity services" - people who validate your identity online. Which normally isn't the sort of ...1 week ago
- Doing Not SayingA major, nation-wide challenge to our national well-being, such as the coronavirus pandemic, is not necessarily bad news for everybody. The government of the day has no choice but to take it on the chin, but opposition politicians, and other critics of the government, can have a field day; they ...1 week ago
- Gordon Campbell on the MIQ memo and France’s electionsOne word has largely been missing from the coverage of the MoH advice about MIQ: Omicron. The relevant memo was written in November. It was referring to the Delta outbreak and to the relative incidence of the Delta variant in the community as opposed to it coming over the border, ...1 week ago
- Political Roundup: 20 April 2022COVID AND MIQ Mark Quinlivan (Newshub): Chris Hipkins can’t say if his office knew MIQ memo from Ministry of Health was being withheld Jenna Lynch (Newshub): Government was advised in November 2021 there was no longer ‘any’ justification for MIQ Michael Daly (Stuff): No ‘great conspiracy’ to keep memo on ...1 week ago
- Aftermath (SpecFicNZ Anthology) + Q&ASpecFicNZ’s new post-apocalyptic themed anthology will be out soon, with Yours Truly providing one of the stories (specifically a Dunedin-centric piece titled The Night of Parmenides). Here’s a list of the other contributors, plus a look at the cover:2 weeks ago
- Monstrous and illegal
In September 2021 Ahamed Samsudeen was killed by police after stabbing eight people in an Auckland supermarket. Samsudeen was a former refugee who seems to have been turned into a terrorist by the SIS and police (at the least you can say that their treatment of him did not help ...2 weeks ago- A word on post-neoliberalism.
I recently read a critique of the market-oriented economic theory known as “neoliberalism” and decided to add some of my thoughts about it in a series of short messages on a social media platform dedicated to providing an outlet for short messaging. I have decided to expand upon those messages ...2 weeks ago- Free Speech Union’s Podcast with Don Franks
Dane Giraud for the Free Speech Union interviews Don Franks. Don is a writer and editor for Redline. He talks to Dane about his involvement in Left-wing activism since the 1960s (starting with his opposition to the Vietnam War). Don is a published author and professional musician. He was a ...2 weeks ago- Virtue signaling over Ukraine
I have always been opposed to virtue-signalling. It seems an easy way of supporting the current narrative and opposing any thoughtful opposition to it. And it does not require any exertion – of the mind, muscle, or (usually) wallet.Of course, these days the virtue signaler simply blocks ...2 weeks ago- Jacinda Ardern’s trip to Japan and Singapore about more than just trade
International analyst Geoffrey Miller examines the motivations behind Jacinda Ardern’s first foreign trip since February 2020 – and says her tour of Japan and Singapore is about much more than trade This is far from Jacinda Ardern’s first foreign trip – but it almost feels like one. Ardern’s tour of ...2 weeks ago- Aboard MOSAiC: Hardy fish, powerful waves, shrinking ice floes
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Kristen Pope Hundreds of researchers from around the globe took turns collecting data in the Arctic aboard the German icebreaker RV Polarstern on an expedition that lasted over a year. Now, this data is rewarding the researchers with important and surprising insights about this ...2 weeks ago- Political Roundup: 19 April 2022
PM’S FOREIGN TRIP Henry Cooke (Stuff): Jacinda Ardern’s first post-Covid trip is a sales job Derek Cheng (Herald): Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lands in Singapore for first overseas trip in more than two years Henry Cooke (Stuff): Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern touches down in Singapore for first leg of Asia ...2 weeks ago- Out Of The Picture: What If Roy Morgan’s Calling It Right?
Exit Stage Right: If the next round of opinion polls reveal a level of Labour support beginning with a “2”, what would happen then?WHAT DOES THE LATEST Roy Morgan poll tell us about the future of the Sixth Labour Government? Technically speaking, it tells us nothing. All it describes, statistically, ...2 weeks ago- 50 days of war in Ukraine: What have we learnt?
As the Christian world began its Easter rituals, Ukraine marked 50 days since Russian troops crossed its borders and began the first European war in decades. But Ukraine - a country where at least three-quarters of the population describe themselves as Christian remains trapped in a Good Friday world of ...2 weeks ago- 2022 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
Listing of articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, April 10, 2022 through Sat, April 16, 2022. The following articles sparked above average interest during the week (bolded articles are from SkS authors): Wind Power Surpasses Coal, Nuclear as Power Generation Source in ...2 weeks ago- Tolkien Adaptations that aren’t Jackson or Amazon: A Compendium
As you might have noticed, I have a disproportionate fondness for the more obscure Tolkien adaptations. Or at least those that aren’t the handiwork of Peter Jackson or Amazon. I have been reviewing them for some time, so in the interest of keeping track of my articles on the ...2 weeks ago- The Third Man.
2 weeks ago- The Jackanory Hobbit (1979)
A sudden and delightful surprise. An obscure Tolkien adaptation – one I knew existed, but which had hitherto proved damned hard to find in visual format – has surfaced on YouTube. I refer to the 1979 Jackanory Hobbit. Now, this particular adaptation is a curious beast. It consists ...2 weeks ago- The Ambiguity of Labels
Simon Bridges’ memoir, ‘National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider’, illustrates that humans are more complicated than the categories we put them into. In his opening chapter Simon Bridges reports:“I was as crook as a dog. Feverish. I rarely went to a doctor but I needed to. ... Into the doctor’s ...2 weeks ago- Media Link: AVFA on small state approaches to multilateral conflict resolution in transitional times...
In this week’s “A View from Afar” podcast Selwyn Manning and I used NZ’s contribution of money to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a stepping stone into a discussion of small sate roles in coalition-building, multilateral approaches to conflict resolution and who and who is not aiding the effort to ...2 weeks ago- Where Is The Peace Movement?
Casus Belli: The bodies in the street, the terrible revelations of rape and torture: these only make matters worse. Our instinctive response, when confronted with such images is not to calmly contemplate the best means of extricating all concerned from the horrors of war, but to punish those responsible for ...2 weeks ago- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #15 2022
Let's do it again, only not the bad part "Hard won experience" is another way of describing our collision of early enthusiasm and thoughtless habituation around fossil hydrocarbon fuels and— after a little over 200 years— finally thinking it all through. We can also be excused for our early ignorance ...2 weeks ago- More police corruption
The Independent Police Conduct authority has a report out today on an incident of corruption in the Police. The Stuff version of the story focuses on the inciting incident: a constable stole $50 which was handed in as lost property. But it glosses over the real story: that the police's ...2 weeks ago- Headaches
I noticed an item in today’s Herald titled “What’s really causing your headache – and how to treat it”. I turned to it expectantly, imagining that the Herald was at last about to acknowledge the assault it repeatedly makes on the sensibilities of its readers and celebrating that I was ...2 weeks ago- Member’s morning
Today is a special member's morning, to deal with member's bills ahead of next month's budget. First up is the committee stage of Ricardo Menéndez March's Human Rights (Disability Assist Dogs Non-Discrimination) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the committee stage of Nicola Willis' Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate ...2 weeks ago- Gordon Campbell on gendered perceptions in politics
In recent weeks, barely a day has gone by without Christopher Luxon demonstrating the chasm of ability that exists between the leaders of our two major political parties. When his latest gaffe (on public transport funding) was politely pointed out to him by a NZ Herald journalist, Luxon replied : ...2 weeks ago - Monstrous and illegal
- Rising household costs hurting low-income people
The Green Party says the Government needs to do more for those on the lowest incomes as inflation outpaces wage and benefit increases. ...1 day ago - HRC housing inquiry confirms need for rental WOFThe Human Rights Commission inquiry into housing quality confirms what the Green Party has been calling for - a rental Warrant of Fitness and a register of landlords and property managers. ...3 days ago
- Greens call for urgent action to fix tax systemThe Green Party is urging the Government to take urgent action to create a fairer tax system that works for all New Zealanders. ...4 days ago
- UNDRIP – Let’s get on with itThe Green Party welcomes the next steps towards implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Aotearoa, and calls on the Government to get on with the mahi of upholding Tangata Whenua rights. ...1 week ago
- More Kiwis in work as our recovery gains momentum
Our economic recovery is gaining momentum and the latest figures show that the Government’s focus on jobs is working. We’ve delivered a record low unemployment rate as well as a steady fall in the number of New Zealanders receiving a main benefit. ...1 week ago - Urgent action needed to soften inflation blow for low income NZersThe Green Party says urgent action is needed to soften the blow of inflation for New Zealanders on the lowest incomes. ...1 week ago
- Nature needs us to act right nowThe Green Party welcomes the release of the implementation plan for Te Mana o te Taiao Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy and calls on the Government to act faster to protect our oceans. ...1 week ago
- Future of West Papuan students more secureAfter weeks of advocacy by Green MPs, Immigration New Zealand has given assurances that West Papuan students whose scholarships were cancelled by the Indonesian Government will not be deported - and that a team will now be formed to assess the future needs of the students. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent action need to bring natural environment back from the brinkThe release today of Environment Aotearoa 2022 is a sobering reminder of what is at stake if the Government does not step up and take urgent action to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s native plants, wildlife, habitats and ecosystems. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent action needed to bring natural environment back from the brinkThe release today of Environment Aotearoa 2022 is a sobering reminder of what is at stake if the Government does not step up and take urgent action to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s native plants, wildlife, habitats and ecosystems. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour's economic recovery in five graphsThroughout the pandemic, we’ve worked hard to protect lives and livelihoods – and thanks to these efforts, our economy is now recovering faster than almost anywhere else in the world. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens join Pacific leaders to call for an end to deep sea mining...2 weeks ago
- Keep masks in schools to protect tamarikiThe Green Party does not support the Government’s decision to move Aotearoa to ‘orange’, or the removal of mask rules for schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Liveable incomes and rent controls, nowStats NZ’s monthly rental and food price indexes released today continue to show that over the last 12 months the essentials have gotten increasingly expensive for thousands of New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Reopening to the worldWe’re celebrating a big milestone this week – the return of international visitors. New Zealand is open for business and our tourism destinations are among the world’s best. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens partner with student unions to launch people’s inquiry into student wellbeingGreen Tertiary spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick has teamed up with student unions across the country to launch a People's Inquiry into Student Wellbeing. The collaboration is led by New Zealand Union of Students' Associations (NZUSA), Te Mana Ākonga, Tauira Pasifika and the National Disabled Students’ Association among 33 student unions. ...3 weeks ago
- Govt launches Smokefree May campaign
Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall launched ‘Smokefree May’ today at an event at Manurewa Marae. This new campaign, developed with Hāpai Te Hauora, supports the Government’s plan to make New Zealand smokefree by 2025. At the event, a new brand was also unveiled for the Smokefree 2025 Action ...9 hours ago - Government partners with Ka Uruora to deliver up to 172 new homes for whānauMinister of Housing Hon Dr Megan Woods and Associate Minister of Housing (Māori Housing) Peeni Henare have today announced a new investment partnership with Ka Uruora to build up to 172 new homes for whānau who need them most. Ministers Henare and Jackson joined partners Ka Uruora at an event ...1 day ago
- Pacific Business Village launched in TaurangaA new Pacific Business Village that will grow Pacific businesses, fundamental to our COVID-19 recovery, was launched by the Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio in Tauranga today. “The Government wants the Village used as a strategic framework for any long-term economic development work in our regions for Pacific ...1 day ago
- Another COVID-19 drug in the medicine chestHealth Minister Andrew Little says New Zealanders who contract COVID-19 now have access to six medicines proven to safely prevent the most severe and life-threatening symptoms of the virus. Andrew Little was in Auckland this afternoon to see the first shipment of molnupiravir, the second oral anti-viral COVID-19 medicine to ...2 days ago
- Changes to intensive winter grazing regulations better for farmers and environmentChanges to intensive winter grazing rules will make them more practical for farmers and effective in lifting environmental outcomes, Environment Minister David Parker and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “For New Zealand, our economy depends on our environment. Cleaning up our winter grazing practices protects our freshwater resources, the welfare of our animals, ...2 days ago
- Government supports extra housing developmentFive Auckland suburbs to get improved infrastructure to boost supply of new housing, and support existing homes Up to 16,000 new homes enabled on crown-owned land including public, affordable and market homes Capacity created for an extra 11,000 homes on surrounding privately owned land. Projects include water main renewal, sewage ...3 days ago
- Government puts port safety under the spotlightThe health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be investigated as part of a range of actions taken by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety in response to two deaths in the space of a week. “All New Zealanders should return from work safe and unharmed. Recently ...3 days ago
- New Government plan helps support older workersSupporting older people to stay in the workforce and transition their skills as they age and their circumstances change is a key part of the new Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni and Minister for Seniors Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “The Government ...3 days ago
- Flora, fauna and communities set to flourish through Jobs for NatureAn initiative that has provided tourism workers with alternative employment into the lead up to New Zealand’s borders reopening is being extended to ensure staff are retained, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. It is one of two projects in the Waikato-Maniapoto to receive funding through the Government’s Jobs for Nature ...3 days ago
- Supporting communities to prepare for climate impactsFrom today New Zealanders can have their say on a proposed National Adaptation Plan to help communities across the country adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. “Aotearoa will soon have a plan to bring down our emissions and help prevent the worst effects of climate change, but we ...3 days ago
- Conservation cup win runs in the familyWetlands expert and advocate Dr Beverley Clarkson was today presented with New Zealand’s most prestigious conservation award, the Loder Cup by Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan. Dr Clarkson is a plant ecologist based at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research in Hamilton. She is nationally renowned for her knowledge and championing of ...3 days ago
- New mask exemption card to remove uncertaintyPeople who have genuine reasons for not being able to wear a face mask can access a new personalised exemption card from the end of May, Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins and Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “We know that face masks are a crucial part ...3 days ago
- Government plans to amend Dairy Industry Restructuring ActThe Government intends to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA) to support Fonterra’s move to a new capital structure, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “The Fonterra cooperative is a key part of New Zealand’s world-leading dairy industry and a major export earner for our economy, sending product ...4 days ago
- Shining a light on unfairness in our tax systemVictoria University 26 April, 2022 Those coming here expecting announcements of new tax policy will be disappointed. None are being made. We have no secret plan to introduce a CGT nor a wealth tax or a deemed income tax, nor others. The IRD is not doing any work ...4 days ago
- Auckland harbour goes electricAuckland harbour ferries are set to get quieter, cleaner and greener, thanks to two new fully-electric ferries for commuters and sightseers to travel on, Minister for Energy and Resources Dr Megan Woods announced today. Auckland Transport will operate the two electric fast ferries across all major inner and mid-harbour services, ...4 days ago
- Spray-free target for New Zealand apples and pears to boost export growthNew Zealand’s apples and pears industry is aiming to become spray-free by 2050 through a new Government-backed programme focused on world-leading sustainable production practices, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The Government is investing in a seven-year programme through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures ...4 days ago
- Helping some of New Zealand’s highest energy users slash their emissionsBacking 15 big businesses to move away from fossil fuels in their production processes Equal to taking 14,400 cars off the road $13 million of Government funding matched by $32.66 million from industry Achieves a total of 900,631 t of carbon emissions saved over the project lifetimes The Government is ...4 days ago
- Boosting biggest city’s environment credMore than 50 jobs are being created across Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland with the launch of three new Government-backed initiatives, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. “Tāmaki Makaurau has taken quite a hit over the past two years, with the region experiencing longer lockdown restrictions than anywhere else in the country. “Jobs for ...4 days ago
- Celebrating 30 years of Great WalksThe opening of the 2022-23 Great Walks booking season next week heralds 30 years of epic adventures in our backyard throughout the country, says Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan. Speaking from the Tongariro Northern Circuit,, the Minister acknowledged the importance of the Great Walks for conservation, recreation and tourism in ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister's Speech to Mt Albert Anzac Day ServiceLet me start by saying how wonderful it is to see people up and down the country gathering together in person again this year, in commemoration of Anzac Day. At a time when the global pandemic has so often cancelled public gatherings, it is all the more precious to be ...5 days ago
- Rangiriri Pa trench rebuild shines a light on our shared historiesThe shared nineteenth-century histories of Aotearoa-New Zealand have come to life with the official opening today of one of the most culturally significant sites of the 1860s New Zealand Wars. The Government-financed rebuild of the Rangiriri Pa Trenches complex in Waikato is the first project completed from a special ...1 week ago
- Statement on Cooperation in Agriculture between Japan and New ZealandJapan and New Zealand’s strong partnership is built on a long tradition of official and industry engagement, underpinned by our natural complementarities and strong business relationships. Both countries share many similarities. Japan and New Zealand are island nations in the Pacific with rich soils and climates suited to temperate agriculture. Agriculture, ...1 week ago
- Commissioners reappointed to Tauranga City CouncilLocal Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the reappointment of four commissioners to the Tauranga City Council. “As the Council continues to face substantial infrastructure and funding challenges, it is clear that ensuring certainty for Tauranga is more important than ever,” Nanaia Mahuta said. “The reappointment of the current Tauranga ...1 week ago
- Next steps in Declaration Plan“We’ve now completed the first stage of the two-step engagement process to develop a Declaration Plan. This has provided us with valuable feedback to help with drafting a Declaration Plan that we will then take out to wider consultation,” Willie Jackson said. “Almost 70 targeted engagement workshops were held mainly ...1 week ago
- Public Media entity Establishment Board appointmentsThe Minister for Broadcasting and Media has confirmed the nine-member Establishment Board to lead the work on creating a new public media entity in New Zealand. “The Establishment Board will oversee the detailed design of the new entity and the change required to create it,” Kris Faafoi said. “The make-up ...1 week ago
- Prime Minister has productive meeting with Prime Minister of JapanPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern had a productive meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo today. “Japan is one of New Zealand’s closest and most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region. We have a strong trade relationship, common values and a shared commitment to an open, inclusive, stable and ...1 week ago
- Joint Statement: Japan and Aotearoa New Zealand: a Strategic Cooperative Partnership for Common Pea...Strengthening the Strategic Cooperative Partnership 1. The Prime Minister of Japan His Excellency KISHIDA Fumio and the Prime Minister of New Zealand the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern held a productive and substantive meeting in Tokyo on 21 April 2022. Acknowledging the Summit Meeting was taking place at a significant time as the two ...1 week ago
- NZ, Japan team up on renewable energyPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern today welcomed two renewable energy initiatives that highlight the growing partnership between Japan and New Zealand as both countries work towards a greener future. “New Zealand, like Japan, is embarking on a journey to become carbon neutral by 2050,” Jacinda Ardern said. “We need to significantly ...1 week ago
- Veterans Minister congratulates RSA on 100 years since first Poppy AppealVeterans Minister Meka Whaitiri has congratulated the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) on 100 years since the first Poppy Appeal in New Zealand, held on April 24, 1922. “This is an incredible century of work by the RSA that has provided thousands of New Zealanders the opportunity ...1 week ago
- New technology for e-waste switched onA new state-of-the-art machine that sorts and shreds electronic waste has officially started operation in Auckland today. Environment Minister David Parker pressed start on Computer Recycling Ltd’s new BLUBOX machine, which was supported by a $1.5 million grant from the Waste Minimisation Fund. “The BLUBOX machine is a step forward ...1 week ago
- CPI figures highlight global economic challengesFurther increases in consumer prices are a reminder of the current global economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal policy in New Zealand, Grant Robertson said today. The Consumer Price Index released by Stats NZ today showed a 1.8 percent increase in prices over the March quarter, taking the ...1 week ago
- Government supports more people off benefitMinister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni says the Government’s response to COVID-19 has helped keep people in work, with March Quarter Benefit statistics showing a further fall in the number of people receiving a main benefit and jobseeker assistance. “There are 19,883 fewer people on a main benefit ...1 week ago
- Andrew Little Locality network announcement speech, Levin | Taitoko, 21 April 2022Kia ora koutou, Thank you for having me here today. I begin by acknowledging my colleague, Peeni Henare, the Associate Minister for Māori Health, who cannot be with us due to other commitments. Peeni and I have worked closely on today’s kaupapa - as we have with the rest of ...1 week ago
- Health Reform – Govt ensures local say in health servicesThe Government has announced how New Zealanders will have a real voice in determining the health services provided in their community as part of the new health system. “Today we’re announcing nine locality network pilots to improve how healthcare is delivered in local communities,” Health Minister Andrew Little said. The ...1 week ago
- Sustainable Aviation Arrangement signed with SingaporeA New Zealand-Singapore Sustainable Aviation Arrangement signed today marks the start of greater collaboration as both countries move towards low carbon economies, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. The Arrangement is the first bilateral cooperation in sustainable aviation for both New Zealand and Singapore, and its signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Jacinda ...1 week ago
- NZ, Singapore join forces on supply chain disruptionsNew Zealand and Singapore have pledged to continue working together on supply chains following global disruptions caused by COVID-19, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Singapore counterpart, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, announced today. “The global COVID-19 pandemic has showed us just how vulnerable economies of all sizes can be ...1 week ago
- Taking action on biodiversity challengesThe Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 - Te Mana o te Taiao – now has an accompanying implementation plan, aimed at driving collective action to tackle New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis. “It is the first time key conservation activities across all government departments and regional councils have been identified in ...1 week ago
- New rules to include all finfish in combined daily bag limit for recreational fishersRules for daily limits on recreationally caught finfish will change to include species that previously had no limit, Oceans and Fisheries Minister, David Parker announced today. There are over 1,000 finfish species found in New Zealand waters, and of those only 43 species have been subject to a daily recreational ...1 week ago
- Government takes action to future proof supply chainA more resilient, productive and lower carbon freight and supply chain sector that will play a pivotal role in growing the economy, and future proof it from further international shocks, is now a step closer, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. The Minister has launched Te rautaki ueā me te ...2 weeks ago
- Kūwaha unveiled at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay by Prime MinisterA carving celebrating the long-standing friendship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Singapore was today unveiled by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. “Tāne Te Waiora is a bespoke carving which takes the form of a kūwaha and represents a symbolic doorway. It is a metaphor for ...2 weeks ago
- The Wentworth Project: Allegra Spender’s profile rises, but polarises
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Allegra Spender/Facebook; Dave Sharma/Facebook At the campaign’s halfway point in the highly contested seat of Wentworth, ‘teal’ candidate Allegra Spender has shifted – but polarised – soft voters’ views about her. Fewer of ...57 mins ago - NZers' social media comments scanned to inform Covid-19 response
A company commissioned by the government has been monitoring social media comments about the Covid-19 response for almost two years, reporting back every four days. ...5 hours ago - 'Wasteful' spending on now-scrapped cycle bridge – NationalNational is accusing the government of wasting money by securing prime office space for Auckland's cycle bridge staff, weeks before cancelling the project. ...6 hours ago
- ACT Unveils Tauranga Campaign Bus
ACT Party Leader David Seymour, Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden and ACT Tauranga candidate Cameron Luxton have today unveiled the party’s campaign bus. “ACT is a serious contender in this race. We’re aiming to send a message to Wellington ...9 hours ago - Yes, we know about the Rotorua councillor’s resignation – but the legality of the mayor’s secr...
Malcolm Harbrow, an admirably dogged campaigner against governmental secrecy on his No Right Turn blog, has drawn attention to something the mainstream media missed. He has focused on the legality of Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick’s actions at a stormy meeting of the Rotorua Lakes Council. RNZ is among the media ...9 hours ago - Focus on Politics: Officials planning for threat of new variantsPodcast - The threat of new Covid-19 variants has health officials working on a plan for restrictions and surveillance testing. Political Reporter Katie Scotcher investigates. ...12 hours ago
- French Pacific vote supports Macron for president but a drop in turnoutRNZ Pacific The French Pacific territories have shown their support for President Emmanuel Macron at the polls, but with a much lower voter turnout than has been usual. Macron captured 61 percent of New Caledonia’s votes overall in the presidential election final stage last Sunday, while far-right candidate Marine Le ...19 hours ago
- West Papua food estates threaten indigenous people, warns TAPOLAsia Pacific Report newsdesk Plans to establish “food estates” were announced by the Indonesian government at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic because, it said, it wanted to ensure Indonesia’s food security. But as AwasMIFEE! and TAPOL show in their new report released today, Pandemic Power Grabs: Who benefits from ...20 hours ago
- Newsletter – Political Roundup: 29 April 2022Political Roundup is entirely subscriber-funded. The ethos behind this public service is to help foster a robust and informed public debate, with a great diversity of perspectives. If you appreciate what we are doing in providing non-partisan analysis and information about politics, economy, and society, please consider helping us keep ...1 day ago
- Three waters anti-privatisation entrenchment rejected by opposition partiesOpposition parties should commit to protecting against privatising water assets, and front up with alternatives if they don't like the three waters reform, the government says. ...1 day ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Clark, Deputy Engagement Editor, The Conversation Is there any such thing as the so-called “ethnic vote” in a country as multicultural as Australia? Do different cultural groups favour one side of politics over another? For instance, in Victoria’s most marginal seat ...1 day ago
- The Week in Politics: Parker's proposals set off a wealth tax debateAnalysis: Revenue Minister David Parker's mission to find out how much tax the wealthiest people are paying raises questions about the government's intentions. ...1 day ago
- New Water Organisations To Be Owned Locally – Expert ReactionLocal councils will own the proposed four new water entities – and local voices will be strengthened, the government has confirmed today. As part of transforming how the three waters services are managed, the government has responded to a working ...1 day ago
- Honeybees join humans as the only known animals that can tell the difference between odd and even nu...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scarlett Howard, Lecturer, Monash University Shutterstock “Two, four, six, eight; bog in, don’t wait”. As children, we learn numbers can either be even or odd. And there are many ways to categorise numbers as even or odd. We may ...1 day ago
- Independent Review Of Fire And Emergency’s Progress On Bullying And Harassment CultureThe United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) welcomes today’s announcement by Te Kawa Mataaho, the Public Service Commission, to appoint Belinda Clark QSO to lead an independent review into the progress that Fire and Emergency New Zealand has made ...1 day ago
- Mahuta and Robertson are flushed with enthusiasm as they pump revised Three Waters plans back into t...The Labour Government is again using a Friday while the Prime Minister is on leave to dump information, ACT Leader David Seymour claimed in a press statement today. He referenced an announcement on Friday last week setting out the next steps on He Puapua, the government’s programme for extending the meaning ...1 day ago
- Intensive Winter Grazing Rule Changes Cave In To Intensive Dairy29 April: Greenpeace says the Government’s updated intensive winter grazing rules cave in to intensive dairy and are a missed opportunity to improve environmental management and animal welfare. Greenpeace Aotearoa lead agriculture campaigner Christine ...1 day ago
- Here’s how disinformation could disrupt the Australian electionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Jensen, Associate professor, Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, University of Canberra Shutterstock Disinformation and foreign interference constitute a grave threat to Western democracies, particularly during elections. Both the 2016 US election and the 2019 ...1 day ago
- No, Mr Morrison – the safeguard mechanism is not a ‘sneaky carbon tax’Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University Mick Tsikas/AAP Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week claimed Labor was planning a “sneaky carbon tax” should it win power, and Nationals senator Matt Canavan declared the goal of net-zero emissions by ...1 day ago
- Three Waters Announcement From The Four Local Councils Of Hawke's BayGovernment has today announced further details of its proposed three waters reforms, which would see responsibility for the delivery of drinking, waste and storm water services removed from local authorities. Ministers Robertson and Mahuta have detailed ...1 day ago
- Crown signs $58m deal with iwi housing provider to deliver 170 rental homesA $58 million deal between the Crown and an iwi housing provider is promising to deliver a minimum of 170 affordable rental homes across Taranaki, Tokoroa, Blenheim, Thames and Tāmaki Makaurau. ...1 day ago
- Another Step Towards Addressing Water Infrastructure ChallengeThe Government’s response to the Three Waters Working Group on Representation, Governance and Accountability is another step towards addressing the serious infrastructure deficit challenge facing the water sector. Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian ...1 day ago
- Clive Palmer’s promise to cap mortgage rates at 3% would make it much harder to get a home loanSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Isaac Gross, Lecturer in Economics, Monash University The Conversation Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party continues to make waves in the federal election campaign, most recently with advertisements on massive billboards pledging a “maximum 3% interest rate on all home loans ...1 day ago
- Bingo seems like harmless fun – but higher stakes and new technology are making it more dangerousSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah J MacLean, Associate professor, La Trobe University Shutterstock Bingo, with its familiar rules, novelty number calls (“legs 11”, “two ducks swimming”) and social setting, has long had a reputation as harmless and friendly. Also called “housie”, bingo is ...1 day ago
- Draft Annual Plan 2022/23We have published our Draft annual plan 2022/23 and are seeking feedback on our proposed work programme. This plan sets out the discretionary work that we intend to carry out during 2022/23. These include performance audits where we look at questions ...1 day ago
- The value of virtue: 7 reasons why Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s crisis leadership has been so effectiveSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suze Wilson, Senior Lecturer, Executive Development/School of Management, Massey University GettyImages The war in Ukraine would test even the most hardened political operator: millions forced to flee their homes, thousands (including many civilians) killed or injured, evidence of Russian war ...1 day ago
- Fonterra is well placed to win Kiwi acclamation as a corporate champion
Can Fonterra, with its capital restructured, become the national champion, it was always intended to be?. The stars are aligned as they never have been before. The dairy giant has the products, the bosses, the markets, the support of almost all its suppliers, plus the government’s backing. It seems the ...1 day ago - Worrying Implication For Property Rights As Government Forces Through Three Waters ReformCommunities 4 Local Democracy He hapori mō te Manapori says Government plans to force through water reforms virtually unchanged is a worrying attack on property rights and community voice. The changes embed an unusual public shareholding model, ...1 day ago
- Public Service Commission Inquiry Into FENZ Workplace Culture And Complaint Handling ProcessesToday the Deputy Public Service Commissioner Helene Quilter QSO announced an independent review of FENZ’s progress to address workplace culture and complaint handling practices. The Review is to independently assess the progress FENZ has made since the 2019 Shaw ...1 day ago
- Ngāi Tahu Welcomes Commitment To Three Waters Infrastructure Reform...1 day ago
- Papua New Guinea’s first woman neurosurgeon graduates at UPNGBy Phoebe Gwangilo in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea’s first woman neurosurgeon has graduated from the national university. Dr Esther Apuahe graduated with a higher post-diploma in neurosurgery during the University of Papua New Guinea’s 67th graduation ceremony yesterday. “She is the first female neurosurgeon in Papua New Guinea,” said ...1 day ago
- ‘Shooting ourselves in the foot’ – NZ doctor calls for tighter mask rulesBy Rowan Quinn, RNZ News health correspondent Wearing glasses or getting a runny nose is enough to qualify for a mask exemption under current New Zealand’s Ministry of Health criteria — and a doctor says its time for tougher rules. Hearing aids, hayfever or a tendency to get dry eyes ...1 day ago
- Rotorua Lakes Council to 'pause' controversial Māori wards billRotorua council has pressed "pause" on its Māori wards bill, with Labour retracting its support. ...1 day ago
- Porirua City Council Welcomes 3 Water ReformsPorirua Mayor Anita Baker has welcomed the decision today that ownership of 3 Waters in New Zealand will remain in the hands of councils. A working group established last year made recommendations to the Government on the future of drinking water, ...1 day ago
- Revised Three Waters Plan Is Worse Than Ever – Dishonestly Framed As ‘ownership’ By Counci...Responding to the Government’s revised Three Waters plan announced today, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams says: “The Government is desperately holding up an imagined threat of privatisation to justify its asset grab. Ironically, ...1 day ago
- Buzz from the Beehive – nothing yet posted about Three Waters but you can be sure Nanaia will stin...The Point of Order team was awash with expectations that something big would be showing up on the Beehive website. But no – not yet. Just two fresh announcements had been posted at the time we checked, neither of them related to Three Waters. The big news about Three Waters ...1 day ago
- Three Waters Announcement The Sow’s Ear Of A Separatist Agenda“Labour’s Three Waters announcement today is nothing but a ‘faux backdown’ which has only occurred due to massive public backlash and the calculated loss of political capital they would endure,” says Rt Hon Winston Peters Leader of New ...1 day ago
- More Changes Needed To Improve Three Waters Reform Proposal, Goff SaysAuckland Mayor Phil Goff has welcomed changes to the government’s proposed three waters reform but says the model still doesn’t stack up for Aucklanders. This morning the government announced that it will incorporate almost all the 47 recommendations ...1 day ago
- Butt plug duels and fanny pack stunts: how Everything Everywhere All At Once fits into the canon of ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joyleen Christensen, Senior lecturer, University of Newcastle Roadshow Everything Everywhere All At Once, a sci-fi action comedy, manages the surprising feat of paying homage to martial arts cinema classics while also delivering a strange and completely fresh, genre-bending film. ...1 day ago
- Three waters: Councils to be shareholders as government accepts recommendationsThe government has accepted 45 of the three waters working group's 47 recommendations for changes to its water infrastructure reform programme, with minor changes. ...1 day ago
- LGNZ Welcomes Momentum On Water ReformLGNZ President Stuart Crosby says the Government’s decisions on the Three Waters Governance Working Group recommendations provide much-needed momentum, as well as certainty for ratepayers. “Councils face big future bills for water services given ...1 day ago
- Fire And Emergency Requests Independent Review To Assess Progress To Address Bullying And HarassmentFire and Emergency New Zealand’s Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan MNZM has asked the Te Kawa Mataaho - Public Service Commission to complete a review of its progress to address bullying and harassment in the organisation. The review will look at how ...1 day ago
- Reserve Bank Pleased With Strong Public Interest In The Future Of MoneyThree issues papers published by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua have drawn strong support for ensuring cash remains available and accepted, and for the Reserve Bank taking on a broad stewardship role for money and cash. “Feedback ...1 day ago
- Independent Review Into Fire And Emergency’s Workplace Culture And Complaint Handling PracticesDeputy Public Service Commissioner Helene Quilter QSO has today announced an independent review of Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s progress to address workplace culture and complaint handling practices. The review will independently assess the progress ...1 day ago
- Are We Investing In A Bandaid Or A Solution? Green Bins Are A Win, But Food Waste Reduction Has To B...With an estimated $1 billion worth of food being thrown to waste in Aotearoa each year, the New Zealand Food Waste Champions 12.3 is calling on the government to go harder on reducing food waste as part of its Transforming Recycling proposals, currently ...1 day ago
- Are Ministers Ignoring Advice That May Save Maui Dolphins?Has advice on saving the critically endangered Maui dolphin been ignored by both the Conservation and Oceans and Fisheries Ministers? The New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) is a national statutory body that exists to offer strategic and ...1 day ago
- Technology hurdles causing 'outrageous' case delays in court – lawyerPeople charged with minor offences are stuck in the court system because of the judiciary's resistance to technology and the government's reluctance to clarify its role. ...2 days ago
- Peter Dutton says Australia should prepare for war. So how likely is a military conflict with China?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Greg Barton, Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University We are fated, whether we like it or not, to live in interesting times, having entered, as one prominent observer puts it a “decade of living ...2 days ago
- Understanding Ukraine’s symbolic fight to return to Europe, as the EU marks 18 years since its ‘...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathew Doidge, Senior Research Fellow, University of Canterbury Shutterstock With the weight of Russian military might bearing down on it, Ukraine applied to join the European Union (EU) on February 28. While the Russian invasion provided the immediate pretext, membership had ...2 days ago
- Rising out-of-pocket health costs are a worry. But the major parties have barely mentioned itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Scott, Professor of health economics, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Rising out-of-pocket costs for health care is an important issue the major parties have not yet substantially addressed during the election campaign. We heard just this week how health-care costs ...2 days ago
- Fail: our report card on the government’s handling of Australia’s extinction crisisSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Bekessy, Professor in Sustainability and Urban Planning, Leader, Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group (ICON Science), RMIT University Shutterstock Australia is losing more biodiversity than any other developed nation. Already this year the charismatic and once abundant gang gang cockatoo has ...2 days ago
- A new type of insurance pays out as soon as extreme weather hits – and we could try it in Australi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caroline Schuster, Senior Lecturer, School of Archaeology and Anthropology; Director, Australian National Centre for Latin American Studies, Australian National University The floods that devastated parts of southeast Australia last month revealed, yet again, this nation’s growing insurance problem. Assessment of the damage ...2 days ago
- We found a hidden source of greenhouse gases – organic matter in groundwaterSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liza McDonough, Research Scientist, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Shutterstock Dry land isn’t really dry. It’s saturated with truly vast volumes of groundwater, hidden in the spaces of the earth we walk on. How much? Recent estimates put it at ...2 days ago
- More affordable housing with less homelessness is possible – if only Australia would learn from No...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Scott, Professor of Politics and Policy, Deakin University Shutterstock Housing is expensive in Australia. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Higher quality, more affordable housing is a matter of policy choice. A key problem is Australia’s housing market ...2 days ago
- How Everything Everywhere All At Once fits into the canon of comedy-martial arts filmsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joyleen Christensen, Senior lecturer, University of Newcastle Roadshow Everything Everywhere All At Once, a sci-fi action comedy, manages the surprising feat of paying homage to martial arts cinema classics while also delivering a strange and completely fresh, genre-bending film. Written ...2 days ago
- Why do we want what we like? New evidence from bee brains offers cluesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Dyer, Associate Professor, RMIT University Shutterstock What makes us want things we like? We know things that offer potential rewards, including food, sex, addictive drugs, and even certain artworks, can inspire desire in us – but why? The French ...2 days ago
- Health authorities preparing plan for Covid-19 resurgenceThe Associate Health Minister has asked officials to draft a plan on how the government should respond if a variant arrives that is more transmissable or severe than Omicron. ...2 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Managing post-COVID a delicate balance for Anthony AlbaneseSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Philip Lowe mightn’t be a household name but the Reserve Bank governor finds himself catapulted right into the centre of this election campaign, in which events are proving more important than policies. The very ...2 days ago
- Fiji court fines Malolo developers in nation’s first ‘environmental crime’By Lice Movono, RNZ Pacific correspondent in Suva A landmark case in Fiji today at the High Court in the capital Suva issued what is the country’s first environmental crime sentence. Controversial Chinese resort development company Freesoul Limited was fined FJ$1 million for breaching two counts of Fiji’s Environmental Management ...2 days ago
- About all the ‘Māori nonsense’ – a response from NZ’s Māori Language CommissionerCOMMENTARY: By Māori Language Commissioner Professor Rawinia Higgins Whether he knows it or probably not, the year Joe Bennett arrived in Aotearoa from England was a milestone year for te reo Māori. After years of petitions, protest marches and activism from New Zealanders of all ethnicities as well as a ...2 days ago
- Fiji political polls point to a shift away from FijiFirst, says Fijian academicBy Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific journalist Campaigning is underway for the general election in Fiji later this year and early predictions are pointing to a shift in allegiances. No date has been set yet for the general election in Fiji. The ruling FijiFirst Party led by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama ...2 days ago
- Dealing with climate change: Tough choices come nextAnalysis - The difficult discussion about what we are willing to abandon and what is worth saving has begun with the release of the government's new draft plan for dealing with the impacts of climate change. ...2 days ago
- Govt's $1.4b housing funding: 'This is what Tamaki Makaurau desperately needs'The mayor says the new funding is "fantastic", a property economist says investment allowing future housing is a good thing, and a developer says it's good for people and the environment. ...2 days ago
- VIDEO: Inflation, Solomons and ‘Albo’s iso’ dominate campaign’s third week.Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professional Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Associate Professor Caroline Fisher discuss the week in politics. They canvass the elevation of cost of living pressures in the election battle, with the ...2 days ago
- Wake Up Call For Politicians And Policymakers – Release Of The Digital Violence Report 2021 By Dep...The release of the Digital Violent Extremism Transparency Report 2021 , is a major wake-up call for our machinery of government, policymakers and politicians from all parties. Firstly, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) needs to be congratulated ...2 days ago
- Councillor Sam Jennings Announces His Candidacy For Mayor Of HorowhenuaToday I am announcing my intention to stand as Mayor of Horowhenua, with my campaign for change officially commencing in May. I will bring youthful energy and passion for refreshing and refocusing Council to deliver better. I will be the champion and ...2 days ago
- Jackson explains co-governance in terms of democracy and equity – but don’t look too hard at wha...Anyone bothered by the insidious spread of Treaty-based co-governance arrangements will have been enlightened if not reassured by Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson’s defence of the concept when questioned by Jack Tame at the weekend. Co-governance is shared decision-making and partnership and it is democratic because democracy has changed, he ...2 days ago
- Newsletter – Political Roundup: Could inflation lead to a voter backlash?Political Roundup is entirely subscriber-funded. The ethos behind this public service is to help foster a robust and informed public debate, with a great diversity of perspectives. If you appreciate what we are doing in providing non-partisan analysis and information about politics, economy, and society, please consider helping us keep ...2 days ago
- An Open Letter On The Plans To Expand Enrolments In Residential Specialist SchoolsEducation for All (EFA) shares the Government’s stated commitment to upholding the right of all children and young people to an inclusive education with the support they need to learn and succeed on an equal basis with others. The undersigned members ...2 days ago
- Rotorua council representation bill: Labour backs council's delayThe law seeking to amend the number and makeup of council wards in Rotorua, would need to pass by 1 June to be enacted in time for the October local elections. ...2 days ago
- Statement From Mayor Chadwick On Pausing Of Local Bill ProcessRotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says today’s decision of Council to support a pause of the Māori Affairs Committee process considering the Rotorua District Council (Representation Arrangements) Bill is a sensible one. “This will allow council ...2 days ago
- Grey Power Hails PlanGrey Power has hailed a government plan to support older people to return to and stay in the workforce as long overdue. The Older Workers Employment Action Plan, released by Minister for Social Development and Employment, Carmel Sepuloni and Minister ...2 days ago
- Curious kids: will the big storm on Jupiter ever go away?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucyna Kedziora-Chudczer, Program Manager / Adjunct Research Fellow, Swinburne University of Technology The red and stormy planet. Shutterstock Will the big storm on Jupiter ever go away? — Edgar Nuttall, age 5, Brisbane Hi Edgar! Thank you for such ...2 days ago
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So friends fled here, but many are going further south and further west. The life of Russian exiles is very hard, for any exile really. But with the added hate generated by a FUBAR war is making things worse. Video by the ABC – which I personally think NZ should help fund – oh wait we do with all our people over there already.
She seems nice..
The unvarnished truth….
"Those in alternative situations or political positions might argue for higher income taxes, using some of the revenue to compensate the poor and average. I have not seen anyone proposing this as an anti-inflation measure. The opposite is advocated, which is to cut income taxes to compensate individuals for their real income losses. Two points. First, the proposals most benefit those higher in the income rankings. In any case the current proposals would, at best, offer only partial compensation. Second, the effect of any tax cuts is to increase real incomes, adding to the fiscal pressures discussed in the previous paragraph. You cannot escape the required real income reduction."
We (the workers) are staring down the barrel of another real income reduction, whether this administration imposes it or the next….unless someone has the balls to increase taxes and transfers (and get elected)
Do you have a link to the unvarnished truth?
Ooops…
https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/what-is-really-causing-the-sharp-price-rises
3 waters and other considerations.
I remember Nick Smith. "National will have wadable rivers" standing knee deep, but no plan to lower fecal counts. No mention of drinking water or sewerage water.
So to Luxon saying he will reverse 3 Waters. Get Real. It is badly needed.
How about something they will do. So sick of "We will undo that". Utterly bereft of positive ideas and very negative. National also do not ask if we want it undone!!
Another water thing, someone tell Luxon the tide’s coming in and King Canute will not be able to insure his castles by the beach.
Poots' Kadyrovites earning their keep.
A ruble '…awakening…
Reality strikes..
And the relevance of a German gas retailer's method of payment to the use of Kadyrovite thugs as barrier troops is….?
The property of my local MP has been targeted for the second time in a year, though this time was a lot less coherent of a message than the first. Beyond her attendance at; The Ōtepoti Festival for Trans Rights and Liberation, last year (SUFW counter-protest that was basically a picnic in the Octagon), Leary hasn't really taken much in the way of visible stands on anything that I can recall. She is a first term MP replacement for Curran (who resigned in part due to PTSD from alleged bullying & when South Dunedin became Taieri electorate). From her Labour website profile:
https://www.labour.org.nz/ingridleary
Really nothing there that suggests much of a reason for anyone to want to target this particular MP, except maybe advocating for Muslim community housing? That could rub certain people the wrong way, but I don't know that she's been able to get much done on that anyway. Plus she was visibly involved as intermediary between the Dunedin Muslim community and officials after the OGHS (allegedly) racist bullying last year.
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/mp-calls-halt-school-attack-surmise
The first act of vandalism had a clear purpose, and; while I don't agree with it, at least was addressing a current political controversy. Though the protestations of innocence from SUFW & WLA appeared more pro forma than sincere (given the accompanying comments, and willingness to stir up resentment against trans Aotearoans), it does seem unlikely they were directly responsible.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/11/women-s-liberation-aotearoa-denies-involvement-in-graffiti-attack-on-labour-mp-ingrid-leary-s-office.html
This second one though, just why?
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/local-mps-car-defaced-faeces
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128492412/faeces-left-on-mps-car-so-bad-its-funny
I can get that she just wanted to get on with her day, but the DIY cleanup approach did effectively destroy any evidence that might have been investigated. If this happens again; calling the police, and taking taxis for the day, might be a better solution (or surely alternative transportation could be secured for the day at less public expense – I don't know much about hiring cars).
This has a very; we know where you live, odor of attempted intimidation against my local elected representative. Laughing it off may be understandable, but short sighted; given the recent normalization of violent threats against politicians, and other public figures.
While the targeting of individual politicians is unacceptable, the spray painted slogan seems to be directed at the Labour party as a whole – (in reference to the use of "we"). It is plausible – that this is the response of a individual acting by themselves. You have 70,000 submissions that were disregarded during the select committee. The membership of both SUFW and WLA are nowhere near that. And it's more than possible that even more than those that submitted feel strongly about this issue.
To assume that because someone posted the image on a social media account – that this was an organisational sanctioned action is a bit of a stretch.
The dog faeces incident is also unpleasant, but given that her car is marked with Labour logo etc. it is an assumption again, to assume it was individually targetted, and not just a grievance against Labour as a whole.