Government announces living wage to be paid to all core public servants

Written By: - Date published: 2:13 pm, June 15th, 2018 - 42 comments
Categories: cost of living, Economy, employment, greens, labour, nz first, wages, workers' rights - Tags:

And just like that the Labour-Green-New Zealand First Government has announced that all employees in the core public service will be paid a minimum of the living wage.

From the Beehive website:

All employees in the core public service will receive an hourly rate of at least $20.55, the 2018 Living Wage, Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins announced today.

The new hourly rate – or annualised equivalent of $42,744 – includes full-time, part-time and casual employees and will be implemented by a one-off adjustment in pay with effect by 1 September 2018.

“This decision is about supporting fair pay and employment conditions for a decent standard of living for all New Zealanders,” Chris Hipkins said.

“This government strongly believes that every worker should be in a situation where the pay they receive means they can at least make ends meet.

“Most of the workers who will benefit work in 13 government departments, and work in jobs including clerical and administration workers, welfare workers, contact centre workers and assistant customs officers.

“The departments will meet the estimated $7.23 million cost of the one-off adjustment from within their baselines.

“In subsequent years, the rate will be subject to bargaining between government employers and unions such as the New Zealand Public Service Association.

“We know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of low pay. This decision for the lowest paid workers in the Public Service is one of a range of initiatives the Government is implementing to tackle the difference between the highest and lowest paid.”

And the relevant Cabinet Paper has been proactively released.

The total cost is a very modest $7.22 million and 2,048 employees will be affected.  I suspect there will be flow on adjustments as pay differentials are sorted out despite what is said in the Cabinet Paper.  And there will still remain the issue of Government contracts with providers of, for example, cleaning services which is why fair pay bargaining is such an important concept.

Not everyone is happy.  The misnamed Taxpayers Union thinks the announcement is morally questionable and the set figure arbitrary is politically determined.  The only response I can think of is diddums.

All in all this is a good start.

 

42 comments on “Government announces living wage to be paid to all core public servants ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. WILD KATIPO 1
    15 June 2018 at 2:20 pm

    This is great news.

    There will a precedent set that in time will ‘encourage’ the private sector to follow suit . It is long overdue.

    As for the Tax payers Union and their ACT party friends. Perhaps its time you stopped living in the back pockets of the 0.1% party. Nobody cares what they have to say.

  2. adam 2
    15 June 2018 at 2:28 pm

    I’m looking forward to all the lies and misinformation the rwnj’s will try and spread on this issue.

    Heaps of half baked attempts at an economic debate, and a mountain of delirious quibs to make themselves feel better.

  3. Ad 3
    15 June 2018 at 2:38 pm

    Living Wage + WFF increase in July keeps domestic economy chugging esp in Wellington.

    Auckland fuel tax will overall counteract that to negative.

    • WILD KATIPO 3.1
      15 June 2018 at 2:48 pm

      Hmmm,.. perhaps then we could ask Jacinda to reduce workers wages to $12.00 an hour then,…

      You have a point , but clearly these wages are years overdue in an increase. And here is another good thing about this;

      All those frantic RWNJ’s are about to have the myth about a LIVING WAGE shattered as we will ALL see that it DOES NOT create mass unemployment. Instead, – it will prove three things:

      1 ) Were their businesses even ‘competitive’ in the first place ?

      2 ) Were the workers in fact subsidizing those business by being paid so miserably ?

      3 ) Or were those businesses getting away with fat profits and taking advantage of Nat party labour laws all this time and not in good faith paying a realistic remuneration /reward for said labour costs?

      So it will only be a matter of time before we see the RWNJ argument put to bed in this country at last.

    • Craig GlenEden 3.2
      15 June 2018 at 2:51 pm

      “Auckland fuel tax will overall counteract that to negative”.

      How would you know this unless you know what hrly rate a person was on before the increase to a living wage?
      Also people may now choose to carpool so their petrol costs might go down.

      • WILD KATIPO 3.2.1
        15 June 2018 at 2:57 pm

        Or walk , or bicycle, or train , or bus…

        • Craig Glen Eden 3.2.1.1
          15 June 2018 at 3:31 pm

          Yeah because the hourly rate increase was less than 11cents and hour and they work less hours than the liters of fuel they use a week. I get it now lol.

          • WILD KATIPO 3.2.1.1.1
            15 June 2018 at 3:41 pm

            Put it this way , 2-3 years ago I was earning $13.50 an hour in security. Hazardous. Albeit with a private firm. Traveled from West Auckland to South Auckland , morning and evening in rush hour. Except in reverse to most people . Gas hungry.

            And even then , the wages covered fuel. And all other costs.

            Now ,… $20.00 per hour?… this gives some family’s breathing space.

            So an hourly increase of just 11 cents?

            Not sure what figures you are using.

            But it certainly will give private sectors a rather hard shove in the ribs . And that’s one of the good things about this.

            • Tuppence Shrewsbury 3.2.1.1.1.1
              16 June 2018 at 4:22 pm

              So you’re politically woke but to stupid too realise the 13.50 was under the minimum wage 3 years ago. You’d have to go back to 2012 to be earning that as a minimum wage.

              Are you lying, stupid or both? Too many of your stories are just huge yarns backing up your cause Du jour

              • WILD KATIPO …
                16 June 2018 at 7:45 pm

                And too many fallacy’s of yours get a far too wide reading coverage.

                And yes, $13.50 sounds about right 3 years ago, but what you far right wing nutjobs always fail to mention – even if that is statistically correct or is out by a year or so , – is that not only have people been consistently paid lower than the minimum wage ( especially in the private sector ) under the last government – particularly by those recent immigrants that THEY themselves encouraged to come here , – but that consistently , the amount paid is not even SUBSISTENCE wages.

                And are YOU stupid or lying or both?

                Why is it then that the Coalition has deemed it necessary to introduce quite significant increases?

                And moreover ,… WHY have certain of the business community and far right wing politicians deemed it appropriate to even consider paying people a wage that is below the costs of living in this country ???

                Would they like to try and live on it and bring up their family’s on subsistence wages???

                FUCK OFF MATE.

      • Ad 3.2.2
        15 June 2018 at 3:41 pm

        That’s not hard to forecast.

        Workers getting $20.55 will be currently at or above the minimum wage of $16.50.

        It will be negative because a fuel increase cost is almost as pervasive in its cost increase effects as a GST increase. Everything in the shops either uses or is transported using petrol or diesel. Those freight companies aren’t going to be holding those costs, so prices go up.

        As for people who use public transport, those costs will go up as well – though there’s massive government subsidy per ticket in there, the margins are still airtight.

        To avoid this impact, buy nothing and walk everywhere.
        I’m sure there’s three hermits in Jackson Bay who can do that.

  4. You_Fool 4
    15 June 2018 at 2:44 pm

    I like that the TPU seems to think the solution to the inequity of wages between public and private sectors, is for people to be paid less….

    • WILD KATIPO 4.1
      15 June 2018 at 2:53 pm

      Yes , funny that… they seem to have a disconnect between realizing units of time and labour as a tradeable commodity…and that as inflation causes prices to rise – that also means labour costs…

    • Macro 4.2
      15 June 2018 at 3:49 pm

      Now if they were talking about CEO’s and senior management getting paid less – they may have a point.

  5. Heather Grimwood 5
    15 June 2018 at 3:50 pm

    Great move towards somewhat easier situation for low paid folk!
    In regard to TPU complaint about this decision being made by the Government , surely it just reflects the pattern of equal pay for women in the Public Service welcomed by so many of us long ago ( about 1960) which measure also had the hope that private employers would follow suit.

  6. The Chairman 6
    15 June 2018 at 5:36 pm

    Yay!

    Now they need to extend that to those employed in their tree planting scheme.

  7. Rosemary McDonald 7
    15 June 2018 at 6:24 pm

    Do y’all think this largesse will extend to the Funded Family Carers?

    Thanks to the Previous Encumbents this group of workers can only be paid the minimum wage for a maximum of forty hours per week. Plus they are not allowed to do any other paid work. By law they are locked into a subsistence existence and by law they are forbidden to contest these conditions.

    Oh, and both Labour and the Greens campaigned on repealing the PHDAct amendment.

    Still waiting.

    Ho hum.

    • cleangreen 7.1
      15 June 2018 at 7:41 pm

      rosemary; – why not since the public service prison guards will get the living wage so why not care givers?

      Good plan for equal pay there coalition Government;

      Full suppoort for you all.

    • The Chairman 7.2
      16 June 2018 at 1:18 pm

      “Thanks to the Previous Encumbents this group of workers can only be paid the minimum wage for a maximum of forty hours per week. Plus they are not allowed to do any other paid work. By law they are locked into a subsistence existence and by law they are forbidden to contest these conditions.”

      That is just wrong on so many levels. It absolutely requires correcting.

      Thanks for highlighting this, Rosemary.

      Do you know where this current Government sits on this? Any talk of changes in the pipeline? Or is it not even on their radar?

      • Rosemary McDonald 7.2.1
        16 June 2018 at 3:34 pm

        Supposed to rectified, but Current Occupiers have gone all secret squirrel on the issue.

        The regulatory impact statement that accompanied the 2013 PHDAct legislation was soooo heavily redacted that we wonder what apocalypse was predicted.

        All largely bs.

  8. WILD KATIPO 8
    16 June 2018 at 1:56 pm

    Yes ,… it certainly does seem to run contrary to the neo liberals own ideology of enterprise, free market principles and liberty to make a profit, doesn’t it… this needs looking into. It shouldn’t matter if they had a hundred jobs… its their business.

  9. Observer Tokoroa 9
    16 June 2018 at 2:00 pm

    Well Done Labour!

    The Capitalist Cult will be furious ! Their brutality and bullying will reach greedy sewerage stench in next to no time.

    Already the AD bloke has spoken woe and doom and dungeon. We didn’t even have to wait for the Beedlebom Hosking or the Espiners RNZ United. AD was in like flying Flynn

    There is a way of protecting the Living Wage. Any Price rise on any item retailed in New Zealand will meet The MaxPayer Barrier. Namely, The Producer. Retailer, Transporter, will pay Additional Personal Income Tax and Trading Tax. as of today’s date.

    So, if Petrol goes up so does the personal income of the Producer, Owner, the Retailer, the Transporter.

    If Heating goes up the same applies. If cheese goes up don’t buy it.

    The time has come for the Capitalists to realise that just as they can and do shove any burden they like on any man woman or child, New Zealanders Via Law can impose any Tax they like on the wealthy.

    Aotearoa belongs to the People. Not to Capitalists and their Cruel Cults.

    Kiwis must begin to realise that just a handful of people run NZ. They run everything. They are the reason why you struggle. Make sure that if they shove up their prices you get Government to roundly shove up their personal Tax and their Trading tax.

    • WILD KATIPO 9.1
      16 June 2018 at 2:26 pm

      … ” Kiwis must begin to realise that just a handful of people run NZ ” …

      … ” New Zealanders Via Law can impose any Tax they like on the wealthy ” …

      ^^^

    • mary_a 9.2
      16 June 2018 at 3:03 pm

      @ (9) Observer Tokoroa … 100% in agreement.

    • Ad 9.3
      16 June 2018 at 8:01 pm

      “There is a way of protecting the Living Wage …through the MaxPayer Barrier.”
      This is the kind of zero-analysis idea that shows you are writing out of pure emotion and zero analysis.

      If petrol goes up, incomes of those using petrol in their goods and services don’t go up. If you had any idea about the freight or transport industries you would know what happens next.

      If heating goes up, people freeze. That’s what happens in this country. Dunedin people are the most susceptible to simply turning their heaters off and suffering. Which is one reason this government is bringing in a small proviso to assist with that. What you are talking is simply devoid of reality, and you know it.

      “If cheese goes up don’t buy it.”
      Most people require some calcium, especially children. That kind of comment is so stupid because it flies in the face of actual reality. When prices go up, the people in poverty suffer, no matter what bought food choices they make. And no, most don’t have the luxury of enough land or time to feed their own for free. Most poor people are working poor.

      As for your ridiculous idea that tax law will save us from capitalism, you have simply not been awake since the GFC. They will always have better tax lawyers that we do.

      Instead of having another huge fact-free rush to the head with a keyboard and showing your inability to respond with facts against me, do the thinking world a favour and turn your computer off at the wall.

  10. mary_a 10
    16 June 2018 at 2:56 pm

    Excellent news. A living wage is a good start.

  11. Observer Tokoroa 11
    16 June 2018 at 3:22 pm

    Hello Wild Katipo

    NZ shoved its gear stick into the wrong slot sometime back. Which had the result of the Citizens going Backwards – while the thieves, sharpies, Bankers, Lawyers and assorted Crims gathered up all the Milk and Honey. And Loads and Loads Loads of Money.

    John Key was Sharpie par excellence. He shoved GST up high on the Citizens just to teach them how low and stupid they were. He came from nothing. Shoved Citizens money around his cobbers. Gave Pokies to his casino mates. Played with Girls.

    You see we don’t need Thieves, sharpies, Bankers, Crims and Low life, or Land Owners running us.

    We can via Law, tell the Land Owners what the Land is Worth. It belongs to the Nation.

    Nobody needs great big bits of Land. Nobody. They can’t fit it in their coffin. Can they ?

    Citizens own New Zealand. Decent people. Not gluttonous monsters. Otherwise called Capitalists.

    • WILD KATIPO 11.1
      16 June 2018 at 3:39 pm

      Indeed,… it is time that New Zealanders once again become self aware.

      And that self awareness was exhibited during the Great Strike of 1913. It was a big impetus for the forming of the Labour party. However , in a short time , even within that party , there were those who sold out.

      But none more so than the treasonous Roger Douglas and his inner core of cadres..

      Its been 3 decades now , with an ideology that has become embedded which is based on division , bogus economic reports in order to beat the public down , justify the rort of privatization , and the theft of the public’s assets.

      But we all know something is wrong. Something just does not sit right.

      New Right Fight – Who are the New Right?
      http://www.newrightfight.co.nz/pageA.html

      But the reality is, people do not understand just how powerful they really are after 3 decades of being told nothing can be done about it. Because they ARE powerful.

      Mass protest in direct action coupled with the vote is a powerhouse in forcing change on any government. And those mass protests do not have to be centralized, either. Or all at once. And with the labour movement it has the advantage of diversity , – in fact that is a strength . Have a read as to just what our ancestors were prepared to do to enforce change on an unyielding and bloody minded right wing government.

      The 1913 General Strike: relevant to us in 2013? | Redline
      https://rdln.wordpress.com/2013/01/…/the-1913-general-strike-relevant-to-us-in-2013

  12. Observer Tokoroa 12
    16 June 2018 at 6:02 pm

    Wild Katipo

    Brilliant writing!

    “Indeed,… it is time that New Zealanders once again become self aware. ”

    “But we all know something is wrong. Something just does not sit right.”

    We have been Shat on by the biggest thieves that ever shat on our Aotearoa. They are rank Evil people. Look what they have done. Stolen our homes. Made sure we never ever get a home of our own. Made us struggle to find rent.

    The Nationals are complete corrupt evil human beings. They planned all this. Thirty wicked years ago. They are engaged in a form of genocide.

    They Follow Roger. And Billy – And Paula

  13. Tuppence Shrewsbury 13
    16 June 2018 at 7:32 pm

    Is it a requirement that the contracted workers who support core public staff get paid a living wage too?

    Or is there an acceptable underclass of cleaners et al?

    And if cleaners get the living wage, will the core crown workers feel they deserve a little more as they’re job requires more skill and education?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 13.1
      16 June 2018 at 7:40 pm

      You think it will provide upward pressure on wages?

      Good, that’s exactly what’s needed for a high wage economy.

      • Tuppence Shrewsbury 13.1.1
        16 June 2018 at 7:45 pm

        I agree with you. But if isolated and legislated for within the public service at the taxpayers expense, there is a chance of it becoming a fiscal drag on taxpayers.

        I’m curious about its ability to spread to the productive, private sector so it has real meaning. Not just further virtue signalling

        • WILD KATIPO 13.1.1.1
          16 June 2018 at 8:24 pm

          Hang on a minute , mate.

          ———————————————-

          … ” But if isolated and legislated for within the public service at the taxpayers expense, there is a chance of it becoming a fiscal drag on taxpayers ” …

          ———————————————-

          You talk of ‘ tax payers’.

          Here’s a little clue. Not all ‘ tax payers’ happen to be business people. Either running small or large businesses.

          Now , the point is ,… when this term ‘ tax payer’ is so casually bandied around these days we all are led to believe that it just implies / involves only those who are doing ”comfortably, thank you very much. ”

          It doesn’t.

          Even below the costs of living workers ( the working poor ) pay ‘ taxes’. Even the unemployed on benefits are ‘ taxed’ .

          And yet the whole premise behind the ‘ Working for Familys’ generally was collectively paid for by those very same people – often including the working poor , AND those on benefits . Which meant that the tax payer was in fact , helping to subsidize all these rogue employers paying minimum wages or less.

          That’s right – welfare for businesses . A hand out for bludgers.

          Now , … if the state leads by example and those unionized workers who work for the state receive a long overdue pay rise ,… how long do you think it will be until private concerns have to follow suit.

          I’d give it a year at best.

          Why ?… because working people of all walks and descriptions will soon see the difference and see the benefits of belonging to a unionized workforce. With standardized wages and conditions . And having an advocate to stand in for them if they feel bullied.

          And THAT is how we start to eradicate child poverty ( unless children still go out and clean chimneys in 2018 ) having a ‘ working poor ‘ class , yet the benefits are more discretionary income in the community , thus more returns for small business including more employment opportunity’s ,… and so on , the knock on effects are tremendous … even certain business leaders are saying this is not a bad thing.

          The only ones who are bitching and whining and opposing are the rogues.

          The usual culprits.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 13.1.1.2
          17 June 2018 at 6:58 am

          Shorter TP: “I hate anything this government does, and I have the sophistry to prove it.”

          I’m curious as to your ability to say something substantive, as opposed to empty, mealy-mouthed concern trolling. Or should that be “malice-signalling”?

    • Tuppence Shrewsbury 13.2
      16 June 2018 at 7:40 pm

      *Their

    • Craig H 13.3
      18 June 2018 at 10:55 pm

      Not yet, but that’s coming.

  14. mac1 14
    16 June 2018 at 8:00 pm

    Tuppence, there is no acceptable underclass of cleaners et al. I say this because a think tank says that cleaners are worth more than bankers.

    Cleaners add 15 times their value to their wage especially in hospitals.

    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/dec/14/new-economics-foundation-social-value

    Every worker should get a living wage. At least. If other workers negotiate more, so be it.

    But, having finished my working career as a cleaner after many years teaching, I have nothing but respect for cleaners- the work, the effort, the worth of their work.

    I also met some old-fashioned bigotry directed towards cleaners by people who considered themselves superior. That in itself deserves better payment as compensation.

    So I hope that these contract workers who clean government facilities are treated to the same pay as government workers. This was a topic of conversation in the pub last night. My fellows agreed- a former University lecturer, a businessman and a vineyard contractor.

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    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
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