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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- Policy Announcement: Capped Time-Period For Job Seeker BeneficiariesNew Zealand First today is announcing a policy on adjusting the rules and restrictions around access to the Job Seeker Benefit. New Zealand First’s policy is to introduce a capped time-period for any person to access the Job Seeker Benefit during their lifetime. Any individual will have the ability to access the Job Seeker ...1 week ago
- Release: National’s traffic light system has child poverty reduction stallingNational’s cuts to funding for beneficiaries will once again leave children and their parents with less, Spokesperson for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said. ...1 week ago
- Green Party will end child poverty
The Green Party will double the Best Start payment and make it available for every child under three years of age - and it will be paid for with a fair tax system. ...1 week ago - Release: Labour pledges billion-dollar medicines boostLabour will fund more medicines for more New Zealanders by investing over $1 billion of new funding into Pharmac if re-elected, Chris Hipkins announced today. ...1 week ago
- National's welfare policy is cruelThe National Party’s job seeker policy announced today is heartless. ...1 week ago
- Labour's PHARMAC Policy A PlaceboLabour has just announced a policy to increase Pharmac funding by $1billion over four years to fund additional medicines. With the current Pharmac budget of $1.2billion per year and needing a further $213million, by Minister Verrall’s own admission, just to keep up with current costs - then this is nothing ...1 week ago
- Labour's PHARMAC Policy A PlaceboLabour has just announced a policy to increase Pharmac funding by $1billion over four years to fund additional medicines. With the current Pharmac budget of $1.2billion per year and needing a further $213million, by Minister Verrall’s own admission, just to keep up with current costs - then this is nothing ...1 week ago
- Re: The Call For Corporate Manslaughter LegislationThis matter begins with the Pike River investigation being inadequate, inexplicably lengthy, and after millions of dollars, the evidence that should have been placed before the public still has not been. We have always believed that Pike River is a crime scene, and that a proper investigation would have come to that conclusion. Blue ...1 week ago
- Re: The Call For Corporate Manslaughter LegislationThis matter begins with the Pike River investigation being inadequate, inexplicably lengthy, and after millions of dollars, the evidence that should have been placed before the public still has not been. We have always believed that Pike River is a crime scene, and that a proper investigation would have come to that conclusion. Blue ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour releases New Zealand’s first climate manifestoNew Zealand faces a stark choice this election – vote for Labour to continue to confront the climate emergency with eyes wide open or bury your head in the sand alongside Christopher Luxon. ...1 week ago
- Green voice crucial for climate actionThe Green Party is today welcoming Labour’s climate manifesto, but is clear that much more will need to be done to tackle the climate crisis. ...1 week ago
- Speech: Chris Hipkins – Wellington Rally, 24 September...1 week ago
- People need a government that will build many more homesLabour’s plan to build more homes is a welcome step forward, but it lacks ambition. ...1 week ago
- Release: Supercharging public housingLabour is supercharging its plan to solve the public housing shortfall created by National, promising another 6,000 homes on top of what has already been committed says Labour Housing spokesperson Dr Megan Woods. ...1 week ago
- Release: New Super Visa for migrants’ parents and rights for Dawn Raid victimsLabour will back migrant working families by introducing a 10-year multiple-entry parents’ and grandparents’ Super Visa, and make good on the Dawn Raids apology by providing a one-off visa for overstayers who have been in the country ten years or more, Labour’s Immigration Spokesperson Andrew Little says. ...2 weeks ago
- Only the Greens will deliver a fair amnesty for overstayersThe Green Party is today welcoming Labour coming to the table to ensure an amnesty for overstayers, but only the Greens will ensure immigration settings actually reflect the reality of people who have been failed by our immigration system. ...2 weeks ago
- Climate future of communities on the line this electionGreen Party co leader James Shaw attended a South Dunedin Future street meeting today to discuss local responses to climate change. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party calls for stronger action by Auckland Council to protect urban trees and native forestThe Green Party is calling on Auckland Council to do more to protect urban trees and housing developer Aedifice Property Group to restore and replant the native forest it cleared, and protect all the remaining trees on Ngahere Road in Pukekohe after a significant number of native trees were cut ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ram Raids drop to two-year lowLatest Police data shows monthly ram raids have hit a two-year low, laying waste to Christopher Luxon’s false claim that there are two ram raids a day says Labour’s Police Spokesperson Ginny Andersen. ...2 weeks ago
- Every party needs to step up on school lunchesLabour has finally said it would continue free school lunches - and the Green Party is calling on every party to step up. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: School lunches on the line this electionFree and healthy school lunches will be here to stay if Labour is re-elected, guaranteeing food for our kids who need it most and significant cost saving for parents. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour commits to a new hospital for the people of Hawke’s BayThe next Labour Government will build a new hospital in Hawke’s Bay, Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall announced. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt changes fall short of what’s needed for migrant protectionThe Green Party will keep up the fight to support exploited migrant workers, including pushing to end single employer visas, after the government picked up Green recommendations to improve immigration settings. ...2 weeks ago
- Clean Power Payment the smartest way forward to reduce emissions and billsGreen Party co leader James Shaw visited a home in Auckland today that has been upgraded with a wide range of energy improvements, similar to those that would be supported through the Green Party’s Clean Power Payment. ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister's Action – A Contempt For “Caretaker Government” ConventionThe Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s presence in New York today at the United Nations General Assembly is a contempt of New Zealand’s “caretaker government” convention. Despite the long-standing caretaker convention, Minister Mahuta is today at the UN to sign a highly contentious “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement”, delivering a ...2 weeks ago
- Back To Black ResponsiblyThe Pre-Election Fiscal Update Changes Everything Within an hour of this speech there is going to be a debate between the political parties that the media, under MMP, still think are the only parties that matter in this campaign. Both of those parties are riddled with inexperience, as evidenced by ...2 weeks ago
- Stop the cuts before they start – Labour launches new TV adNational and ACT's tax plans don't add up, and that means deep cuts to the public services New Zealanders rely on, says Labour Campaign Chair Megan Woods. ...2 weeks ago
- Youth justice programme expands to break cycle of offending
The successful ‘Circuit Breaker’ fast track programme designed to stop repeat youth offending was launched in two new locations today by Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis. The programme, first piloted in West and South Auckland in December last year, is aimed at children aged 10-13 who commit serious offending or continue ...17 hours ago - Major milestone with 20,000 employers using Apprenticeship BoostThe Government’s Apprenticeship Boost initiative has now supported 20,000 employers to help keep on and train up apprentices, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni announced in Christchurch today. Almost 62,000 apprentices have been supported to start and keep training for a trade since the initiative was introduced in ...19 hours ago
- Government supporting wood processing jobs and more diverse industryThe Government is supporting non-pine tree sawmilling and backing further job creation in sawmills in Rotorua and Whangarei, Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said. “The Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan identified the need to add more diversity to our productions forests, wood products and markets,” Peeni Henare said. ...20 hours ago
- Government backing Canterbury’s future in aerospace industryThe Government is helping Canterbury’s aerospace industry take off with further infrastructure support for the Tāwhaki Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, Infrastructure Minister Dr Megan Woods has announced. “Today I can confirm we will provide a $5.4 million grant to the Tāwhaki Joint Venture to fund a sealed runway and hangar ...20 hours ago
- Updated forestry regulations increase council controls and require large slash removalLocal councils will have more power to decide where new commercial forests – including carbon forests – are located, to reduce impacts on communities and the environment, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “New national standards give councils greater control over commercial forestry, including clear rules on harvesting practices and ...22 hours ago
- New Zealand resumes peacekeeping force leadershipNew Zealand will again contribute to the leadership of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, with a senior New Zealand Defence Force officer returning as Interim Force Commander. Defence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have announced the deployment of New Zealand ...2 days ago
- New national direction provides clarity for development and the environmentThe Government has taken an important step in implementing the new resource management system, by issuing a draft National Planning Framework (NPF) document under the new legislation, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “The NPF consolidates existing national direction, bringing together around 20 existing instruments including policy statements, standards, and ...2 days ago
- Government shows further commitment to pay equity for healthcare workersThe Government welcomes the proposed pay equity settlement that will see significant pay increases for around 18,000 Te Whatu Ora Allied, Scientific, and Technical employees, if accepted said Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. The proposal reached between Te Whatu Ora, the New Zealand Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi ...2 days ago
- 100 new public EV chargers to be added to national networkThe public EV charging network has received a significant boost with government co-funding announced today for over 100 EV chargers – with over 200 charging ports altogether – across New Zealand, and many planned to be up and running on key holiday routes by Christmas this year. Minister of Energy ...3 days ago
- Safeguarding Tuvalu language and identityTuvalu is in the spotlight this week as communities across New Zealand celebrate Vaiaso o te Gagana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week. “The Government has a proven record of supporting Pacific communities and ensuring more of our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated,” Pacific Peoples Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Many ...3 days ago
- New community-level energy projects to support more than 800 Māori householdsSeven more innovative community-scale energy projects will receive government funding through the Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund to bring more affordable, locally generated clean energy to more than 800 Māori households, Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods says. “We’ve already funded 42 small-scale clean energy projects that ...6 days ago
- Huge boost to Te Tai Tokerau flood resilienceThe Government has approved new funding that will boost resilience and greatly reduce the risk of major flood damage across Te Tai Tokerau. Significant weather events this year caused severe flooding and damage across the region. The $8.9m will be used to provide some of the smaller communities and maraes ...6 days ago
- Napier’s largest public housing development comes with solarThe largest public housing development in Napier for many years has been recently completed and has the added benefit of innovative solar technology, thanks to Government programmes, says Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods. The 24 warm, dry homes are in Seddon Crescent, Marewa and Megan Woods says the whanau living ...7 days ago
- Te Whānau a Apanui and the Crown initial Deed of Settlement I Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me...Māori: Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna te Whakaaetanga Whakataunga Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna i tētahi Whakaaetanga Whakataunga hei whakamihi i ō rātou tāhuhu kerēme Tiriti o Waitangi. E tekau mā rua ngā hapū o roto mai o Te Whānau ...1 week ago
- Plan for 3,000 more public homes by 2025 – regions set to benefitRegions around the country will get significant boosts of public housing in the next two years, as outlined in the latest public housing plan update, released by the Housing Minister, Dr Megan Woods. “We’re delivering the most public homes each year since the Nash government of the 1950s with one ...1 week ago
- Immigration settings updatesJudicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Tā Patrick (Patu) Wahanga HohepaTangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...2 weeks ago
- Renewable energy fund to support community resilience40 solar energy systems on community buildings in regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events Virtual capability-building hub to support community organisations get projects off the ground Boost for community-level renewable energy projects across the country At least 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response ...2 weeks ago
- COVID-19 funding returned to GovernmentThe lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...2 weeks ago
- Appointment of District Court JudgeSusie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today. Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilienceThe Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...2 weeks ago
- Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-upAnother $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...2 weeks ago
- Taupō Supercars revs up with Government supportThe future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...2 weeks ago
- There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarterThe economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...2 weeks ago
- Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springsThe Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today. “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...2 weeks ago
- More support for victims of migrant exploitationTemporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...2 weeks ago
- Strong export boost as NZ economy turns cornerAn export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...2 weeks ago
- Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te KarakaThe Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...2 weeks ago
- Further business support for cyclone-affected regionsThe Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...2 weeks ago
- New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underwayDefence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General AssemblyForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...2 weeks ago
- Midwives’ pay equity offer reachedAround 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand provides support to MoroccoAotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...3 weeks ago
- Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilienceThe Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...3 weeks ago
- A layperson’s guide to the climate change policies on offer this election
We’re careening towards the iceberg of runaway climate change. Here’s a comprehensive look at what each party is promising to do about it. For the past four weeks, I’ve been having election nightmares. There have been cameos from David Seymour in fluorescent lycra, and Winston Peters in a tophat and ...2 hours ago - Napier race plays out in the shadow of Stuart and GabrielleThis much is certain: the electorate will have a new MP after October 14. Read the other battleground electorate profiles in our Hot Seats series here. At the start of the year, senior Labour minister Stuart Nash was limbering up for a tilt at a fourth term representing Napier. Before ...2 hours ago
- Napier race plays out in the shadow of Stuart and GabrielleThis much is certain: the electorate will have a new MP after October 14. Read the other battleground electorate profiles in our Hot Seats series here. At the start of the year, senior Labour minister Stuart Nash was limbering up for a tilt at a fourth term representing Napier. Before ...2 hours ago
- Bought out and sold down the river
The government subsidised pine on the East Coast for nearly 30 years, huge tracts of which ended up in the hands of foreign companies known for environmental damage ...2 hours ago - What Act will use its 'stronger brew' to do
Seymour says Act will be National’s 'economic conscience' ...2 hours ago - Vaping promises up in smoke
Vaping rates, particularly among young people, have rapidly risen. Our political parties are starting to take notice, but the next government must turn proposals into policies Opinion: I knew the message about problem vaping was getting out there when the latest National Party election flyer appeared in my letterbox last week. It ...2 hours ago - Bishop may just knock over the Minister in Hutt South
Although Labour's Ginny Andersen looks set to hold her seat, it could be tight ...2 hours ago - Disability is this year's forgotten issue
Advocates say disability issues are at a "crossroads of regress" with neglect from political parties caught up in electioneering This election cycle, burning issues such as climate change, housing and migration have taken a back seat to the new hot topics of crime and the cost of living. But ...2 hours ago - Debates pull in audience despite TV decline
New polling shows televised leaders’ debates are still reaching many eligible voters despite the decline in those watching linear television A Talbot Mills Research poll seen by Newsroom reveals just under 40 percent of eligible voters watched some or all of the first two leaders’ debates. TVNZ’s 90-minute debate on September ...2 hours ago - Bola and badass gullies: the science of East Coast erosion
Scientist Mike Marden has spent decades researching the East Coast's erosion and knows the local soils like few others – and he also knows things have to change. Aaron Smale continues a series on the slow destruction of Tairāwhiti. Everywhere he looks he can see the risks and vulnerability in the landscape. ...2 hours ago - Politicians' fear of asking for sacrifices comes at a price
This is the dancing Cossacks election of a new era. But we'll pay later. ...2 hours ago - Defining issues: 'I don’t think we have a rural divide, I really don't' – dairy f...
From the big city to the farm, we measure the rural-urban divide ...2 hours ago - Daily crossword, Wednesday 4 October
...2 hours ago - The rock stars have arrived
The one about the house where a Prime Minister supposedly locked his deranged son in the basement 212 The Terrace, Wellington! Nowadays it just looks like any of the big white wooden colonial piles next to each other on The Terrace, that long, anxious nerve centre of central Wellington ...2 hours ago - Rolling back the red wave in Whangārei: 'I've got the strongest ground game'
In a seat where we expect the unexpected, Dr Shane Reti is quietly confident: 'I've got the strongest ground game' ...2 hours ago - Dramatic change pays off for world champ sprinter
She’s just 22, but new world champion Para athlete Danielle Aitchison is already giving back – hoping to give kids with disabilities what she missed out on. Newly crowned world champion sprinter Danielle Aitchison is hurtling through a massive year of change – in the way she runs, in how ...2 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 4 October
Loading...(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],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. ...3 hours ago - Even platypuses aren’t safe from bushfires – a new DNA study tracks their disappearance
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily McColl-Gausden, Research fellow, The University of Melbourne When the Black Summer bushfires swept across eastern Australia in 2019–20, thousands of animal species lived in the path of these megafires. You’d be forgiven for thinking water-dwelling animals like platypuses were spared. ...6 hours ago - France to host Pacific defence ministers in New Caledonia ‘hub’ meetingBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ French Pacific correspondent Defence ministers from several Asian and Pacific states are scheduled to meet in New Caledonia for two days during the first week of December, French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) commander General Yann Latil announced at the weekend. He added that French ...9 hours ago
- NEW POLL: Statistical Tie Between National And ACT In Race For Tāmaki
A new Taxpayers Union – Curia poll in the Tāmaki electorate shows ACT’s Brooke van Velden mounting a strong challenge to incumbent National MP, Simon O’Connor. The two major candidates for the seat are locked in a statistical tie with 35% of ...9 hours ago - Labour-friendly turf Christchurch throws up some testy exchanges for Carmel Sepuloni
The Cabinet Minister was challenged on her party's record on crime, the cost of living, veterans and beneficiaries during a visit to territory normally considered a Labour heartland. ...10 hours ago - Australia’s emissions must decline more steeply to reach climate commitment: OECDSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s emissions need to decline “on a much steeper trajectory” if it is to meet its declared commitment of a 43% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050, the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and ...10 hours ago
- Tāmaki Is Ready For A Fresh New Voice“Tonight at the Taxpayer’s Union Tāmaki debate I put forward to voters why I should be the next advocate for their community in Parliament,” says ACT Deputy Leader and Tāmaki candidate Brooke van Velden. “After 63 years being represented ...10 hours ago
- Against All Odds In Hauraki-WaikatoThe youngest candidate in this year’s election is closing in on the Labour stronghold of Hauraki-Waikato. A Whakaata Māori exclusive poll has revealed that Te Pāti Māori newcomer, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, is just four percentage points behind Labour’s ...10 hours ago
- General election 2023: Nanaia Mahuta facing serious challenge in Hauraki-Waikato, poll showsThe incumbent MP is just four points ahead of one of the youngest candidates in this year's general election, a poll conducted for Whakaata Māori is revealing. ...11 hours ago
- ACT's Brooke van Velden turns up heat on Simon O'Connor in new pollThe ACT party candidate is locked in a statistical tie with the incumbent in the previously safe National seat of Tāmaki, a new Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll reveals. ...12 hours ago
- Simon O’Connor vs Brooke van Velden will go to wire in Tāmaki – new pollFollowing a poll last week which depicted Chlöe Swarbrick in a battle to hold on to Auckland Central, another seat in the city has been confirmed as balanced on a knife edge. In a battle among the parties of the right in Tāmaki, sitting MP Simon O’Connor leads Brooke van ...12 hours ago
- No rate hike yet, but will it rise on Melbourne Cup Day? It all depends on petrol pricesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University If the Reserve Bank does push up interest rates again, the most likely next date is its next board meeting, on Melbourne Cup Tuesday. The November 7 meeting is especially ...13 hours ago
- The disability royal commission heard horrific stories of harm – now we must move towards repairSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Francis Kelly, Honorary Research Fellow, School of the Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has shared its final report. In this series, we unpack what the commission’s 222 ...13 hours ago
- My Sister Jill: Patricia Cornelius’ new play is a blistering post-war social and cultural commenta...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Austin, Lecturer in Theatre, The University of Melbourne Sarah Walker/MTC Emerging from one of Australia’s most enduring and significant theatrical partnerships between director Susie Dee and playwright Patricia Cornelius, My Sister Jill is a contemporary homage to George Johnston’s ...13 hours ago
- ‘I voted’ stickers not offered this election due to lack of demand – ECThere’s been a strong outpouring on social media after it emerged that polling booths wouldn’t be handing out the orange man “I voted” stickers during this year’s election. And while many have claimed this to be a new decision, the Electoral Commission told The Spinoff the stickers weren’t actually given ...14 hours ago
- Politicians Need To Break R&D Funding Election Cycle For Science To ThriveBioTechNZ has called on the next Government to leverage the use of biotechnology to transform the economy, lift the performance of New Zealand industries, and create high-value jobs. The organisation, whose members all share a desire to maximise the ...14 hours ago
- National Party Statement On Prostate Cancer WelcomedMore than 4000 men are diagnosed and over 700 die from prostate cancer every year. That’s more than twice the road toll. Men’s lives matter too. The Prostate Cancer Foundation today welcomed statements by the National Party relating to prostate cancer ...15 hours ago
- We started a service for people worried about their sexual thoughts about children. Here’s what we...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gemma McKibbin, Senior Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock In its 2017 final report, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse identified that there was no large-scale national early intervention service in Australia for people worried ...15 hours ago
- Large slash must now be removed after harvesting, new forestry regulations sayCyclone Gabrielle highlighted the need for better regulations on forestry, after woody debris was washed into waterways and caused widespread damage and flooding. ...15 hours ago
- Voice support up in Essential poll, but it is still behindSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The referendum on the Indigenous Voice to parliament will be held on October 14. A national Essential poll, conducted September 27 to ...15 hours ago
- Election 2023: National 'mischief making' over claims Ingrid Leary backs wealth tax –...The Labour leader is downplaying comments by his MP, Ingrid Leary, who has spoken in favour of a wealth tax. ...15 hours ago
- Time For Aotearoa NZ To Stop Investing In Infrastructure For YesterdayTime to invest in infrastructure for a modern, flourishing, resilient tomorrow. The New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils hosted its 34th AGM and Community Awards Dinner on the weekend of the 16th – 17th September 2023 in Wellington. Twenty-four ...15 hours ago
- More than 50,000 people cast ballot on first day of advance votingThe first day of advance voting yesterday saw 56,557 people cast their ballots, according to the Electoral Commission. That’s a big drop on day one of advance voting in 2020, when 92,434 people took part. Given the exceptional, Covid-impacted circumstances of the last election, however, a more instructive comparison may ...16 hours ago
- Climate debate puts parties' emissions policies under scrutinyWith New Zealand on track to fall 114 million tonnes short of the 2030 emissions reduction target, and billions of dollars likely needed to pay for it, political parties have debated their climate policies. ...16 hours ago
- Climate debate puts parties' emissions policies under scrutinyWith New Zealand on track to fall 114 million tonnes short of the 2030 emissions reduction target, and billions of dollars likely needed to pay for it, political parties have debated their climate policies. ...16 hours ago
- ACT unveils medicines policy including one-week approvalsACT is promising to require one-week Medsafe approvals for drugs and medical devices approved by at least two similar countries. ...16 hours ago
- Gambling with Covid: Repeat infections are damaging usThe science is clear, the effects are profound and the toll of Long Covid and reinfections can’t be ignored, writes Freya Sawbridge. On August 15, mandates ceased for masks in healthcare settings along with isolation for positive cases. That marked the end of the final two pandemic restrictions. Anyone wanting to ...17 hours ago
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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!