Last night’s ASB Finance Debate (updated)
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6:46 pm, September 14th, 2023 - 70 comments
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I’m updating the post with my impressions from the debate last night (replay video below).
I don’t watch a lot of political theatre and I’d forgotten how much I hate macho politics. The odd flash back to John Key punching David Cunliffe repeatedly on national TV and crowing about it was useful to see where the bottom of the barrel is and that we’re not actually there. Last night was still however a reminder that at least some of our leaders see the parry and thrust as more important than say the electorate being well informed about party policy and economics.
The key things that stood out for me,
National and Act’s response to the cost of living crisis is to cut government spending. Unfortunately for Act on the night, that would mean Queenstown losing funding for the big sporting and cultural events that are core to the area’s way of life and economy. Hugely ironic was hearing them talk about the current Labour government’s ‘overspending’ when Queenstown did very well out of government pandemic financial support. Overall, unsurprisingly, the right want business not government to lead the way.
Labour will tighten our belts for us. Nothing nearly as horrific as the ideological commitment from the right to take from most of us and give to the rich, but significant in that they are still largely trapped in the old economy and can’t see a way out. Robertson did well in terms of presenting the good things Labour has done and taking part in the on stage jousting.
James Shaw was sober compared to the rest. He seemed off his game to me, but then he’s not the Green Party finance person (Julie Anne Genter is), so perhaps he was underprepared. Nevertheless, he presented solid arguments rather than political theatre rhetoric or the badly done sophistry of Nicola Willis trying to fudge their tax policy fuck up. The Greens are of course focused on the green economy, and Shaw explains the concepts well.
I can’t also help but see the difference between Shaw and the others as him just being on a different planet, him being in planet earth, everyone else being on the planet where we actually ignore the planet and pretend that the economy is god. While Seymour, Robertson and Willis were in full orthodox performance, Shaw must have been acutely aware of the major study published the day before the debate showing that Earth is beyond six of nine planetary boundaries thanks to human action and inaction. From the Guardian coverage,
Earth’s life support systems have been so damaged that the planet is “well outside the safe operating space for humanity”, scientists have warned.
Their assessment found that six out of nine “planetary boundaries” had been broken because of human-caused pollution and destruction of the natural world. The planetary boundaries are the limits of key global systems – such as climate, water and wildlife diversity – beyond which their ability to maintain a healthy planet is in danger of failing.
Where everyone else is treating the climate and ecology crises as this discrete part of the economy, one of many things that need to be taken into account and certainly not the most important (make no mistake, both Act and National want to cut funding to New Zealand’s climate action), the Greens are saying no, our economy sits within and is utterly dependent upon the natural world, and thus we must consider the climate and ecology crises in everything we do.
The gist as I understand it,
- our current economic system cannot survive the climate collpase that will ensue if we don’t drop GHGs fast.
- the kind of economy that we need to drop GHGs will help mitigate the worst of climate change and help us adapt and help us transition. Win, win, win. This is important, so I will reiterate. We can change our system so that we both prevent climate catastrophe and adapt to what is already locked in.
- the Greens have a plan for that, broadly speaking it’s about a just transition (fairness for those worst affected) that uses the needed changes to drive the economy eg green tech and innovation
Shaw didn’t get a lot of time to talk about that last night, but covered the basics. He also did well on a number of other topics, including pointing out that the Greens are offering better tax cuts than National.
Th ball is in our court right now. Instead of giving up, we have 4 weeks to fight with everything we have in order for the left to win this election. Willis demonstrated how badly prepared National are for running the economy but also the kinds of damage they will do even in one term. Act demonstrated the kind of hard right fuckery we can expect in any coalition deals. I don’t think it’s a done deal by any means. But I do think the rise of the Greens and taking climate seriously matters, not in spite of the cost of living crisis but because it’s yet another door opening to transition.
________________________________________________________________
The Chamber of Commerce in Queenstown is hosting tonight’s debate from 7pm.
On Thursday 14 September, in partnership with ASB we’re bringing you an engaging debate between the current Finance Minister and Finance Spokespersons from the top four polling parties to help you make an informed and purposeful decision when it comes time to vote. The debate will be moderated by TVNZ’s Q&A and Saturday Mornings on Newstalk ZB host, Jack Tame.
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The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...5 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...17 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...17 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...18 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...18 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...19 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...20 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...21 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...21 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...22 hours ago
- Fighting for Kiwis in Trade
Delivered at Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School Good morning and thank you Deputy Vice Chancellor Lithander for your warm welcome and for inviting me to open Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School today. A Special thanks to the University of Auckland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ...23 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...23 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...1 day ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...2 days ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...3 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...3 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...5 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...1 week ago
- RNA editing is the next frontier in gene therapy – here’s what you need to know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Hui, Research Fellow, Centre for Eye Research Australia and Honorary Fellow, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne IoanaB/Shutterstock The United States Food and Drug Administration has just approved the first-ever clinical trial that uses CRISPR-Cas13 RNA editing. Its ...43 minutes ago - Yes, you still need to use sunscreen, despite what you’ve heard on TikTok
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Lee, PhD Candidate, Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Karolina Grabowska/Pexels Summer is nearly here. But rather than getting out the sunscreen, some TikTokers are urging followers to chuck it out and go sunscreen-free. They claim it’s healthier ...43 minutes ago
- Humans are killing off the old and wise animals that hold nature together. Here’s what must change
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keller Kopf, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Charles Darwin University Laxmikant Ameenagad, Shutterstock In humans and other animals, ageing is generally associated with a decline in biological function. But scientists are now discovering older animals perform vital roles in populations and ecosystems. ...43 minutes ago
- A man scouring Google Earth found a mysterious scar in the Australian outback – and now scientists...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matej Lipar, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University Author provided/Google Earth Earlier this year, a caver was poring over satellite images of the Nullarbor Plain when he came across something unexpected: an enormous, mysterious scar etched ...43 minutes ago
- Design as a movement: how First Nations people take ownership of their cultural stories through fash...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treena Clark, Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney Once located 250 metres to the east of the Art Gallery of South Australia, the grand beaux-arts style Jubilee Exhibition Building was constructed to house the ...43 minutes ago
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The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says a third medical school and more students in Auckland and Otago are both needed. ...1 hour ago - Cricket balls can concuss and even kill batters – at all levels, helmet use must be taken seriousl...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Annette Greenhow, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Bond University Linda George/Shutterstock The ten-year anniversary of the death of much-loved Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes falls on November 27. The 25-year-old’s life was tragically cut short in 2014 when a bouncer ...1 hour ago
- Hold the roosters, no economic dawn yet
Treasury likely to downgrade economic forecast while Chris Bishop says the government won’t be ‘a slave to a surplus’, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Recession will be deeper and last longer — Treasury At a recent Spinoff ...2 hours ago - Knowing superstitions aren’t real doesn’t stop us behaving superstitiously – why?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Gomes-Ng, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Former New Zealand prime minister John Key has three white rabbits painted on his helicopter, a nod to his “massively superstitious” habit of repeating “white rabbits” three times at ...3 hours ago
- Government slammed for pushing ahead with boot camps while trial still under way
The coalition has "absolutely no intention of listening to the evidence that comes out of their experiment", Labour MP says. ...4 hours ago
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Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago - Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation
The Government’s economic adviser is sending a message it doesn’t want to hear – superannuation is increasingly unaffordable The post Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Victims of sex offending welcome shift on name suppression laws
A man abused by a former political figure is "immensely relieved" at a government proposal to end secrecy around sex offenders' identities. ...4 hours ago
- This week three parties stood together – can they withstand the storm to come?
There is plenty yet to play out, but the next election is at this rate shaping up as trio versus trio, writes Toby Manhire. A subplot of this week’s historic hīkoi mō te Tiriti has been the sight of the three opposition parties presenting a unified front. Te Pāti Māori ...5 hours ago
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Opinion: The immediate horror of nuclear weapon explosions – the blinding flash, crushing blast wave, and radioactive inferno – is well documented.But what nuclear-armed nations either don’t grasp or won’t admit, is far more chilling: how their weapons could devastate even countries thousands of kilometres from any mushroom clouds.The collapse ...5 hours ago
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FICTION1 Kāwai: Tree of Nourishment by Monty Soutar (David Bateman, $39.99)Sample dialogue, all from one chapter:“That can’t be,” replied Taona doubtfully.“You were right. The pā is unnervingly quiet,” Taona murmured.“The Hākuwai,” Motukia breathed. “Our grandfathers told us they rarely saw the Hākuwai in daylight,” Motukia muttered.“Their fight would have been futile ...5 hours ago
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- NZ’s membership of Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance in jeopardy
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- Raw Politics: Six months in a leaky Bill
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not meet the Treaty Principles Bill hikoi crowd, sees “nothing” of merit in the Act-proposed law but the Parliament his Government dominates will spend six months debating a “divisive” measure.That’s because he has accepted there needs to be “aeration” of people’s views on the Treaty, ...5 hours ago
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- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 22 November
The post Daily crossword, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Watts nears a landmark deal on global carbon trading
A framework for global carbon trading under the Paris Agreement is finally nearing completion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan after years of halting talks.Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is one of two ministers tasked by the COP29 hosts with landing a long-sought deal on Article 6 of the climate accord, ...5 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...10 hours ago
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62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...12 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...12 hours ago
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Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...13 hours ago
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Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...15 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...15 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...16 hours ago
The server will be getting hardware changes this evening starting at 10pm NZDT.
The site will be off line for some hours.
oh good, looks like Peters won't be there.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/09/live-updates-grant-robertson-nicola-willis-james-shaw-and-david-seymour-go-head-to-head-in-finance-debate.html
Only politician on his game this 2023 Election, still relevant at 87 years old doing better than Joe Biden IMHO. Hopefully Winston First can get 8-9% this General Election ???
78.
That Chamber just wants all relevant legislation gutted and in particular wants to see all those new labour regulations buried. I've seen 11 to a flat sleeping shifts, plenty of people sleeping in vans all around Queenstown.
It's an appropriate place to have this particular debate all things considered.
The Mayor talks a good game for Queenstown.
Grant Robinson claps every one on , petulant right wingers chuck a couple of painful ones to to James Shaw, says it all
Lol …. how many more weeks of this nonsense have we got to put up with ?
Bookmarking so someone can explain to me how investing in solar is anti-inflationary.
I'm guessing because sunlight does not have to be imported, unlike oil. Therefore it's potentially not subject to supply chain disruption by wars, cartel-like price gouging by oil companies and distributors, geo-political manoeuvring by oil exporting countries or exploding cost of production as the easily-accessible stuff is increasingly all gone?
Though note that we could always implement it in a bad way that did allow cartel-like price gouging – NACT would do that in a heartbeat to reward their cronies. If done well, it does promise a renewable supply of energy at stable (perhaps even declining) cost – which would be anti-inflationary.
As usual, the only sane people on the stage are Shaw and Robertson (and Tame). The audience are frankly bonkers too – but it is Queenstown, a place long-since wrecked by the money-grubbers and best avoided like the plague imho.
As usual, the only sane people on the stage are Shaw and Robertson (and Tame)
Nicola's strategy is to shout her way through the debate and in particular shout Grant down. There's a word for her but I won't use it here. 😉
Well Anne, I can imagine the B word, the C word, even the A word….. but really she is just plain thick…..
" she is just plain thick….
Which is why she has to resort to shouting.
No, not the C word… that's going too far.
I'm waiting to see that farmer with his new placard….JUST A THICK COMMUNIST……….with all those new taxes n’all……
The C word is fine — Cunning!
Hmm 'c' words for Nicola Willis I'll start
"cancerous, crazed, caterwauling, cold, cruel, clueless and cowardly "
Anymore got more?
carping conniving contentious calculating, but then Seymour, silly selfish shortsighted snide sneaky shallow
I note yous-alls are avoiding it.
Nothing like a bit of humour at a time like this. 😈
Not a shout from Nicola so much as a shrill. Nicola is not really on top of her game compared to Grant but she has caught the word salad from her boss.
Might have something to do with the links. I watched the TVNZ link and she came across as shouting. Mind you, its possible the operator was turning up the volume on her mike. 👿
Another wired up pre-menapausal female, not talking sense.
[this post-menopausal, sick of macho dickheads, female is banning you until Monday for blatant sexism (read the Policy). This is not the first time you’ve been asked to stop with the inane comments. Take this as a final warning – weka]
Your humourless misogyny has been noted. Undoubtedly, the Author of this Post will be pleased and smiling.
mod note.
Don't agree with you on policy very often Weka but I'd love you to moderate the political debates on TV perhaps with the politicians all having a low voltage collar on to keep them in line
I was going to say I'd be terrible at that because with online moderating you have time to think about what is best to do. However earlier in the year, I co-hosted a live twitter Space (which is audio only) with some radfems about Kellie Jay Keen, and KJK joined in. Hundreds of people listening on both the radfem and the KJK supporters side, maybe ten talking. The main tool there is the ability to mute everyone 😈 Which I did a number of times when they started abusing each other or talking over the top of each other.
You can also run a system where people have to put their hand up to speak.
No shock collars needed 😇
It was a good learning curve and I don't think I did too badly.
Only politician on his game this 2023 Election, still relevant at 87 years old doing better than Joe Biden IMHO. Hopefully Winston First can get 8-9% this General Election ???
What’s with the duplicate comments?
You cannot be serious.
Mate…..lol with supporters like you who needs enemies? Winston is 78 years old not 87
. I think I will be always voting left but out of the non-left politicians Winston is the least offensive to me by far.
Queenstown's currently being plastered with Act billboards, they're everywhere. Would be two to every National one, with Green and Labour signs less than 1/10 the National tally. ACT, and National, seem to be very well resourced around the town.
At the last election didn’t Seymour go on a racist jaunt to Queenstown?
Yesterday, with a friend I resurrected two Labour billboards in Wanaka that had been smashed down. The Green ones seemed to be largely intact.
In town this morning and the Nat billboard crew had a bit of work to do. Odd coincidence that it happened last night as trashed signs haven't been a thing, so far…
I agree AB, getting rid of the reliance on the petrol industry is anti-inflationary.
Drove through a large part of the Southland electorate early this week, Lumsden / Queenstown / Cromwell-Alexandra / down to Raes Junction and across to Gore. Only saw 1 labour sign, 1 green sign, outside urban centres but Nat/ACT and minor parties hoarding literally littering the rural landscape – really spoiling the views.
Groundswell heartland.
Like votes for like.
Its maybe a given that Qtown….is NAct turf. (Been National since..forever). Labour and Greens get booed. NAct get cheers.
Ive never quite understood why….surely there are more Workers (Hospo, Cleaners, Labourers, etc etc) than bosses… or B and B owners?
Maybe they are tired? I can understand.. hard work does that. And just trying to live in the place !
Maybe its just apathy.
Kerikeri is tory too, a rare middle class enclave in Northland, Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime was booed to the extent she could barely get heard at a recent candidates public meeting. Previously in May, the biggest public meeting for a while in the town led to Kainga Ora backing down on original plans. Nothing seems to annoy the bourgeoisie more than other NZers having nice housing like they do!
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/kainga-ora-changes-kerikeri-social-housing-plan-after-community-feedback/VGL3R4MM3VBHNK6YUXSI3TZFQE/
Few expect Willow to win Northland again following 2020, this piece may be illuminating for those that don’t fully realise the toxic atmosphere of this election…
https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-09-2023/youve-got-to-go-hard-willow-jean-primes-fight-to-keep-hold-of-northland
IMO quite disgusting behaviour from those jerks. I did comment here..
They’ve had National MPs since just about forever up there but because Prime hasn’t rebuilt the State Highway through the Mangamukas the shit northern roads are all her fault apparently.
Presumably a lot of those van-sleepers and other precariat members trying to get by in
Squeezedtown will not be registered to vote ….
Transcience, renting, vehicle living, will surely be factors in enrolment levels. Owners of warm, dry homes with stable street addresses will more likely a) receive their orange graphic Electoral Commission mail, and b) action it and turn out to vote.
A postal address must be provided for Electoral Commission purposes, but now PO Boxes or a nominated person address who agrees to hold your mail is allowed. This change has not been widely publicised, nor has the unpublished roll which is of great assistance for those needing or wanting privacy for whatever reason.
The message is quite simple really: vote Greens or TPM as if your life depended on it!
It does!
Nic Willis …feeling the heat. Hope that gets turned up…heaps.
Nat and ACT need to be shown..for what they are…and where they would take NZ. For sure….a bad place
James Shaw, who came across real well, repeatedly made the point that most folk don't care about the 'costings', they just want a tax cut.
My 2 cents worth had Robertson, Seymour and Shaw performing well and Willis a tad poorly. Like 'that' class mate or younger sibling. Petty jibes, denying any contradictions and always playing catch up. Her saving grace was a non hostile crowd.
she was terrible, even putting aside the content. If a GP MP behaved like that I'd be seriously embarrassed for them. She looks like she's been schooled in aggro/deflect but can't carry it off that well and it was just wrong in that context.
Good point about the crowd.
I happened to be visiting Wellington some years back and was walking along Lambton Quay with a friend when Willis first entered politics and was campaigning. The friend went "OMG who would vote for her. I was at university with her and she was the most horrible person there"
I've remembered that as her rise through politics has occurred and from my observation nothing has changed. The watch DVD to go to the movies comment just reinforced in for me and in this debate the commentary about Job Seekers from her just sealed it. Many remember the toxicity of the last National government to those on benefit.
I'm really glad she's not National's leader.
TBH I don't think it much matters. The approach and attitude to beneficiaries will be at least as bad as last time and most likely worse.
(Hot off the press I've just become aware of ACT's punitive policy for unwell and disabled on benefit).
Reminder too that those on benefit always get zilch from tax cuts as it is paid at a net rate.
Those on NZS do get a net payment increase as it is paid at a gross rate.
yeah, I just caught up on the Act policy earlier. Fuckwits.
"Many remember the toxicity of the last National government to those on benefit."
My Mum talks of this often. She was widowed relatively young and had worked her whole life.
Whenever having to go into WINZ and the vibe, wait times, the borderline interrogation. Contrasted with the last decade. Winter energy payments et al and a seemingly massive cultural shift at the WINZ (Feilding branch) anyhow).
Yea that "real ice cream/movies" for her kids was such a fake act.
And IMO Nic Willis gives off a potential "Ruthless" Ruth Richardson vibe.
Having lived/worked through that period…I'd truly hate her inner Ruth to manifest….
For all of us at the lower end of things.
NACT and ACT will be bad news for NZ>
Nick Rockell has an excellent take on our sidebar. He outline "Cuts before Christmas" and shows what it means for The Public Service.
Nick is a good Writer…and sure has the measure of Ol' Nat Nic Willis.
The more I learn about her..the more I get an …ominous feeling.
As I, and others, have said that "real icecream and movies" blurt was so fake…..
And …I can see her in a potential future..channelling her inner "Ruthless" Ruth Richardson. : (
Fark that..we've been there. Those type are all : "Theres no gain without pain"
Yea our pain..their gain !!
Left Solidarity..we can beat them. We must !
It a a pity that Jack Tame didn’t make more of the fact that NW stated categorically that their costings were in the handout given but when Grant Robertson showed that this was not true it was dropped. Jack should have taken that paper and verified to all of us watching that she had in fact lied. If this is shown that the information was there I will offer humble apologies. But I trust Grant to be right. They need to show their modelling. Not just give us assumptions. I believe Luxon and Willis are just parrots for the back room boys. A lot of their rhetoric is reminiscent of key himself. Willis was blown off the stage last night when she tried to go off script. Can’t wait to see luxon in debate with Prime Minister Hipkins. As long as Chris Hipkins keeps his cool and doesn’t respond to gotcha moments like ‘show us the money’ he will be great. ….Swipe left!
Wouldn't Nicola have failed in the "Show me the Money," because she cannot show anyone where the money is coming from. And the Herald is quoting her:
I guess she will find the money somewhere?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-party-leaders-trade-criticism-in-finance-debate/JPMFOHNJDJD4RDLI3DPBDGIKAQ/
James Shaw didn't start in the right place. There is a strong and organised groundswell of Queenstown and Wanaka tourism businesses who truly get sustainability both as a minimum operating standard and as a necessary competitive advantage. Both its tourism entities and its airport are very clear about this direction.
On the same day, Otago Uni staff had a big meeting about their financial future. Across the Otago region it is this institution that has the highest salaries and most productive employees, and many are getting restructured out. That's the economy to really debate.
Also on the same day Damien O'Connor reminded a room full of farmers during a debate that the world does not owe farmers a living and the only way New Zealand farmers will thrive is if they make super-premium highly benchmarked foods that rely on high value not high volume. Again, the economy to really debate.
National and Act will deliver a low-value low-regulated commodity economy that treats cheap imported labour and cheap exported blocks of cheese about the same. If anyone wants to see the result, look only to the collapse of the sheep and wool industry in the course of one decade. That is the economy to debate.
' the only way New Zealand farmers will thrive is if they make super-premium highly benchmarked foods that rely on high value not high volume. Again, the economy to really debate.'
My understanding is that this has been a long held position.
When they needed to tidy up after the Theo Spering reign,premium products were sold off.
Tip Top Ice cream from memory was one.
Fonterra also had a competitor that was doing well against Sanitariums UP&Go…that was discontinued.(Fast Start)
Cheese seems to be a sector where there is opportunity for premium products.
I used to buy it.My theory is that Sanitarium threatened to take production of their product elsewhere ,if Fonterra was going to compete at retail level.
This is the most recent MFAT brief on the state of our export economy.
The usual travel categories get a sugar rush and dairy surges forward, the higher value sectors not so much.
https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/nz-economic-performance-in-2022-and-future-prospects/#:~:text=In%20the%20year%20ended%20December,%25%20above%20pre%2Dpandemic%20levels.
Your living proof that even seriously clever people can have a blind spit,
Sustainable tourism is an oxymoron
doesn't mean I won't do some but be honest ffs!!
Don't turn to me; read the actual strategic direction they are setting down. Might do you good.
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/regenerative-tourism-2030/the-plan/#:~:text=Queenstown%20Lakes'%20destination%20management%20plan,zero%20visitor%20economy%20by%202030.
https://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/regenerative-tourism-by-2030/the-vision/#:~:text=Support%20a%20sustainable%20and%20healthy,from%20the%20local%20host%20community.
https://www.milfordopportunities.nz/
https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/about-us/sustainability/#:~:text=On%202%20December%202020%2C%20the,reduction%20targets%20by%20December%202022.
Read them all, note the actual companies putting their reputation on the global line unlike yourself, and report back before you feel the need to generate more supercilious spiteful ignorance of your own country.
Make sure you quote to ensure we all know you're not a fucking idiot.
Nicola Willis will have tax cuts by Christmas. So she will gut The Public Service. Those families will be unemployed by Christmas
I believe so called charities need to be taxed. Same for so called religions. The 311 families who put up$8million and $4million to buy this election, need to be taxed. Then we would have the money for tax adjustments without the cut and destroy approach of Nact.
Plus I wonder if our PM knows that Luxon won a National debate prize….. so much for "the under dog." They lie as a reflex or to gain advantage.
We were impressed by the clarity of James Shaw's points. Both Willis and Seymour spoke in management speak, and were unconvincing. Both lied by omission.
I must correct you on one major point.
National and ACT don't say they want to reduce government spending per se, they say they want to eliminate "wasteful spending" and there is a big difference.
To the NACTs, wasteful spending is any spending that doesn't immediately bring mega dollars into the pockets of investors, developers, entrepreneurs, and of course themselves as government. So wasteful spending is spending on benefits, transport subsidies, anything that Maori run, and critically – research and development (look how National took the guts out of R and D last time they were in government). In short, anything that takes time to realise the gains.
The mayor of the tourist areas can look forward to generous NACT government donations for the next tourist megaplaza or sports complex. Got a plan to build a gondola that flies over a National Park natural wonderland, create a vast ski resort for rich Australians and Europeans, or land helicopters on the top of Mt Ruapehu? No problems. Got a plan to help the poor, the homeless or the sick? F….off, we're not interested.
That is what you will get from the NACTS.
I should have said cuts not tax cuts. Nicola is on record as saying 1500 jobs from the backroom must go.
Nick Rockell has an excellent take on our sidebar. He outlines "Cuts before Christmas" and shows what it means for The Public Service.
Well worth a read.
imo
https://nickrockel.substack.com/p/grinch-to-steal-xmas
It was Seymour's idea to do it before Christmas, but Willis being keen on it, as some 100 day thing, is disturbing.
This is Gurner territory.
It's probably time to ask Willis if National's intention to pay super at 66% net is a promise or flexible – given ACT policy.
Maybe Willis and lux could start slashing wasteful spending in the public service sector by taking a healthy salary cut. You know, showing good will and solidarity and all that. Isn’t it us bottom feeders paying their wages?. Partially?
Limousine Luxon taking a pay cut? It's not in his DNA my friend
I sincerely doubt that they’re in it for the salaries. Their financial and other rewards, gains, and windfall will be elsewhere. Think capital gains. They’re most definitely not in it for us!
Yes, his 7 properties could jump 20% in value. Now what amount could that be?
" We can change our system so that we both prevent climate catastrophe and adapt to what is already locked in. "
What is locked in is climate catastrophe. The Earth is in open ended unstoppable heating. Back in 1990, 33 years ago they were saying we had 10 years to change to prevent disaster! What did the " World " do? We doubled down even tripled down!