Julie Anne Genter: Working for Women’s Rights on the World Stage

Written By: - Date published: 6:08 am, March 27th, 2018 - 71 comments
Categories: climate change, equality, gender, pasifika, sustainability - Tags: , , , , , ,

Cross posted from blog.greens.org.nz (first published 19/3/18)

________________________________________________________________

It’s been a whirlwind week of women’s issues. I’ve been busy hearing inspiring stories from around the world about the gender pay gap, representation, stopping violence against women, work on climate change and the challenges facing working women. 

This week I had the incredible privilege of representing Aotearoa New Zealand as the Minister for Women at the United Nations in New York. I led our delegation to the 62nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), where over 7000 women from around the world are gathering to discuss the challenges and opportunities to achieve true gender equality, and negotiate global agreements on action. Improving conditions for all women and girls, and fostering greater representation and diversity in leadership, is critical to democracy and peace, and to reducing inequality, all of which are necessary to address our ecological crises and climate change.

Julie Anne and Ásmundur Einar Daðason
Icelandic Minister of Social Affairs and Equality Ásmundur Einar Daðason
NZ and Iceland Flags
NZ and Iceland Flags

My personal highlight was discussing with other countries the different approaches they have taken to address the gender pay gap. Some countries are just starting to measure it, whereas others, including the UK, Australia, and several Scandinavian countries, have already implemented mandatory reporting. It was inspiring to hear of the great progress, and how it was achieved. I had a great chat with Ásmundur Einar Daðason, about the steps that Iceland has taken for women.  Iceland is leading the world, by legalising equal pay for women! 

I was able to discuss with Ministers, MPs and public servants from a number of countries the political and technical challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. The UK have done some great work on data collection, particularly on the ethnic pay gap. Australia have a larger pay gap than New Zealand, yet they have already implemented pay transparency for employers of more than 100 people – this has put useful pressure on companies to take action to end discriminatory pay practices.

Australian Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer sitting with Julie Anne Genter
Australian Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer also shared some great advice on how she coped with being a Minister and a Mum.

I gave our National Statement (a speech to representatives from all the countries in the United Nations), where I raised climate change and the disproportionate impact that it is having on women, especially those living in rural areas. New Zealand supports the Gender Action Plan recently adopted by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which seeks to promote gender-responsive climate policy. In the Pacific this means we are working to strengthen resilience and improve disaster preparedness in ways that take account of gender implications.

I had a fantastic meeting with the first woman president of the Marshall Islands, Hilda Heine – an incredibly impressive person that is blazing trails for wāhine Pasifika in politics, and for whom climate change is one of the most pressing issues.

Marshall Islands President, Hilda Heine
Julie Anne Speaking to a full room.
Representation of Women in Politics panel

At the invitation of the UK, I participated in a panel about removing the barriers to women’s participation in politics. Also on the panel was an incredibly inspiring MP and feminist fromMalawi, Jessie Kabwila MP. We discussed the importance of proportional electoral systems for increasing the number of women in politics, and the role of political parties and their constitutions and processes for encouraging female and diverse candidates. Some African countries are leading the world in women’s representation in parliament.

I presented research from NZ’s Ministry for Women about the different impact that digital harm has on boys and girls. Countries that are still growing their internet infrastructure were very interested in this and I can see some ongoing collaboration arising from this. There was a lot of discussion about the #metoo campaign and the positive change it has brought.

The New Zealand Mission in New York hosted a celebration where we invited other countries to celebrate 125 years of all women in New Zealand being able to vote. It was a very proud moment for us as a country that I was glad to share with many of the NGO representatives from NZ that attended. We need to ensure that women’s rights in our country continue to be trailblazing and something to stand up on the world stage about.

With the Aotearoa Youth Leadership Institute celebrating #Suffrage125

I loved meeting Government Ministers from around the world who had birthed babies in office in just the last few years. I took on board as much information as I could in the short time frame. Sometimes it is just so useful to hear from other women who have done what I hope to do, and the ways in which they coped. The warm reception and support I received was overwhelming. Many people I spoke with had heard about Jacinda’s baby. I was delighted to share my happy news as well.

The rights that I enjoy and exercise over my body are unfortunately not universally celebrated. I ensured that New Zealand spoke up on the importance of reproductive and sexual health services and rights. Women must be trusted to make decisions over their body.

I felt honoured to represent New Zealand Aotearoa on the global stage. While we still have obvious challenges such as women being underpaid and unacceptably high domestic and sexual violence rates, we must continue to learn and work together on these challenges.

  • Julie Anne seated in an fancy Underground Bunker (along with lots of others)
    Julie Anne giving presention on Digital Harm

71 comments on “Julie Anne Genter: Working for Women’s Rights on the World Stage ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Delia 1
    27 March 2018 at 9:13 am

    It is very important to support the nurses, they are at the coal face of historic exploitation as women workers.

  2. Babayaga 2
    27 March 2018 at 9:43 am

    ‘Gender responsive climate change’? The nutters have taken over the asylum.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1
      27 March 2018 at 9:50 am

      Gender responsive climate policy is what’s in the OP. The illiterati are anxious.

      • Babayaga 2.1.1
        27 March 2018 at 10:44 am

        Gender responsive policy is sexist bs. Policy should be for all, by all.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1
          27 March 2018 at 10:55 am

          There’s nothing wrong with tailoring individual climate policies to suit gender. Birthrates for example. Stop your knee-jerking and think for a change.

          • Babayaga 2.1.1.1.1
            27 March 2018 at 11:41 am

            Birth rates are not gender specific. Both genders have an interest and there should be no favour.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1.1.1
              27 March 2018 at 11:47 am

              Good thing no-one suggested favouritism, then, isn’t it.

              • Baba Yaga …
                27 March 2018 at 12:12 pm

                ‘gender responsive policies’ is favouritism.

                • One Anonymous Bloke …
                  27 March 2018 at 12:19 pm

                  No more urging men to have prostate checks it is then.

                  • Baba Yaga …
                    27 March 2018 at 12:48 pm

                    How many women get prostate cancer?

                    Men and women are affected by climate change. Policies that only address issues to one gender in that situation is favouritism.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      27 March 2018 at 12:50 pm

                      Whereas policies that target particular demographics are mundane and ubiquitous, no matter how much howling in the corner you can muster.

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      27 March 2018 at 12:55 pm

                      “Whereas policies that target particular demographics are mundane and ubiquitous…”

                      Policies regarding climate change that favour one gender over another are sexist stupidity.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      27 March 2018 at 1:26 pm

                      The only person talking about favouring one gender over another is you, Ad Nauseam. Everyone else is talking about targeting, which I seem to remember you supporting when Bill English suggested it.

                • Matthew Whitehead …
                  27 March 2018 at 2:04 pm

                  No, sexism is favouritism. Responding to the realities of gendered experience of the world is acknowledging women’s lived experiences and incorporating their needs into public policy. We already get our needs met by default as men, so the only “favouritism” is in the opposite direction.

        • Carolyn_Nth 2.1.1.2
          27 March 2018 at 11:27 am

          Is that a roar I hear from the corner?

          And what OAB said, and what Bill said below about including gender considerations across the board.

          • Babayaga 2.1.1.2.1
            27 March 2018 at 11:42 am

            Across the board means all, therefore thee is no need for it. Thanks.

            • Carolyn_Nth 2.1.1.2.1.1
              27 March 2018 at 12:03 pm

              *yawn* How often over the decades do we need to repeat it? When there is a power imbalance that has negative impacts on one section of the population, then measures are required to achieve a level playing field.

              If you apply the same measures to the powerful and the less powerful, the power imbalance remains.

              http://interactioninstitute.org/illustrating-equality-vs-equity/

              • Baba Yaga …
                27 March 2018 at 12:11 pm

                Climate change affects everyone equally. It does not discriminate. Nor should we.

                • weka …
                  27 March 2018 at 12:46 pm

                  Are you honestly saying that a wealthy person living inland in NZ is going to be affected by climate change the same as someone living in poverty on the coast of Bangladesh? That’s just daft.

                  • Baba Yaga …
                    27 March 2018 at 12:51 pm

                    I am ‘honestly saying’ that a man living in poverty on the coast of Bangladesh will be affected to the same degree as a woman living in poverty on the cost of Bangladesh. The issue being discussed is gender bias, not wealth or geography.

                    • McFlock …
                      27 March 2018 at 1:06 pm

                      Because men can be displaced while pregnant?

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      27 March 2018 at 1:16 pm

                      “Because men can be displaced while pregnant?”

                      Huh?

                    • Carolyn_Nth …
                      27 March 2018 at 1:17 pm

                      No one’s saying NOT to consult with low income men in Bangladesh. But, the majority of people in poverty are women, and they have first hand experience with some key local matters, more often than men.

                      Furthermore, women tend not to be included in management of things like food matters and child care arrangements at the grass roots, when deciding on climate change measures. And, often they will be the first to be displaced.

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      27 March 2018 at 1:26 pm

                      “But, the majority of people in poverty are women…”
                      So? Do you seriously think those same women are going to benefit from the UN spending money on gender based bs, or on actually taken action!

                    • Bill …
                      27 March 2018 at 1:32 pm

                      Furthermore…

                      That is a worthwhile conversation, but (I’m guessing) thanks to the diversion off into birth control and population levels in spite of Stargazers post having been read by those doing it, that potential springboard into potentially productive conversation has been missed. The irony of that’s not missed on me 👿

                    • McFlock …
                      27 March 2018 at 1:36 pm

                      So they’re both chillaxing on the coast of Bangladesh, but the rice paddies they farmed are now all salty, so the make salt, but then floods destroy those fields, so with no income or home they end up migrating to somewhere that isn’t going underwater. Only she does it while pregnant. Not “affected to the same degree”.

                    • weka …
                      27 March 2018 at 3:05 pm

                      But you just said CC affects everyone equally. If it affects people differently on the basis of class, why not gender and ethnicity?

                    • mikes …
                      27 March 2018 at 6:59 pm

                      FFS Weka. .How can climate change possibly affect anyone differently based upon their ethnicity???

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      27 March 2018 at 8:38 pm

                      “But you just said CC affects everyone equally. If it affects people differently on the basis of class, why not gender and ethnicity?”

                      Are you serious, or taking the Michael? This entire conversation has been about gender. And then you come along…

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      27 March 2018 at 8:47 pm

                      “Only she does it while pregnant. ”

                      …and so her husband has to do all the heavy lifting, and gather food, and…well you get the picture. Your argument is bollocks McFlock, and you know it.

                    • McFlock …
                      27 March 2018 at 9:22 pm

                      Heavy lifting? Really? That’s equivalent to being pregnant for nine months?

                      Outstanding.

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      27 March 2018 at 9:49 pm

                      “Heavy lifting? Really? That’s equivalent to being pregnant for nine months?”

                      That depends on what needs lifting!

                    • McFlock …
                      27 March 2018 at 9:54 pm

                      🙄

    • tracey 2.2
      27 March 2018 at 9:52 am

      You are being consulted on climate change???

    • Carolyn_Nth 2.3
      27 March 2018 at 10:30 am

      Gender responsive climate change policy because:

      Climate change has a greater impact on those sections of the population, in all countries, that are most reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods and/or who have the least capacity to respond to natural hazards, such as droughts, landslides, floods and hurricanes. Women commonly face higher risks and greater burdens from the impacts of climate change in situations of poverty, and the majority of the world’s poor are women.

      Plus:

      Yet, women can (and do) play a critical role in response to climate change due to their local knowledge of and leadership in e.g. sustainable resource management and/or leading sustainable practices at the household and community level. Women’s participation at the political level has resulted in greater responsiveness to citizen’s needs, often increasing cooperation across party and ethnic lines and delivering more sustainable peace.

      • Bill 2.3.1
        27 March 2018 at 10:35 am

        Gender would be an integral part of any commitment to approaching climate change with notions of equity in mind. And all governments have already signed up to that.

        As you might have got from my subtle comment below, I don’t think this stuff flowing from an apparent “revelation” about the position of women in society is much of an anything.

        Where the fuck the UN been for the past however many years if this is what they’re counting as progress?

      • Babayaga 2.3.2
        27 March 2018 at 10:52 am

        The first paragraph is total bollocks. The second is sexist bullshit.

        Climate change affects people irrespective of gender, but in the interests of playing your silly game,why have you not mentioned the numerous other genders people now claim exist? Bill puts this all perfectly below…’a top down bureaucratic head wank,’.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 2.3.2.1
          27 March 2018 at 10:57 am

          So measures to lower birthrates should be exactly the same for men and women. Have you checked, or (here’s a radical notion) thought about that?

          • Babayaga 2.3.2.1.1
            27 March 2018 at 11:44 am

            should be exactly the same for men and women.

            Exactly, so this gender specific stuff is bollocks.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 2.3.2.1.1.1
              27 March 2018 at 11:49 am

              Offer men the pill and diaphragms, pre- and post-natal healthcare check-ups, abortion services and home visits. Sure. Knock yourself out.

              • Baba Yaga …
                27 March 2018 at 12:13 pm

                None of which is relevant. But good diversion.

                • One Anonymous Bloke …
                  27 March 2018 at 12:22 pm

                  Absolutely relevant, since the IPCC recommends lowering birthrates (via eg: improved access to healthcare and contraception) as a practical way to address AGW.

                  • Baba Yaga …
                    27 March 2018 at 12:49 pm

                    …and so you only blame women for high birth rates?

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      27 March 2018 at 5:59 pm

                      No. That’s why I mentioned targeted policies. Rosling, for examples, cites the way that, as child mortality and consequently, birthrate declines, ideas of masculinity change from being attached to the number of children you have, to the well-being of those children.

                      Also, “blame” is useless.

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      27 March 2018 at 9:02 pm

                      “That’s why I mentioned targeted policies. ”

                      Where did you mention ‘targeted’ policies.

                      “Also, “blame” is useless.”
                      You assigned blame for the birth rate to women in both of your comments above. I would use the word ‘responsibility’, but you may not understand that.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      28 March 2018 at 6:55 am

                      Does twisting people’s words give you some sort of pathetic sense of achievement, Ad Nauseam?

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      28 March 2018 at 9:35 am

                      “Does twisting people’s words…”

                      Where did you mention ‘targeted policies’?

                      Btw…You assigned blame, I’m simply pointing it out.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      28 March 2018 at 10:10 am

                      🙄

                  • Bill …
                    27 March 2018 at 1:16 pm

                    Absolutely relevant…really?

                    As far as I’m aware the IPCC has simply made the observation that increased material wealth through general economic growth tends to go along with a dropping birth rate.

                    ‘Course, they back off from the obvious conclusion, that because economic growth goes hand in hand with growth in emissions…

                    Here’s a link.

                    Anyway.

                    Another link to where the IPCC explicitly recommends lowering birth rates through the measures you mention as a prescription for addressing climate change would be … enlightening.

              • McFlock …
                27 March 2018 at 12:34 pm

                He can’t knock himself out. He’s got a cap on his head.

          • Bill 2.3.2.1.2
            27 March 2018 at 11:53 am

            There isn’t anything about birth rates that I could see in my (admittedly) quick perusal of the articles.

            And if there was…well, yesterdays post by Stargazer says all that need to be said on the birth rate/climate change front.

    • Bill 2.4
      27 March 2018 at 10:30 am

      Here’s a link to a summary, and a second link to the full text.

      https://cop23.com.fj/cop23-presidency-announces-first-gender-action-plan-highlights-role-women-climate-action/

      https://cop23.com.fj/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Gender-Action-Plan.pdf

      In essence it’s a lot of top/down bureaucratic head wank.

      Yes, women are among the marginalised and yes, the marginalised are marginalised and yes, the world’s governments have previously committed to take actions on climate change with equity in mind.

      And what we get is some words making a nod to previous commitments.

      So as a priority, they are going to run workshops and make a submission.

      Then they’re going to promote travel funds and report on the gender balance of the UNFCCC (I think). Then there’s “capacity building” training and (this one makes for a hollow laugh) the training of experts. (Because the IPCCC and the governments it represents are fucking experts who have everything well in hand)

      And so it goes on. Window dressing and nonsense.

      • Carolyn_Nth 2.4.1
        27 March 2018 at 11:28 am

        Well, it’s how those organisations work.

        And it does give a stamp of approval for gender considerations in climate change responses. It also gives a bit of the rationale, which is useful.

        • Bill 2.4.1.1
          27 March 2018 at 11:49 am

          Yup. And 30 years of worth of meetings, symposiums, declarations and what not has translated into some stellar actions being taken on CO2 reduction.

          Oh, hang on.

          The emissions in 2017 were higher than for any other year ever. (37 billion tonnes – up 2%)

          Those organisations (or so it seems from the evidence) simply don’t work.

  3. Cinny 3
    27 March 2018 at 9:48 am

    Love Julie Annes work, have been very entertained listening to all the old white men ringing up talk back in a tizzy over the last few days, LMAO !!!

    Nurses/Healers and Teachers/Educators should be paid top dollar in any society, it’s common sense.

  4. cleangreen 4
    27 March 2018 at 1:50 pm

    We support Julie Anne genter we are not part of the green Party movement either.

    As an old white man I support Julie Anne Genter because when we fought for all environmental issues we saw the power base of local Governance and “consultants they use to defend “dirty industry” was almost 90% run by old white men that often did nothing but tick opf all those dirty industry practices..

    Consequently almost nothing had changed to advance a good policy for tackling climate chargen now.

  5. Ad 5
    27 March 2018 at 2:59 pm

    Genter is making all the right moves for co-leader. Making most of lower ranked portfolios.

    • Tracey 5.1
      27 March 2018 at 4:49 pm

      Cos she couldnt be saying this stuff to try and change our society, it must be to get the co leadership…

      • Ad 5.1.1
        27 March 2018 at 4:54 pm

        Walk.
        Chew gum.

        Sometimes both.

        • tracey 5.1.1.1
          27 March 2018 at 5:28 pm

          Agree but sometimes just trying to make change

          • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.1.1
            27 March 2018 at 6:10 pm

            Always interesting to see the attack lines pre-figured.

            If Genter gets the nod, the Greens will have turned their backs on the poor and the corporatisation of the party will be complete. If Davidson, they’re Communist identity politicians.

            And hopelessly naive too, whoever becomes co-leader. Whatever passes for roaring in the corner on the day.

            • tracey 5.1.1.1.1.1
              27 March 2018 at 6:12 pm

              Meanwhile as I watch TVNZ News, Simon Bridges gets to swing at Curran while having no questions about Finlayson to bat away

  6. timeforacupoftea 6
    27 March 2018 at 7:04 pm

    Anybody with Green thinking male and female must be slightly insane to bring a child into this ending world. The poor child is going to suffer badly from family depression for sure.

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    The first I knew of the news about Tory Whanau was when a tweet came up in my feed.The sort of tweet that makes you question humanity, or at least why you bother with Twitter. Which is increasingly a cesspit of vile inhabitants who lurk spreading negativity, hate, and every ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Dangling Transport Solutions
    Cable Cars, Gondolas, Ropeways and Aerial Trams are all names for essentially the same technology and the world’s biggest maker of them are here to sell them as an public transport solution. Stuff reports: Austrian cable car company Doppelmayr has launched its case for adding aerial cable cars to New ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • November AMA
    Hi,It’s been awhile since I’ve done an Ask-Me-Anything on here, so today’s the day. Ask anything you like in the comments section, and I’ll be checking in today and tomorrow to answer.Leave a commentNext week I’ll be giving away a bunch of these Mister Organ blu-rays for readers in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • National’s early moves adding to cost of living pressure
    The cost of living grind continues, and the economic and inflation honeymoon is over before it began. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: PM Christopher Luxon unveiled his 100 day plan yesterday with an avowed focus of reducing cost-of-living pressures, but his Government’s initial moves and promises are actually elevating ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Backwards to the future
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed that it will be back to the future on planning legislation. This will be just one of a number of moves which will see the new government go backwards as it repeals and cost-cuts its way into power. They will completely repeal one ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • New initiatives in science and technology could point the way ahead for Luxon government
    As the new government settles into the Beehive, expectations are high that it can sort out some  of  the  economic issues  confronting  New Zealand. It may take time for some new  ministers to get to grips with the range of their portfolio work and responsibilities before they can launch the  changes that  ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    4 days ago

  • Treaty pledge to secure funding is contentious – but is Peters being pursued by a lynch mob after ...
    TV3 political editor Jenna Lynch was among the corps of political reporters who bridled, when Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters told them what he thinks of them (which is not much). She was unabashed about letting her audience know she had bridled. More usefully, she drew attention to something which ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • How long does this last?
    I have a clear memory of every election since 1969 in this plucky little nation of ours. I swear I cannot recall a single one where the question being asked repeatedly in the first week of the new government was: how long do you reckon they’ll last? And that includes all ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • National’s giveaway politics
    We already know that national plans to boost smoking rates to collect more tobacco tax so they can give huge tax-cuts to mega-landlords. But this morning that policy got even more obscene - because it turns out that the tax cut is retrospective: Residential landlords will be able to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • CHRIS TROTTER: Who’s driving the right-wing bus?
    Who’s At The Wheel? The electorate’s message, as aggregated in the polling booths on 14 October, turned out to be a conservative political agenda stronger than anything New Zealand has seen in five decades. In 1975, Bill Rowling was run over by just one bus, with Rob Muldoon at the wheel. In 2023, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • GRAHAM ADAMS:  Media knives flashing for Luxon’s government
    The fear and loathing among legacy journalists is astonishing Graham Adams writes – No one is going to die wondering how some of the nation’s most influential journalists personally view the new National-led government. It has become abundantly clear within a few days of the coalition agreements ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • Top 10 news links for Wednesday, Nov 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere for Wednesday November 29, including:The early return of interest deductibility for landlords could see rebates paid on previous taxes and the cost increase to $3 billion from National’s initial estimate of $2.1 billion, CTU Economist Craig Renney estimated here last ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Smokefree Fallout and a High Profile Resignation.
    The day after being sworn in the new cabinet met yesterday, to enjoy their honeymoon phase. You remember, that period after a new government takes power where the country, and the media, are optimistic about them, because they haven’t had a chance to stuff anything about yet.Sadly the nuptials complete ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • As Cabinet revs up, building plans go on hold
    Wellington Council hoardings proclaim its preparations for population growth, but around the country councils are putting things on hold in the absence of clear funding pathways for infrastructure, and despite exploding migrant numbers. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Cabinet meets in earnest today to consider the new Government’s 100-day ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • National takes over infrastructure
    Though New Zealand First may have had ambitions to run the infrastructure portfolios, National would seem to have ended up firmly in control of them.  POLITIK has obtained a private memo to members of Infrastructure NZ yesterday, which shows that the peak organisation for infrastructure sees  National MPs Chris ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • At a glance – Evidence for global warming
    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
    5 days ago

  • Who’s Driving The Right-Wing Bus?
    Who’s At The Wheel? The electorate’s message, as aggregated in the polling booths on 14 October, turned out to be a conservative political agenda stronger than anything New Zealand has seen in five decades. In 1975, Bill Rowling was run over by just one bus, with Rob Muldoon at the wheel. In ...
    Bowalley Road
    5 days ago

  • Sanity break
    Cheers to reader Deane for this quote from Breakfast TV today:Chloe Swarbrick to Brook van Velden re the coalition agreement: “... an unhinged grab-bag of hot takes from your drunk uncle at Christmas”Cheers also to actual Prime Minister of a country Christopher Luxon for dorking up his swearing-in vows.But that's enough ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Sanity break
    Cheers to reader Deane for this quote from Breakfast TV today:Chloe Swarbrick to Brook van Velden re the coalition agreement: “... an unhinged grab-bag of hot takes from your drunk uncle at Christmas”Cheers also to actual Prime Minister of a country Christopher Luxon for dorking up his swearing-in vows.But that's enough ...
    More than a fieldingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • National’s murderous smoking policy
    One of the big underlying problems in our political system is the prevalence of short-term thinking, most usually seen in the periodic massive infrastructure failures at a local government level caused by them skimping on maintenance to Keep Rates Low. But the new government has given us a new example, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • NZ has a chance to rise again as our new government gets spending under control
    New Zealand has  a chance  to  rise  again. Under the  previous  government, the  number of New Zealanders below the poverty line was increasing  year by year. The Luxon-led government  must reverse that trend – and set about stabilising  the  pillars  of the economy. After the  mismanagement  of the outgoing government created   huge ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    5 days ago

  • KARL DU FRESNE: Media and the new government
    Two articles by Karl du Fresne bring media coverage of the new government into considerations.  He writes –    Tuesday, November 28, 2023 The left-wing media needed a line of attack, and they found one The left-wing media pack wasted no time identifying the new government’s weakest point. Seething over ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • PHILIP CRUMP:  Team of rivals – a CEO approach to government leadership
    The work begins Philip Crump wrote this article ahead of the new government being sworn in yesterday – Later today the new National-led coalition government will be sworn in, and the hard work begins. At the core of government will be three men – each a leader ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Black Friday
    As everyone who watches television or is on the mailing list for any of our major stores will confirm, “Black Friday” has become the longest running commercial extravaganza and celebration in our history. Although its origins are obscure (presumably dreamt up by American salesmen a few years ago), it has ...
    Bryan GouldBy Bryan Gould
    6 days ago

  • In Defense of the Media.
    Yesterday the Ministers in the next government were sworn in by our Governor General. A day of tradition and ceremony, of decorum and respect. Usually.But yesterday Winston Peters, the incoming Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister, of our nation used it, as he did with the signing of the coalition ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Top 10 news links at 10 am for Tuesday, Nov 28
    Nicola Willis’ first move was ‘spilling the tea’ on what she called the ‘sobering’ state of the nation’s books, but she had better be able to back that up in the HYEFU. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere at 10 am ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • PT use up but fare increases coming
    Yesterday Auckland Transport were celebrating, as the most recent Sunday was the busiest Sunday they’ve ever had. That’s a great outcome and I’m sure the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago

  • The very opposite of social investment
    Nicola Willis (in blue) at the signing of the coalition agreement, before being sworn in as both Finance Minister and Social Investment Minister. National’s plan to unwind anti-smoking measures will benefit her in the first role, but how does it stack up from a social investment viewpoint? Photo: Lynn Grieveson ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Giving Tuesday
    For the first time "in history" we decided to jump on the "Giving Tuesday" bandwagon in order to make you aware of the options you have to contribute to our work! Projects supported by Skeptical Science Inc. Skeptical Science Skeptical Science is an all-volunteer organization but ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Let's open the books with Nicotine Willis
    Let’s say it’s 1984,and there's a dreary little nation at the bottom of the Pacific whose name rhymes with New Zealand,and they've just had an election.Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, will you look at the state of these books we’ve opened,cries the incoming government, will you look at all this mountain ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • Climate Change: Stopping oil
    National is promising to bring back offshore oil and gas drilling. Naturally, the Greens have organised a petition campaign to try and stop them. You should sign it - every little bit helps, and as the struggle over mining conservation land showed, even National can be deterred if enough people ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Don’t accept Human Rights Commission reading of data on Treaty partnership – read the survey fin...
    Wellington is braced for a “massive impact’ from the new government’s cutting public service jobs, The Post somewhat grimly reported today. Expectations of an economic and social jolt are based on the National-Act coalition agreement to cut public service numbers in each government agency in a cost-trimming exercise  “informed by” head ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • The stupidest of stupid reasons
    One of the threats in the National - ACT - NZ First coalition agreements was to extend the term of Parliament to four years, reducing our opportunities to throw a bad government out. The justification? Apparently, the government thinks "elections are expensive". This is the stupidest of stupid reasons for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • A website bereft of buzz
    Buzz from the Beehive The new government was being  sworn in, at time of writing , and when Point of Order checked the Beehive website for the latest ministerial statements and re-visit some of the old ones we drew a blank. We found ….  Nowt. Nothing. Zilch. Not a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • MICHAEL BASSETT: A new Ministry – at last
    Michael Bassett writes – Like most people, I was getting heartily sick of all the time being wasted over the coalition negotiations. During the first three weeks Winston grinned like a Cheshire cat, certain he’d be needed; Chris Luxon wasted time in lifting the phone to Winston ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon's Breakfast.
    The Prime Minister elect had his silver fern badge on. He wore it to remind viewers he was supporting New Zealand, that was his team. Despite the fact it made him look like a concierge, or a welcomer in a Koru lounge. Anna Burns-Francis, the Breakfast presenter, asked if he ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • LINDSAY MITCHELL:  Oranga Tamariki faces major upheaval under coalition agreement
     Lindsay Mitchell writes – A hugely significant gain for ACT is somewhat camouflaged by legislative jargon. Under the heading ‘Oranga Tamariki’ ACT’s coalition agreement contains the following item:   Remove Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 According to Oranga Tamariki:     “Section ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • BRIAN EASTON:  Peters as Minister
    A previous column looked at Winston Peters biographically. This one takes a closer look at his record as a minister, especially his policy record. Brian Easton writes – 1990-1991: Minister of Māori Affairs. Few remember Ka Awatea as a major document on the future of Māori policy; there is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Cathrine Dyer's guide to watching COP 28 from the bottom of a warming planet
    Is COP28 largely smoke and mirrors and a plan so cunning, you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel? Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: COP28 kicks off on November 30 and up for negotiation are issues like the role of fossil fuels in the energy transition, contributions to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Top 10 news links at 10 am for Monday, Nov 27
    PM Elect Christopher Luxon was challenged this morning on whether he would sack Adrian Orr and Andrew Coster.TL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere at 10 am on Monday November 27, including:Signs councils are putting planning and capital spending on hold, given a lack of clear guidance ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the new government’s policies of yesteryear
    This column expands on a Werewolf column published by Scoop on Friday Routinely, Winston Peters is described as the kingmaker who gets to decide when the centre right or the centre-left has a turn at running this country. He also plays a less heralded but equally important role as the ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    7 days ago

  • The New Government’s Agreements
    Last Friday, almost six weeks after election day, National finally came to an agreement with ACT and NZ First to form a government. They also released the agreements between each party and looking through them, here are the things I thought were the most interesting (and often concerning) from the. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    7 days ago

  • How many smokers will die to fund the tax cuts?
    Maori and Pasifika smoking rates are already over twice the ‘all adult’ rate. Now the revenue that generates will be used to fund National’s tax cuts. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The devil is always in the detail and it emerged over the weekend from the guts of the policy agreements National ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • How the culture will change in the Beehive
    Perhaps the biggest change that will come to the Beehive as the new government settles in will be a fundamental culture change. The era of endless consultation will be over. This looks like a government that knows what it wants to do, and that means it knows what outcomes ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    7 days ago

  • No More Winnie Blues.
    So what do you think of the coalition’s decision to cancel Smokefree measures intended to stop young people, including an over representation of Māori, from taking up smoking? Enabling them to use the tax revenue to give other people a tax cut?David Cormack summed it up well:It seems not only ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #47
    A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science  Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Nov 19, 2023 thru Sat, Nov 25, 2023.  Story of the Week World stands on frontline of disaster at Cop28, says UN climate chief  Exclusive: Simon Stiell says leaders must ‘stop ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Some of it is mad, some of it is bad and some of it is clearly the work of people who are dangerous ...
    On announcement morning my mate texted:Typical of this cut-price, fake-deal government to announce itself on Black Friday.What a deal. We lose Kim Hill, we gain an empty, jargonising prime minister, a belligerent conspiracist, and a heartless Ayn Rand fanboy. One door closes, another gets slammed repeatedly in your face.It seems pretty ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • “Revolution” is the threat as the Māori Party smarts at coalition government’s Treaty directi...
    Buzz from the Beehive Having found no fresh announcements on the government’s official website, Point of Order turned today to Scoop’s Latest Parliament Headlines  for its buzz. This provided us with evidence that the Māori Party has been soured by the the coalition agreement announced yesterday by the new PM. “Soured” ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • The Good, the Bad, and the even Worse.
    Yesterday the trio that will lead our country unveiled their vision for New Zealand.Seymour looking surprisingly statesmanlike, refusing to rise to barbs about his previous comments on Winston Peters. Almost as if they had just been slapstick for the crowd.Winston was mostly focussed on settling scores with the media, making ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • When it Comes to Palestine – Free Speech is Under Threat
    Hi,Thanks for getting amongst Mister Organ on digital — thanks to you, we hit the #1 doc spot on iTunes this week. This response goes a long way to helping us break even.I feel good about that. Other things — not so much.New Zealand finally has a new government, and ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 week ago

  • Thank you Captain Luxon. Was that a landing, or were we shot down?
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Also in More Than A FeildingFriday The unboxing And so this is Friday and what have we gone and done to ourselves?In the same way that a Christmas present can look lovely under the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand welcomes European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement
    A significant milestone in ratifying the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was reached last night, with 524 of the 705 member European Parliament voting in favour to approve the agreement. “I’m delighted to hear of the successful vote to approve the NZ-EU FTA in the European Parliament overnight. This is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Further humanitarian support for Gaza, the West Bank and Israel
    The Government is contributing a further $5 million to support the response to urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, bringing New Zealand’s total contribution to the humanitarian response so far to $10 million. “New Zealand is deeply saddened by the loss of civilian life and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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