Go well Jacinda

Written By: mickysavage - Date published: 12:06 pm, April 5th, 2023 - 91 comments
Categories: climate change, jacinda ardern, labour, political parties, politicans, poverty - Tags:

Today is Jacinda’s official last day on the job as a member of Parliament.

She will deliver her valedictory speech this afternoon at 5:30 pm.

She is still young, she is only aged 42 and who knows what else she will achieve. Already she has achieved a great deal and performed that rare feat of leaving the country in much better shape than it was in when she took over.

Already the new jobs are rolling in.

Prince William has appointed her as a trustee of the Earthshot Prize, a trust dedicated to funding projects designed to save the planet. She has also been appointed as special envoy for the Christchurch Call.

She has always had her detractors. Even today my snark detector is off the chart as the right show their lack of class and engage in the sorts of personal denigration they are renowned for.

There are those who complain about the lack of delivery. They lack an appreciation of the enormity of the job or how complex the issue is. For instance with climate change the structures and goals are now in place. And with the most recent return indicating a 3.5% reduction in green house gas emissions for the last measured quarter the trends are in the right way as well.

There are strong arguments that the pace needs to be quickened but reflecting on the past six years the structures are now in place for the Government to kick on with the issue.

And dealing with this issue, and child poverty, while managing through a one in one hundred year global pandemic took great skill and stamina.

Most importantly was the style that she brought to the job. She successfully campaigned on being kind and avoiding the level of personal abuse and attacks that are far too common.

And as pointed out by Bronwyn Hayward her style of leadership was the perfect counter and the perfect antidote to current attacks on democracy. From Radio New Zealand:

Political scientist Bronwyn Hayward of the University of Canterbury said Ardern’s Christchurch Call to eliminate extremist content will have a long-lasting impact on not just New Zealand, but the world.

“There’s been a lot made about the fact that she resigned under pressure from the trolls, which is completely missing the point that what she’s saying is that in this era where we’ve got particularly Russian, but also other countries’ bots that are attacking liberal leaders,” Hayward told Morning Report, saying Ardern was the first global leader to “really understand” how what happens online can spill over into the real world.

“She understands that democracies are now under attack, and the front line is your social media, where we’ve got a propaganda war coming internationally.

“So she’s taken a very systemic approach to thinking about how to tackle that, so that in local communities it feels like you’re reeling from Islamophobia, to racism to transphobia, but actually, when we look internationally at what’s happening, naive and quite disaffected groups have been constantly fed this material and she’s taken a systemic approach to it.”

Like Helen Clark I am sure that Jacinda will continue to contribute to New Zealand for decades to come. And once the dust thrown up by trolls and the right settles she will be ranked as one of our greatest Prime Ministers.

Jacinda Ardern is one of the greatest politicians to have ever represented NZ .She was a phenomenal Prime Minister who excelled during unprecedented crisis events and won elections without personal attacks. There's not one of you reading this that could have done that job.

— Mikey Havoc (@havocexpress) April 4, 2023

91 comments on “Go well Jacinda ”

Comments are now closed

Patricia Bremner 1

5 April 2023 at 12:26 pm

'You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone.'

Thank you Jacinda. We have been lucky, and we are so proud of how you have conducted yourself, at home and abroad. We hope you and yours have a happy life.

The Bremner Family.
- Barfly 1.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 1:05 pm
- Anne 1.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 1:10 pm
  - mike 1.2.1
    
    5 April 2023 at 7:48 pm
- Jilly Bee 1.3
  
  5 April 2023 at 8:10 pm
- Peter Kelly 1.4
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:08 pm
  
  👍
- Louis 1.5
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:43 pm
- Tony Veitch 1.6
  
  6 April 2023 at 8:48 am
  
  In my lifetime, only Norman Kirk neared her in (political) stature, and Michael Joseph Savage before my time.
Reality 2

5 April 2023 at 1:20 pm

Grateful thanks to Jacinda for her hard work and dedication, charm, style, kindness, humour, empathy, and last but not least, her smile. Also for raising New Zealand's profile internationally.
Anker 3

5 April 2023 at 1:52 pm

I wish Jacinda and her family a peaceful, relaxing life.
thebiggestfish7 4

5 April 2023 at 2:08 pm

"leaving the country in much better shape than it was in when she took over". This would make a great Aprils fool's joke. Cost of Living, Homelessness, Debt, Climate, Divisiveness, the list goes on and on. All wore under her premiership. Its up to Hipkins and others to reverse the damage.
- Liberty Belle 4.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 3:08 pm
  
  Paddy gets it about right:
  
  Discussing Ardern's departure, Gower, Newshub's former political editor, said she wasn't good at managing her Government.
  
  "This is a political fact that, even now, the Government is still really shambolic when it comes to the basics."
  
  "We've got someone sitting next to us who was in a Government who ran for nine years and it ran, in my opinion, a lot more competently – even in that last term," Gower said, appearing on AM's panel alongside Paula Bennett – who was a senior minister in the previous National Government.
  
  Gower said Ardern would bow out of politics with a "mixed record".
  
  "My analysis of Jacinda Ardern is she was a political phenomenon – and that doesn't mean she was a phenomenal person or leader or anything like that – but… like any phenomenon, she blazed her way into leadership, knocked these guys out of Parliament and that beginning was incredible," he said, referring to Bennett's National Government. "But, like any phenomenon as well, she crashed and she burned and then there was a last little splurt with this amazing exit and that's, to me, what she was – a phenomenon who blazed, crashed and burned."
  
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  - Stuart Munro 4.1.1
    
    5 April 2023 at 3:34 pm
    
    Well that goes a long way to explain the uselessness of Paddy Gower as a political reporter.
    - observer 4.1.1.1
      
      5 April 2023 at 4:00 pm
      
      It's like Gower has no knowledge of any other news about leaders in any other democracies, anywhere.
      
      And he's sitting next to Paula Bennett, whose actual achievements in government are listed below.
      
      (list ends)
    - Tiger Mountain 4.1.1.2
      
      5 April 2023 at 4:20 pm
      
      Gower–the news Gargoyle–illustrating once more that pundits are no substitute for skilled journalists and objective analysis.
    - LibertyBelle 4.1.1.3
      
      5 April 2023 at 8:41 pm
      
      I tend to agree with you. But even a broken clock is right twice each day🙂
      - Stuart Munro 4.1.1.3.1
        
        5 April 2023 at 9:33 pm
        
        Then a broken clock is better than Paddy Gower.
  - Robert Guyton 4.1.2
    
    5 April 2023 at 6:23 pm
    
    You revel in negativity: Jacinda blazed, was crashed and was burned.
    
    If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
  - Incognito 4.1.3
    
    5 April 2023 at 10:04 pm
    
    Mod note
    - Liberty Belle 4.1.3.1
      
      5 April 2023 at 11:17 pm
      
      Got it, thanks. Apologies.
- SPC 4.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 3:27 pm
  
  Well … the climate was worse after she left office (Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and East Coast/Bay area etc) … . As was homelessness.
  
  But I doubt blame for that falls on the new PM – it was the first third year of La Nina since the 1950's and occurring while temperatures are rising worldwide
  
  And Groundswell divisiveness developed in opposition to any action on AGW mitigation.
  
  All nations have higher debt after the pandemic (and greater division during the pandemic). All nations are facing higher cost of living – and few doing as much as the government to mitigate this.
  
  One can note a continuing increase in the the number of state house numbers, but a problem assisting people to afford private rentals (a concern that increasing AS just leads to higher rent prices).
  
  A current problem is that the RBG OCR increases will deter investment in new housing and sustain homelessness.
- mickysavage 4.3
  
  5 April 2023 at 7:40 pm
  
  Cost of Living – you mean she is responsible for the Ukraine war?
  
  Homelessness – record numbers of public and private housing being constructed, Kiwibank thinks shortfall could turn around this year.
  
  Debt – some of the lowest public debt figures in the OECD.
  
  Climate – today's announcement was of a 3.5% reduction in GHG emissions. Didn't you read the post?
  
  Divisiveness – she failed to reach across to those with weird counter reality views so yep.
  
  Can't you do better than this?
  - Jilly Bee 4.3.1
    
    5 April 2023 at 8:14 pm
    
    Thankyou mickeysavage – I was trying to construct a reply to the thebiggestfish7, but I knew I would have the rage of the mods on me in a big way, so I will simply wholeheartedly agree with your post.
  - Louis 4.3.2
    
    5 April 2023 at 9:43 pm
  - Patricia Bremner 4.3.3
    
    6 April 2023 at 10:09 am
    
    Yes, thanks Mickey, it is sad some people twist the facts and the stats.
    Jacinda is that rare thing, a genuine caring Leader, who is honest enough to admit she has used up her reserves.
    
    We feel shattered by the last five years, and we didn't bear responsibility.
    
    Our family and friends have nothing but admiration for her, and a fervent wish for her happiness, which is bound to be tied up in community building and welfare.
- Louis 4.4
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:42 pm
  
  https://twitter.com/ClintVSmith/status/1643496908571426818
  
  https://twitter.com/ClintVSmith/status/1643496075242917890
Ad 5

5 April 2023 at 2:14 pm

Thankyou Jacinda for working so hard for us.

In particular for your international leadership, and your leadership in times of crisis.

I personally hope that you don't take too much time off, or do a Richie McCaw and do something satisfying but small.

You have a lot still to give and I hope you do that on a broader stage than New Zealand.
observer 6

5 April 2023 at 2:28 pm

If anyone still doesn't know how impressive Jacinda Ardern was in a very tough job, then give the job to Christopher Luxon and you will quickly find out.

Hell of a price to pay for your education, though.
- Tony Veitch 6.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 8:44 am
  
  Oh, too true!
  - Patricia Bremner 6.1.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 10:19 am
    
    Yes Observer, Luxon has put on a veneer lately, but that mask would slip very quickly.
    
    He will be remembered for dissing NZ overseas and having no time for bottom feeders. Look at his "friends".
    
    You will be known by the company you keep, (and your suited stand-ups).
- Hunter Thompson II 6.2
  
  6 April 2023 at 9:42 am
  
  True, Luxon probably falls into the smile/wave/do as little as possible category of politics which John Key practised so well.
  
  Why anyone would want the job of PM is a mystery to me. Perhaps it is the attraction of exercising power? But it is a role somebody must perform.
  
  Trouble is, once you are PM every New Zealander expects you to solve all the nation's problems – a good definition of impossible.
mary_a 7

5 April 2023 at 3:02 pm

Much Aroha Jacinda, Clarke and Neve for your future.

You will be remembered kindly in this household and no doubt many others, for your devotion towards the wellbeing of all NZers, in both the good times and the bad.

Keep safe. Take care

Kia Kaha

Mary & Kevin
AB 8

5 April 2023 at 4:14 pm

Her greatest achievement – the best Covid response in the western world – was never going to be allowed to stand. Any example of an activist, social democratic state achieving historic popularity by prioritising the common good over private profit, must be villified, poisoned, belittled or forgotten. The global and domestic far-right ran the vilification attack, their enablers in the local mainstream right mounted the more socially acceptable attack of amnesia. Given my age and the ravages of childhood asthma, I may indeed be alive because of her. 'Thanks' are insufficient.
- observer 8.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 4:31 pm
  
  Yes.
  
  At the start of the pandemic in 2020 somebody on Twitter said something like "the measure of a successful response will be all the people who are still here to complain that it wasn't successful".
  
  There are no opinions in a cemetery.
- Tiger Mountain 8.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 4:32 pm
  
  Yes, for a few brief incredible months public health was put before private profit. And many special needs and older people in particular owe their lives to that.
  
  It is easy enough to forget now that in the early months of COVID there was no guarantee that a vaccine could be developed or made widely available. A lot of the noise around the pandemic was international capital wanting to proceed on its merry exploitative way.
- Bearded Git 8.3
  
  5 April 2023 at 10:42 pm
  
  Well said indeed AB. +100%
- Patricia Bremner 8.4
  
  6 April 2023 at 10:21 am
  
  Same here AB
- Grey Area 8.5
  
  6 April 2023 at 9:02 pm
  
  Great response to Covid for some time (that I whenever I had the chance praised and thanked them them for) then she and Labour gave up and started making political decisions, not ones based on the science. The amnesia you speak of seems to relate to latter-day Ardern.
PsyclingLeft.Always 9

5 April 2023 at 7:13 pm

Jacinda , you were disparaged, undermined, reviled…by people who wouldnt have been able to handle a week of your life. (incl some on the Standard : (

You led NZ ..through some of our worst crises. And I absolutely rate your Christchurch and Covid leadership…as World standout shining.

A true Gem…sadly missed, but …all the Best to you and your Family.

And a great Future for you.

: )
- Mike the Lefty 9.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:31 pm
  
  Indeed!
- Louis 9.2
  
  5 April 2023 at 9:44 pm
- Patricia Bremner 9.3
  
  6 April 2023 at 10:23 am
  
  Our fervent hope for her as well. PLA.
Corey 10

5 April 2023 at 7:23 pm

I wish Jacinda and her family all the best.

She was a political superstar, who saved the labour party and got labour into government, twice and led NZ well during several crises and in person was a genuinely warm person who for a time, made NZ feel good about itself again on the world stage.

She does however leave NZ in a much worse state than when she took office and no amount of cherry picked data will erase the amounts of poverty, people living in motels, hardship, housing insecurity.

In 2020 she was polling in the 60s, that's nation builder polling, she could have made some huge gains for social democracy in NZ but instead opted for mild tweaks to the status quo, bureaucratic reforms and social policy whilst throwing a few crumbs to the peasents.

Under this labour govt the rich have gotten enormously richer and the poor have gotten poorer.

She went from saying capitalism had failed to ruling out even mild social democratic reforms. Her legacy is her leadership in a crisis, which is solid but sadly lacking in many major wins for the center left.

Oh What could have been, had she had the courage to govern day to day with the conviction and strength she showed in times of crisis.

Still, the Jacinda era was exciting and buzzing with possibility. Oh what could have been if we actually did this….

All the best to Jacinda and her family, one hopes with her gone the tempo of politics cools a bit and the left can stop obsessing over race, gentitals, skin colour etc for six months and actually address the cost of living and housing crisis that are crushing the poor, working class and middle class in this country.
- SPC 10.1
  
  5 April 2023 at 8:08 pm
  
  Perspective
  
  Under this labour govt the rich have gotten enormously richer and the poor have gotten poorer.
  
  Can you name any western nation that this has not occurred in? The amount of world wealth held by the 1% grew worldwide. One cause was the pandemic response – QE increased asset wealth.
  
  And no, those on benefits have not gotten poorer, and they are the poorest. Their incomes have gone up more than costs. MW have also increased in real terms.
  
  She does however leave NZ in a much worse state than when she took office and no amount of cherry picked data will erase the amounts of poverty,
  
  No more than an assertion, that no statement of facts will change your mind.
- Peter 10.2
  
  6 April 2023 at 2:22 pm
  
  "She does however leave NZ in a much worse state than when she took office…"
  
  One of the prime reasons for that is that she was top dog after two elections. Many would have been merely scarred for life with Peters going with Labour in 2017. Much of the bitterness for that would have been sheeted to him.
  
  Actually winning an election, not only that, the event being a thrashing, was beyond the pale. The embarrassment, the indignity, the sheer pissed-offness by those who had her a mere upstart girl was extreme. She was an existential threat to (what they saw as) the natural order. Many went feral and Ardern became a forever pariah. She leaves with that large 'anti' mob being clearly identified as being in anarchistic mode. Can't get their way? They're going to go crazy.
  
  Ardern's governments not being bold, not having courage, not having foresight, not doing anything? She has been labelled a dictator to rival the worst in history when she tried to do anything. Decisions and plans were met with 'the death of democracy' labels. What to do? What to do with a massive majority? Don't do anything. People want change, people want action. But they can't handle change.
  
  It's like roads – everyone wants better roads but no-one wants roadworks.
  
  A good thing about the 'worse state' the country has been left in, is some appreciation of the presence, quantity and quality of the feral negatives. If the Nat/Act mob is not in after October their erosive crusade to run the country down will change gear. If Te Pāti Māori is part of the Government bundle it will go into overdrive.
tsmithfield 11

5 April 2023 at 7:31 pm

I would like to wish all the best to Jacinda.

I think she should rightfully be remembered as one of NZ's great prime ministers.

I saw her as a charismatic style leader. And similar to many such leaders in history, she tended to shine in a crisis. But, I think she suffered the fate of many such leaders who tend to struggle when things start becoming mundane and a bit of a grind.

But, we tend to remember those leaders for their moments of greatness. For instance, the leadership of Churchill in the second world war, and Zelensky now. Churchill struggled and lost popularity after the war. And, who knows, Zelensky may experience the same once the war ends, and the population gets into the long grind of the rebuild.

In a similar way, I think Jacinda will be remembered for those times when she united the country when it was facing a crisis, not the later part of her career where she lost a lot of popularity. Also, I thought she was an outstanding ambassador for New Zealand internationally.
adam 12

5 April 2023 at 8:18 pm

Like all women in politics, the extra b.s they have to deal with is OTT.

Far to many external events dragged on her and her government as well.

As such, she burnt out rather quickly, shame.

We live in a time when to many are not facing up to the reality of a warmer globe, and the end of a economic system. I think too many are delusional that we can carry on doing what we have been doing. I think Jacinda was caught in the middle of this, and if Ardern had more in the tank, she may have been a good leader for what is to come – we will never know.
Kat 13

5 April 2023 at 8:21 pm

Watching Luxon, Willis, Collins et al give Jacinda a Hug at the end of her speech was at the same time illuminating and dimming……very

No sign of the ‘arrogant prick’ though……
ianmac 14

6 April 2023 at 9:02 am

Jacinda exuded sincerity and competence. A genuine person with no artifice.

Luxon has none of that. He comes across as fake. No media training can create sincerity or trust.
Liberty Belle 15

6 April 2023 at 2:26 pm

I wish Jacinda and her family well. However, her legacy as PM is one of failure to deliver on a range of policy commitments from Kiwibuild to transparency to mental health to the school counselling project to Te Pukenga to Te Whatu Ora…shit it's a horrible record. But perhaps the most damning assessment of her time in office is the rate at which her replacement sought to ditch a raft of key policies adopted by Ardern's government in a rear guard attempt to win re-election. He may well succeed.
- Ad 15.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 3:00 pm
  
  (Policy? Policy? Hold my beer)
  
  – Trades training and apprenticeships all free. Already delivered for 250,000 people
  
  – Free school lunches for 220,000 young people
  
  – Made the first new public holiday in five decades
  
  – Winter Energy Payment for over a million New Zealanders
  
  – Minimum wage is now $22.70 per hour. Remember what it was under National?
  
  – Largest ever Police workforce increase
  
  – Sustained the entire economy by essentially subsidising every major business through the largest economic and social crisis we have faced since WW2
  
  – Massively expanded Pharmac category and disease subsidy
  
  – Handled the largest epidemic in a century and kept 99.9% of New Zealand cohesive
  
  – Delivered more than 14,000 public and transitional houses
  
  – The Families Package is the biggest state boost in $$ for over a decade
  
  – Secured Free Trade Agreement with the EU
  
  – Paid parental leave expanded to 26 weeks ie from 4 months to 6 months
  
  – Free doctors visits for all children under 14
  
  – Doubled minimum sick leave
  
  – Took more than 60,000 firearms out of circulation
  
  – Kept the country from breaking down into revenge and chaos after our worst ever massacre since the late 1800s.
  
  – Delivered an economy with record low unemployment, which is larger than than pre-covid despite the worst economic shock since the Great Depression
  
  – Required all rental houses to be warm and dry, and much higher renter security against landlords
  
  Haven't raised a sweat yet.
  
  But sure, go for the long term institutional reforms if you like.
  - Louis 15.1.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 4:18 pm
  - Louis 15.1.2
    
    6 April 2023 at 4:24 pm
    
    "Since we took office, we have secured six new free trade agreements and upgrades"
    
    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/jacinda-ardern-cheerleading-on-the-world-stage/YP6APGOY5NG4TBTCFZNTBG6GN4/#:~:text=Since%20we%20took%20office%2C%20we,(AANZFTA)%20upgrade%2C%20and%20the
  - LibertyBelle 15.1.3
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:05 pm
    
    Small beer, for the most part. And some of those things (eg record high unemployment) are not sustainable, and have been engineered at what have been and will be huge long term costs. The scale of policy failure has been unprecedented.
    - Louis 15.1.3.1
      
      6 April 2023 at 5:21 pm
      
      The examples Ad listed are not small beers and does not show policy failure at all.
      - LibertyBelle 15.1.3.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 6:33 pm
        
        They represent little more than BAU. And they don’t in any way make up for the succession of policy failures.
        
        Louis 15.1.3.1.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 9:12 pm
        
        Disagree with your opinion.
    - Patricia Bremner 15.1.3.2
      
      7 April 2023 at 9:36 pm
      
      Don't you mean "Sour Grapes"?
      - Liberty Belle 15.1.3.2.1
        
        7 April 2023 at 10:05 pm
        
        Ad's list included legislative changes such as "Doubled minimum sick leave". These are legislative changes that are easy pickings because the cost is imposed on someone else. The entire list cannot come close to surpassing the failure of this government to deliver on a raft of policy commitments.
      - Louis 15.1.3.2.2
        
        8 April 2023 at 11:38 am
        
        That's exactly what it is, Patricia.
  - roblogic 15.1.4
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:27 pm
    
    A great summary Ad, better than this grumpy effort.
    - Robert Guyton 15.1.4.1
      
      6 April 2023 at 9:03 pm
- Patricia Bremner 15.2
  
  6 April 2023 at 3:30 pm
  
  Liberty Belle, your off key criticisms grate like a bad note.
  
  Your clapper needs an overhaul.
  - Louis 15.2.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 4:19 pm
- Louis 15.3
  
  6 April 2023 at 4:25 pm
  
  Majority of polices Hipkins mentioned were deferred to a later time
  - LibertyBelle 15.3.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:06 pm
    
    Do you really believe that?
    - Louis 15.3.1.1
      
      6 April 2023 at 5:22 pm
      
      It was in the announcements, most were deferrals.
      - Liberty Belle 15.3.1.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 7:21 pm
        
        Do you really believe that?
        
        Louis 15.3.1.1.1.1
        
        6 April 2023 at 9:15 pm
        
        Already answered that, so what is your point in repeating your question, it won't change the answer.
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        7 April 2023 at 10:48 am
        
        You didn't answer it. You pointed to the 'announcements'. My question is, given that this government are great at announcing things that don't happen, do you really believe them?
        
        Louis …
        
        7 April 2023 at 12:27 pm
        
        Not true Liberty Belle and I did answer, the majority of policies Hipkins referred to were deferred.
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        7 April 2023 at 1:29 pm
        
        You're just not getting it. The only people claiming they were deferred at the deferees. These people have a colossal record of not delivering on announcements, which is why I’m asking if you believe them.
        
        Louis …
        
        7 April 2023 at 5:48 pm
        
        Rubbish, disagree with your opinion and it's you that doesn't get it.
- Robert Guyton 15.4
  
  6 April 2023 at 5:47 pm
  
  "I wish Jacinda and her family well. However…"
  
  There you are.
  - Incognito 15.4.1
    
    6 April 2023 at 5:48 pm
    
    But he didn’t say “but” …
- Stuart Munro 15.5
  
  7 April 2023 at 6:00 pm
  
  Rather selective criticism don't you think?
  
  The Opposition promised the natural outcome of their alleged economic knowledge – but our growth rate under their misgovernance was inflation + low skill migration – where are your critical faculties on that?
  
  There is plenty Labour did not and should have achieved – but if National were your baseline, they are the very Gods of getting things done.
  - Liberty Belle 15.5.1
    
    7 April 2023 at 9:32 pm
    
    National is not my base line. This conversation is about Jacinda Ardern and her government.
    - Stuart Munro 15.5.1.1
      
      8 April 2023 at 5:06 pm
      
      If you mean to avoid hypocrisy, you must apply the same standards to your allies as your opponents.
      
      On the competence metric Labour are way ahead of any contemporary opposition. You must find another ground to cavil on – there is no shortage.
      - Liberty Belle 15.5.1.1.1
        
        8 April 2023 at 6:48 pm
        
        "…you must apply the same standards to your allies as your opponents".
        
        The same 'standards', yes.
        
        "On the competence metric Labour are way ahead of any contemporary opposition."
        
        On the competence metric, this Labour government would have to one of worst in recent times. KiwiBuild. Te Pukenga. Mental Health. RNZ/TVNZ merger. The list of failures goes on and on.
        
        And here's a just a small taste of some smaller scale policy failure:
        
        School counselling programme achieving 10% of its target | Stuff.co.nz
        
        Ministry of Social Development Zoom job expos: Taxpayers fork out more than $800,000, only 126 people attend – NZ Herald
        
        Government spends nearly $1m renovating homes that could soon be demolished – NZ Herald
        
        That doesn't include the rather inconvenient problems this government has with a lack of transparency, and losing cabinet ministers.
        
        EDIT: Here’s another cluster from this government…plummeting vaccination rates. https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2023/04/the_immunisation_data.html
        
        Stuart Munro 15.5.1.1.1.1
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:08 pm
        
        All of these are partial truths.
        
        Nevertheless, they compare favourably with their predecessors.
        
        So your manufactured outrage, not having previously targeted that lamentable shower, seems incredibly selective.
        
        Christchurch still lies in ruins, and the standards of the so-called rebuild appall even the relatively sanguine contractors that performed them to this day. So corrupt was Gerry's Cera, that not only were staffers convicted, but none of their actions that faced judicial review survived.
        
        Nothing from the RW tr0lls though – were you getting a cut?
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:24 pm
        
        You have one very dodgy complaint. Compared to this government, Key's actually got things done. Even Paddy had to admit it.
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:28 pm
        
        "Christchurch still lies in ruins…"
        
        Seriously? If you're actually interested, this might inform you.
        
        Before and after: how the 2011 earthquake changed Christchurch | Christchurch | The Guardian
        
        Stuart Munro …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:37 pm
        
        Good God – You think the Guardian knows Christchurch better than people who live there? What ignorance! What arrogance! You need scolded by James Earl Jones.
        
        Pshaw – Key's was the absolute laziest and most useless government NZ has ever had. Christchurch – billions of wasted and misappropriated money – and you have the effrontery to whine about MSD using 800k?
        
        Where is your sense of proportion? Are all RW trash as transparently stupid as you? You are a screaming joke – dumber than Gower and by golly that's difficult.
        
        Our rivers run with poo – the bullshit is wadeable – Key’s screw up – Nick Smith’s ministerial failure. Where were you? Simping that simpleton Gower?
        
        Liberty Belle …
        
        8 April 2023 at 7:51 pm
        
        "You think the Guardian knows Christchurch better than people who live there?"
        
        So you didn't read it then.
        
        But again, you're a one trick pony. If you want an example of wasteful spending, this government takes every cake.
        
        $500k overseas recruitment ad campaign called 'a failure' after just 3 people were interviewed | Newshub
        
        'Ludicrous' spending on establishment board weeks after RNZ/ TVNZ merger canned (msn.com)
        
        Government advertising spending out of control – National | RNZ News
        
        Jacinda Ardern fronts post-Cabinet press conference after Auditor-General criticises cost-of-living rollout – NZ Herald
        
        Government spends nearly $1m renovating homes that could soon be demolished – NZ Herald
        
        Revealed: Kāinga Ora spent over $24m of taxpayer money in four years on its own office renovations | Newshub
        
        Ministry of Social Development Zoom job expos: Taxpayers fork out more than $800,000, only 126 people attend – NZ Herald
        
        The 'ridiculous' amount Waka Kotahi spent on two big red prop 'zeros' – NZ Herald
        
        $220,000 of taxpayer money for a film about Chloe | Kiwiblog
        
        Government blames COVID-19 for 46 percent increase in communications staff | Newshub
        
        Government pays up to $600k for prime Auckland office space to lie empty | Stuff.co.nz
        
        Incognito …
        
        8 April 2023 at 8:49 pm
        
        Please take it easy, Stuart. This not a hill worth dying on. You know that LB has no argument when he starts spamming you (and the site) with countless (just under the limit that would trigger the Auto-Spam Filter, i.e., a deliberate tactic and ploy) partisan links without any critical analysis or commentary – it is a form of trolling.
roblogic 16

6 April 2023 at 5:34 pm

Nice sentiment in this tweet too.

https://twitter.com/Poppenz/status/1643516871214501888?s=20

And here's a happy memory (via Nick Rockel)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUPo62ouU84&t=1s
Ad 17

6 April 2023 at 6:01 pm

I forgot the 10 year Bright Line Test for taxing real estate. Which is asclose to a Capital Gains Tax as we're ever going to get.

And raised taxes on income over $180k.

The trick is to recognize how much Labour redistributed without structural reform. A simple socialism, from back in the day.
- Louis 17.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 10:03 pm
roblogic 18

6 April 2023 at 7:00 pm

More tributes, from Morgan Godfery and "Auny Hoha"

https://twitter.com/MorganGodfery/status/1643504187823763457?s=20

https://twitter.com/fuck_lupus/status/1643544461421740032?s=20
M 19

6 April 2023 at 8:14 pm

I've never been someone to fawn over celebrities but I can honestly say I love Jacinda Ardern. She is everything I am not or could ever be and I'm incredibly grateful to have experienced her leadership.
- Louis 19.1
  
  6 April 2023 at 9:18 pm

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6 days ago

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6 days ago

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7 days ago

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7 days ago

Climate Change: He waka eke noa is dead, hurrah!
Politik (paywalled) reports that He waka eke noa, the farmers' scam to have the rest of us subsidise their emissions forever, so they can keep on destroying the planet, is dead: Reality appears to be about to shatter Jacinda Ardern's dream that New Zealand could lead the world in ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
7 days ago

Mātauranga Māori will propel Pāpāmoa school kids’ science learning (in te reo) and give lift-o...
Buzz from the Beehive Two ministerial press statements today draw attention to the Government’s incorporation of mātauranga Māori in its science policies and programmes. One of these announced the launch of the national space policy, which will oblige our space boffins to bring indigenous knowledge into their considerations. The ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
7 days ago

The Stations of the Chris
The Stations of the Cross, as all of us know from our devout and Godly ways, is a series of fourteen stations that depict the final hours in the story of Christ our Lord - appearing before Pilate, shouldering the wooden cross, whistling the Monty Python tune, so on and ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
1 week ago

Greens welcome Government joining the party to deal with disposable vapes
The Green Party are welcoming the Government’s announcement of regulations to curb youth vaping. ...
Greens
1 day ago

Greens launch rental stories campaign
The Green Party are today launching a campaign asking for people to submit their stories of subpar, substandard and downright awful experiences of renting in Aotearoa. ...
Greens
1 day ago

Greens call for cross-party support on electoral reform
The Green Party is welcoming the draft report of the Independent Electoral Review and challenging all political parties to commit to implementing its final recommendations after the 2023 general election. ...
Greens
1 day ago

Tākuta Ferris to stand in Te Tai Tonga
Today, Te Pāti Māori announce Takuta Ferris will contest the Te Tai Tonga seat at this year’s General Election. “Takura ran for the Te Tai Tonga seat for Te Pāti Māori in 2020. It takes tremendous courage and commitment to put your hand up for another round in the ring ...
Māori Party
3 days ago

Repeating Mass Immigration Mistakes For Same Result
Focussed immigration has always been essential to our future, but New Zealanders need to be aware of the immediate dire situation our government is putting us in with a predicted record of one hundred thousand new immigrants moving to New Zealand in this year alone. That means we will have ...
NZ First Press Release
5 days ago

Heather Te-Au Skipworth to stand in the General Seat in Tukituki
Today, President of Te Pāti Māori, John Tamihere has confirmed that Heather Te-Au Skipworth will stand for Te Pāti Māori in the Tukituki electorate this election. ...
Māori Party
5 days ago

New Zealand First Secure 1800 New Frontline Police – Not Labour
During New Zealand First coalition negotiations our policy was to train and resource 1800 new frontline police. We secured this coalition policy win to ensure our streets had a police force that could tackle crime - after years of neglect. Remember those previous nine years of neglect saw a ‘tag ...
NZ First Press Release
6 days ago

STUFF's 'Fact Checking' Is Stuffed
Katie Kenny from Stuff published an article today with a lazy attempt at so-called ‘fact checking’ my recent comments on the World Health Organisation’s concerning new regulations being developed. What is most surprising is that throughout this entire ‘fact checking’ process, Kenny never once rang me asking for my side ...
NZ First Press Release
7 days ago

Greens back striking secondary teachers
The Green Party backs secondary teachers resuming strike action. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Chris Hipkins: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
Chris Hipkins addressed the Labour Party Congress in Wellington. Read the Labour Leader’s speech here. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

National’s backtrack forces another visionless, shambolic policy
The National Party has released another confused and rushed policy that will only further worsen the inequality that is driven by unaffordable housing. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Grant Robertson: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
Welcome to sunny and calm Wellington, which I know those of you who are visiting would of course expect to be the case. It’s been a busy week since we put forward the 2023 Budget. Labour MPs have been out across the motu giving the good oil on the Budget. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Carmel Sepuloni: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
Kia orana, Talofa lava, Mālo e lelei, Taloha ni, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Noa’ia e mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia ora, Tena Koutou Katoa. Labour Party President Jill Day, Prime Minister Hipkins, Party faithful, delegates and comrades, whānau and friends, it’s a privilege to be here today. I begin my ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Kelvin Davis: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
One of my kaumātua up North stood before the Waitangi Tribunal and said: ‘He aha kē ahau, te tangata kore hara i mua i te Atua, e tu nei kia whakawaatia e koe, te tangata tāhae, te tangata hara, te tangata kore tikanga? Ko koe kē te tika, kia tū ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

W.H.O. Director General Seeking Powers To Override Sovereign States
New Zealanders will be highly concerned that the World Health Organisation proposes to effectively take control of independent decision making away from sovereign countries and place control with the Director General. W.H.O International Health Regulations on future outbreaks of disease aim to give the Director General extraordinary and wide-sweeping powers. ...
NZ First Press Release
2 weeks ago

We don’t need to engineer a recession, Government can tax wealth
The Green Party is calling on the Government to take responsibility for reducing inflation by taxing wealth instead of leaving RBNZ to continue hiking the Official Cash Rate. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Enough posturing, let’s get on and build enough public housing
The Green Party is urging the Government to take its own advice and come up with a long-term plan to build thousands more public homes. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Green Party unveils its list for the 2023 election
The Green Party has released its list of candidates for the 2023 election. With a mix of familiar faces, fresh new talent, and strong tangata whenua voices, this exceptional group of candidates are ready to set the direction of the next Government. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Beyond the Farm Gate Lurks Separatism
Thank you for your invitation to be here, after yesterday's budget, and for the opportunity to talk with you. In the economic and social turmoil following the arrival of COVID 19 in New Zealand many concerns emerged. How would we keep our economy going and maintain our exports which are ...
NZ First Press Release
3 weeks ago

Māori Budget continues investment in whānau, whare and whakapapa
The Māori Budget this year continues our proud track record of investing in whānau wellbeing, access to whare, and whakapapa, all of which support our Government’s plan to address the cost of living. ...
Labour Blog
3 weeks ago

Govt wishes Special Olympics team well
Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Disability Issues Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan have wished the 39-strong New Zealand Special Olympics squad heading to Berlin the best of luck. The New Zealand athletes departed for Germany today and will begin competing from next week. “The athletes heading to the Special Olympics ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 hours ago

Proposed temporary change to allow mixed waste burning on East Coast rural land
A proposed temporary law change would enable rural Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti landowners dealing with masses of cyclone and flood debris to burn mixed waste so they can replant and return their land to productivity, Environment Minister David Parker said today. The proposed short-term law change would ensure that any ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 hours ago

Emergency Management Bill introduced
Legislation introduced in Parliament today will ensure New Zealand’s emergency management system learns the lessons of recent and previous responses to natural disasters, including severe weather events and other emergencies. The Emergency Management Bill replaces the two decades old Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. “The strength of our emergency ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 hours ago

New Zealand Fiji reaffirm close relationship
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met in Wellington this morning, reaffirming the strength and spirit of New Zealand and Fiji’s relationship, as outlined in the Duavata Relationship Statement of Partnership. “New Zealand and Fiji are connected by a kinship forged in Pacific culture, identity and interests, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 hours ago

Primary teachers' top base salary step to rise to $100,000
Primary teachers have agreed to the Government’s pay offer which will see the top base salary step rise to $100,000 by December next year. The settlement will also see a number of improvements to primary teachers’ conditions, including more than double the classroom release time they currently have to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 hours ago

SH25A Bridge construction to get underway in next fortnight
Associate Transport Minister Kiri Allan has announced the construction plan for the bridge on State Highway 25A that will reconnect the Coromandel peninsula, bringing more certainty to the region’s recovery efforts. “The Government is committed to reconnecting Coromandel communities quickly, and this plan to repair the damage along the highway ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
7 hours ago

Speech to the Seafood Sustainability Awards 2023
Tena koutou katoa and welcome to Parliament. It is a great pleasure for me to host you here today, for the second New Zealand Seafood Sustainability Awards. The awards started in 2020 and officially, are to be held every two years. But as with so many things, COVID got in the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
21 hours ago

Equal gender representation on public sector boards for third year in a row
Representation for women on public sector boards and committees is the highest it’s ever been with wāhine now making up 53.1 percent of public board and committee members,” Minister for Women Jan Tinetti said. Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women’s 2022 stocktake of public sector boards and committees shows for the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
24 hours ago

New law passes on child support to sole parents
A new law enabling sole parents on a benefit to receive child support payments for their tamariki was passed in Parliament today. “This change is estimated to lift as many as 14,000 children out of poverty and give families a median of $20 extra a week,” said Social Development and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

New moves to curb youth vaping
Crack down on disposable vapes No new vape shops near schools or marae Restricted descriptions for product flavours The Government is taking action to reduce the number of young people taking up vaping, Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced. “Too many young people are vaping, which is why we’re ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka to visit New Zealand
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will visit New Zealand this week, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. “Prime Minister Rabuka officially visited New Zealand in 1998, over 25 years ago, and we look forward to welcoming him here once again,” Chris Hipkins said. “New Zealand and Fiji have a long ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Sports stars and administrators honoured
The King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours List 2023 includes sporting stars and administrators who reflect the best of New Zealand’s sporting community. Sir Wayne Smith has been knighted for services to rugby. Sir Wayne was Assistant Coach of the All Blacks at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Kapa Haka rangatira amongst those honoured on King’s Birthday
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa taki tini ‘My success is not mine alone, but that of the people” The King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list 2023 celebrates Māori from all walks of life, reflecting the achievements of those who have made a significant contribution to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

King’s Birthday Honours recognise strength of service to NZ
The strength and diversity of service in New Zealand is a standout feature of today’s King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said. “Each of today’s 182 recipients has contributed individually to our country. Viewed collectively, their efforts reflect an overwhelming commitment to service.” Chris Hipkins said. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Closer defence cooperation between New Zealand and Japan
The Defence Ministers of New Zealand and Japan have signed a statement of intent for closer defence cooperation between the two Pacific regional partners. Andrew Little and H. E. Yasukazu Hamada met to sign the ‘Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation in Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

SPEECH: To the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 by the Honourable Andrew Little MP, New Zealand Ministe...
New Zealand’s most recent defence assessment identified climate change and geostrategic competition as the two greatest security challenges to our place in the South Pacific. To the first issue, partners engaging and re-engaging with Pacific Island Countries are finding that climate change is a security and existential threat in our ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Govt supporting more rangatahi into training and employment opportunities
The government is continuing to support rangatahi in providing more funding into Maori Trades training and new He Poutama Rangatahi programmes across Aotearoa. “We’re backing 30 new by Māori for Māori Kaupapa employment and training programmes, which will help iwi into sustainable employment or progress within their chosen careers” says ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Energy self-sufficient marae reopens with support of Government investment
Murihiku Marae was officially reopened today, setting a gold standard in sustainable building practices as well as social outcomes for the people of Waihōpai Invercargill, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “The marae has been a central hub for this community since the 1980’s. With the support of $9.65 million ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

First major Whangārei public housing project in a generation complete
The first major public housing development in Whangārei for decades has reached completion, with 37 new homes opened in the suburb of Maunu today. The project on Tapatahi Crescent and Puriri Park Road, consists of 15 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom, 8 four-bedroom and 3 five-bedroom homes, as well as ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Trade Minister to represent New Zealand trade interests abroad
Trade and Export Growth Minister Damen O’Connor will depart tomorrow for London to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting and then to Paris to vice-chair the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. “My travel to the United Kingdom is well-timed, with the United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (UK FTA) ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Bill to boost national fuel resiliency introduced
The Fuel Industry (Improving Fuel Resilience) Amendment Bill would: boost New Zealand’s fuel supply resilience and economic security enable the minimum stockholding obligation regulations to be adapted as the energy and transport environment evolves. “Last November, I announced a six-point plan to improve the resiliency of our fuel supply from ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Faster ACC payment top-ups and fairer system
The Government is making sure those on low incomes will no longer have to wait five weeks to get the minimum weekly rate of ACC, and improving the data collected to make the system fairer, Minister for ACC Peeni Henare said today. The Accident Compensation (Access Reporting and Other Matters) ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Compulsory code of conduct for school boards introduced
A compulsory code of conduct will ensure school board members are crystal clear on their responsibilities and expected standard of behaviour, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti said. It’s the first time a compulsory code of conduct has been published for state and state-integrated school boards and comes into effect on ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Speech to the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen annual conference.
Tena koutou katoa and thank you, Mayor Nadine Taylor, for your welcome to Marlborough. Thanks also Doug Saunders-Loder and all of you for inviting me to your annual conference. As you might know, I’m quite new to this job – and I’m particularly pleased that the first organisation I’m giving a ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Govt to support councils with buyout and better protection of cyclone and flood affected properties
The Government will enter into a funding arrangement with councils in cyclone and flood affected regions to support them to offer a voluntary buyout for owners of Category 3 designated residential properties. It will also co-fund work needed to protect Category 2 designated properties. “From the beginning of this process ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Government delivers changes to reduce pokies harm
The Government has announced changes to strengthen requirements in venues with pokie (gambling) machines will come into effect from 15 June. “Pokies are one of the most harmful forms of gambling. They can have a detrimental impact on individuals, their friends, whānau and communities,” Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds said. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Government delivers 1800 additional frontline Police
The total Police workforce is now the largest it has ever been. Police constabulary stands at 10,700 officers – an increase of 21% since 2017 Māori officers have increased 40%, Pasifika 83%, Asian 157%, Women 61% Every district has got more Police under this Government The Government has delivered on ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Minister Mahuta talks Pacific ambitions at the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ summit
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta met with Korea President Yoon, as well as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, during her recent visit to Korea. “It was an honour to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the first Korea – Pacific Leaders’ Summit. We discussed Pacific ambitions under the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Government drives $2 billion of business research and development
The Government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive has supported more than $2 billion of New Zealand business innovation – an increase of around $1 billion in less than nine months. "Research and innovation are essential in helping us meet the biggest challenges and seize opportunities facing New Zealand. It’s fantastic ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Achieving lift off: National Space Policy launched
The next ‘giant leap’ in New Zealand’s space journey has been taken today with the launch of the National Space Policy, Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds announced. “Our space sector is growing rapidly. Each year New Zealand is becoming a more and more attractive place for launches, manufacturing space-related technology ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

New science and creative technologies wharekura announced
A new Year 7-13 designated character wharekura will be built in Pāpāmoa, Associate Minister of Education Kelvin Davis has announced. The wharekura will focus on science, mathematics and creative technologies while connecting ākonga to the whakapapa of the area. The decision follows an application by the Ngā Pōtiki ā Tamapahore ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Freedom Camping changes a win for the environment
Protecting the environment by establishing a stronger, more consistent system for freedom camping Supporting councils to better manage freedom camping in their region and reduce the financial and social impacts on communities Ensuring that self-contained vehicle owners have time to prepare for the new system The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Speeding up the family court, reducing stress on families
A new law passed last night could see up to 25 percent of Family Court judges’ workload freed up in order to reduce delays, Minister of Justice Kiri Allan said. The Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Bill will establish a new role known as the Family Court Associate. The ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

UK FTA delivers benefits from today
New Zealand businesses will begin reaping the rewards of our gold-standard free trade agreement with the United Kingdom (UK FTA) from today. “The New Zealand UK FTA enters into force from today, and is one of the seven new or upgraded Free Trade Agreements negotiated by Labour to date,” Prime ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Next steps to reform outdated surrogacy law
The Government will reform outdated surrogacy laws to improve the experiences of children, surrogates, and the growing number of families formed through surrogacy, by adopting Labour MP Tāmati Coffey’s Member’s Bill as a Government Bill, Minister Kiri Allan has announced. “Surrogacy has become an established method of forming a family ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Defence Minister to attend Shangri-La Dialogue
Defence Minister Andrew Little departs for Singapore tomorrow to attend the 20th annual Shangri-La Dialogue for Defence Ministers from the Indo-Pacific region. “Shangri-La brings together many countries to speak frankly and express views about defence issues that could affect us all,” Andrew Little said. “New Zealand is a long-standing participant ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

New Zealand–China science relationship affirmed
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang met in Wellington today and affirmed the two countries’ long-standing science relationship. Minister Wang was in New Zealand for the 6th New Zealand-China Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation. Following ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Supporting a strong future for screen sector
5 percent uplift clearer and simpler to navigate Domestic productions can access more funding sources 20 percent rebate confirmed for post-production, digital and visual effects Qualifying expenditure for post-production, digital and visual effects rebate dropped to $250,000 to encourage more smaller productions The Government is making it easier for the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Govt backs retailers with expansion of fog cannon programme
The 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Seven metals, ringed with four magical inscriptions: what other secrets does the ‘Alchemical Hand ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Bean, Research Fellow, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland Hans de Bull, Alchemical Hand Bell of Rudolf II, ca. 1600 Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, CC BY-NC-SA Scholars are baffled by a mysterious object from Emperor Rudolf II’s ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
29 mins ago

‘Wellington is painted in brown’: Inside NZ’s biggest indigenous arts festival
The capital is bursting with life, art and the best vibes in the country right now. The reason? Kia Mau Festival. Sam Brooks interviews the founders and some of the participants about what makes the festival so special. For the bulk of June, Pōneke will feel a little different. The ...
The SpinoffBy Sam Brooks
31 mins ago

What to do when your child (Michael Wood) just won’t listen
The former transport minister was asked 12 times to sell his Auckland Airport shares and didn’t do it. Emily Writes, a parent, knows exactly what that’s like. It was revealed at question time today that now-former transport minister Michael Wood was asked 12 times by the cabinet office to sell ...
The SpinoffBy Emily Writes
1 hour ago

Warm is the new norm for the Great Barrier Reef – and a likely El Niño raises red flags
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott F. Heron, Associate Professor in Physics, James Cook University The Bureau of Meteorology this week declared a 70% chance of an El Niño developing this year. This raises concern for the health of the Great Barrier Reef, which is under continuing ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 hour ago

Auckland Council wants to cut ECE funding – but will it even save any money?
Closing its early childhood services may end up costing the council, while also taking away a vital community resource. On the Facebook page for Kauri Kids, the network of council-funded community early childhood education centres across Auckland, things seem rosy. Children experience sustainability by playing with shredded paper; they make ...
The SpinoffBy Shanti Mathias
2 hours ago

Opposition toughens stance on Michael Wood's ministerial future
Calls for Michael Wood to be sacked from Cabinet are growing after more details emerged about decisions he made as Transport Minister while a shareholder in Auckland Airport. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 hours ago

How to treat jellyfish stings (hint: urine not recommended)
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard McGee, Senior lecturer in Paediatrics, University of Newcastle Shutterstock If you have been stung by a jellyfish at the beach, you’ll know how painful and unpleasant it can be. But how best to treat jellyfish stings has been debated ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 hours ago

Michael Wood was actually asked to sell airport shares 12 times
In an unexpected plot twist, it’s now been revealed embattled minister Michael Wood was actually asked to get rid of his shares in Auckland Airport 12 times. Yesterday, prime minister Chris Hipkins said he believed Wood was asked to divest his shares on about half a dozen occasions – though ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 hours ago

Michael Wood was actually asked to sell airport shares 12 times
In an unexpected plot twist, it’s now been revealed embattled minister Michael Wood was actually asked to get rid of his shares in Auckland Airport 12 times. Yesterday, prime minister Chris Hipkins said he believed Wood was asked to divest his shares on about half a dozen occasions – though ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 hours ago

Massey Staff Bitterly Disappointed
EU members at Massey University are bitterly disappointed that the Vice-Chancellor has continued to push ahead with disruptive and unnecessary plans to disestablish 178 administration and finance jobs only to establish 141 new roles. A preliminary ...
Scoop politics
2 hours ago

Would you strap this ‘dystopia helmet’ to your face?
Watch out, Silicon Valley is trying to make wearable face tech cool again. Its creators say it’s “revolutionary”. Apple reckons its new spatial face computer will blend digital content with the physical world in a way Pokémon Go could only dream of. It will provide an “infinite canvas” for apps, ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
3 hours ago

Gone By Lunchtime: Michael Wood’s stock makes for very sloppy festival
It might not be sinister, but the latest stuff-up by a government minister layers on the pain for Chris Hipkins. A clutch of Auckland airport shares purchased by a teenage Michael Wood, and his failure to get rid of them as a minister, have created a fresh headache for Labour ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff
3 hours ago

NZ Post Price Hike To Hit Rural Communities, Charities And Businesses Hard
A group of concerned communities and businesses are today appealing to the Government to make a change that will stop the sudden and significant postal price increase that threatens to cut them off. From July 1, New Zealand Post is hiking its postage ...
Scoop politics
3 hours ago

Government Moves On Youth Vaping Inadequate
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation is disappointed by the new vaping regulations announced by the Government yesterday, saying they are inadequate to address the scale and seriousness of youth vaping in Aotearoa. "While we are pleased that ...
Scoop politics
3 hours ago

Giant tree-kangaroos once lived in unexpected places all over Australia, according to major new anal...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gavin Prideaux, Professor, Flinders University Dendrolagus ursinus, or Goodfellow’s tree-kangaroo. Shutterstock Kangaroos are an enduring symbol of Australia’s uniqueness. To move, they do what no other large mammals do: they hop along on oversized hind legs. So you may be surprised to ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
3 hours ago

We found the best fit of 2023
This week, two deserving women won Whānau Ora awards. Today, one of them wins the Best Fit award. Tasteful, sophisticated and straight up slay. These are all light words to describe the indescribable outfit that Kim Wi wore to receive her well-deserved Whānau Ora award, alongside her colleague Ngaire Harris. ...
The SpinoffBy Jett Pihema
4 hours ago

Muscle Memory: winner of the 2023 Charles Brasch Young Writers’ Essay Competition
Xiaole Zhan’s vivid, award-winning essay about how music can shape the perception of one’s own body was originally published in Landfall 245. I am seventeen with naked knees hacking into the trachea of a dead sheep. The smell will stain me, like bloodshot snow, or the taste of cigarettes and ...
The SpinoffBy Xiaole Zhan
4 hours ago

He Waka Eke Noa: Luxon accuses government of 'blowing up' agricultural emissions plan
The National leader says the He Waka Eke Noa plan is 'no longer a bipartisan process' because the government has gone its own way. ...
Radio NZ – political
5 hours ago

He Waka Eke Noa: Luxon accuses government of 'blowing up' agricultural emissions plan
The National leader says the He Waka Eke Noa plan is 'no longer a bipartisan process' because the government has gone its own way. ...
Radio NZ – political
5 hours ago

Hipkins meets with Fiji’s Sitiveni Rabuka, offers climate change aid
Chris Hipkins has met with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka in Wellington, offering financial support to the Pacific nation as it addresses the impacts of climate change. In a statement, Hipkins said he had an “inspired discussion” with Rabuka on how our two countries can further cooperate to combat climate ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
5 hours ago

Submissions Invited On Proposed Legislative Changes Regarding Fuel Resilience Measures
The Chairperson of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee is calling for public submissions on the Fuel Industry (Improving Fuel Resilience) Amendment Bill. The bill aims to ensure that New Zealand has adequate fuel stocks to mitigate ...
Scoop politics
5 hours ago

The Real Pod: The stinky secrets of the Love Island villa with Iain Stirling
This week on our pop culture podcast we talk Tina from Turners, Pete Evans’ new ‘do and the secrets of the Love Island villa from Iain Stirling himself. Eat, sleep, crack on, repeat – It’s Love Island week and we could not be more excited to return to ...
The SpinoffBy The Real Pod
5 hours ago

Groundswell NZ: He Waka Eke Noa On Its Last Legs
“Common sense, driven by Groundswell NZ, seems to be finally permeating the He Waka Eke Noa space. A tax on the world’s most efficient farmers is counterproductive to food security, pricing, and would drive emissions offshore and in greater volume ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Lawyer Says New Zealand Treating Southeast Asia As Its 'Rubbish Bin' For Plastic Waste
A Malaysian lawyer who petitioned for New Zealand to stop sending plastic recycling to developing countries will be facing off against industry groups in Parliament tomorrow. This Thursday morning, petition leader Lydia Chai will argue for a ban ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Whakarongo Mai Concerned About Lack Of Housing For Young People Leaving State Care
Homelessness is traumatic for young people, with potentially lifelong impacts on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. According to data by STATS NZ, almost 50% of all those experiencing homelessness in Aotearoa are tamariki and rangatahi. ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Govt Report On Animals 'Used' And 'Killed' For Science Highlights The Need For G...
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has released its most recent report on the use of animals in science , stating that 308,872 animals were used for research, testing and teaching in NZ that year, and nearly half (47%) of these animals were ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

How Love Island’s Iain Stirling became the voice of a reality TV generation
Alex Casey chats to Love Island UK narrator Iain Stirling about creating voiceover magic, smoking around the firepit and the fatal flaw in Love Island NZ. Iain Stirling is holding up a small black case like a Deal or No Deal lady. He’s in his spare room in North London, ...
The SpinoffBy Alex Casey
6 hours ago

Call For Political Parties To Commit To Transport Priorities
Leading road transport body Transporting New Zealand is calling on all political parties to make transport a top priority in this year’s election. The organisation has released the Road Transport Industry Platform for the 2023 General Election. ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Have Your Say On Extended Trading Hours For On-licensed And Club-licensed Premises During The 2023 R...
The Chairperson of the Justice Committee is calling for submissions on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2023 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill. The 2023 men’s Rugby World Cup will take place from 9 September 2023 to 29 October ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Watch live: Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka speak to media after meeting
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka are speaking after a meeting in Wellington. ...
Radio NZ – political
6 hours ago

Watch live: Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka speak to media after meeting
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka are speaking after a meeting in Wellington. ...
Radio NZ – political
6 hours ago

National’s infrastructure policy includes new agency, fast-track consenting process
National’s unveiled a new election year policy dubbed “infrastructure for the future”, which the party said will address the country’s “yawning” infrastructure deficit. It includes a new National Infrastructure Agency that would help coordinate government funding and improve delivery, new partnership deals between the government and local councils to create ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
7 hours ago

Newsletter: June 07 2023 – Items of interest and importance today
New 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 MICHAEL WOOD AUCKLAND AIRPORT SHARES CONFLICT OF INTEREST Luke Malpass (Stuff): Michael Wood, the shares, and the taint of incompetence Thomas Coughlan ...
Evening ReportBy Bryce Edwards
7 hours ago

The Bulletin: The Covid awards that have left many feeling hurt and frustrated
Duncan Greive has a story on The Spinoff this morning on the awards designed to recognise the service of frontline workers during the pandemic. A year on from the announcement of the awards, hundreds of seemingly eligible people and organisations have been turned down, while around 50,000 awards remain unclaimed. Greive spoke ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
8 hours ago

The story behind that famous blobfish meme
In 2003, a crew member on a New Zealand research vessel snapped a photo of a funny-looking fish. This is the story of how ‘Mr Blobby’ became a deep-sea icon. With its slimy pink skin, bulbous nose and downturned mouth, Mr Blobby is one of the world’s most famous fish. ...
The SpinoffBy Ellen Rykers
8 hours ago

Why is my snot green? How deep are my sinuses? Fascinating facts about mucus, noses and sprays
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David King, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Queensland Pexels/Cottonbro Studio, CC BY Our noses perform important functions every day of our lives, but we often only notice when disease changes how they work. Our sense of ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
8 hours ago

‘I can’t get it out of my mind’: new research reveals the suffering of people whose dogs died ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Cardilini, Lecturer, Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University Gajus, Shutterstock Use of sodium fluoroacetate poison baits – commonly known as 1080 – to kill unwanted animals is widespread ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
8 hours ago

5 reasons kids still need to learn handwriting (no, AI has not made it redundant)
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucinda McKnight, Senior Lecturer in Pedagogy and Curriculum, Deakin University Shutterstock The world of writing is changing. Things have moved very quickly from keyboards and predictive text. The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) means bots can now write ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
8 hours ago

Primary teachers accept latest pay offer after negotiations, strikes
Primary teachers have accepted the latest collective agreement put forward by the education ministry – the fourth offer proposed following lengthy negotiations and strike action. In a statement, the head of the education union NZEI, Mark Potter, said the new agreement included significant wins for teachers. “The biggest win was ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
8 hours ago

How motorists can hack excise tax rise to save hundreds of dollars
Fuel companies are preparing marketing campaigns to sheet home the blame for next month's rise in fuel prices – and controversially, to show motorists how to avoid paying ...
Newsroom
9 hours ago

Lack of conflict management the reason Wood must be sacked, says Luxon
The National Party is standing by its call for Michael Wood to be sacked from all his ministerial posts. Wood, who retains his roles in the immigration and Auckland portfolio, was stood down as transport minister yesterday after it emerged he had continued to hold undeclared shares in Auckland Airport. ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
9 hours ago

Why Wood was grounded and the PM’s battle for clear air
Michael Wood got parked as transport minister yesterday, his explanation about not selling airport shares found wanting. He’s the fifth minister to cause the prime minister problems since January, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
9 hours ago

Conservation Dept can file $100m contingency claim to remediate Ruapehu skifields
Ministers face new calls to push pause on the hasty sale of the North Island's ski fields ...
Newsroom
10 hours ago

Extending the term of parliament isn’t a terrible idea – it’s just one NZ has rejected twice a...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Associate Professor, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University Getty Images Among a host of other recommendations, the Independent Electoral Review has proposed a referendum on extending the term of parliament to four years (from the current ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
10 hours ago

Extending the term of parliament isn’t a terrible idea – it’s just one NZ has rejected twice a...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Associate Professor, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University Getty Images Among a host of other recommendations, the Independent Electoral Review has proposed a referendum on extending the term of parliament to four years (from the current ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
10 hours ago

The Covid response awards were designed to recognise service. For many, they erased it
Jacinda Ardern announced military-style awards to formally acknowledge the pandemic’s frontline workers. But a year on, hundreds of seemingly eligible people and organisations have been turned down, while around 50,000 awards remain unclaimed. The early days of the pandemic were a blur for Terry Taylor. The president of the New ...
The SpinoffBy Duncan Greive
11 hours ago

Elections shouldn't feel like TV infomercials
The big issues we all face – inequality, climate crises, social services, housing and health – get turned into soundbites ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

'Still a kid' but driving up a storm
From riding in her Dad's rally car aged 12, school girl Bella Haggarty is now co-driving in some of the country's biggest events. Bella Haggarty is on a fast track to success. The 15-year-old from Rangiora is a Year 11 student at St Margaret’s College in Christchurch, but away from that, ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

The places where bilingual is the norm
A proposal to put te reo Māori on New Zealand's road signs has sparked outcries at the cost and the confusion bilingual signage could bring. But as The Detail finds out, bilingual signage has been around for decades — and it works. In Wales, bilingual signage is everywhere. "You've got road signs ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

Why we’re getting urban densification so wrong
There are useful models to follow, particularly from many European cities where outdoor space is prioritised and urban character is considered in planning decisions Opinion: Many aspiring Kiwi homeowners long ago abandoned the quarter acre dream. But should they have to face the prospect of living in inhospitable urban centres ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

New TAB operator Entain breached Gambling Act, watchdog says
Entain subsidiary sent advertising materials days before TAB partnership was enacted. ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

Protect fertility, and it won't need fixing
As New Zealand reviews its surrogacy and adoption laws, Dr Anne Else argues that fertility is another area we are falling short Comment: This term Labour set out to tackle the urgent, long-delayed tasks of reforming surrogacy and adoption law. But both projects have become bogged down. The Law Commission's extremely ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

Māori foresters fail in urgent legal bid on ETS
High Court green-lights public consultation on changes to ETS despite Māori foresters saying more pre-engagement was needed. ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

Councillors partial to partial airport sale
If Wayne Brown’s full selldown of airport shares doesn’t get off the ground, will Auckland’s councillors find a compromise? After months of consultation and policy pruning, Auckland’s councillors will gather tomorrow to vote on Mayor Wayne Brown’s budget proposal - and it looks like it will come down to each ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

Accident shows DoC risking another Cave Creek
A tramper who fell 16m from a Department of Conservation swing bridge was a victim of mismanagement, a former ranger claims A senior DoC ranger who threw in his job over lax safety standards says the department is playing down the seriousness of an accident in which a tramper fell ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

‘It is a win’: Feedlot consents withdrawn
A small Canterbury community claims victory after a David and Goliath battle. David Williams reports. Plans to build a cattle feedlot in a tiny Canterbury valley, near one of the country’s most polluted lakes, have been pulled. Farm company Wongan Hills had been granted city council consent to build massive ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

NZ must sell smarter to young 'made in China' market
Like it or not, China will be part of our world for the foreseeable future ...
Newsroom
12 hours ago

National is shooting its Māori seat candidates in the foot
They’re fielding candidates in the Māori seats for the first time in more than 20 years, but the question has to be asked – why? The National Party made headlines when it was announced they would field Māori electorate candidates in the upcoming election for the first time since 2002. ...
The SpinoffBy Tommy de Silva
12 hours ago

Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 7 June
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Newsroom
13 hours ago

Daily crossword, Wednesday 7 June
...
Newsroom
13 hours ago

‘Let’s tell our own stories’ – Pacific broadcasters seek sovereignty
By Alice Lolohea of Tagata Pasifika Twenty five broadcasters from 13 Pacific countries touched down in Auckland recently for the Pacific Broadcasters conference. A meet and greet filled with lots of talanoa, networking and healthy debate, the conference was a welcome change from a typical Zoom meeting. Natasha Meleisea, chief ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
18 hours ago

Why Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe wants to damage the economy further
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe and his board have pushed up interest rates yet again – for the twelfth time in 14 months – because they want to damage the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

Self-interest versus public good: the untold damage the PwC scandal has done to the professions
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Longstaff, Honorary Professor, Australian National University Shutterstock The unfolding PwC scandal could be considered nothing more than an especially egregious example of ethical failure with dire consequences. However, there are deeper issues to be examined. The most obvious concerns ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

Australia’s ties with Vietnam are important in their own right – not just in relation to the US ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liam Byrne, Honorary Fellow, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne Luong Thai Linh/ AAP Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent trip to Vietnam is a recognition that Australia’s relationship with the Southeast Asian nation is important ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Intimate and immense: remembering Kaija Saariaho, one of the greatest composers of our time
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liza Lim, Professor, Sculthorpe Chair of Australian Music, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney The Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho passed away Friday at the age of 70. There’s been an outpouring of grief, sadness and love on social media and ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Maxim Insitute Rejects Calls To Lower Voting Age
Maxim Institute respectfully disagrees with He Arotake Potitanga Motuhake – Independent Electoral Review’s interim report insofar as it advocates for lowering the minimum voting age from 18 to 16 years. There are indeed many decisions made by Parliament ...
Scoop politics
23 hours ago

PM stung by his own team falling short
The political radar has been switched off for some in Labour and it's Chris Hipkins’ political capital taking the hit, writes political editor Jo Moir Comment: Even if the Prime Minister had wanted to act quickly to deal with his Transport Minister’s conflicts of interest, he couldn’t because he was ...
Newsroom
23 hours ago

'No time to waste' dropping voting age to 16 – campaigners
A group campaigning to lower the voting age to 16 has been vindicated by an expert review of electoral laws. ...
Radio NZ – political
23 hours ago

Wood had been reminded to dispose of shares ‘half a dozen’ times – PM
The prime minister has faced further questions on Michael Wood’s failure to properly disclose his Auckland Airport shares, saying the transport minister himself “didn’t really have an adequate explanation” for the oversight. Speaking at this afternoon’s post-cabinet press conference, Chris Hipkins said he trusted that Wood, who was earlier today ...
The SpinoffBy Alice Neville
24 hours ago

West Papuan ‘provisional’ government backs full membership of MSG
Asia Pacific Report The self-styled provisional government of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua“with the people” of the Melanesian region have declared political support for full West Papuan membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). In a statement issued in the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila after a meeting ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
1 day ago

Does competition make us less moral? New research says yes, but only a little bit
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ozan Isler, Research Fellow, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Bao Truong / Unsplash Many of our economic and even social interactions are competitive. We use markets to find jobs, but also dates. What does this mean for our ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Crackdown on disposable vapes and vape shops near schools announced
The government has announced new vaping restrictions aimed at reducing the number of young people who take up the habit, with a crackdown on cheap disposable vapes, bans on new vape shops near schools and rules around how vaping products can be named. “From August this year, all vaping devices ...
The SpinoffBy Alice Neville
1 day ago

Crackdown on disposable vapes and vape shops near schools announced
The government has announced new vaping restrictions aimed at reducing the number of young people who take up the habit, with a crackdown on cheap disposable vapes, bans on new vape shops near schools and rules around how vaping products can be named. “From August this year, all vaping devices ...
The SpinoffBy Alice Neville
1 day ago

Watch: Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, Health Minister Ayesha Verrall speak at post-Cabinet press conf...
The Prime Minister and Health Minister have announced changes to vaping products to try to reduce the number of young people taking it up. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Three shows you should see at this year’s Pacific Dance Festival
The traditional and contemporary intertwine at the first Pacific Dance Festival in three years. After a pandemic-induced absence of three years, Pacific Dance New Zealand’s annual Pacific Dance Festival has returned to Auckland. Opening the three week-long festival last week was Manu Malo by Aloali’i Tapu, with the highly anticipated ...
The SpinoffBy Sela Jane Hopgood
1 day ago

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