Gormless Government releases confidential legal advice on Charter School law
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9:30 am, September 6th, 2024 - 31 comments
Categories: david seymour, International, labour, making shit up, spin, Unions, workers' rights, you couldn't make this shit up -
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It is difficult to work out what is more concerning about the latest mistake committed by this Government. Is it the deeply cynicial attacks on workers’ rights and conditions of work that are in breach of international labour organisations rules as well as foreign trade agreements? Or is it the ineptitude which saw them release confidential legal information confirming all of this?
This latest incident relates to the legislation reinstating charter schools.
Two days before the submissions period closed the Government announced that it was going to amend the bill to prevent teachers in charter schools from engaging in multi employer collective agreement bargaining. It also stated that the employer of a state school could order an employee to provide services to a charter school or a student of a charter school.
From John Gerritson at Radio New Zealand:
The government has announced changes to the bill reintroducing charter schools just two days before submissions on the legislation close.
The changes limit teachers’ employment bargaining rights and give the publicly-funded private schools access to resources available to state schools.
Submissions to the bill were due to close on Thursday night but RNZ understands the deadline could be extended.
Associate minister of education David Seymour said the late changes were necessary to stop teacher unions from hamstringing the schools.
He said Cabinet had agreed to progress an amendment stopping unions from initiating multi-employer collective agreement bargaining for charter school staff.
“Unions will still be able to engage in single-employer collective agreement bargaining and charter schools will have independence to negotiate changes to employment terms and conditions relevant to their school,” Seymour said.
He said the change was necessary because multi-employer agreements would affect charter school sponsors’ influence over the terms and conditions offered to their employees “and could therefore influence the flexibility the schools can provide in teaching and other aspects of school operations”.
Seymour said the amendment would also give charter schools access to the same teaching resources as state schools including specialist services like resource teachers and technology education.
He said the late changes were needed to counter expected union opposition to the schools.
Seymour did allow further time for submissions. It was extended from Thursday 25 July to Monday 29 July.
The changes were ham fisted, incredibly late, and the anti Union provision clearly breached ILO conventions.
It makes you wonder if this was proposed so the other measure, requiring state school employees to provide services to charter schools if instructed to by their employers, received less attention.
Things have not gone smoothly for the Government. In another example of hamfistedness a regulatory impact statement containing legal advice the Government had claimed legal privilege over was emailed to members of the select committee and others.The members of the select committee were then told that the RIS that was emailed the day before was legally privileged and not the final version. They were asked to delete the original, unredacted version. The legal advice was not in the amended RIS.
Opposition members had previously sought advice on the legality of this proposed amendment paper from Ministry of Education advisers to the committee. They were told that no information or advice would be provided because the advice was legally privileged.
They then sought independent advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade but this was voted down by a majority of the committee by Government members 5 to 4.
So they chose to release Government’s advice in their minority report to the bill.
The advice is pretty clear. It said:
… there is a strong misalignment [betwen the bill and] the ILO obligations as it creates a significant restriction on parties’ ability to bargain freely. If a complaint were to be brought to the ILO, it is likely that the ILO would confirm the misalignment. This could require officials to participate in hearings and follow up on any recommendations and could have reputational impacts.
About FTA obligations it said:
New Zealand has obligations under free trade agreements (FTAs), including with the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom, to “respect, promote and realise” the fundamental rights at work contained in the ILO fundamental conventions. In light of the above assessment, it follows that this option is also likely to breach some of our binding FTA obligations.
And there are potential Bill of RIghts issues and the possibility of litigation for breaching the right to freedom of association.
Non-compliance also entails risks if unions or individuals challenge the implementation via domestic litigation. There are possible legal challenges based on section 17 of the BORA, which refers to freedom of association. ILO obligations, as interpreted by the ILO supervisory mechanisms, may be used as an interpretation aid by the Court. Any limitation on that right is required to be demonstrably justified under
section 5 of the BORA, which says that the rights and freedoms contained of the BORA may be subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
No wonder the Government wanted this advice hidden.
David Seymour has put on a brave face. He claimed that the threat of litigation under the Bill of Rights Act was absurd, that complaints under trade agreements were hypothetical and in a Simpsons reference asked for people to please think about the children. Apparently allowing teachers in charters schools the ability to negotiate collectively for minimum job conditions will adversely affect students’ education. Let me know if you can make sense of this.
This whole incident is shambolic and shows the cynical abuse of worker’s rights, Parliamentary Process and our international obligations.
This provides yet another example of why this Government is not fit to rule and needs to be replaced. As soon as possible.
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- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...6 days ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...6 days ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...1 week ago
- Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...1 week ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...1 week ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...1 week ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...2 weeks ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...2 weeks ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...2 weeks ago
- Building consents data bad news for construction
News that the annual number of building consents granted for new homes fell by more than 20 percent for the year ended July 2024, is bad news for the construction industry. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori Pay Tribute to Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
Papā te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi, i whētuki i raro rā, rū ana te whenua e. Uea te pou o tōku whare kia tū tangata he kapua whakairi nāku nā runga o Taupiri. Ko taku kiri ka tōkia ki te anu mātao. E te iwi ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Gaps still to be addressed in callouts response
The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...2 weeks ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...1 hour ago - Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...4 hours ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...7 hours ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...8 hours ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...9 hours ago
- Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD
Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...23 hours ago
- Increased certainty for contractors coming
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...24 hours ago
- Draft critical minerals list released for consultation
A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...1 day ago
- Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy
The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...1 day ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...2 days ago
- Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...3 days ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...3 days ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...4 days ago
- Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...4 days ago
- Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...4 days ago
- Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups
Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...4 days ago
- Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it
The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...4 days ago
- Targeted supports to accelerate reading
The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...4 days ago
- Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology
With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...4 days ago
- Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...4 days ago
- Driving structured literacy in schools
The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...5 days ago
- Labour’s misleading information is disappointing
Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them. ...5 days ago
- Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine
The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...5 days ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...5 days ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...5 days ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...5 days ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...5 days ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...6 days ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...6 days ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...6 days ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...6 days ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...6 days ago
- Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review
The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...6 days ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...6 days ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...6 days ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...1 week ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...1 week ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...1 week ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...1 week ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...1 week ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet press conference
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters at Parliament after the weekly Cabinet meeting. ...1 hour ago - Up close and friendly with Vietnam’s war relic Củ Chi tunnels
COMMENTARY: By David Robie Vietnam’s famous Củ Chi tunnel network was on our bucket list for years. For me, it was for more than half a century, ever since I had been editor of the Melbourne Sunday Observer, which campaigned against Australian (and New Zealand) involvement in the unjust Vietnam ...1 hour ago - Government at risk of not meeting two of its nine public service targets
The government has identified education and reducing violent crime as the biggest problem areas. ...1 hour ago
- What would a second Trump presidency mean for the global economy?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Evan El-Amin/Shutterstock Donald Trump inherited a strong economy from President Obama and managed it poorly. Real GDP grew more slowly under Trump than it had under any ...2 hours ago
- Government extends alternative to tough literacy and numeracy tests
Students will have until the end of 2027 to get literacy and numeracy standards by internal assessment, rather than tests - two years later than planned. ...2 hours ago
- Experts oppose speed limits increase
A coalition of leading academics, health professionals and road safety experts have issued an open letter, urging the government to reconsider plans to increase speed limits. ...2 hours ago
- All hail Christian Cullen, ‘mysterious smooth guy’ of Celebrity Treasure Island
We’re one week into the new season, and a surprising and sulky breakout star has emerged. Before 2022, Dame Susan Devoy was known to most New Zealanders as a world champion squash player first, Race Relations Commissioner second, and Centrum spokesperson third. Her public image was serious and straight-laced: she ...3 hours ago - A ‘forever language’ – te Wiki o te Reo Māori marks 52 years of extraordinary progress
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeanette King, Professor, Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Canterbury Getty Images Ko tēnei te Wiki o te Reo Māori – it’s Māori Language Week. It’s been 52 years since the landmark moment on September 14 1972, when ...3 hours ago
- A new play brings Trent Dalton’s Love Stories to the stage in a joyful and exuberant celebration o...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitlin West, PhD Candidate in Drama and Theatre Studies, The University of Queensland David Kelly/QPAC/Brisbane Festival Unapologetically sentimental, uncynically joyful, and brimming with wholeheartedness, Love Stories delivers exactly what its title promises. Adapted by Tim McGarry from Trent Dalton’s 2021 ...5 hours ago
- Government Shows Little Understanding Of Climate Change
TRAC National Coordinator Niall Robertson says that this line could be built a lot quicker and connect with the rebuilt NAL taking thousands of road damaging trucks off SH1, improving road safety, reducing carbon emissions and polluting particulate. ...5 hours ago - Hidden craters reveal Earth may once have had a ring – like Saturn
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Tomkins, Geologist, Monash University Artist’s impression. Oliver Hull The rings of Saturn are some of the most famous and spectacular objects in the Solar System. Earth may once have had something similar. In a paper published last week in Earth & ...5 hours ago
- Government releases list of 35 critical minerals as part of mining strategy
"Why should we continually say we're going to import everything if we've got it here and we can turn it into an export industry," Shane Jones says. ...5 hours ago
- We deserve to go to school without worrying the roof will fall on us
The Ministry of Education knew the biggest building at Wellington Girls’ College wasn’t up to earthquake safety standards, but didn’t inform staff or students they were at risk. That’s not good enough, says year 12 student Orla Sweeney. Wellington Girls’ College is an all-girls school that was considered decile 10 ...6 hours ago
- Most people approve of compensating survivors – and more findings from new polling on the abuse i...
Polling conducted for The Spinoff shows that a majority of the public supports financial compensation for survivors – even if they don’t know much about what is in the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. An estimated 200,000 children and adults were abused in ...7 hours ago
- Aware and alive: Why motorcycle safety is an issue for car users too
The weather is warming up, and with it motorcyclists are dusting off their bikes and heading out on the roads. In Motorcycle Awareness Month, Z Energy is appealing to all road users to help keep motorcyclists safe. Gus Bezerra has been riding motorbikes since he was 16. “It’s nice to ...7 hours ago
- Auckland CBD crime just shifted elsewhere – Labour
The government is hailing a 22 percent drop in serious assaults in the Auckland CBD, but stats show crime is rising across the region. ...7 hours ago
- NZ could have 58,000 fewer electric cars by 2035 due to weaker carbon emissions standards
The drop will lead to two megatonnes more emissions in the next decade, clean car lobby group says. ...8 hours ago
- High-speed rail plans may finally end Australia’s 40-year wait to get on board
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip Laird, Honorary Principal Fellow, University of Wollongong Japan has had high-speed rail since 1964. Blanscape/Shutterstock Australia has debated and studied high-speed rail for four decades. The High Speed Rail Authority has begun work on a project that could finally deliver some ...8 hours ago
- More rooftop solar in cities would help solve NZ’s energy crisis – and build disaster resilience
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Priscila Besen, Lecturer in Sustainable Architecture, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images New Zealad’s current electricity supply crisis requires immediate solutions. But we argue the government’s emphasis on importing natural gas and construction of centralised solar farms is a missed ...8 hours ago
- The best way to regulate AI might be not to specifically regulate AI. This is why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen King, Professor of Economics, Monash University The new wave of artificial intelligence – so-called AI – is bringing with it promises as well as threats. By assisting workers, it can raise productivity and boost real wages. By making use of ...8 hours ago
- What is a trained clown and what does the training look like?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna-Sophie Jürgens, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication (Pop Culture Studies), Australian National University Where do clowns come from? In popular culture, they may come from alien worlds, such as Killer Klowns from Outer Space, peer out from drains like Pennywise from Stephen ...8 hours ago
- Contract law changes: Simplifying or complicating?
A major union and a big business group are at odds over whether planned changes to employment law will simplify or complicate matters. ...9 hours ago
- Who will miss Auckland Transport the most if it goes? The most anti-AT councillors
A bill aimed at getting rid of AT might go before parliament. No one will miss AT more than the local politicians who use it as an easy blame sponge. Auckland Transport staffers pretended to take notes as the councillor lectured them about buses. Their organisation had approved a plan ...9 hours ago
- Firearms Minister Nicole McKee won’t rule out trying to bring back banned guns
Nicole McKee won't promise not to re-introduce banned semi-automatics, saying instead she's committed to listening to stakeholders. ...10 hours ago
- Cancer can’t stop woman of Steele
Watching the legendary Ironman New Zealand event in Taupō earlier this year, Harriet Steele had her first “big wobble”.She’d coped with a shock breast cancer diagnosis in January, followed by an emergency mastectomy and chemotherapy getting underway. But being sidelined at an Ironman event, watching her partner compete, was almost ...11 hours ago - Taiwan on a mission to win hearts and minds at ‘critical moment’
Polite but frank diplomat Joanne Ou speaks about her hope of a better future for Taiwan and offers a warning from the frontlines The post Taiwan on a mission to win hearts and minds at ‘critical moment’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- No one ends up in Waiau Pa by accident
No one ends up in Waiau Pa by accident. A small dot on the edge of South Auckland near the coast. A town you’ll never pass through unless you come to stay, or to fish, or to come back to after a long time away, having grown and expanded while ...11 hours ago
- Justice ministry battles leaks and ministers over Treaty bill
Officials from other agencies can only look at hard copies of Cabinet papers on the Treaty Principles Bill in an effort to prevent new leaks The post Justice ministry battles leaks and ministers over Treaty bill appeared first on Newsroom. ...12 hours ago
- Has David Seymour ‘saved’ school lunches – or enshittified them?
The Act leader’s scheme to cut spending on the free school lunch programme not only subtly shift costs from central government to schools, it also risks damaging the very thing that makes the programme work, writes Max Rashbrooke. You mightn’t think that giving kids free lunches would be “one of ...13 hours ago
- ‘It was quite baffling’: Police call driver on motorway to say ‘stop using your phone’
A roadside police officer spotted a driver allegedly on his phone – so searched his number plate, found his details and called him up. Stewart Sowman-Lund has the details in this special report for The Bulletin. An Auckland motorist was surprised to receive a phone call from a police officer ...13 hours ago
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Opinion: The dog is being whistled to and it hears ‘race’ and ‘Māori’ loud and clear The post Coalition policies are not about ‘needs’ or ‘race’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...13 hours ago
- Don’t stand by as science funding circles the drain
Opinion: New Zealand has a reputation as a country of innovators, outside-the-box thinkers with a can-do approach to tackling big problems. Yet that reputation belies a huge (and growing) hole in funding for research, science and innovation. On a global scale, our investment in R&D pales woefully in comparison to ...13 hours ago
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“111, what is your emergency?”The emergency is St John.Frontline staff have told The Detail it’s broken and on life-support – underfunded, understaffed, and overstressed.And now First Union members have voted to strike again, on September 27, after rejecting the latest offer from Hato Hone St John.Staff say it’s a last ...13 hours ago
- US Fed prepares to cut rates as health of NZ economy revealed
The US Federal Reserve hasn’t cut interest rates for four years – now speculation of a “jumbo” cut is growing The post US Fed prepares to cut rates as health of NZ economy revealed appeared first on Newsroom. ...13 hours ago
- ‘Regrettable’: Judge sends shot across bow of fisheries minister
Three decades after the historic Sealord fisheries deal – the grand-daddy of all Treaty settlements – the Govt faces paying compensation for unstitching it by stealth The post ‘Regrettable’: Judge sends shot across bow of fisheries minister appeared first on Newsroom. ...13 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 16 September
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- Daily crossword, Monday 16 September
The post Daily crossword, Monday 16 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...13 hours ago
- Order In Council Rarely Appropriate For Firearms Law
COLFO strongly encourages Governments to use the full legislative process, including public consultation with vulnerable communities, for significant changes, to create enduring firearms laws that increase public safety. ...15 hours ago
- Global Indigenous Leaders Condemn New Zealand Government Treatment Of Māori
Global Indigenous leaders and environmentalists condemn New Zealand's Treaty Principles Bill as a significant affront to Māori rights and democratic processes, urging government respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...15 hours ago
- NZCTU Slams Govt For Failing Mill Workers
NZCTU criticises the Government for neglecting to save 300 jobs in Ruapehu after Winstone Pulp International's mill closures, highlighting regional economic impacts and the need for proactive support. ...15 hours ago
Frustrating that Seymour the radicalised puppet of billionaire controlled Atlas mafia has so much power over the hapless Luxon and his governmentof morons with only 8% public support and in parliament only because of rigged elections in Epsom.
ACT leaders; Banks, Hide , the so-called philosopher whose name no-one can remember and Seymour is a ltiany of deceitful self seerving fraudsters.
This is demonstrably not true in the 2020 or 2023 elections.
Yeah but he wouldn't have !@#%÷×+ been there if they hadn't had several rigged elections prior, !!
No more 'rigged' than any other electorate which chooses an MP from a minority party, while party-voting predominantly for another party.
I think that was the case for virtually all of the Maori electorates in the 2023 election. They elected a TPM MP, but the majority of the party vote went to Labour.
Look at Hauraki-Waikato for an example:
Maipi-Clarke (TPM) elected as the electorate MP, but the TPM party vote was 8.5K, while the Labour party vote was 11.5K
If the good people of Epsom feel that Seymour is the best electorate MP to represent them in parliament, then that's their call. Just as if the good people of Hauraki-Waikato feel that Maipi-Clarke is the best electorate MP to represent them in parliament, than that's their call, too.
It has been a constant source of amazement to me, that the Left have historically not made more use of this provision (they have made some use – look at Anderton) – especially in electorates where there is a significant Labour/Green split.
What load of rubbish and you know it!
Perhaps you could make an actual argument – rather than resorting to mindless abuse.
That's not abuse petal,
I don't recall Maipi Clarke greasing round the labour leader for a cup of tea , moari are clever enough to work there own voting statagy, shiny eyed muppeys from Epsom do as they're told .
It's not useful debate, either, Sunshine. That requires you to actually present an argument.
If you are really arguing that the people of Epsom are more stupid and likely to blindly follow direction, than the people of the Maori electorates – I think your own blinkers are getting in the way.
Both groups are manipulating the voting system for their own benefit.
Evidence that TPM encouraging vote splitting in Maori electorates.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/428352/what-you-need-to-know-about-splitting-your-vote-in-the-maori-seats
Still yet to see a mana moari mp running around in a sweat pleading for a cup tea!!
No news cameras on marae?
what and inordinate amount of time, money and resources taken up by something which has been proven to make no actual improvement to education achievement levels. in other words, what a huge waste of money, time and resources in the name of Seymours ideology.
The link to the minority report appears to merely go to the Bill; on a quick look I could not see the minority report – what paragraph number is it? Or is there a different link to that report?
[Hi Ed1 – I tried to link to the pdf but this did not work for some reason. If you click on “Versions and APs” and then click on the version reported from the Education and Workforce Committee the minority report is part of that – MS]
Thanks. I read through the reports from the NZ Labour Party and the Green Party. Good work from them both.
Toy Boy Seymour and the Atlas Group getting a large slice of the education pie.
It is a worker's right in NZ to join a union if he/she wishes. If Seymour tries to interfere with this he will have a fight on his hands to be sure.
It makes you wonder if this was proposed so the other measure, requiring state school employees to provide services to charter schools if instructed to by their employers, received less attention…
So, who constitutes "their employers"? Is the Principal an employee of the Ministry? Or, if not, will state school funding be a stick or a carrot to supporting charter schools?
In my public sector career, I learned quickly that rarely anything is written that doesn't serve a purpose. There must be some grand plan behind that text.
On a more general note, towards the latter part of the Rogernomics era, I remember a cartoon where Roger Douglas was so keen to make his boat go faster that he just let the sails go, so much that, clearly from the cartoon, he'd let them go out of control.
I think there's an element of that thinking with this government. Passing controversial but clearly not urgent legislation under urgency, refusing to front up to public scrutiny, both on a grand scale. Now, we have Seymour brazenly flying in the face of international laws, presumably on the basis noone will call his bluff.
But submissions aren't that difficult to make, depending on what's at stake. I don't know if anyone will, but I wouldn't be so confident noone will lodge one. And the international lawmakers won't be snubbed the way this government thinks it has the right to snub the media and citizenry. IMHO
There are people who see themselves as big fish, but it’s only because they’re swimming in a small pond
Toy Boy Seymour definitely rates himself and his ability.
Roger the Rat could not even run a Pig Farm profitably.
Act's mad dog aim is to privatise the public education system. Charter schools are the beginning of this process. Seymour is steadily progressing the hidden agenda of his masters at the Atlas network.
All Labour has to do is publicly state that whatever this government establishes as a privately owned competitor to a publically owned enterprise, (schools, motorways, etc) will be nationalised as soon as Labour returns to power.
Simple Agree +100%
Labour has done nothing of the sort. I don't believe it ever will. Too scared of capitalist blowback.
ACT = Atlas Group.
The creeping privatisation of the education system in NZ is a concern.
https://www.parliament.nz/mi/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20240625_20240626_16 [Jan Tinetti in debate on Education and Training Amendment Bill — First Reading on 25 June 2024]
With the tertiary education institutions under immense financial strain, it’s only a matter of time before privatisation knocks on their door too.
[Edit: correction of quote]
I can't see the problem with the state funding private schools at the rate it costs the state to educate children. Simply set high standards for private schools and if they don't meet them withdraw the funding.
The State does not need to be involved in providing education in the way we need the state to pay for frigates for Defence or MRI scanners for Health. Many families already successfully educate their children at home.
Clarence Beeby's vision ("The Government's objective, broadly expressed, is that all persons, whatever their ability, rich or poor, whether they live in town or country, have a right as citizens to a free education of the kind for which they are best fitted and to the fullest extent of their powers.") is able to be delivered by either public or private schooling.
What we are trying to achieve is that every NZ child has access to a high quality education.
The evidence from the USA and other countries where private schools are given State funding, is underpaid and poorly skilled teachers and short changed students.
Why repeat that cockup here?
We have already seen the results from private tertiary providers.
If the evidence from other countries is that private school teachers are underpaid and the educational outcomes are poor we could legislate that private schools must pay the same as State schools at a minimum. And must achieve measurable high educational standards.
If they don't their charter is rescinded. If they succeed we lift the standard and we all win.
You mean Teachers get paid the same Union rates and conditions?
The coalition of cockups, want to exempt charter schools from minimum Union negotiated conditions.
Historically, in NZ, the concern was that Charter Schools were paying significantly higher salaries to attract the best teachers.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/charter-school-pays-top-dollar-for-teachers/YWPRDQJVKG2GVUPIDI4ILCQ2ZI/
Started like that in the USA too.
Then the private takeover reached critical mass.
You have no right of reply, because I just banned you for 2 months, but I have the right to correct just a few of your factoids.
I quoted this recently (https://thestandard.org.nz/they-are-going-to-privatise-health-arnt-they/#comment-2006301), in a different context, but it applies equally to the privatisation of the education system that you turn a blind eye to:
Many medical MRI scanners in NZ are in private hands, so that puts another one of your comments out of its misery.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/473734/bullish-investors-pour-1b-into-new-radiology-services-in-a-year