EPA to be gutted – for doing its job
Written By:
- Date published:
10:40 am, November 12th, 2015 - 24 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, Conservation, democracy under attack, Mining, national -
Tags: democracy under attack, environmental 'protection' agency, Mining, nick smith
One News broke the story:
Exclusive: New Zealand’s guardian of the seas under threat from the Government
The Government is considering changes to the Environmental Protection Authority, after the guardian of the seas turned down two offshore mining applications.
The EPA is responsible for protecting the ocean around New Zealand, and the Government is debating changes to the agency which will decide who gets to prospect for oil and mine offshore.
…
The EPA recently rejected plans to mine iron ore off the Taranaki coast and a phosphate mining venture in the Chatham Rise.Currently the EPA chooses the members of its “decision making committees” – experts who spend months deciding whether to allow activities in an area stretching 200 miles out to seas. But the changes would see the Government make the appointments.
Conservationists believe the EPA’s independence is now under threat. “Once you politicise the approval process with a government that is fully committed to pretty unrestricted mining then clearly you are going to get an outcome of more mining and more environmental destruction,” Mr Norman said.
Environmental Minister Nick Smith would not confirm the proposals he’s taking to cabinet. …
See also this Greenpeace press release: Government muzzles environmental watchdog to pave way for mining deals.
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- Minister Sepuloni to attend 61st Anniversary of Samoa’s Independence
Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Carmel Sepuloni will represent New Zealand at Samoa’s 61st Anniversary of Independence commemorations in Apia. “Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to share in this significant occasion, alongside other invited Pacific leaders, and congratulates Samoa on the milestone of 61 ...6 hours ago - Govt backs retailers with expansion of fog cannon programmeThe Government is continuing to support retailers with additional funding for the highly popular Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme, Police and Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. “The Government is committed to improving retailers’ safety,” Ginny Andersen said. “I’ve seen first-hand the difference fog cannons are making. Not only do ...10 hours ago
- Government will consider recommendations of Intelligence and Security Act reviewThe Government has received the first independent review of the Intelligence and Security Act 2017, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The review, considered by the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, was presented to the House of Representatives today. “Ensuring the safety and security of New Zealanders is of the utmost ...13 hours ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Sui’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...14 hours ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Siu’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...14 hours ago
- Security support to Solomon Islands extendedDefence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have today announced the extension of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deployment to Solomon Islands, as part of the regionally-led Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (SIAF). “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of working alongside the Royal Solomon ...16 hours ago
- Minister Mahuta to attend the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ SummitForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will travel to the Republic of Korea today to attend the Korea–Pacific Leaders’ Summit in Seoul and Busan. “Korea is an important partner for Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region. I am eager for the opportunity to meet and discuss issues that matter to our ...2 days ago
- Agreement between Indo-Pacific partners for supply chain resilienceTrade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor joined ministerial representatives at a meeting in Detroit, USA today to announce substantial conclusion of negotiations of a new regional supply chains agreement among 14 Indo-Pacific countries. The Supply Chains agreement is one of four pillars being negotiated within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ...2 days ago
- Celebrating Samoa Language Week 2023Our most spoken Pacific language is taking centre stage this week with Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week kicking off around the country. “Understanding and using the Samoan language across our nation is vital to its survival,” Barbara Edmonds said. “The Samoan population in New Zealand are ...2 days ago
- Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert systemOver 90 per cent of New Zealanders are expected to receive this year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight between 6-7pm. “Emergency Mobile Alert is a tool that can alert people when their life, health, or property, is in danger,” Kieran McAnulty said. “The annual nationwide test ...2 days ago
- Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of SettlementENGLISH: Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Whakatōhea and the Crown, 183 years to the day since Whakatōhea rangatira signed the Treaty of Waitangi, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little has announced. Whakatōhea is an iwi based in ...3 days ago
- New Chair appointed to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCOElizabeth Longworth has been appointed as the Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton announced today. UNESCO is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting cooperative action among member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and ...3 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...4 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...4 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services cheaper and more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...4 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...4 days ago
- Government’s work for survivors of abuse in care continuesThe Government continues progress on the survivor-led independent redress system for historic abuse in care, with the announcement of the design and advisory group members today. “The main recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Abuse in Care interim redress report was for a survivor-led independent redress system, and the ...4 days ago
- Humanitarian support for the Horn of AfricaAotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$7.75 million to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The Horn of Africa is experiencing its most severe drought in decades, with five consecutive failed rainy seasons. At least 43.3 million people require lifesaving and ...5 days ago
- Two brand new mental health facilities opened in ChristchurchHealth Minister Ayesha Verrall has opened two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities at the Christchurch Hillmorton Hospital campus, as the Government ramps up its efforts to build a modern fit for purpose mental health system. The buildings, costing $81.8 million, are one of 16 capital projects the Government has funded ...5 days ago
- Government invests more than $24 million in regional projectsThe Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies by announcing another $24 million worth of investment into ten diverse projects, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “Our regions are the backbone of our economy and today’s announcement continues to build on the Government’s investment to boost regional economic ...5 days ago
- Budget 23 supports the growth of Māori tourismAn $8 million boost to New Zealand Māori Tourism will help operators insulate themselves for the future. Spread over the next four years, the investment acknowledges the on-going challenges faced by the industry and the significant contribution Māori make to tourism in Aotearoa. It builds on the $15 million invested ...5 days ago
- First Bushmasters ready to rollDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the first 18 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the New Zealand Army, alongside personnel at Trentham Military Camp today. “The arrival of the Bushmaster fleet represents a significant uplift in capability and protection for defence force personnel, and a milestone in ...5 days ago
- Humanitarian support for the people of SudanAotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$3.5 million to help meet urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The severe fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has had devastating impacts for civilians. At least 705 people have been killed and 5,287 injured. ...6 days ago
- Clean-up at Hawkes Bay facility to help region deal with cyclone wasteRepairing a Hawke’s Bay organic composting facility devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle is among the latest waste reduction projects getting Government backing, Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking announced today. “Helping communities get back on their feet after the devastating weather that hit the northern parts of the country this year is ...6 days ago
- 8% pay boosts for GP & community nursesAbout 6,100 more GP, community nurses and kaiāwhina will be eligible for pay rises of 8% on average to reduce pay disparities with nurses in hospitals, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. The top up comes from a $200 million fund established to remove pay disparities between nurses ...6 days ago
- Govt turns the sod on new Jobs and Skills Hub for Hawke’s BayNew Jobs and Skills Hub to begin construction in Hawke’s Bay The Hub will support the building of $1.1billion worth of homes in the region and support Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild and recovery. Over 2,200 people have been supported into industry specific employment, apprenticeships and training, by these Hubs across NZ ...6 days ago
- Community Housing Aotearoa Conference SpeechTēnā koutou e nga maata waka. Kia koutou te mana whenua tēnā koutou Ngā mate huhua o te waa, haere, haere, haere atu ra. Hoki mai kia tātou te kanohi ora e tau nei, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Tēnā koutou i runga i te kaupapa o te ...6 days ago
- New mental health tool launched for small business owner-operatorsThe Government has launched a new tool to help small business owner-operators manage and improve their mental wellbeing, Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. The Brave in Business e-Learning series is another tool the Government has delivered to support small businesses with their mental health and wellbeing. “A pandemic, ...6 days ago
- TAB partnership helps secure future of racing industryMinister for Racing Kieran McAnulty has announced the approval of a 25-year partnership between TAB NZ and UK betting company Entain that delivers at least $900 million in guaranteed funding for the racing industry over the next five years. Entain, a UK based group that operates multiple sports betting providers ...6 days ago
- Government project delivers more reliable and resilient water source to NorthlandThe Government has delivered the first of three significant water security projects in Northland, boosting regional business and climate resilience, with the opening of Matawii reservoir today, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced. A $68 million Government investment supported the construction of the reservoir, along with two other water storage ...6 days ago
- Trade Minister to US to attend Ministerial meetingsTrade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor will travel to Detroit tomorrow to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting from 24 – 29 May. Whilst in Detroit, Damien O’Connor will also host a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Ministers ...7 days ago
- Murihiku Regeneration energy and innovation wānangaI want to start by thanking Ngāi Tahu and the Murihiku Regeneration Collective for hosting us here today. Back at the Science and Innovation Wananga in 2021, I said that a just transition in New Zealand must ensure Iwi are at the table. This is just as true now as ...7 days ago
- New Ambassador to Mongolia announcedForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of diplomat Dr James Waite as Aotearoa New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Mongolia. He is currently the Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, a role he will continue to hold. “New Zealand and Mongolia share a warm and ...7 days ago
- Government commitment to Māori Education continuesBiggest-ever investment in property with more money for new sites and modernisation Roll-out of learning support coordination in kaupapa Māori and Māori Medium Schooling Boost in funding for iwi and schools to work together on Local Histories content Substantial support for Māori Education has continued in Budget 2023, including ...7 days ago
- More students to benefit from next round of Creatives in SchoolsApplications for the next round of Creatives in Schools will open on Friday 16 June 2023, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today during a visit at Te Wharekura o Mauao in Tauranga. “The Creatives in Schools programme funds schools and ...7 days ago
- Speech to WasteMINZ conference, HamiltonTena koutou katoa and thank you all for being here and welcoming me to your annual conference. I want to acknowledge being here in Tainui’s rohe, and the mana of Kingi Tuheitia. I hate waste. So much so that when we built our home in Dunedin, I banned the use ...7 days ago
- Extra boost for Southland’s Just TransitionSouthland’s Just Transition is getting a further boost to help future-proof the region and build its economic resilience, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today. “This Government is committed to supporting Southland’s just transition and reducing the region’s reliance on the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point,” Megan ...7 days ago
- PM concludes successful Pacific visit, confirms intention to visit IndiaPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has concluded a series of successful international meetings with Pacific region leaders in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Hipkins secured constructive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and United States Secretary of ...7 days ago
- Agreed statement from NZEI, PPTA and the Minister of EducationOn Friday 19th May, Minister Tinetti facilitated a meeting between NZEI and PPTA with the Ministry of Education to discuss options for finding a way forward in the current stalled collective bargaining. The meeting was constructive, and the parties shared a willingness to work towards a solution. The following was ...1 week ago
- Five community energy projects kick startEighty-nine households will soon benefit from secure, renewable, and more affordable energy as five community-level energy projects are about to get underway, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today. Five solar projects – in Whangārei, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Christchurch – are the first to receive funding from the ...1 week ago
- Background to SCORI – is this a sell-out of Pacific’s ‘Sea of Islands’?
By concerned citizens of the Pacific The signing of the memorandum of understanding between the University of the South Pacific’s vice-chancellor and president, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, and the Indian government’s National Centre for Coastal Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, in March for the setting up of a Sustainable Coastal and ...51 mins ago - No sedition charges against Kanak pro-independence leader, says prosecutorBy Walter Zweifel, RNZ Pacific reporter The president of New Caledonia’s largest pro-independence party Daniel Goa will not be prosecuted for alleged calls for violence and sedition. Last month, a coalition of anti-independence parties had lodged a formal complaint with the Public Prosecutor over a speech given by Goa at ...51 mins ago
- Kramer still working on ‘unfinished’ exposure of PNG corruptionPNG Post-Courier Dismissed Member of Madang Bryan Kramer says the dismissal notice by Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae does not affect his appeal. “What I can confirm is that on the morning the notice was issued, I had filed my appeal before the National Court,” he said. “My ...51 mins ago
- PNG lawyer Paraka found guilty of misappropriating K162mBy Todagia Kelola in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea lawyer and businessman Paul Paraka has been found guilty of misappropriating K162 million (NZ$75 million) belonging to the state. Criminal track judge Justice Teresa Berrigan, in a comprehensive and detailed judgment in 114 pages, found him guilty on all five charges ...2 hours ago
- Tokelau covid: Two new cases announced as lockdown endsBy Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Tokelau’s largest atoll, Nukunonu, is now out of lockdown after experiencing its first community cases of covid-19. In a statement, the government said Fakaofo Atoll has had two cases at the border and Nukunonu now has six positive community cases — all within the ...2 hours ago
- Mark McGowan quits in his own time, after dominating Western Australian politicsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Drum, Lecturer Politics and International Relations, University of Notre Dame Australia One of the most dominant premiers in recent Australian political history, Mark McGowan, has resigned as Western Australian premier and the member for Rockingham. Put simply, McGowan has dominated WA ...6 hours ago
- Can high-stakes debt-ceiling brinkmanship in the US lead to unprecedented political unity?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jared Mondschein, Director of Research, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP/AAP Congress appears to be on the cusp of passing legislation that would not only avoid an unprecedented US government default – and economic catastrophe – but ...7 hours ago
- National's housing backdown: Preserving character or ditching a fit for purpose framework?
While some say the move will help preserve culture and heritage, others are concerned about what it could mean for the future of New Zealand's cities. ...8 hours ago - National's housing backdown: Preserving character or ditching a fit for purpose framework?While some say the move will help preserve culture and heritage, others are concerned about what it could mean for the future of New Zealand's cities. ...8 hours ago
- Hipkins accuses National of dog-whistling over bilingual roadsignsThe prime minister says bilingual signs are nothing new to countries around the world, and do not create public safety concerns. ...8 hours ago
- Stuart Nash donor communications review delayedPrime Minister Chris Hipkins says he has deliberately kept out of the investigation into the former minister, but the reviewer has asked for a couple more weeks. ...9 hours ago
- WA Premier Mark McGowan quits in shock announcement, declaring he is ‘exhausted’Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Aaron Bunch/AAP Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has announced he is quitting as premier and leaving parliament. In a shock announcement, McGowan told a news conference in Perth on Monday he had ...9 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – Visualising Countries’ Deficits and Debts, Surpluses and Credits, ...Analysis by Keith Rankin. The topic of financial debt is one of the hardest for humans to get their heads around. The normal understanding of a debt is a sacrifice made by one party (the owner of the debt) in favour of another party (the ower) which will be remedied ...10 hours ago
- A warning to NZ Succession fans: Avoid social media
The final ever episode of Succession will be hitting Neon at 7pm tonight, just a few hours after it’s finished airing in the US. Right now, Twitter is a Succession spoiler minefield. My feed is currently made up of news, clips of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour… and Succession spoilers. ...10 hours ago - Watch: PM Chris Hipkins speaks after Cabinet meetingPrime Minister Chris Hipkins is speaking to media after this week's Cabinet meeting. Watch live. ...11 hours ago
- Extra $11m for expansion of fog cannon subsidyThe government’s announced an additional $11 million to extend the fog cannon subsidy scheme, which the police minister said has given shop workers peace of mind during a spate of retail crime. So far there have been 582 installations completed, said Ginny Andersen, with 1,664 applications approved. “The scheme has ...11 hours ago
- Green MP says ‘fake meth’ at WINZ adds to argument for inquiry into agencyReports a Work and Income staffer brought “fake meth” to a “cultural diversity” morning tea add to the argument for an inquiry into the agency, said a Green Party MP. The Spinoff first reported today that a worker at the Hornby branch of Work and Income had taken bags labelled ...11 hours ago
- Melbourne earthquake 2023: are they becoming more common? A seismology expert explainsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dee Ninis, Earthquake Geologist, Monash University Report locations from people who felt the Sunbury earthquake on May 28. Geoscience Australia Last night at 11:41pm local time, the greater Melbourne region was shaken by a magnitude 4.0 earthquake – as calculated by the ...12 hours ago
- Ten tips for your first noho maraeThe prospect of your first marae stay can be daunting, but go in armed with Airena Ngarewa’s top tips and you’ll come out feeling like a pro. Noho marae are a fundamental part of many Māori haerenga, whether you are preparing for the stage, learning the reo or simply trying ...12 hours ago
- Is it true the faster you lose weight the quicker it comes back? Here’s what we know about slow an...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Charles Perkins Centre Research Program Leader, University of Sydney Pexels/Andres Ayrton, CC BY When people decide it’s time to lose weight, they’re usually keen to see quick results. Maybe they have an event coming up or want relief ...12 hours ago
- Milton Moon: the Australian artist who brought a Zen Buddhist, modernist and painterly sensibility t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Speck, Emerita Professor, Art History and Curatorship, University of Adelaide Milton Moon in his studio in Tarragindi, Queensland, 1966, photo: John McKay, Milton Moon archive Milton Moon (1926-2019) was not your regular potter. He was deeply imbued with Zen Buddhism ...13 hours ago
- Beer Tax Hits During Cost-of-living Crisis
Joint media release from the Brewers Association of NZ and Brewers Guild of NZ The Government has just announced it will implement the second largest beer tax increase in 30 years. The annually adjusted alcohol excise rate has been confirmed to increase ...13 hours ago - New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekWhat are you going to be watching this week? We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, Neon and TVNZ+. The biggies I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (season three streaming on Netflix from May 30) When the ...13 hours ago
- Slow down Simeon Brown – bilingual traffic signs aren’t an accident waiting to happenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics, Massey University Getty Images When the National Party’s transport spokesperson, Simeon Brown, questioned the logic of bilingual traffic signs, he seemed to echo his leader Christopher Luxon’s earlier misgivings about the now prevalent use of ...13 hours ago
- Act owns ‘coalition of cuts’ line: ‘The next government will need to make cutbacks’If you’ve been paying even a loose attention to politics over the past few weeks, you’ll almost certainly have come across two competing attack lines. One, the “coalition of chaos”. That’s the line National’s been rolling out to reference a prospective Labour, Green and Te Pāti Māori coalition. Then there’s ...13 hours ago
- Free but unfair election: how Erdogan held onto power in Turkey, and what this means for the country...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mehmet Ozalp, Associate Professor in Islamic Studies, Director of The Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and Executive Member of Public and Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University Ali Unal/AP Recep Tayyib Erdogan will remain president of Turkey for another five ...14 hours ago
- More Police Pursuits Will Mean More Deaths And InjuriesAn increase in the number of police pursuits will inevitably mean an increase in the number of serious injuries and deaths, says the car review website dogandlemon.com . Dogandlemon.com editor Clive Matthew-Wilson, who is an outspoken road safety campaigner, ...14 hours ago
- Why are cafes still charging extra for coffees made with non-dairy milk?There are myriad reasons why an increasing number of us are opting for dairy alternatives in our coffee orders – and that comes with a hefty fee. It’s such standard practice that most of us, in our daily caffeine-hungry haze, probably take it for granted. If you’re lactose intolerant, trying ...15 hours ago
- Australian shelters and pounds kill 50,000 mostly healthy cats and kittens in a year. There’s a wa...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacquie Rand, Emeritus Professor of Companion Animal Health, The University of Queensland Shutterstock Stray cats are a longstanding problem in Australian towns and cities. Common complaints about roaming cats include nuisance (fighting and urinating), disease risks to humans and other ...15 hours ago
- Get ready for Taskmaster NZ season fourBig news for Taskheads dropped over the weekend as TVNZ unveiled the cast for the upcoming fourth season of Taskmaster NZ. Dai Henwood, Karen O’Leary, Melanie Bracewell, Ray O’Leary and Bubbah are the lucky five who will be tackling whatever is thrown at them by Jeremy Wells and Paul Williams. ...15 hours ago
- Newsletter: May 29 2023 – Items of interest and importance todayNew Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. Today’s content LABOUR PARTY CONGRESS Luke Malpass (Stuff): Labour congress lays bare Chris Hipkins’ and Labour’s election strategy Claire Trevett (Herald): Labour Party Congress: Energy ...15 hours ago
- 114,000 Not-for-profits In Aotearoa Make A Difference To People And Planet!Community Governance Aotearoa is set to launch our first ‘I Love Community Governance’ Nationwide Online Event on Friday 16 June, 2023. This free online event is designed to be interactive, engaging, and connect attendees to the many organisations and ...16 hours ago
- Government Clings To Ambulance At The Bottom Of The Cliff Approach To HealthThe New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association is warning that the Government’s winter preparedness plan is a continuation of its ambulance at the bottom of the cliff approach to healthcare Chiropractor and NZCA spokesperson Dr Jenna Duehr says: ...16 hours ago
- National's backdown on bipartisan housing accord 'a massive flip-flop' – Sepulo...The National Party is denying stepping back from a bipartisan housing policy, which it helped to draft, is a backdown. ...16 hours ago
- Business as Unusual: A new series with the University of Auckland Business SchoolIn an exciting new regular series, we’re going to look deeper at the local research innovations bringing us closer to the big, weird and buzzy future of business. Are widely accessible large language models going to cause a collective atrophy in the broader population’s writing ability, or serve as an ...17 hours ago
- Business as Unusual: A new series with the University of Auckland Business SchoolIn an exciting new regular series, we’re going to look deeper at the local research innovations bringing us closer to the big, weird and buzzy future of business. Are widely accessible large language models going to cause a collective atrophy in the broader population’s writing ability, or serve as an ...17 hours ago
- A hopeless quest to find something half-decent to watch on linear TVWatching whatever was on TV used to be fun. Why is it so bad now? According to the great Aotearoa oracles, Flight of the Conchords, Wednesday night is the night to make love. By their own teachings: Wednesday night is the night that we make love. Cos everything is just ...17 hours ago
- A hopeless quest to find something half-decent to watch on linear TVWatching whatever was on TV used to be fun. Why is it so bad now? According to the great Aotearoa oracles, Flight of the Conchords, Wednesday night is the night to make love. By their own teachings: Wednesday night is the night that we make love. Cos everything is just ...17 hours ago
- National's housing plans need more infrastructure investment – construction expertNational says its new policy would require councils to zone enough new land for 30 years of demand, but an AUT professor says a stronger commitment to improve infrastructure is needed first. ...18 hours ago
- Mike Puru’s new live shopping show is absolutely hecticNZME’s wild live shopping show is the perfect vehicle for New Zealand’s chattiest man, writes Alex Casey. Mike Puru is proudly presenting a royal blue jug emblazoned with lemons and peaches. “Keri Blue: it is pre-loved but I think it is straight out of the box, in all honesty,” he ...18 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Bouquets and brickbats for Wellington mayor Tory WhanauAndrea Vance had an in-depth profile of Wellington mayor Tory Whanau on the paywalled Post (and a write-off on the free-to-read Stuff) that looks at her rise to the top job, and how she’s doing six months in. “She has delivered on a promise to unite council – public spats are largely a ...18 hours ago
- Our cemeteries face a housing crisis too. 4 changes can make burial sustainableSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Falconer, Lecturer, T.C. Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland Australia’s housing crisis is no secret. What many people don’t realise is that there’s another, less visible housing crisis. Australia’s urban cemeteries are running out of space to house the ...19 hours ago
- Over half of eligible aged care residents are yet to receive their COVID booster. And winter is comi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University Shutterstock As Australia heads towards the fourth winter of the pandemic, we have once again started seeing an increase in the level of COVID circulating. With this comes an increased risk of infection ...19 hours ago
- 3 little-known reasons why plastic recycling could actually make things worseSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pascal Scherrer, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business, Law and Art, Southern Cross University Chanchai Phetdikhai, Shutterstock This week in Paris, negotiators from around the world are convening for a United Nations meeting. They will tackle a thorny problem: finding a ...19 hours ago
- DIY degree? Why universities should make online educational materials free for allSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard F. Heller, Emeritus Professor, University of Newcastle Sam Lion/Pexels This article is part of our series on big ideas for the Universities Accord. The federal government is calling for ideas to “reshape and reimagine higher education, and set it ...19 hours ago
- Why taxing the world’s biggest companies at 15% won’t fix the gaping hole in global tax rulesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerrie Sadiq, Professor of Taxation, QUT Business School, and ARC Future Fellow, Queensland University of Technology Shutterstock Australia’s federal government has a plan to discourage companies from shifting profits to tax havens. The idea is to impose a “global minimum ...19 hours ago
- A long and fishy tail: before Disney’s Little Mermaid, these creatures existed in mythologies from...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Louise Pryke, Honorary Research Associate, University of Sydney 13th century painting of mermaids from a house in Barcelona. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Barcelona Mermaids are multicultural mythical figures, reflecting the continuing human fascination with the sea in stories echoing thousands ...19 hours ago
- Bishop says u-turn on housing accord will offer more ‘flexibility’ for councilsThe opposition’s housing spokesperson Chris Bishop has defended the decision to pull out of a cross-party policy agreement announced in 2021. National and Labour worked together on legislation that would make it easier for higher density housing to be constructed in main centres. Now, National has decided it wants out, ...19 hours ago
- National u-turn overshadows low-key Labour congressIt was supposed to be Hipkins’ moment in the spotlight, but all anyone was talking about was a backtrack by Luxon, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A policy-light Labour conference ...20 hours ago
- 'Coalition of chaos' versus 'coalition of cuts' – the voters will decidePower Play - Labour is ramping up its pitch to regain power, telling voters they "deserve to know the choices they have" in election year, Jane Patterson writes. ...21 hours ago
- How NZ plans to force tech giants to finally pay their taxesA tax bill introduced alongside the budget commits the government to global rules aimed at stopping the likes of Meta and Google NZ sending their profits offshore. Terry Baucher explains the story so far. Tax is full of acronyms; PAYE, GST, FBT… and BEPS. If you’re not familiar with BEPS, ...22 hours ago
- Work and Income staffer took fake ‘meth’ to ‘cultural diversity’ morning teaA photo leaked to The Spinoff shows ziplock bags labelled ‘methamphetamine’ were brought to the morning tea, allegedly as a comment on the culture of Work and Income clients. Stewart Sowman-Lund reports. A staff member at a Canterbury Work and Income branch brought a bag of fake methamphetamine to a ...22 hours ago
- 'Pacific aspiration is not an appendage': Mahuta pushes Pacific-Asia ties in Korea
Foreign minister heads to Korea to push Pacific voice in geopolitical discussions ...22 hours ago - The wallabies threatening a national park
Wallabies might look cute and cuddly, but they're a serious pest in New Zealand – and they're advancing towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Ripping up farms and edging closer to one of our pristine national parks – wallabies have been here for well over 100 years, but there's concern they've become ...22 hours ago - NZ sharemarket dives as earnings disappoint; Kiwi dollar hits 7-month low
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I was pretty sure that was what they would do after the Taranaki and Chatham Island sea mining proposals were turned down. Like the corporations whose interests they represent, this government is an amoral entity that recognises no force but that which blocks its path. It then simply looks for a way around the obstacle instead of accepting that it has reached a barrier. It is basically like The Terminator.
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Independent government watchdog agencies will NEVER be independent until their funding and leadership are separated from the power of the government of the day.
There are ways to do this but all require Parliament to relinquish power. Parliament won’t because absolute power is their dream come true.
It’s up to us to force the changes.
Disgusting!
Even worse they can’t see the world is changing around them away from polluting practises!
Look at Pike River – this is how our government runs mines – killing people, the environment and getting agencies to rubber stamp everything.
If it is offshore it will be even worse!
The world isn’t changing. That is the problem.
I know! How about we take personal responsibility for the change!
Think of the a democratic ECan. They made the “wrong” decisions to protect the Canterbury water supply. Farmers needed water so the Government appointed their own Commissioners and sacked the elected ones.
And did the people rise up? Not really.
And now they come for the EPA. Will the people rise up?
@ Ianmac – yes people are rising up over TPP
+ 1
Anti-TPPA demonstration this Saturday, 14 Nov., in Myers Park (Auckland) at 1 pm.
Please inform us of other demonstrations around the country.
I was thinking about Ecan too. The similarities are glaring.
@ ianmac …re “And did the people rise up? Not really.”
….Canterbury people did rise up over ECAN …there were a number of large demonstrations, artists’ street theatre/exhibitions etc….it was all set to be a big political issue…but then the EARTHQUAKES hit…and everyone went into survival mode
…some say the excessive water taken for dairying in the inland areas from Christchurch drastically altered the Waimakariri underground aquifer/streams which flow around and under Christchurch and precipitated the earthquakes
( of course the government was not going to fund academic research into this for more definitive answers… as to whether water take fluctuations cause massive underground earth movement and slumping near coastal areas)
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/10/30/a-pre-meditated-political-amputation-of-100-pure/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_seismicity
http://gizmodo.com/5-ways-humans-can-cause-earthquakes-1480705519
http://www.livescience.com/32932-can-humans-cause-earthquakes.html
And yet National was elected in Christchurch after ECan was abolished.
yes that was a surprise for those viewing it from outside the Earthquakes zone:
1.) …but considering central Christchurch was literally destroyed, everyone left was Earthquake shocked, was killed, maimed , or just surviving in broken houses…(people are still suffering severe post traumatic stress)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/67919822/Christchurch-quake-survivors-and-the-long-road-to-mental-recovery
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/68769392/Earthquake-stress-triggers-mental-health-issues
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/71523052/canterbury-schools-seek-help-for-kids-with-postquake-delays.html
2.)…and many had already left Christchurch by the time Elections came around …26,000 people left Christchurch almost immediately after the big one… (flight not fight)
3.)…and the Nactional Party politicians held the high profiles , had the power and the purse strings…. and were handing out all the survival goodies like Father Christmas
…maybe not such a surprise!
…the Earthquakes which went on for at least a year…. caused everything else to pale into insignificance …it was survival mode
Jim Anderton was all set to win the Christchurch mayoralty until the big Earthquake happened
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch_mayoral_election,_2010
..”The 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquake can be seen as having a major impact on this mayoral election. Anderton led the two polls prior to it but has fallen behind since then. 88% of people believed that Parker had handled the response very well.[16]…
It was a classic case of Disaster Capitalism
http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine/reviews/profiting-disaster-capitalism
I would have thought that it would have been a sound tactic on behalf of the gummint to appear to strengthen EPA at this point….you know, lest those of us labelled “politically irrelevant” for protesting against the TPP were to suspect the gummint of weakening our environmental protection laws in anticipation of the planned corporate takeover of NZ.
Or have I been reading too much “Yes, Prime Minister”?
There are/were some good people attempting to do environmental protection at ERMA/EPA…
Jobs jobs jobs
I was personally impressed with our EPA when they completely killed off the phosphate mining proposal on the Chatham Rise. It had so many internal economic benefits in terms of a domestic source for phosphate (read: entire pastoral economy), and was a pet mining project for the government using completely domestically-raised capital.
The uncontrolled underwater mining plume was the core of the concern.
Would not be surprised if that was the origin of this political taming exercise. Very similar to what they did with Environment Commissioners’ State of the Environment reporting.
EPA could have helped themselves in Wellington by providing the government with a decent win somewhere.
Actually before I go further an apology of sorts – the original comment could have been perceived as bordering on trolling.
What I meant was that IMO Labour and Little in particular have a problem with the paradox of focussing on job creation while balancing environmental issues and protection.
Little’s speech went down well with the converted and the sound bites were well played out. However, the political reality is far more challenging.
Thoughtful reply too.
Do you think it’s challenging for Labour because of reality, or because they don’t value the environment enough. I don’t really understand the whole jobs vs environment thing because obviously there is plenty of work to be done that is not destructive so why don’t we build employment around that instead of things that destroy the place?
We’re approaching Peak Phosphorus. The sooner we get off that addiction the better.
It would be this Government’s usual form to appoint people to this agency who have minimal knowledge of the issues but can be relied on to back anything the government wants.
Sirenia, you are too generous. They will appoint people with tons of knowledge such as former executives of mining companies.
This is the same process Nick Smith as happened to Ecan.
Where Nick Smiths brother was refused water for expanding production in Canterbury.
Now every river is seriously polluted the worst enforcement of polluter’s in the country.
More of the same from Nick Smith coming our way.
Nick Smith needs to be reminded that his title is Minister FOR the Environment.
Not Minister for Banjaxing the Environment.
Minister for which environment? The agri-business environment? The property developer’s environment?
Sorry, Mrs Brillo, the environment you requested has been discontinued by National.
Unsurprising when the broader National Party’s business interests are being compromised by a pesky agency. A quick search of the companies register shows that Jennifer Mary Shipley is an ex-director of Trans-Tasman Resources, one of the companies that was unsuccessful in their application to the EPA for mining off Taranaki.