Equality for the Black Ferns

Written By: - Date published: 10:39 am, November 13th, 2022 - 42 comments
Categories: equality, inequality, sport, uncategorized, women's sport - Tags:

Aoteatoa is buzzing with pride and gratitude for the Black Ferns who last night in an epic final bet England and halted England’s 30 game winning streak.

If you missed the game here are the highlights.

The game was not without its controversies.  English winger was sent off in the 20th minute for a dangerous tackle resulting in a head clash with Kiwi winger Portia Woodman which left Portia dazed and having to be taken off the field.

The call was the right one but thanks to superior forward power England nearly pulled it off.  But the Black Ferns played smarter and used  their superior numbers to open England out wide.

The game was watched by a sellout crowd and it felt more like a test from 30 years ago.  Tickets were much cheaper and this was reflected by the more diverse crowd that attended.  It really looked like Tamaki Makaurau rather than Auckland Grammar Old Boys Supporters.

The issue that New Zealand Rugby will need to grapple with is should the Black Ferns and the All Blacks be treated equally and all I can say is why the hell not.

The majority of the Black Ferns’ squad are on retainers of between $35,000-$70,000 a year but this is a very recent development.  Some earn $130,000 a year which is the same as that paid to lower grade super rugby players.

By comparison top All Blacks are paid about a million dollars a year.

The argument for equality is compelling.  And at the same time NZRU need to think about ticket prices.  Last night’s final shows that you can pack Eden Park out and witness a great game at the same time.  Maybe the top salaries need to be reconsidered at the same time.

Well done Black Ferns.

And to Ruby Tui all that I can say is that you are a star.

42 comments on “Equality for the Black Ferns ”

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  2. Patricia Bremner 2
    13 November 2022 at 11:28 am

    laugh Let's do this!! Let's pay them equally with the men. That is the most entertaining full on running rugby which the crowd love so much they were there till the final speech presentation and singalong with Ruby. "Tutira Mai Nga Iwi" 45000 of them.

  3. observer 3
    13 November 2022 at 12:27 pm

    1999: Hinewehi Mohi sings national anthem in Te Reo, at Rugby World Cup (men's). ABs win game, but many rugby fans (mostly male) unhappy. Ranting on talkback. All over the media.

    2022: Hinewehi Mohi repeats … Ferns win game, all rugby fans happy, nation happy. Singing along with Tui, with joy. All over the media.

    Nostalgia? No thanks. We're in a better place.

    • X Socialist 3.1
      13 November 2022 at 12:49 pm

      No, we aren't in a better place. I have replied to you in Open Mike.

    • Incognito 3.2
      13 November 2022 at 12:49 pm

      We’re in a better place.

      Maybe, and it depends on what you mean. I think that many people are hanging out for anything positive that makes them feel better, even for a brief moment. The shared joy of a WC victory creates a massive buzz but it is just that, no more, no less.

      • observer 3.2.1
        13 November 2022 at 12:59 pm

        The context of my comment is pretty obvious. It's on the topic of the OP. I don't think I needed to add "but there is also climate change and Ukraine and other stuff".

        People are celebrating something which is not only a one-off sporting success, but a clear sign of progress, compared with older attitudes. It's not a brief moment, it's a difference in generations.

        • Incognito 3.2.1.1
          13 November 2022 at 1:09 pm

          Maybe. If there’s a consistent trend, a pattern, then maybe, or maybe it is no more than wishful thinking and day-dreaming. A buzz does do that to people even they do really need it, we all do.

          Anyway, I don’t want to be a buzz-kill for those who are rightfully celebrating today. Personally, I’m not feeling or sensing the progress yet …

          • observer 3.2.1.1.1
            13 November 2022 at 1:32 pm

            Consider the dominant image of NZ, seen through rugby. For so long it was male only, the ABs at the pinnacle with incredible sporting skills and plenty of success on the pitch, but also with a side order of "boorishness" in the culture (to put it politely. Less polite would be alcohol-fuelled aggression and domestic violence).

            The Black Ferns bring none of that. They are the opposite. They are inclusion and diversity and fun. (How many gay All Blacks have there been? Compare and contrast).

            And now they have moved from the outer margins to the centre, no longer patted on the head as funny fat girls, and because sport is (rightly or wrongly) always a large part of our media coverage, this is undoubtedly a positive thing.

            I have seen the effect on kids, especially girls, and before the BFs had even won it. And it's not a diversion, it's a reflection. Now 50% of our MPs are women. A generation ago it was 25-30%. Progress.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 3.2.1.1.1.1
              13 November 2022 at 3:26 pm

              Now 50% of our MPs are women. A generation ago it was 25-30%. Progress.

              yes Is it a concern that the Greens and Labour are doing the heavy lifting?

              • lprent …
                14 November 2022 at 12:43 pm

                Only to National, Act, and NZF if they actually want to get votes.

                But I guess that those parties are all just reflections of bygone eras based on who they select as electable candidates.

                At present I’m unconcerned. I may get concerned if any of those parties manage to leave the 20th century that they so dearly love.

            • Incognito 3.2.1.1.1.2
              13 November 2022 at 7:44 pm

              Yes, that is a fair comment, thank you.

    • Binders full of Women 3.3
      13 November 2022 at 1:53 pm

      1999 ABs lost game and many of the old guard actually though Hinewehi had somehow cursed them. The mighty French came back with 33 points in the 2nd half. One reason why this kiwi loves French Rugby (& Black Ferns).

      • observer 3.3.1
        13 November 2022 at 2:09 pm

        You're mixing up the England group game (Hinewehi sang, ABs won) and the France semi (she also sang, in English, ABs lost).

        The French semi final win was indeed incredible to watch. One of the most extraordinary, crazy half hours of rugby, ever.

        (edited for anthem accuracy)

  4. SPC 4
    13 November 2022 at 2:47 pm

    In sports such as tennis and golf, parity is based on professional tours and global television rights.

    The equivalent in team sport is probably football. England, USA, New Zealand and Spain now do this.

    It requires comparability – 4 yearly world cups and other international competition. Which is coming – there is an international competition for women starting next year – in advance of any equivalent in the mens game (in addition to the Six Nations for women and any alternative such as for (USA/Canada/Oz/New Zealand/Fiji/SA?)

    The AB's are contracted to also play Super Rugby and sometimes NPC, the Ferns would have their new Super comp and the FP Cup.

    The problem would be that the AB salaries are inflated to retain players domestically (to prevent drift to better pay in UK/Ireland/France/Japan).

    Another issue is that women's rugby is still in development – needs provincial U20 teams as a pathway post high school and an equivalent to the mens U20 Internationals (maybe at U23). And money is needed for this. And at the club level there needs to be more than just the one team – also a weight grade (the men have Under 85kg) and an age grade and maybe one for those who only want to play sevens.

    • Craig H 4.1
      14 November 2022 at 1:58 pm

      It's always a difficult discussion about funding grass roots, development pathways and national teams. No doubt the will is there to fund everything, but the funds aren't so there will be difficult conversations about priorities. On the other hand, the potential of an influx of new players, especially girls and women, is there, so it would be awful governance to miss out on that with poor or no support for clubs and provincial unions.

      Incidentally, there is a Pacific Four Series competition of NZ, Australia, USA and Canada, plus the O'Reilly Cup for NZ vs Australia (Bledisloe Cup equivalent) and the Northern Tour last year, so those international competitions do exist to some extent, but agree with you that it's still a work-in-progress. 7s being an Olympic sport is massive for expansion opportunities as it adds funding and interest from countries that otherwise would not provide government funding.

  5. Cricklewood 5
    13 November 2022 at 5:42 pm

    Selfish of me but really hope they don't go down the fully professional route.

    Watching them play for the fun of it, just sport for the fun of it, no media minders crafting cookie cutter media comment… You'd be scared that full professionalism would suck the joy right out of it.

    I do hope the NZRFU actually bother to properly support the team and the woman's game after this… would be really good to see some double headers.

    Also someone should ask Wayne Smith if he would like a knighthood.

    • Grey Area 5.1
      13 November 2022 at 9:35 pm

      And if he's the man I think he us I hope he'd say no thanks. Unlike Hansen and Henry.

    • logie97 5.2
      14 November 2022 at 6:39 pm

      If the women can manage a spirited performance on the money they are paid then it points to the obscenity that is the remuneration for their male counterparts and athletes in all sporting forms – the ultimate being the Saudi financed golfing circus.

      I watched the news 20 odd months ago and our emergency health workers were apparently the best in the world and we loved them. Times have moved on and they don't appear to have had improvements in their working conditions or salaries.

      Paying professional sportspeople (and entertainers) for just turning up is unbelievable in this troubled world. That said, congratulations to The New Zealand and English women rugby teams for turning on a spectacle and distracting many of us from the troubles of the world for at least 80 minutes.

  6. bwaghorn 6
    13 November 2022 at 6:37 pm

    Keep filling stadiums and getting tv viewership and the money will follow, 10 years ago womans rugby was painful to watch the skill set is tip top now so I think it'll come,

    If ypu want a laugh though check out luxons fb post where he congratulates the ferns, a couple of wags(not this one) thank Grant Robinson for funding them.

  7. Jenny are we there yet 7
    14 November 2022 at 9:06 am

    Share the love

    @ 2:17 minutes;

    BBC

    Sarah, a few people still question whether we should invest in women's sport. With a final of that quality you can't question that now.

    Red Roses Captain, Sarah Hunter: You can't. And I was just chatting to one of the Black Ferns member of staff. And she says the same thing.
    You can't expect nations now, not to go and invest in their teams when they put on a show case for woman's rugby in a final in front of 40,000 people, and you know, I am sure the viewing figures were up there like, you know it. It's come to the party….

    …..'We need to invest in our women's game and make it a fair playing field'

    @ 4:02 minutes

    T.V. 3

    Simon, you guys seemed to have the upper hand in the first half particularly. How would you describe the Black Ferns team you guys ran into in the second half?

    Red Roses Coach, Simon Middleton: To be honest they were the same in the first half. They were a huge handful they were a great side. They've got some fantastic players, they've got blistering pace.

    And they were difficult to contain when they had the ball….

    ….We had to car chase quite a bit….

    ….full credit to all the Black Ferns and all their staff, they are worthy world champions. But I am sat here and I could not be prouder with the players and their performance and the character they showed. And just the game as a whole, the whole spectacle.

    You know, the world cup has to take the game forward. And if that doesn't take the game forward then there is something wrong. And I'm pretty sure it will.



    P.S. I have hi-lighted the questions and replies relating to the issue of equity. (which is what this post is about). But watch the whole interview, it is worth a watch. A world class athlete and coach obviously hurting, gracious in defeat without fault.

    Media interest from the BBC, the Guardian, the Irish Examiner, the big major news outlets in this country, (Except the Herald), are a testament to the interest in Woman's sport.

    That the Black Ferns and women are paid less than their male counterparts is a scandal that needs to be rectified.
    The government need to step in.
    Ignore their stupid excuses and pathetic reasons, New Zealand Rugby need to brought kicking and screaming (figuratively) to the table and forced to sign. It will be a landmark decision for all women's sport here and everywhere.

    If that doesn’t happen. There is ‘something wrong’.

  8. Ad 8
    14 November 2022 at 9:25 am

    Hilarious to hear the chief of NZ Rugby on RNZ this morning have the answer "We're working on it ", when asked what win bonus the Black Ferns will receive.

    They hadn't prepared an answer.

    The UK team despite losing get $130k each.

    A whole tournament to prepare an answer.

    A good moment for Ministers Wood and Robertson to require an answer of the employer I''dve thought.

    • Sanctuary 8.1
      14 November 2022 at 9:41 am

      The NZRU under Robinson have proved to be miserably inept. Their marquee product this past weekend succeeded despite of the neglect of NZ rugby. No fan zones, not much effort in organising. But oh! Wasn't it refreshing to hear the Black Ferns leading the crowd in song, talk about "we did it together with our fans" and "our country"? Certainly makes a change from the All Blacks, who only moan about how they want more of our cash and how much we should all appreciate the stress they are under.

      And what morons agree to a match schedule that sees your two premier touring men's teams play their big games in the wee hours of Monday morning? The audience for the All Blacks live coverage would have been a fraction of what it would have been on a weekend. It smacks of an insufferably out of touch arrogant organisation that assumes it's fans (the ones who pay for Sky mainly to watch the All Blacks live remember) will watch at whatever shitty time they decide because you know, it's the All Blacks.

      Anyway, the NZRU will assume the whole thing was a one off flash in the pan, do nothing, wring their hands at the lack of progress in the womens game and go back to congratulating themselves on how excellent they are at running the game and how amazing they all, making sure all the right thinking lads can get a jobs and generally being complacent and useless.

      Meanwhile the All Black are coached by the third best coach in NZ and about the worst coached team of any of the top six or seven nations. They will get easily beaten the RWC quarter finals in a result that everyone already knew two years previous except those whose salaries depend on not knowing and the board, Foster and the Sky hosts will profess astonishment, puzzlement and lecture us on expectations in the professional era.

      • Ad 8.1.1
        14 November 2022 at 9:57 am

        Though pretty tone deaf of PM Ardern who has been totally propped by the women's vote ditching the game for another bullshit talkfest in Bali.

        That's a dumptruck of luvvie voter upside to forego.

        • observer 8.1.1.1
          14 November 2022 at 10:46 am

          And if she'd made a different choice there would be complaints that she'd selfishly gone for a photo op instead of going to a major summit (which wasn't in Bali, by the way) with world leaders.

          There are plenty of serious issues for any PM, but whether they miss a rugby game isn't one of them.

        • Mike the Lefty 8.1.1.2
          14 November 2022 at 11:22 am

          Her summit was in Cambodia, not Bali. You don't pay much attention to detail do you?

    • Craig H 8.2
      14 November 2022 at 2:05 pm

      The current deal was agreed as part of collective negotiations between NZRU and the players' union, the Rugby Players Association (RPA). Going by this article, the Black Ferns get paid more than any other professional women's team even taking into account the other teams' potential bonuses. If they can find a way to fund bonuses, that would be fantastic, but it's not like the players had no say in the pay structure, nor without hindsight is it necessarily worse than a pay structure with a bonus. It would also be great if new sponsors came on board and that money was put towards increasing the players’ pay, grass roots and development pathways to the top.

  9. James Simpson 9
    14 November 2022 at 11:17 am

    It really comes down to us the fans. We can do 3 things:

    • Demand NZR to increase their pay;
    • Turn up to their games so that their is cash to pay them; and
    • Go any but some black ferns merch (It Adidas that in essence funds Ardie's 7 figure salary)
  10. Peter 10
    14 November 2022 at 4:24 pm

    If the All Blacks played a Bledisloe Cup match against Australia at Eden Park with ticket prices at the usual rate of $80-$180 would the stadium be sold out?

    If the Black Ferns played a match against England at Eden Park with ticket prices the same $80-$180 rate would the stadium be sold out?

    If the All Blacks played against South Africa at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin would the stadium be sold out with tickets a similar $80-$180 would the stadium be sold out?

    If the Black Ferns played Australia at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin with tickets at the same price would the stadium be sold out?

    I'm pondering the calls for equity, the product being bought and demand. If Brodie Retallick is on $1 million a year does that mean the top Silver Ferns lock Chelsea Bremner should be paid the same?

    • Craig H 10.1
      14 November 2022 at 4:54 pm

      In terms of the Equal Pay Act 1972, it would be quite hard for NZ Rugby to defend against a claim that women rugby players are doing the same job for less money. Having said that, obviously the women don't have the opportunity to play as much in a year as the men, so that's a legitimate reason for a disparity in that total match fees received in a year would necessarily be less.

      Something about the attendance at RWC games was that it was much more family-oriented than All Blacks games, so that suggests potentially a slightly different market for ticket sales and sponsors. Also a good opportunity for expanding women's rugby, both secondary school age and adults, which has a useful flow-on effect for rugby clubs (more members = more subscription income and sales, and hopefully more volunteers).

      • Peter 10.1.1
        14 November 2022 at 6:40 pm

        The crowd at the Women's RWC was certainly much different than you'd see at a 'normal' men's international.

        I don't know what it says in the Equal Pay Act 1972. Does it say anything about Lorde and Bic Runga having to be paid the same amount because they do the same thing?

        • Craig H 10.1.1.1
          14 November 2022 at 7:47 pm

          No, because they aren't employed so the legislation doesn't apply to their situation. There is also no apparent differentiation in pay rates based on sex.

      • SPC 10.1.2
        14 November 2022 at 6:58 pm

        Some AB's are paid extra – their value to the team (the team makes more money if they are No 1) and in the market (as determined by professional club rugby in the wider world).

        If women received the same pay now, then there would be less revenue (based on television rights and gates and sponsorship) to subsidise the development of the women’s game.

        One naturally follows from the other.

  11. pat 11
    14 November 2022 at 7:08 pm

    After an exceptional tournament for the Black Ferns we appear determined to now place the woman's game on the same downward trajectory that has afflicted the mens game since the advent of professionalism….c'est la vie.

    • logie97 11.1
      14 November 2022 at 7:58 pm

      Agree 100 pcnt Pat – see my comment 5.2 above. And as an aside, many of our nation of sports followers appear to ignore the fact that "our girls" won against an opposition of 14 players for approaching two thirds of the game. It was however an entertaining spectacle for the full 80 minutes, with so much more of the ball in play as opposed to their male counterparts who spend an eternity setting their scrums and lineouts.

  12. gsays 12
    14 November 2022 at 8:06 pm

    A great competition, fantastic skill sets and a thrilling final.

    Sir Steve Hansen, father of Whitney, one of the Black Fern's coaches, offers a couple of insights on The Podium. There is a link part way through this article.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/300738248/england-coach-simon-middleton-devastated-by-world-cup-final-loss-to-black-ferns

    How there is an organic feel to women's rugby. They aren't tarred with expectation, the players can express themselves and be genuine. Partly because they haven't been scrutinised and punished for having their walls down.

    He doesn't like the rolling maul either. The fact there were 6 in the final says it is too easy.

  13. Jenny are we there yet 13
    21 November 2022 at 7:47 am

    Stop the discrimination against women everywhere

    If seems that I am not the only one who thinks the $10,000 bonus belatedly paid to the Black Ferns by New Zealand Rugby for winning the world cup, compared tot the bonuses paid to All Blacks was blatant discrimination.

    Stop paying lip service, New Zealand Rugby, and give the Black Ferns the bonus they deserve

    Honey Hireme-Smiler16:56, Nov 16 2022

    Honey Hireme-Smiler is a former Black Fern, Sky Sport commentator, and Stuff columnist for the Rugby World Cup

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/300740424/stop-paying-lip-service-new-zealand-rugby-and-give-the-black-ferns-the-bonus-they-deserve?

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    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
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