DIA Is Not Short For Diablo

Written By: - Date published: 3:29 pm, June 4th, 2023 - 96 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, censorship, Media, spin - Tags: , , , ,


Last week the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) released a consultation document entitled Safer Online Services and Media Platforms (https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/online-content-regulation/$file/Safer-Online-Services-and-Media-Platforms-Discussion-Document-June-2023.pdf) to help making the current antiquated regulatory framework more contemporary. Given the recent rapid developments in AI tools that are available to anybody with a device that connects to the internet, this is overdue and already behind the facts – artificial intelligence is only mentioned once in the context of being a source & spreader of harmful content.

A robust constructive and respectful public debate is the only way ahead. Unfortunately, some self-proclaimed stakeholders & spokespersons have different ideas or agendas and seem hell-bent on derailing the debate before it gets off the ground.

For example, the chief executive of the Free Speech Union, who seems to oppose any & every censorship and speech regulation, wrote an opinion piece that was published by Stuff (https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/132215055/media-regulation-plan–a-censors-greatest-dream) that can be best described, with a heavy dose of irony, as an attack on mature constructive debate.

As you might expect from a chief executive of the Free Speech Union he is a master of persuasion who relies heavily on rhetoric.

He uses hyperbole and exaggerates the scope and impact of the proposed law, claiming that it will cover “pretty much everything” and that it will subject “your tweets, comments on Facebook, and waxing-lyrical on LinkedIn” to oversight by a government watchdog. He also calls the proposed structure of a regulator “a censor’s greatest dream” and implies that it will “silence certain perspectives, views or beliefs”.

He uses strawman arguments and misrepresents the proposed law and its intentions, suggesting that it is about regulating “harmful ideas that make individuals feel unsafe” and “silencing Kiwis online”. He also ignores the fact that the public consultation document states that the codes will be based on existing standards and principles, such as accuracy, fairness, balance, privacy, et cetera.

He appeals to emotion and uses emotive language and phrases to elicit fear and anger in the readers (aka scaremongering), such as “new scrutiny”, “propensity to censorship”, “reach for a bit more than they should”, “no democratic accountability”, “don’t you dare actually trust them”, “weaponised to suppress”, “inelegant solution”, and “breed suspicion and division”.

He also appeals to authority and cites his own organisation, the Free Speech Union, as a source of support for his argument, claiming that they have 80,000 supporters nationwide. He also refers to history as a justification for his scepticism of government regulation of speech although he does not specify which or what history, e.g., New Zealand history.

What irks me immensely – I consider it a lack of good faith – is that Mr Chief Executive does not provide any evidence or data to back up his claims or to counter the arguments in favour of the proposed law. He does not acknowledge any potential benefits or positive outcomes of the law, such as protecting vulnerable groups from online abuse or misinformation, or promoting responsible and ethical journalism. He also does not address any possible challenges or limitations of his preferred approach of free speech and counter-speech, such as the power imbalance between different speakers, the difficulty of reaching diverse audiences or the risk of amplifying harmful content. His opinion piece was completely void of balance and objectivity and is as one-eyed as they come.

The chief executive’s tone is dismissive, sarcastic and confrontational. He does not engage with the public consultation document in a constructive or respectful way. He does not invite dialogue or feedback from the readers or other stakeholders. He does not offer any alternative solutions or suggestions for improving the proposed law. As such, it does not meet the criteria of informed commentary. It does not contribute to a healthy and democratic debate on this important issue. In summary, and in my opinion, the chief executive of the Free Speech Union should STFU! \sarc

Although I do not want this Post to become too long, I should really try to briefly summarise some of the aims in the DIA discussion document that are part of the proposed new & modern approach to regulating online content:

  • Protect New Zealanders from harmful content that can cause distress, fear, anxiety or other negative impacts on their wellbeing.
  • Ensure that online services and media platforms are accountable for the content they host or distribute, and that they have effective processes for identifying, moderating and removing harmful content.
  • Provide clear and consistent standards and expectations for different types of content and platforms, based on existing principles such as accuracy, fairness, balance, privacy, et cetera.
  • Empower New Zealanders to make informed choices about the content they consume and create, and to seek redress if they are harmed by content or have their rights violated.
  • Uphold New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as well as the freedom of the press and the principles of The Treaty of Waitangi.

The proposed new approach involves establishing a single regulator that would oversee all types of content and platforms, regardless of whether they are online or offline, domestic or international. The regulator would have powers to:

  • Set and enforce codes of practice for different types of content and platforms, based on existing standards and principles. The codes would be developed in consultation with industry, civil society and the public, and would be subject to review and approval by the regulator.
  • Investigate complaints and breaches of the codes, and impose sanctions or remedies such as warnings, fines, take-down orders or referrals to other agencies.
  • Provide guidance and education to content providers and users on their rights and responsibilities, and promote good practice and innovation in content moderation.
  • Monitor trends and developments in the content landscape, and advise the government on policy issues and legislative changes.

The proposed new approach would apply to all types of content that are publicly available in New Zealand, including The Standard.

In a follow-up Post, I will delve a little deeper into what all this could mean for The Standard.

96 comments on “DIA Is Not Short For Diablo ”

  1. Anker 1
    • “Protect New Zealanders from harmful content that can cause distress, fear, anxiety or other negative impacts on their wellbeing.”
    • . A quote from your article Incognito

    • who decides what is harmful content? Is harmful content that which can cause distress, fear and anxiety? That becomes a very broad, very subjective view of harmful content if that is the case. I might feel that realistic information on the impact of climate change causes me distress, fear and anxiety (this is already happening with kids). Does that mean we should stop publishing stuff on CC?

    or the scenes recently at Oxford University where students tried to stop Kathleen Stock from speaking. Said students were so distressed at Stock even being on the campus, they were offered special support and counselling. It is more than possible that the new regulator would ban or use other powers to stop gender critical speech. The young people at Oxford need to learn that you can’t go through live without being offended and then taught emotion regulation skills, then skills of how to rigorously debate ideas you don’t agree with

    I welcome any input from anyone on this site who can reassure me that this won’t happen. Remember Kathleen Stock is a very reasonable woman. What she is saying is that it’s not possible to change your sex (factually correct) and that in some cases female based spaces are important and part of women’s sexed based rights.

    I am also curious to know examples of speech that should be shut down? We already have legislation to stop defamation and speech that incites violence. I understand there is also a law against racist speech that has never been used, but correct me if I am wrong about that.

    I understand there were conspiracy theories both during and after the pandemic (conspiracy theories have always been around). Regarding covid conspiracy theories, the vast majority of NZders lined up for the jab, so their impact wasn’t significant

    • tsmithfield 1.1

      …who decides what is harmful content? Is harmful content that which can cause distress, fear and anxiety? That becomes a very broad, very subjective view of harmful content if that is the case.

      I agree with you so far as subjectivity is concerned. The problem I see is that there could be a slippery slope in this respect, with the loop becoming progressively tighter. Or, what is acceptable with one regulator my suddenly become unacceptable if the regulator changes.

      Also, the stated objective with respect to the treaty is also troubling. Not because we shouldn't be concerned about the treaty. But, more because, the new legislation could be use to shut down reasonable or justified criticism with respect to applications of the treaty.

      I think the first question that needs to be answered is if there is actually a problem that needs solving, or are we trying to solve problems that are adequately captured by existing legislation.

    • weka 1.2

      I have similar questions, but take the position that SM currently does a lot of harm because of how is it moderated. Where you ask who decides what is harmful content, well at the moment it's Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg and other socially illiterate men who have a great deal of power and their own personal positions on freedom of expression. There is little public input into that.

      Much of the content on https://terfisaslur.com/ comes from twitter when twitter had an active policy to allow male threats of violence against women, often sexualised violence. It took MPs in the UK parliament to bring a Twitter bod in to be questioned about this before twitter would stop allowing anti-terf violence tweets aimed at women.

      My question for you is do you see the need for *any regulation of SM, and if you do where do you draw the line? Should those terf is a slur tweets be allowed? Why or why not?

      • tsmithfield 1.2.1

        Weka, if you are referring to international social media, the only way a NZ regulator could regulate those for kiwis would be to block internet access to them. That would be akin to cracking a nut with a sledgehammer.

        Also, motivated kiwis would simply purchase a VPN to access them.

        I guess the simple answer is that if we find particular social media outlets to be offensive, then simply do not visit them, or lodge complaints directly with the site moderators.

        • weka 1.2.1.1

          This presumes the problem is 'offensive' content. It's not about being offensive, it's about whether social media causes social harm.

          Two of the issues being raise by the DIA is content children are exposed to, and material that is overtly violent against women.

          Children accessing porn for instance is a societal harm that isn't addressed by 'just don't look' positions.

          Violence against women content by MRAs is for MRAs and is part of the political culture that for instance wants rape to be legal. This isn't about being offended.

          Weka, if you are referring to international social media, the only way a NZ regulator could regulate those for kiwis would be to block internet access to them

          Afaik, social media companies already respond to legal requests from police/justice in nation states. I don't see why blocking internet access is the only way to regulate.

          • tsmithfield 1.2.1.1.1

            Children accessing porn for instance is a societal harm that isn't addressed by 'just don't look' positions.

            There are lots of things that children could access that could cause them harm. Some of those things are appropriate for adults to view. So, the issue would be, how to block access to these sort of sites for specific age groups.

            I guess some sort of "family filter" could be applied to internet providers by legislation, requiring users to register and provide age verification for their login. The problem would be how to enforce the filter, because, children will soon work out how to access their parent's login details or whatever.

            Afaik, social media companies already respond to legal requests from police/justice in nation states. I don't see why blocking internet access is the only way to regulate.

            So, I don't see why new laws are needed if there is already processes to deal with this type of issue on an international scale.

            So far as children are concerned, responsible parents will find ways to control access to this sort of material already. In families where parents are irresponsible, there is probably lots of stuff going on that is harmful to children already, and the access to internet content may well be one of the least harmful factors in their lives.

            • weka 1.2.1.1.1.1

              afaik the intention is to put responsibility onto the owners of internet platforms (thus not relying on parental control). Have a read of the discussion document.

              I'm not sure that new laws are intended. I think they want a centralised regulatory who will work within existing laws.

              It's naive to think that it's mostly children who come from violent homes that are accessing porn online. But let's say it is kids in a stereotypical deprived household. If it's a boy whose being beaten or watching his mother being beaten, do you really want him to grow up with access to porn that degrades women or children?

              • tsmithfield

                afaik the intention is to put responsibility onto the owners of internet platforms

                That sounds like some sort of required family filter will be implimented by the providers in order to comply. Our provider, Orcon, already has a family filter option. So, a lot of that is already available. The regulator may simply require that it is kept turned on.

                It's naive to think that it's mostly children who come from violent homes that are accessing porn online.

                I didn't suggest they were. Irresponsible parents are in many income brackets.

                But let's say it is kids in a stereotypical deprived household. If it's a boy whose being beaten or watching his mother being beaten, do you really want him to grow up with access to porn that degrades women or children?

                Of course not. But, the problem is that parents that are irresponsible are likely to be creating multiple issues for their children, and likely to be leaving their computer logged on at their adult logon, or leave password details lying around etc as well.

                So, unless the government insists that providers filter the internet for everyone, which would have huge pushback I expect, then their will be a lot of children who can access the harmful material regardless of government controls.

                And, responsible parents will be controlling what their children watch anyway.

                So, any new law is likely to have little effect. Because responsible parents won't be allowing their kids to watch that sort of stuff. And irresponsible parents will have such messy lives that they don't effectively control access.

                • weka

                  That sounds like some sort of required family filter will be implimented by the providers in order to comply. Our provider, Orcon, already has a family filter option. So, a lot of that is already available. The regulator may simply require that it is kept turned on.

                  ISPs and platforms aren't the same thing. I haven't read the whole doc yet, but the bits I saw were talking about platforms.

                  The rest of your comment appears to be arguing about something that's not being proposed. What new law is in the proposal? Why would everyone have to have their internet filtered?

                  Please, read some of the document.

                  • tsmithfield

                    Please, read some of the document.

                    I have read it. And, I actually share similar concerns to you. And valid concerns are certainly raised in the document. It is more the method for dealing with this that concerns many of us.

                    But, a lot of the issues so far as children are concerned really come down to bad parenting, and I think the state has been increasingly replacing the role of parents, thus diminishing parents’ perceived responsibility even further. And, I just question the ability of the state to stop children viewing this sort of stuff.

                    SPs and platforms aren't the same thing. I haven't read the whole doc yet, but the bits I saw were talking about platforms.

                    I understand that. But, I am thinking in terms of international platforms such as twitter and youtube. What will happen if the "regulator" tells these platforms that they must moderate their content to be available in NZ, and they just flip the bird to the regulator, and say they will not make their platforms available in NZ anymore? This would just punish a lot of responsible users for the sake of a few irresponsible ones.

                    I think the biggest issue for those of us concerned about freedom of speech is the appointment of an independent regulator, independent from government etc. So, essentially a law unto themselves.

                    They will be able to decide, for instance, how "harm" is defined. And, that definition might change from regulator to regulator. For example, a regulator may forbid you from speaking up about the rights of biological women because it is "exclusionary" to trans people, and may "hurt" their feelings.

              • The Chairman

                It seems this new regulator is seeking a lot of power.

                Not only is it seeking power to set and enforce new codes of practice, it is also seeking the power to ensure the new codes that are developed are ultimately subject to review and approval by the regulator. Despite the consultation with industry, civil society and the public.

                As for new laws, it mentions this above:

                The regulator would have powers to monitor trends and developments in the content landscape, and advise the government on policy issues and legislative changes.

                It also talks of innovation in content moderation (above). Could this potentially be AI moderation?

    • The Chairman 1.3

      Good points, Anker.yes

  2. Stuart Munro 3

    As is generally the case with new law, I hope they approach the issues with decent prudence. We've seen some sketchy definitions of hate speech from time to time, and some of the want-to-haves associated with the Treaty are due quite robust rebuttal, insofar as they conflict with democratic principles like equal representation.

    I don't imagine it will be disastrous – but contemporary parliament often reminds me of the line from The Chrysalids:

    there was the power of gods in the hands of children, we know: but were they mad children, all of them quite mad?

    I suppose time will tell.

  3. Anker 4

    quoting from Stuart “We've seen some sketchy definitions of hate speech from time to time,” Yes to quote Jacinda Ardern “you know it when you see it”

    “and some of the want-to-haves associated with the Treaty are due quite robust rebuttal, insofar as they conflict with democratic principles like equal representation.”

    it is quite possible one side of the debate about the Treaty would be shut done

  4. Anker 5

    Having had my speech curtailed in this country (a hell of a shock) when

    1 SUFW had to go to the High Court to be allowed to hold their public meetings in libraries

    1. Let Women Speak in Albert Park was shut down by violent thugs, I am deeply mistrustful of anything with the potential to curtail free speech.
    • Visubversa 5.1

      Absolutely. We see enough capture of Government Departments and agencies by gender ideology as it is. Staff have "pronouns" in their email signatures, and the addition of "gender identity" or "gender expression" to Bills such as Conversion Practices legislation shows the determination to smuggle this ideology into Law (as per the Dentons advice) by all means possible.

      This has been the problem with Canadian anti discrimination legislation which has meant that "Kayla Lemieux" could show up to teach High School woodwork in size ZZ prosthetic breasts and tight shorts with a "camel toe" insert and the school could do nothing about it for some time. Tell me that this is not a fetish!

      https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11770463/Canadian-teacher-size-Z-breasts-Kayla-Lemieux-claims-real-denies-dressing-like-man.html

    • SPC 5.2

      Let Women Speak in Albert Park was shut down by violent thugs called off because of crowd kettling and noise.

      • Anker 5.2.1

        SPC, "called off because of crowd kettling and noise".

        If kettling means the assault of the organiser of LWS i.e. Posie Parker, and then an angry mob of mostly men pushing through a barrier and surrounding the band rotunda, with no police available to contain the angry mob; then the marshalls deeming that the situation was so volitile they had to get PP to safety, which involved the marshalls and private security surrounding her to protect her from the crowd; liquid being poured over PP and an intimidating mob (mainly men) kicking and atttempting to trip up PP marshalls (successfully) tripping one up; meanwhile the GC of peaceful women being spat at, hit with placcards some pushed to the ground oh and the 70 year old woman being repeatedly punched by a young thug, who concussed her and fractured her skull, then "kettling" it is.

        I prefer to call it was it was violence and intimidation against women. It was an utter disgrace and anybody condoning, minimizing or ignoring it by failing to condemn it (including on this site) should be bloody ashamed of themselves

        • weka 5.2.1.1

          Kettling has a meaning, and it's normally associated with police actions. It's a useful concept to understand because of its use in a protest by protestors. For instance, how much of the kettling was organised and intentional as opposed to a consequence of the landscape and positioning of various people? Can the latter be called kettling? Is there precedent for protestors using kettling?

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettling

        • SPC 5.2.1.2

          Very few people there committed any violence.

          She did not speak because of the noise.

          She had difficulty getting through the crowd when leaving.

          The only assault on her was the pouring of tomato juice.

          Her name is Kellie-Jay Keen.

          I use my free speech to note the facts.

          Kettling is a well known term for problems that occur when people are crowded together, more so when a counter-protest group is also involved.

          anybody condoning, minimizing or ignoring it by failing to condemn it (including on this site) should be bloody ashamed of themselves

          Do you think the people running this site should censor alternative perspectives on what happened, because it offends your sensibilities and that makes this place unsafe for you?

          • Visubversa 5.2.1.2.1

            The Police have arrested 2 people for assault over that demonstration. Both were arrested for acts of violence against women who were there to speak about their sex based rights and protections.

          • weka 5.2.1.2.2

            why are you asking that? Anker didn't say anything about being offended or feeling unsafe.

          • Belladonna 5.2.1.2.3

            "Very few people there committed any violence."

            More to the point, neither the organizers of the protest, nor the politicians who supported them, have condemned the violence which, undoubtedly, did occur.

            By their actions shall you know them.

          • Anker 5.2.1.2.4

            I absolutely don't think people should censor this site because it "offends your sensibilites and that makes this place unsafe for you?"

            I have know idea how you inferred this from what I said.

            "the only assault on Posie Parker" (until she tells people she doesn't want to be called this name I will refer to her as this). So you agree she was assaulted. Assaulting someone is against the law.

            "she did not speak because of the noise". Can you provide a link for this please?

            "she had difficulty getting through the crowd when leaving". yes because she and her marshalls, all women, were surronded by a group of men who were trying to stop them leaving, by kicking the security guards and attempting to trip them up (one did trip one of the marshalls up), Posie Parker was doused with water as she was trying to make her way to safety, and either she or her entourage were hit with placcards. The baying crowd surrounded the group and if you look at the video recording it is perfectly obvious they were threatening and intimidating.

            I have no idea why you are trying to present a sanitized view of Albert Park ("they didn't speak cause of the noise"). Perhaps you never looked at any of the video clips from the day?

            I have also seen a face book page entry by the camera man who helped women stuck on the rotunda (including a pregnant women )get to safety. His camera was damanged in the fracca.

            • Incognito 5.2.1.2.4.1

              I strongly favour & encourage robust debate. However, I don’t like my Post being hijacked & derailed into yet another episode of the Posie Parker saga. See also my reply to you here: https://thestandard.org.nz/dia-is-not-short-for-diablo/#comment-1952667.

              Please stay on-topic and address & discuss the content of the Post. If you want to talk about something different (but related) then write a Guest Post and/or take it to Open Mike.

    • Incognito 5.3

      Public meetings, protests, demonstrations, and strikes, for example, are outside the scope of the proposals in the discussion document, which is about online content & services and media platforms.

      These are enshrined in the BORA:

      16 Freedom of peaceful assembly

      Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

      https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1990/0109/latest/DLM225515.html

      The BORA is not subject at all of the discussion document!

      Please stay on-topic and address & discuss the content of the Post, thanks.

  5. Visubversa 6

    Thanks to Harry Miller and his "Fair Cop" work there has been some progress on the recording of so called "non crime hate incidents.

    From The Times – unfortunately paywalled.

    [unlinked quotes deleted]

    • weka 6.1

      feel free to repost the quotes when you provide a link. All quotes from online have to have a link.

  6. Corey 7

    One of the things that I find hard to reconcile as someone economically left wing whose political awakening was as a preteen during the Bush years:

    During my formative years the left were champions of free speech against moralistic puritan conservatives who so often used the power of the state to silence critics, artists and activists it didn't like…

    In NZ, the left far too often champions the side of state censorship and attacks activists and organizations that oppose it as right wing. It's deeply concerning.

    The state does not know best when it comes to peoples right to express themselves and considering how often the left is out of government in NZ, you'd think the left would understand this…

    Im a gay mixed race man of the ACLU school of free speech. A very left leaning organization (unless you listen to NZ lefty's) Like the ACLU I would march in the street for the rights of people to express their opinions and their beliefs even if I find them abhorrent.

    I always thought the NZ left was on the side of the artist, the critic, the abstainer, the moaner, the subversive the activist but the last six years have proven otherwise.

    On speech and censorship, the NZ left is on the side of the state, considering how often the left is out of government we might want to rethink this position.

    Where is the libertarian left in this country? We are politically homeless, there is no longer a party of the left fighting for the subversive. Distressing.

    We need the bill of rights to hold the same weight as the constitution in the united states of America, free speech must be enshrined, period.

    The government can NEVER be allowed to be tell media what it can and cannot say

    And if the left thinks otherwise, the left needs to be as far away from the levers of power for as long as it takes for the left to stop being boot lickers to the neoliberal state.

    The left in NZ is not interested in poverty, fair taxation, increasing state housing stock as percentage of overall stock, it is not interested in drug reform, tax reform, housing reform, universalism, keynesian,social democracy, climate change, income inequality.

    If the NZ left continues being the side of censorship on top of not advocating a single left wing ideal …. Bugger the left… Long may it be in opposition and roll on the election.

    • tsmithfield 7.1

      While we are on different sides of the political fence, there is not much I find myself in disagreement with what you have posted.

    • Anker 7.2

      Nailing it yet again Corey. And I share the sentiments of your last sentence entirely.

      The left have become quite authoritarian and they don't even realize it.

      I had the pleasure of hearing Nadine Strousman an American Law Professor who was here recently thanks to the FSU. Her father was a holocaust survivor. She gave a compelling talk about how shutting down free speech doesn't work (she applied this to Nazi Germany). She made the very important point if people have hateful ideas we need to know about them.

      It surely isn’t hard to imagine a very right wing Government shutting down information about CC because it causes harm and anxiety (I am not saying Act or Nats would do this).

      • weka 7.2.1

        It surely isn’t hard to imagine a very right wing Government shutting down information about CC because it causes harm and anxiety (I am not saying Act or Nats would do this).

        can you please explain how a right wing government could do that using the proposed regulatory framework?

        It's not hard to imagine a hard right government doing quite a lot of terrible things, but we still have to explain how they get there from here.

        And, the easiest way to open the door to them doing those terrible things is to vote on the right, not vote, or oppose the election of a centre left government. All of which are a gift to the right and to the proto-fascists waiting in the wings.

    • weka 7.3

      from the discussion document,

      The overarching objective must be consistent with the various rights set out in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, Human Rights Act, and Privacy Act. These include freedom of expression, non-discrimination, and privacy rights.

      Corey, you say,

      The government can NEVER be allowed to be tell media what it can and cannot say

      true, but the regulatory body would be independent of the government. Like the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Do you consider BSA decisions to be the government telling the media what it can and cannot say?

      • The Chairman 7.3.1

        2 Where there is a potential clash between different rights, our proposals look to strike an appropriate balance and to ensure that all responses are proportionate to the risk of harm.

        So there is no guarantee all rights will be fully upheld at all times.

    • SPC 7.4

      The left in NZ is not interested in poverty, fair taxation, increasing state housing stock as percentage of overall stock, it is not interested in drug reform, tax reform, housing reform, universalism, keynesian,social democracy, climate change, income inequality.

      Arrant nonsense and trite are words that come to mind.

      You can question if the Labour Party represent the left, but the words written have no basis in reality.

      And if you cannot identify the positive differences between a Labour government rather than NACT, despite them not being left wing, that's on you.

      If the FSU has managed to convince you to single issue cause, defence of free speech, and enable the class war – so be it. For others it's the threat of the Maori to settler majority democracy, or gender ID politics.

      Just do not pretend to be left wingers while doing it.

  7. Ad 8

    Censorship is a basic part of a functioning democracy. Our state through its regulators already control expression about:

    product advertising, sex depictions, violence depictions and incitement, election advertising, parliamentary speech, age appropriateness of all kinds of things, road safety, social good advertising, medical accuracy and effectiveness and indeed bans much medical advertising, financial information, consumer guarantees, terms and conditions of credit, information about gambling, information about smoking, huge ranges of security information, incitement to all kinds of violent acts, slander, educational qualifications, right down to the regulated published terms and conditions for parking in a car park …

    …and vast reams more kinds of expression, which all adds up to what New Zealand is which is a highly integrated, low accident, high trust, highly democratic, low corruption country that lots of people want to move to and most thoroughly love its way of life.

    And because I can say so on this site, the Free Speech Union can go fuck itself.

    • tsmithfield 8.1

      And because I can say so on this site, the Free Speech Union can go fuck itself.

      Aaah, but you might not be able to say that if the regulator deems you are causing harm to them because you might be injuring their feelings.

      • Ad 8.1.1

        Mate not in the country where Nicky Hagar gets an ONZM.

        Feelings my ass.

      • weka 8.1.2

        Aaah, but you might not be able to say that if the regulator deems you are causing harm to them because you might be injuring their feelings.

        Please cite the relevant information that supports the idea that the regulator would prevent people from saying something that hurts other people's feelings. I want actual quotes and links. Because while I appreciate there are issues here, it appears some people are misrepresenting the intention and structure of the proposal.

        • tsmithfield 8.1.2.1

          Just from overseas experience. For instance in Great Britain. We certainly don't want to be heading in that direction, or we will be breeding a generation of fragile snow flakes. From the article.

          Reformers want section 5 of the act amended so that the offence of using "insulting words and behaviour" should have the vague and subjective word "insulting" removed while upholding protection against threatening and abusive speech

          • weka 8.1.2.1.1

            please cite something from the NZ proposals.

            • weka 8.1.2.1.1.1

              Also, please show where the government wants to create public order legislation using terms like 'insulting'.

            • Anker 8.1.2.1.1.2

              In my comment at no 1, I quoted Incognito

              • weka

                from the discussion document,

                Defining unsafe or harmful content

                10. We talk in this document about both ‘harm’ and ‘safety’. Our proposed consumer protection approach emphasises keeping people safe by reducing the risk of harm occurring, and it also has measures to respond when harm has occurred.

                • Content is considered harmful where the experience of content causes loss or damage to rights, property, or physical, social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Being harmed is distinct from feeling offended (although content that is harmful will often also cause offence).
                • Unsafe content is where there is a risk of harm occurring if that content was experienced by a person. Everyone’s risk profile is different. Safeguards can be put in place to help to reduce risks.

                quoted here,

                .https://thestandard.org.nz/dia-is-not-short-for-diablo/#comment-1952586

        • Anker 8.1.2.2

          I don't pretend to be either left or right wing. I voted and supported Labour because I wanted them to fix housing and inequality. They have failed to do both imo and have really pushed the health system into a state of catastrophe. I happen to have an number of people I am close to at the moment who need health care. The wait times for basics are truly shocking. I will need cataract surgery soon and asked my optician recently about getting it done on the public health. She said the wait times were pretty reasonable 5 years ago, but nowadays it was virtually impossible to get the surgery and she has to coach people to say the right things so they are even considered. Labour have failed, are failures.

          Unfortunately the only way to get rid of them is to vote in a centre right government. I am under no illusions about what this will mean, but at least it will stop the wasteful spending on things such as polytech mergers, new health authorities (meanwhile back at the hospitals the ship has all but sunk). I could go on.

          [I have replied twice to you, asking you to stay on-topic and not divert from the content of the Post.

          You made a duplicate comment (again), one to SPC (which I trashed) and one to weka (which appears to be the wrong comment and presumably, your reply should have been to this comment by weka: https://thestandard.org.nz/dia-is-not-short-for-diablo/#comment-1952594).

          Your reply doesn’t seem to address anything in/of the Post nor does it address weka’s question to you, which was actually relevant to the Post.

          Please stick to the contents of the Post and (relevant) comments) or I will start removing your comments to Open Mike with a ban warning – Incognito]

    • The Chairman 8.2

      Censorship is a basic part of a functioning democracy

      Censorship is also a part of non democratic nations such as North Korea.

      • weka 8.2.1

        people breath in both kinds of nation states as well. So?

        • The Chairman 8.2.1.1

          Just because we have some forms of censorship doesn't necessarily mean we require more. Moreover, that it would ultimately be good for democracy.

          • weka 8.2.1.1.1

            just as well the proposal isn't to give government powers to impose more censorship at will then.

    • Anker 8.3

      Well of course your are free to say the FSU can go and fuck themselves Ad.

      But under speech regulation you might not be.

      I do agree about regulating the internet for children and under 18s. We have always had R 16 and 18 for kids, so that should be appled to the internet. This would include porn of course and also internet chat rooms where teenaged girls are being encouraged to develop trans gender identites (why do you think there has been a 4000 % increase in this cohort, when previoulsy female to males were exceedingly rare. It is because it is now more acceptable to be trans, because we are seeing no change in women in their 40s, 50's 60s etc coming out as trans). It is a social media phenomena.

      Yes but I am all for controlling the content availabe to young people. I also don't think primary school children should be receiving (false) information about the existence of gender identities and sex being "assigned" at birth etc.

      • weka 8.3.1

        Well of course your are free to say the FSU can go and fuck themselves Ad.

        But under speech regulation you might not be.

        Please quote the mechanisms in the proposal that you believe would stop Ad from telling the FSU to go fuck themselves.

  8. tsmithfield 9

    It all depends on how words such as "harmful" are operationalised in practice.

    From the document:

    Unintentional exposure to the most harmful content on online platforms should be far less common

    Overseas experience in places like GB has been that "insulting words and behaviour" have been considered as harmful by regulators. Given the lack of clarity and scope for interpretation to concepts such as "harmful" there is definitely the potential for the same to be happening here.

    • higherstandard 9.1

      This might be useful for your argument TS

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiqDZlAZygU

    • weka 9.2

      this is still very vague and cherry picks a single sentence from the Snapshot precis without looking at the detail of intent or proposed mechanisms.

      If you keyword search 'harmful', there is this,

      This risky content includes age-inappropriate material, bullying and harassment, and promotion of self-harming behaviours. Instances of harmful content on mainstream social media sites, such as influencers promoting dangerous disordered eating to teenage girls, have become too common

      That's a clear precis of a range of harmful content with a specific example given on eating disorders.

      The point here is that we don't have good tools for responding to such content online. If it were in a newspaper for instance, there are already avenues for such content to be dealt with.

      Here's the definition of harmful from page 18,

      Defining unsafe or harmful content

      10. We talk in this document about both ‘harm’ and ‘safety’. Our proposed consumer protection approach emphasises keeping people safe by reducing the risk of harm occurring, and it also has measures to respond when harm has occurred.

      • Content is considered harmful where the experience of content causes loss or damage to rights, property, or physical, social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Being harmed is distinct from feeling offended (although content that is harmful will often also cause offence).
      • Unsafe content is where there is a risk of harm occurring if that content was experienced by a person. Everyone’s risk profile is different. Safeguards can be put in place to help to reduce risks.

      My bold.

      Notice with the unsafe content they are talking about risk reduction no elimination.

      Because this is a discussion document, and they want the public and consumers of online content to have a say, they have a section asking questions specifically about how they should determine what is harmful content. eg,

      Definitions in the proposals

      1. What do you think about the way we have defined unsafe and harmful content? (page 18)
      2. Does the way we have defined unsafe and harmful content accurately reflect your concerns and/or experiences relating to harmful content? (page 18)

      How would they regulate harmful and unsafe content?

      1. Our work to design a new framework is guided by this overarching objective, nine secondary objectives for addressing harmful or unsafe content, and a set of principles that promote shared responsibility for consumer safety and protection of human rights.

      They also note,

      1. Freedom of expression includes the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions of any kind in any form. It is protected in domestic
        law and through international conventions and commitments. The principle of freedom of the press is important in holding government and those who exercise public power to account. It also supports democracy by keeping the public informed on important issues.

      and,

      1. The overarching objective must be consistent with the various rights set out in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, Human Rights Act, and Privacy Act. These include freedom of expression, non-discrimination, and privacy rights.
      2. Where there is a potential clash between different rights, our proposals look to strike an appropriate balance and to ensure that all responses are proportionate to the risk of harm.

      and so on. I don't know if you just skimmed the document, or are ignoring what it is actually saying, but we really need to understand what the proposal is in order to critique it.

      • Anker 9.2.1

        "Content is considered harmful where the experience of content causes loss or damage to rights, property, or physical, social, emotional, and mental wellbeing."

        Quoted from your comment above Weka. I think it is very easy to see that Trans rights activists will say that GC speech e.g its not possible to change your sex or trans women aren't women, causes social and emotional and mental loss of well being. It is blindingly obvious to me that this is what will be claimed. Afterall many trans rights activists claim that GC views are actuall violence.

        I would be interested to hear your opinion on this Weka.

        • weka 9.2.1.1

          the whole quote, because cherry picking leads to poor arguments,

          10. We talk in this document about both ‘harm’ and ‘safety’. Our proposed consumer protection approach emphasises keeping people safe by reducing the risk of harm occurring, and it also has measures to respond when harm has occurred.

          • Content is considered harmful where the experience of content causes loss or damage to rights, property, or physical, social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Being harmed is distinct from feeling offended (although content that is harmful will often also cause offence).
          • Unsafe content is where there is a risk of harm occurring if that content was experienced by a person. Everyone’s risk profile is different. Safeguards can be put in place to help to reduce risks.

          My thoughts. They are asking for public input on this. So this is the time to give them feedback about concerns.

          One of the main purposes of the proposed regulatory body is to bring social media and other online content in line with existing legacy media regulation. I'll note that various media bodies have taken an even handed approach on gender critical positions, and we have at least one high court case where the judge said SUFW couldn't reasonably be considered a hate group.

          How well the regulator would act will determine who is involved, so looking at that mechanism matters too. Can TRAs stack the regulator with TAs? Or is it more likely the be representative of NZ. First thing I would look for is how women's positions would be represented or if they are subsumed into rainbow representation like is happening elsewhere.

          I think the debate around the regulatory proposal is a good time to lay out clear arguments for how we can protect society from harm, including women and gender critical beliefs and expressions, rather than knee jerking to US style free speech positions. In other words, now is the time to get good regulations in place.

          • The Chairman 9.2.1.1.1

            Everyone’s risk profile is different.

            Indeed. But, in the confines of current law, shouldn't adults be allowed to determine what they do and do not want to see online?

            Therefore, shouldn't this proposal be confined to protecting the young?

            • weka 9.2.1.1.1.1

              good to know your position is that promoting eating disorders to young women, or misogynistic threats directed at women, is simply content that adults can somehow not see even when it is delivered to their screen.

              • The Chairman

                Good to know your position…

                I asked you two questions. I didn't give a position.

                Just because content can pop up on the screen, it doesn't mean one has to fully view or read it all.

                Do you not support adults having that freedom of choice?

          • tsmithfield 9.2.1.1.2

            Weka, I understand the points made about consistency with the NZ bill of rights etc.

            That is all fine in theory. But, I think the problem arises when we consider competing rights. A given regulator may decide that trans groups are a minority and need to be protected. Thus may view speech from women's groups as harmful to that protected minority.

            So, what is considered merely insulting to one group, say women, may be considered as harmful to another group, say the trans community.

            • weka 9.2.1.1.2.1

              what would be a couple of real life examples of the kind of content you think the regulator might consider harmful to trans people?

              Regarding women's right to speak, we have case law where a judge said that Speak Up For Women couldn't reasonably be described as a hate group, and we have prior decisions made on MSM coverage of gender critical perspectives (that supported the right to GC expression). From the Press Council I think, but maybe the BSA too. I will go find the links.

              • weka

                But a High Court ruling on Friday determined the group was allowed to hold their meeting since Speak Up for Women "cannot rationally be described as a hate group".

                https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/06/speak-up-for-women-to-hold-auckland-event-after-high-court-legal-drama.html

                • tsmithfield

                  Weka, it shouldn't have been necessary to go to the High Court in the first place IMO. But, at least it was possible to do that.

                  I am not sure whether it will be easier or harder to challenge that type on decision under the proposed model.

                  • SPC

                    I would doubt the new model for social media platforms (regulator of their codes of practice) has anything to do with freedom of assembly, or right to organise.

                    The DIA has already indicated their new set-up would change nothing legally in terms of freedom of expression.

                  • Incognito

                    The proposed model is for regulation of online services and media platforms and, as such, has no implications for the right of and official permission (e.g. by the authorities) for public meetings.

                    Please stick to the content of the Post, thanks.

                    • weka

                      I should have made my point more clear.

                      I was trying to point out that the people appointed or hired to do the regulating will have as much to do with how the regulation happens as the structure in the proposal.

                    • SPC

                      The issue could come down to the extent to which regulators inform "editors" on social media platforms what decisions to make to conform to the (ir) "code of practice" (the more this is the case the more relevant the make-up of personnel).

                      The other factor is the extent to which groups that make complaints for editors to act on and then if there is not the moderation desired go to the regulators to determine a failure to comply with the code of practice.

                • Anker

                  Weka for those two decisions there are scores of media complaints going in to the media council. Including a complaint about Newshub claiming Kellie Jay was using the white supremicist hand signal, which ridiculously they blacked out. (she was in fact playing with her zipper).

                  Many major news outlets in NZ are in part funding by the NZ Broadcasting fund. They have to sign a contract that has some stipulations about how they report news.

                  • weka

                    I've just searched the MC and the BSA websites and can't find a complaint about Newshub and KJK. Can you please link to what you mean?

          • Anker 9.2.1.1.3

            "I'll note that various media bodies have taken an even handed approach on gender critical positions"

            Can you name some or provide some links to this Weka. I haven't experienced this as the case at all.

            , "and we have at least one high court case where the judge said SUFW couldn't reasonably be considered a hate group".

            SUFW should never have been in the position where they had to pay a lot of money and go to court to have their meetings at public facilities go ahead. Can you think of any other groups this has happened to?

            [I have trashed yet another duplicate comment from you. Please stop cluttering this site with duplicate comments all over the place – Incognito]

      • The Chairman 9.2.2

        Notice with the unsafe content they are talking about risk reduction no elimination.

        Could that not merely be an admission they can't eliminate it all due to the vast amount of online communication?

        • weka 9.2.2.1

          possibly, but also it's an acknowledgement that there is a balance between protection and freedom. This is normal in our society.

          • The Chairman 9.2.2.1.1

            Possibly, but also it's an acknowledgement that there is a balance between protection and freedom. This is normal in our society.

            We've recently been down that path as a nation – re the covid response. And we've seen the polarisation that created.

            Therefore, it highlights when heading down that path one needs to ensure the public are largely on board.

            Has there been any polling done on this proposal and not just the notions it puts forward?

            A number of kiwis opposed the hate speech law changes

            https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2107/S00224/kiwis-opposed-to-hate-speech-changes-according-to-recent-polling.htm

            And yet there is this below from the proposal:

            87. The Law Commission has been asked to explore whether this recommendation should fall within the scope of its new reference (which also includes the issues of hate speech and hate-motivated offending). We expect that any law change coming out of that review would likely need to be worked into the legislation we
            are proposing as an amendment bill at a later stage.

      • tsmithfield 9.2.3

        I will come back to you later. We have our two year old twin grandchildren here at the moment. So, not a lot of time for blogging. Lol.

  9. The Chairman 10

    What do our political leaders/parties think?

    Winston Peters says:

    The govt is proposing a new ‘media regulator’ to act as big brother to monitor all media, platforms, organisations, & individuals to censor what they deem to be ‘harmful content’. If you pull back the curtain you will see the beginnings of the “Ministry of the Podium of Truth”.

    https://twitter.com/winstonpeters/status/1664486398269997056

    Dave Seymour is not in favour of it.

    https://youtu.be/-76vouDpcG4

    At this stage, I'm unaware of the stance of the other parties. Perhaps others can inform us?

    • weka 10.1

      Peters is doing classic Peters politicking in an election year. He's also lying about the proposal (or, grossly exaggerating so as to distort the truth. /irony). Why are you quoting him seriously?

      • The Chairman 10.1.1

        Why are you quoting him seriously?

        Because he is a political party leader.

        Would you happen to know the Green's stance?

    • SPC 10.2

      DIA said freedom of expression would be protected, and there would be no powers over editorial decision-making or individual users who shared legal content.

      We want to create safer platforms while preserving essential rights like freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the benefits of media platforms.

      How the safer social media platforms then.

      Sector or industry organisations would help come up with enforceable codes of practice. DIA said the proposal was a deliberate shift away from the status quo of regulating content, towards regulating platforms.

      Oh it's about regulating social media platforms

      Codes of practice would cover:

      • processes for platforms to remove content and reduce the distribution of unsafe content;
      • accessible processes for consumer complaints for particular content;
      • support for consumers to make informed choices about potentially harmful content;
      • how platforms would report on these measures, including on transparency; and
      • how they were reducing the impact of harm from content, and their performance against codes

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/491136/consultation-opens-on-proposals-to-make-online-spaces-safer

      • The Chairman 10.2.1

        Oh it's about regulating social media platforms

        Forcing them to comply with content regulation

        Freedom of expression would be protected

        Isn't that until it clashes with another right?

        • SPC 10.2.1.1

          It would seem the real issue would be what happened when a social media platform management received reports of unsafe content and it was not removed.

          Scenario 1

          Presumably that would have to be in the annual report to the regulator (either in aggregate or each case)? Would they want to then adjudicate on whether the platform had kept to the code of practice in not agreeing to remove the particular content (or just assess based on the number of cases)?

          Scenario 2

          A person/group could directly appeal the lack of removal of content on their complaint to the regulator – thus diminishing editorial independence in real time.

        • weka 10.2.1.2

          Forcing them to comply with content regulation

          is there some reason you think online platforms should not be regulated in the same way that other publishing media is?

      • SPC 10.2.2

        Short version.

        It's about using the code of practice to influence editorial decisions on content on the social media platform.

        To identify and remove "unsafe content" – with accessability for complaints about content. And annual reporting focused on their performance in reducing harm from content.

        • Anker 10.2.2.1

          But who deams what is unsafe content in this age when misgendering someone can be described as violence?

          • SPC 10.2.2.1.1

            At first the editor decides, the real issue is what and when a challenge to that editorial decision can be made.

            Is it at the point of a complaint about content has been made and it has not been removed, or is it in the annual review of the platforms compliance with code of practice for the year?

            These will be among the key issues to be determined by feedback presumably.

  10. Incognito 11

    It’s entirely possible of being critical of and even (slightly?) biased against the proposals and still write a proper and constructive analysis of what’s being proposed in the discussion document.

    This opinion piece by a retired District Court judge makes good points that are helpful in and for the public debate.

    https://adls.org.nz/govt-proposes-content-regulator/

    Unfortunately, it does not include a link to the actual document, as far as I can tell.

    It is also a little one-sided and skewed to negative criticism. For example, it fails to mention the role & involvement of the new proposed regulator in “educating and supporting people to keep themselves safe” (cf. #40 in the discussion document).

    The last paragraph is telling:

    These proposals are unwise, ill-considered and vague. They suggest the creation of a new uber-regulator – an online services regulatory tsar – under the guise of platform regulation and unclear and as-yet unexpressed codes. I have no doubt there will be pushback from the platforms. There should be pushback from any citizen who may be concerned about yet another encroachment upon freedom of expression.

    Besides the emotive rhetoric, it fails to mention & acknowledge that many New Zealanders have been worried & concerned about inappropriate online content.

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/dont-turn-online-safety-into-a-new-culture-war

    It ignores the likelihood that undoubtedly some Kiwis will actually be supportive of at least parts of what’s in the discussion document and may even make positive submissions to the DIA in the consultation process. The last sentence is misleading and manipulative – one would expect better from a former judge.

    All in all, a much better and more constructive piece than from the chief executive of the Free Speech Union.

  11. Anker 12

    I support regularting content for chidren and young people up to the age of 18 years old.

    RE your point Weka about mysogynistic threats, well absolutely that should be regulated. Threats of any kind fall within the current law as I understand it

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    A National government would make spending cuts on a scale not seen since the 1990 – 96 Bolger government.That much was confirmed with the release of their Fiscal Plan on Friday.Government spending is currently high as a percentage of GDP — as high as it was during the Muldoon ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • A crucial week starts as early voting opens in the NZ Elections … it’s been a ride so far. Are y...
    Chris Hipkins down with Covid, at least for 5 days isolation, National continue to obfuscate, ACT continues to double-down on the poor and Winston… well, he’s being Winston really. Voters beware: this week could be even more infuriating than the last. No Party is what they used to be ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago
  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #39
    A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Sep 24, 2023 thru Sat, Sep 30, 2023. Story of the Week We’re not doomed yet’: climate scientist Michael Mann on our last chance to save human civilisation The renowned US ...
    3 days ago
  • Clusterf**ck of Chaos.
    On the 11th of April 1945 advancing US forces liberated the Nazi concentration camp of Buchenwald near Weimar in Germany. In the coming days, under the order of General Patton, a thousand nearby residents were forced to march to the camp to see the atrocities that had been committed in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • The party of business deals with the future by pretending it isn’t coming
    Years and years ago, when Helen Clark was Prime Minister and John Key was gunning for her job, I had a conversation with a mate, a trader who knew John Key well enough to paint a helpful picture.It was many drinks ago so it’s not a complete one. But there’s ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • 2023 More Reading: September (+ Old Phuul update)
    Completed reads for September: The Lost Continent, by C.J. Cutcliffe Hyne Flatland, by Edwin Abbott All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque The Country of the Blind, by H.G. Wells The Day of the Triffids, by John Wyndham A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles ...
    4 days ago
  • Losing The Left.
    Descending Into The Dark: The ideological cadres currently controlling both Labour and the Greens are forcing “justice”, “participation” and “democracy” to make way for what is “appropriate” and “responsible”. But, where does that leave the people who, for most of their adult lives, have voted for left-wing parties, precisely to ...
    4 days ago
  • The New “Emperor’s New Clothes”.
    “‘BUT HE HASN’T GOT ANYTHING ON,’ a little boy said ….. ‘But he hasn’t got anything on!’ the whole town cried out at last.”On this optimistic note, Hans Christian Andersen brings his cautionary tale of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” to an end.Andersen’s children’s story was written nearly two centuries ago, ...
    4 days ago
  • BRYCE EDWARDS: The vested interests shaping National Party policies
      Bryce Edwards writes – As the National Party gets closer to government, lobbyists and business interests will be lining up for influence and to get policies adopted. It’s therefore in the public interest to have much more scrutiny and transparency about potential conflicts of interests that ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • LINDSAY MITCHELL: A conundrum for those pushing racist dogma
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – The heavily promoted narrative, which has ramped up over the last six years, is that Maori somehow have special vulnerabilities which arise from outside forces they cannot control; that contemporary society fails to meet their needs. They are not receptive to messages and ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • CHRIS TROTTER:  The greater of two evils
    Not Labour: If you’re out to punish the government you once loved, then the last thing you need is to be shown evidence that the opposition parties are much, much worse.   Chris Trotter writes – THE GREATEST VIRTUE of being the Opposition is not being the Government. Only very ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to Sept 30
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:Labour presented a climate manifesto that aimed to claim the high ground on climate action vs National, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Litanies, articles of faith, and being a beneficiary
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past two weeks.Friday 29Play it, ElvisElection Hell special!! This week’s quiz is a bumper edition featuring a few of the more popular questions from last weekend’s show, as well as a few we didn’t ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Litanies, articles of faith, and being a beneficiary
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past two weeks.Friday 29Play it, ElvisElection Hell special!! This week’s quiz is a bumper edition featuring a few of the more popular questions from last weekend’s show, as well as a few we didn’t ...
    More than a fieldingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • The ‘Recession’ Has Been Called Off, But Some Households Are Still Struggling
    While the economy is not doing too badly in output terms, external circumstances are not favourable, and there is probably a sizeable group of households struggling because of rising interest rates.Last week’s announcement of a 0.9 percent increase in volume GDP for the June quarter had the commentariat backing down ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change: The wrong direction
    This week the International Energy Association released its Net Zero Roadmap, intended to guide us towards a liveable climate. The report demanded huge increases in renewable generation, no new gas or oil, and massive cuts to methane emissions. It was positive about our current path, but recommended that countries with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • “Racism” becomes a buzz word on the campaign trail – but our media watchdogs stay muzzled when...
    Buzz from the Beehive  Oh, dear.  We have nothing to report from the Beehive. At least, we have nothing to report from the government’s official website. But the drones have not gone silent.  They are out on the election campaign trail, busy buzzing about this and that in the hope ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • Play it, Elvis
    Election Hell special!! This week’s quiz is a bumper edition featuring a few of the more popular questions from last weekend’s show, as well as a few we didn’t have time for. You’re welcome, etc. Let us press on, etc. 1.  What did Christopher Luxon use to his advantage in ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Pure class warfare
    National unveiled its fiscal policy today, announcing all the usual things which business cares about and I don't. But it did finally tell us how National plans to pay for its handouts to landlords: by effectively cutting benefits: The biggest saving announced on Friday was $2b cut from the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Ask Me Anything about the week to Sept 29
    Photo by Anna Ogiienko on UnsplashIt’s that time of the week for an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session for paying subscribers about the week that was for an hour, including:duelling fiscal plans from National and Labour;Labour cutting cycling spending while accusing National of being weak on climate;Research showing the need for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 29-September-2023
    Welcome to Friday and the last one for September. This week in Greater Auckland On Monday, Matt highlighted at the latest with the City Rail Link. On Tuesday, Matt covered the interesting items from Auckland Transport’s latest board meeting agendas. On Thursday, a guest post from Darren Davis ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • Protest at Parliament: The Reunion.
    Brian’s god spoke to him. He, for of course the Lord in Tamaki’s mind was a male god, with a mighty rod, and probably some black leathers. He, told Brian - “you must put a stop to all this love, hope, and kindness”. And it did please the Brian.He said ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Labour cuts $50m from cycleway spending
    Labour is cutting spending on cycling infrastructure while still trying to claim the higher ground on climate. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Labour Government released a climate manifesto this week to try to claim the high ground against National, despite having ignored the Climate Commission’s advice to toughen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Greater Of Two Evils.
    Not Labour: If you’re out to punish the government you once loved, then the last thing you need is to be shown evidence that the opposition parties are much, much worse.THE GREATEST VIRTUE of being the Opposition is not being the Government. Only very rarely is an opposition party elected ...
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #39 2023
    Open access notables "Net zero is only a distraction— we just have to end fossil fuel emissions." The latter is true but the former isn't, or  not in the real world as it's likely to be in the immediate future. And "just" just doesn't enter into it; we don't have ...
    5 days ago
  • Chris Trotter: Losing the Left
    IN THE CURRENT MIX of electoral alternatives, there is no longer a credible left-wing party. Not when “a credible left-wing party” is defined as: a class-oriented, mass-based, democratically-structured political organisation; dedicated to promoting ideas sharply critical of laissez-faire capitalism; and committed to advancing democratic, egalitarian and emancipatory ideals across the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago
  • Road rage at Kia Kaha Primary School
    It is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha Primary School!It can be any time when you are telling a story.Telling stories about things that happened in the past is how we learn from our mistakes.If we want to.Anyway, it is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Road rage at Kia Kaha Primary School
    It is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha Primary School!It can be any time when you are telling a story.Telling stories about things that happened in the past is how we learn from our mistakes.If we want to.Anyway, it is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Road rage at Kia Kaha Primary School
    It is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha Primary School!It can be any time when you are telling a story.Telling stories about things that happened in the past is how we learn from our mistakes.If we want to.Anyway, it is not the school holidays yet at Kia Kaha ...
    More than a fieldingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Hipkins fires up in leaders’ debate, but has the curtain already fallen on the Labour-led coalitio...
    Labour’s  Chris Hipkins came out firing, in the  leaders’ debate  on Newshub’s evening programme, and most of  the pundits  rated  him the winner against National’s  Christopher Luxon. But will this make any difference when New  Zealanders  start casting their ballots? The problem  for  Hipkins is  that  voters are  all too ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    6 days ago
  • Govt is energising housing projects with solar power – and fuelling the public’s concept of a di...
    Buzz from the Beehive  Not long after Point of Order published data which show the substantial number of New Zealanders (77%) who believe NZ is becoming more divided, government ministers were braying about a programme which distributes some money to “the public” and some to “Maori”. The ministers were dishing ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • MIKE GRIMSHAW: Election 2023 – a totemic & charisma failure?
    The D&W analysis Michael Grimshaw writes –  Given the apathy, disengagement, disillusionment, and all-round ennui of this year’s general election, it was considered time to bring in those noted political operatives and spin doctors D&W, the long-established consultancy firm run by Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. Known for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • FROM BFD: Will Winston be the spectre we think?
    Kissy kissy. Cartoon credit BoomSlang. The BFD. JC writes-  Allow me to preface this contribution with the following statement: If I were asked to express a preference between a National/ACT coalition or a National/ACT/NZF coalition then it would be the former. This week Luxon declared his position, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • California’s climate disclosure bill could have a huge impact across the U.S.
    This re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Andy Furillo was originally published by Capital & Main and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. The California Legislature took a step last week that has the potential to accelerate the fight against climate ...
    6 days ago
  • Untangling South East Queensland’s Public Transport
    This is a cross post Adventures in Transitland by Darren Davis. I recently visited Brisbane and South East Queensland and came away both impressed while also pondering some key changes to make public transport even better in the region. Here goes with my take on things. A bit of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    6 days ago
  • Try A Little Kindness.
    My daughter arrived home from the supermarket yesterday and she seemed a bit worried about something. It turned out she wanted to know if someone could get her bank number from a receipt.We wound the story back.She was in the store and there was a man there who was distressed, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • What makes NZFirst tick
    New Zealand’s longest-running political roadshow rolled into Opotiki yesterday, with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters knowing another poll last night showed he would make it back to Parliament and National would need him and his party if they wanted to form a government. The Newshub Reid Research poll ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago
  • September AMA
    Hi,As September draws to a close — I feel it’s probably time to do an Ask Me Anything. You know how it goes: If you have any burning questions, fire away in the comments and I will do my best to answer. You might have questions about Webworm, or podcast ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Bludgers lying in the scratcher making fools of us all
    The mediocrity who stands to be a Prime Minister has a litany.He uses it a bit like a Koru Lounge card. He will brandish it to say: these people are eligible. And more than that, too: These people are deserving. They have earned this policy.They have a right to this policy. What ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago
  • More “partnerships” (by the look of it) and redress of over $30 million in Treaty settlement wit...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point of Order has waited until now – 3.45pm – for today’s officially posted government announcements.  There have been none. The only addition to the news on the Beehive’s website was posted later yesterday, after we had published our September 26 Buzz report. It came from ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago
  • ALEX HOLLAND: Labour’s spending
    Alex Holland writes –  In 2017 when Labour came to power, crown spending was $76 billion per year. Now in 2023 it is $139 billion per year, which equates to a $63 billion annual increase (over $1 billion extra spend every week!) In 2017, New Zealand’s government debt ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago
  • If not now, then when?
    Labour released its fiscal plan today, promising the same old, same old: "responsibility", balanced books, and of course no new taxes: "Labour will maintain income tax settings to provide consistency and certainty in these volatile times. Now is not the time for additional taxes or to promise billions of ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • THE FACTS:  77% of Kiwis believe NZ is becoming more divided
    The Facts has posted –        KEY INSIGHTSOf New Zealander’s polled: Social unity/division 77%believe NZ is becoming more divided (42% ‘much more’ + 35% ‘a little more’) 3%believe NZ is becoming less divided (1% ‘much less’ + 2% ‘a little less’) ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the cynical brutality of the centre-right’s welfare policies
    The centre-right’s enthusiasm for forcing people off the benefit and into paid work is matched only by the enthusiasm (shared by Treasury and the Reserve Bank) for throwing people out of paid work to curb inflation, and achieve the optimal balance of workers to job seekers deemed to be desirable ...
    7 days ago
  • Wednesday’s Chorus: Arthur Grimes on why building many, many more social houses is so critical
    New research shows that tenants in social housing - such as these Wellington apartments - are just as happy as home owners and much happier than private tenants. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The election campaign took an ugly turn yesterday, and in completely the wrong direction. All three ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago
  • Bennie Bashing.
    If there’s one thing the mob loves more than keeping Māori in their place, more than getting tough on the gangs, maybe even more than tax cuts. It’s a good old round of beneficiary bashing.Are those meanies in the ACT party stealing your votes because they think David Seymour is ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago
  • The kindest cuts
    Labour kicks off the fiscal credibility battle today with the release of its fiscal plan. National is expected to follow, possibly as soon as Thursday, with its own plan, which may (or may not) address the large hole that the problems with its foreign buyers’ ban might open up. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 week ago
  • Green right turn in Britain? Well, a start
    While it may be unlikely to register in New Zealand’s general election, Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak has done something which might just be important in the long run. He’s announced a far-reaching change in his Conservative government’s approach to environmental, and particularly net zero, policy. The starting point – ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    1 week ago
  • At a glance – How do human CO2 emissions compare to natural CO2 emissions?
    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 ...
    1 week ago
  • How could this happen?
    Canada is in uproar after the exposure that its parliament on September 22 provided a standing ovation to a Nazi veteran who had been invited into the chamber to participate in the parliamentary welcome to Ukrainian President Zelensky. Yaroslav Hunka, 98, a Ukrainian man who volunteered for service in ...
    1 week ago

  • Youth justice programme expands to break cycle of offending
    The successful ‘Circuit Breaker’ fast track programme designed to stop repeat youth offending was launched in two new locations today by Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis. The programme, first piloted in West and South Auckland in December last year, is aimed at children aged 10-13 who commit serious offending or continue ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Major milestone with 20,000 employers using Apprenticeship Boost
    The Government’s Apprenticeship Boost initiative has now supported 20,000 employers to help keep on and train up apprentices, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni announced in Christchurch today. Almost 62,000 apprentices have been supported to start and keep training for a trade since the initiative was introduced in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Government supporting wood processing jobs and more diverse industry
    The Government is supporting non-pine tree sawmilling and backing further job creation in sawmills in Rotorua and Whangarei, Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said.   “The Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan identified the need to add more diversity to our productions forests, wood products and markets,” Peeni Henare said. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Government backing Canterbury’s future in aerospace industry
    The Government is helping Canterbury’s aerospace industry take off with further infrastructure support for the Tāwhaki Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, Infrastructure Minister Dr Megan Woods has announced. “Today I can confirm we will provide a $5.4 million grant to the Tāwhaki Joint Venture to fund a sealed runway and hangar ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Updated forestry regulations increase council controls and require large slash removal
    Local councils will have more power to decide where new commercial forests – including carbon forests – are located, to reduce impacts on communities and the environment, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “New national standards give councils greater control over commercial forestry, including clear rules on harvesting practices and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • New Zealand resumes peacekeeping force leadership
    New Zealand will again contribute to the leadership of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, with a senior New Zealand Defence Force officer returning as Interim Force Commander. Defence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have announced the deployment of New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New national direction provides clarity for development and the environment
    The Government has taken an important step in implementing the new resource management system, by issuing a draft National Planning Framework (NPF) document under the new legislation, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “The NPF consolidates existing national direction, bringing together around 20 existing instruments including policy statements, standards, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government shows further commitment to pay equity for healthcare workers
    The Government welcomes the proposed pay equity settlement that will see significant pay increases for around 18,000 Te Whatu Ora Allied, Scientific, and Technical employees, if accepted said Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. The proposal reached between Te Whatu Ora, the New Zealand Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • 100 new public EV chargers to be added to national network
    The public EV charging network has received a significant boost with government co-funding announced today for over 100 EV chargers – with over 200 charging ports altogether – across New Zealand, and many planned to be up and running on key holiday routes by Christmas this year. Minister of Energy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Safeguarding Tuvalu language and identity
    Tuvalu is in the spotlight this week as communities across New Zealand celebrate Vaiaso o te Gagana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week. “The Government has a proven record of supporting Pacific communities and ensuring more of our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated,” Pacific Peoples Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Many ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New community-level energy projects to support more than 800 Māori households
    Seven more innovative community-scale energy projects will receive government funding through the Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund to bring more affordable, locally generated clean energy to more than 800 Māori households, Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods says. “We’ve already funded 42 small-scale clean energy projects that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Huge boost to Te Tai Tokerau flood resilience
    The Government has approved new funding that will boost resilience and greatly reduce the risk of major flood damage across Te Tai Tokerau. Significant weather events this year caused severe flooding and damage across the region. The $8.9m will be used to provide some of the smaller communities and maraes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Napier’s largest public housing development comes with solar
    The largest public housing development in Napier for many years has been recently completed and has the added benefit of innovative solar technology, thanks to Government programmes, says Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods. The 24 warm, dry homes are in Seddon Crescent, Marewa and Megan Woods says the whanau living ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Te Whānau a Apanui and the Crown initial Deed of Settlement I Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me...
    Māori: Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna te Whakaaetanga Whakataunga Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna i tētahi Whakaaetanga Whakataunga hei whakamihi i ō rātou tāhuhu kerēme Tiriti o Waitangi. E tekau mā rua ngā hapū o roto mai o Te Whānau ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Plan for 3,000 more public homes by 2025 – regions set to benefit
    Regions around the country will get significant boosts of public housing in the next two years, as outlined in the latest public housing plan update, released by the Housing Minister, Dr Megan Woods. “We’re delivering the most public homes each year since the Nash government of the 1950s with one ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Immigration settings updates
    Judicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Poroporoaki: Tā Patrick (Patu) Wahanga Hohepa
    Tangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Renewable energy fund to support community resilience
    40 solar energy systems on community buildings in regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events Virtual capability-building hub to support community organisations get projects off the ground Boost for community-level renewable energy projects across the country At least 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • COVID-19 funding returned to Government
    The lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Appointment of District Court Judge
    Susie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today.  Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilience
    The Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-up
    Another $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Taupō Supercars revs up with Government support
    The future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarter
    The economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs
    The Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today.   “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • More support for victims of migrant exploitation
    Temporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Strong export boost as NZ economy turns corner
    An export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te Karaka
    The Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Further business support for cyclone-affected regions
    The Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underway
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General Assembly
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Midwives’ pay equity offer reached
    Around 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago
  • New Zealand provides support to Morocco
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago
  • Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilience
    The Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today.  A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago

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