Metro: A government on the ropes
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- Date published:
7:04 am, August 20th, 2016 - 58 comments
Categories: accountability, articles, john key, national -
Tags: brighter future, change the government, metro
Well known leftie rag Metro had a timely piece by Graham Adams last week:
A government on the ropes
John Key is taking a sustained beating over homelessness, house prices and immigration. It may yet be fatal.
Homelessness delivered a serious body blow to the government in late May. Within weeks of The Nation reporting on Aucklanders living in cars, John Key’s government managed to make itself appear not only negligent but also pitiless. Most New Zealanders haven’t yet adjusted to the notion that poor people — including those in work — should aspire to living in a better-appointed garage or a better-upholstered car. That presumably isn’t the “brighter future” Key promised during election campaigns.
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It’s way beyond the time when it can deny there is a problem – which has long been John Key’s default setting. Recent polls show that 60 per cent of us think immigration levels should be reduced (including 59 per cent of National voters); 75 per cent think the government is not doing enough to control house prices.Faced with these figures, the government will want to keep two particular pieces of damning information contained; both are potentially devastating.The first is Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway’s analysis comparing skills shortages to immigrant visas. On August 11, he released figures showing the government granted thousands of work visas for low-skilled jobs despite tens of thousands of unemployed New Zealanders looking for work in those sectors. … If Lees-Galloway and Labour can make these figures stick in the public consciousness, they will destroy National’s claim that they are mostly importing workers to fill a skills shortage.
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Then there is the question of how many foreigners are buying houses here. Again, the National government cannot afford to let the truth leak out, and the most vivid evidence of its desperation has been Nick Smith’s response to Duncan Garner’s relentless quizzing on the topic. … Nick Smith’s blatant stonewalling showed how much the government is vulnerable on this point, not least because they have sneered at critics of their immigration policies as xenophobic and racist and downplayed the effect immigrants have on soaring Auckland house prices.
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Key’s repeated refusal to agree to review immigration settings looks like a deadly miscalculation. The more he tries to sidestep the problem, the more he will inflame the debate. And he’s now beginning to trip over his own shoelaces as the topic spirals out of his control.
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The National-led government — with its laissez-faire approach to homelessness, house prices and mass immigration — is sailing into a ferocious storm. A newly critical mainstream media and a resurgent opposition is a powerful mix.
Go read the whole article on Metro.
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- Free prescriptions important step forwardThe Green Party is today welcoming free prescriptions. ...2 weeks ago
- Long-term commitment needed on public housingBudget 2023’s investment in public housing falls short of what’s needed. ...2 weeks ago
- ECE extension Green win nearly 10 years in the makingThe Green Party is today celebrating Budget 2023 funding extending free ECE to two year olds. ...2 weeks ago
- Green initiative addresses both climate and inequalityA long standing Green Party policy has been extended yet again in this year’s Budget. This will deliver warmer homes for thousands of people, lower power bills, and cut climate pollution. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens on board with more affordable buses and trainsThe Green Party is fully on board with free bus and train travel for under 12s and half price travel for under 25s - next stop, free travel for all under 18s, students, and apprentices. ...2 weeks ago
- Budget 2023 falls short of what’s neededToday’s Budget makes good progress on climate and inequality, but falls short of what’s needed to fix both. ...2 weeks ago
- Flood and Cyclone recovery package covers the basicsEarlier this week, the Prime Minister announced a billion dollar flood and cyclone recovery package as part of Budget 2023. This is about doing the basics - repairing and rebuilding what has been damaged and making smart investments, including $100 million of protection funding to ensure future events don’t cause ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to boost national fuel resiliency introduced
The Fuel Industry (Improving Fuel Resilience) Amendment Bill would: boost New Zealand’s fuel supply resilience and economic security enable the minimum stockholding obligation regulations to be adapted as the energy and transport environment evolves. “Last November, I announced a six-point plan to improve the resiliency of our fuel supply from ...14 hours ago - Faster ACC payment top-ups and fairer systemThe Government is making sure those on low incomes will no longer have to wait five weeks to get the minimum weekly rate of ACC, and improving the data collected to make the system fairer, Minister for ACC Peeni Henare said today. The Accident Compensation (Access Reporting and Other Matters) ...15 hours ago
- Compulsory code of conduct for school boards introducedA compulsory code of conduct will ensure school board members are crystal clear on their responsibilities and expected standard of behaviour, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti said. It’s the first time a compulsory code of conduct has been published for state and state-integrated school boards and comes into effect on ...17 hours ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen annual conference.Tena koutou katoa and thank you, Mayor Nadine Taylor, for your welcome to Marlborough. Thanks also Doug Saunders-Loder and all of you for inviting me to your annual conference. As you might know, I’m quite new to this job – and I’m particularly pleased that the first organisation I’m giving a ...18 hours ago
- Govt to support councils with buyout and better protection of cyclone and flood affected propertiesThe Government will enter into a funding arrangement with councils in cyclone and flood affected regions to support them to offer a voluntary buyout for owners of Category 3 designated residential properties. It will also co-fund work needed to protect Category 2 designated properties. “From the beginning of this process ...20 hours ago
- Government delivers changes to reduce pokies harmThe Government has announced changes to strengthen requirements in venues with pokie (gambling) machines will come into effect from 15 June. “Pokies are one of the most harmful forms of gambling. They can have a detrimental impact on individuals, their friends, whānau and communities,” Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds said. ...20 hours ago
- Government delivers 1800 additional frontline PoliceThe total Police workforce is now the largest it has ever been. Police constabulary stands at 10,700 officers – an increase of 21% since 2017 Māori officers have increased 40%, Pasifika 83%, Asian 157%, Women 61% Every district has got more Police under this Government The Government has delivered on ...21 hours ago
- Minister Mahuta talks Pacific ambitions at the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ summitMinister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta met with Korea President Yoon, as well as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, during her recent visit to Korea. “It was an honour to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the first Korea – Pacific Leaders’ Summit. We discussed Pacific ambitions under the ...22 hours ago
- Government drives $2 billion of business research and developmentThe Government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive has supported more than $2 billion of New Zealand business innovation – an increase of around $1 billion in less than nine months. "Research and innovation are essential in helping us meet the biggest challenges and seize opportunities facing New Zealand. It’s fantastic ...2 days ago
- Achieving lift off: National Space Policy launchedThe next ‘giant leap’ in New Zealand’s space journey has been taken today with the launch of the National Space Policy, Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds announced. “Our space sector is growing rapidly. Each year New Zealand is becoming a more and more attractive place for launches, manufacturing space-related technology ...2 days ago
- New science and creative technologies wharekura announcedA new Year 7-13 designated character wharekura will be built in Pāpāmoa, Associate Minister of Education Kelvin Davis has announced. The wharekura will focus on science, mathematics and creative technologies while connecting ākonga to the whakapapa of the area. The decision follows an application by the Ngā Pōtiki ā Tamapahore ...2 days ago
- Freedom Camping changes a win for the environmentProtecting the environment by establishing a stronger, more consistent system for freedom camping Supporting councils to better manage freedom camping in their region and reduce the financial and social impacts on communities Ensuring that self-contained vehicle owners have time to prepare for the new system The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle ...2 days ago
- Speeding up the family court, reducing stress on familiesA new law passed last night could see up to 25 percent of Family Court judges’ workload freed up in order to reduce delays, Minister of Justice Kiri Allan said. The Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Bill will establish a new role known as the Family Court Associate. The ...2 days ago
- UK FTA delivers benefits from todayNew Zealand businesses will begin reaping the rewards of our gold-standard free trade agreement with the United Kingdom (UK FTA) from today. “The New Zealand UK FTA enters into force from today, and is one of the seven new or upgraded Free Trade Agreements negotiated by Labour to date,” Prime ...2 days ago
- Next steps to reform outdated surrogacy lawThe Government will reform outdated surrogacy laws to improve the experiences of children, surrogates, and the growing number of families formed through surrogacy, by adopting Labour MP Tāmati Coffey’s Member’s Bill as a Government Bill, Minister Kiri Allan has announced. “Surrogacy has become an established method of forming a family ...3 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend Shangri-La DialogueDefence Minister Andrew Little departs for Singapore tomorrow to attend the 20th annual Shangri-La Dialogue for Defence Ministers from the Indo-Pacific region. “Shangri-La brings together many countries to speak frankly and express views about defence issues that could affect us all,” Andrew Little said. “New Zealand is a long-standing participant ...3 days ago
- New Zealand–China science relationship affirmedResearch, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang met in Wellington today and affirmed the two countries’ long-standing science relationship. Minister Wang was in New Zealand for the 6th New Zealand-China Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation. Following ...3 days ago
- Supporting a strong future for screen sector5 percent uplift clearer and simpler to navigate Domestic productions can access more funding sources 20 percent rebate confirmed for post-production, digital and visual effects Qualifying expenditure for post-production, digital and visual effects rebate dropped to $250,000 to encourage more smaller productions The Government is making it easier for the ...3 days ago
- Minister Sepuloni to attend 61st Anniversary of Samoa’s IndependenceDeputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Carmel Sepuloni will represent New Zealand at Samoa’s 61st Anniversary of Independence commemorations in Apia. “Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to share in this significant occasion, alongside other invited Pacific leaders, and congratulates Samoa on the milestone of 61 ...3 days ago
- Govt backs retailers with expansion of fog cannon programmeThe Government is continuing to support retailers with additional funding for the highly popular Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme, Police and Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. “The Government is committed to improving retailers’ safety,” Ginny Andersen said. “I’ve seen first-hand the difference fog cannons are making. Not only do ...4 days ago
- Government will consider recommendations of Intelligence and Security Act reviewThe Government has received the first independent review of the Intelligence and Security Act 2017, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The review, considered by the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, was presented to the House of Representatives today. “Ensuring the safety and security of New Zealanders is of the utmost ...4 days ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Sui’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...4 days ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Siu’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...4 days ago
- Security support to Solomon Islands extendedDefence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have today announced the extension of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deployment to Solomon Islands, as part of the regionally-led Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (SIAF). “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of working alongside the Royal Solomon ...4 days ago
- Minister Mahuta to attend the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ SummitForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will travel to the Republic of Korea today to attend the Korea–Pacific Leaders’ Summit in Seoul and Busan. “Korea is an important partner for Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region. I am eager for the opportunity to meet and discuss issues that matter to our ...5 days ago
- Agreement between Indo-Pacific partners for supply chain resilienceTrade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor joined ministerial representatives at a meeting in Detroit, USA today to announce substantial conclusion of negotiations of a new regional supply chains agreement among 14 Indo-Pacific countries. The Supply Chains agreement is one of four pillars being negotiated within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ...5 days ago
- Celebrating Samoa Language Week 2023Our most spoken Pacific language is taking centre stage this week with Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week kicking off around the country. “Understanding and using the Samoan language across our nation is vital to its survival,” Barbara Edmonds said. “The Samoan population in New Zealand are ...5 days ago
- Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert systemOver 90 per cent of New Zealanders are expected to receive this year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight between 6-7pm. “Emergency Mobile Alert is a tool that can alert people when their life, health, or property, is in danger,” Kieran McAnulty said. “The annual nationwide test ...5 days ago
- Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of SettlementENGLISH: Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Whakatōhea and the Crown, 183 years to the day since Whakatōhea rangatira signed the Treaty of Waitangi, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little has announced. Whakatōhea is an iwi based in ...6 days ago
- New Chair appointed to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCOElizabeth Longworth has been appointed as the Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton announced today. UNESCO is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting cooperative action among member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and ...7 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...7 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...7 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services cheaper and more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...7 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...7 days ago
- Government’s work for survivors of abuse in care continuesThe Government continues progress on the survivor-led independent redress system for historic abuse in care, with the announcement of the design and advisory group members today. “The main recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Abuse in Care interim redress report was for a survivor-led independent redress system, and the ...7 days ago
- Humanitarian support for the Horn of AfricaAotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$7.75 million to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The Horn of Africa is experiencing its most severe drought in decades, with five consecutive failed rainy seasons. At least 43.3 million people require lifesaving and ...1 week ago
- Two brand new mental health facilities opened in ChristchurchHealth Minister Ayesha Verrall has opened two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities at the Christchurch Hillmorton Hospital campus, as the Government ramps up its efforts to build a modern fit for purpose mental health system. The buildings, costing $81.8 million, are one of 16 capital projects the Government has funded ...1 week ago
- Government invests more than $24 million in regional projectsThe Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies by announcing another $24 million worth of investment into ten diverse projects, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “Our regions are the backbone of our economy and today’s announcement continues to build on the Government’s investment to boost regional economic ...1 week ago
- Budget 23 supports the growth of Māori tourismAn $8 million boost to New Zealand Māori Tourism will help operators insulate themselves for the future. Spread over the next four years, the investment acknowledges the on-going challenges faced by the industry and the significant contribution Māori make to tourism in Aotearoa. It builds on the $15 million invested ...1 week ago
- First Bushmasters ready to rollDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the first 18 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the New Zealand Army, alongside personnel at Trentham Military Camp today. “The arrival of the Bushmaster fleet represents a significant uplift in capability and protection for defence force personnel, and a milestone in ...1 week ago
- NZ Post dropped service to quarter of world – and no one knew
NZ Post has, with little or no warning, stopped sending mail to 34 countries; there are another 21 that aren’t sending mail to us. But it's kept pretty quiet about it ...2 hours ago - Jan Tinetti and the privileges committee, explained
Why is she in trouble, and what could happen if she’s found in contempt? Scorn and entitlement. Or, at least, contempt and privilege. In the strange world where constitutional law and politics intersect, people are bad at naming things. Parliament has “privileges”, and even a whole committee specially devoted to ...3 hours ago - All your questions about legal prescription weed, answeredWhat questions will a green doctor ask you? What should you do if police see your weed? And should you really drink it in a tea? Natalie Lowe is placing her sandwich board on a central Auckland footpath. She’s been outside mere seconds when she’s approached by three burly men ...3 hours ago
- The clash of the wingwomen
The ANZ Premiership grand final will be a showdown of netball’s great wingwomen – Mystics’ Michaela Sokolich-Beatson vs Stars’ Gina Crampton. Suzanne McFadden speaks to both athletes, on a common mission. It’s a gritty battle just too close to call. Stars wing attack Gina Crampton and Mystics wing defence Michaela ...3 hours ago - Bestselling books at King's Birthday
The first King's Birthday Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list, described by Steve Braunias FICTION 1 The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey (Te Herenga Waka University Press, $35) Next week's Book of the Week review at ReadingRoom is by Philip Matthews (crowned Best Reviewer at last year's ...3 hours ago - Why every new garden should be a 'carbon garden'
Aotearoa has vast tracts of suburban and urban terrain. The possibilities for reformulating under-used landscapes into massive carbon-capture terrains are enormous Opinion: Many New Zealanders are engaged in the environmental work that needs to be done to halt the degradation of our planet. However, addressing increasing carbon dioxide emissions and ...3 hours ago - What next for NZ's big emitters?
New Zealand's big emitters are under pressure to do more as the country heads towards its zero carbon 2050 target. NZ Steel's the first mover with a big deal with the Government to help it cut its emissions. Who will be next? The $300 million deal between NZ Steel ...3 hours ago - Don't turn online safety into a new culture war
Early and vocal opposition to new measures to protect children and vulnerable people from harmful content online does a disservice. ...3 hours ago - Beyond firearms: Nicole McKee gets ready to fight in Act's law and order corner
Nicole McKee says there's more to Act's plan than ankle bracelets on youth offenders. ...3 hours ago - Raw Politics: A race relations muddle and housing feud
This week on the Raw Politics podcast: National struggles to deal with race relations and Labour and National fall out over housing density - plus the risk of a caucus breakdown for ACT The Raw Politics team takes a look at how National's leader and MPs are dealing with ...3 hours ago - Brown's obsessive nano-management is just what Auckland doesn't need
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's proposals won't help the city in the short or long term ...3 hours ago - Fishing industry plan slammed as nothing but a subsidy
The transformation plan includes a substantial government investment in new fishing fleet. ...3 hours ago - Daily crossword, Friday 2 June
...4 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 2 June
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. ...4 hours ago - The Friday Poem: ‘Carmine’ by Victoria LewisA new poem by Wellington poet Victoria Lewis. Carmine well – the cherries appeared quietly there on the kitchen bench as if to smile and say i love you, and you dared to forget those gleaming fruit form a prayer, a devotion bloody on the inside, taut on the out ...6 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: the PwC scandal should be ripe for the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s at...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra nitpicker/Shutterstock By coincidence, the furore around the consultancy firm PwC is raging just as the National Anti-Corruption Commission is gearing up for its start of business on July 1. The PwC scandal, ...9 hours ago - National MP apologises for saying Commerce Commission 'need a bullet'
National MP David Bennett has apologised for a comment made in Parliament where he said the "evil" Commerce Commission "need a bullet." ...11 hours ago - ‘Dismissed’: legal experts explain the judgment in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation caseSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ricardo Villegas, Senior Lecturer of Law, University of South Australia Today, Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko handed down his long-awaited judgment in the defamation case that Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living former SAS soldier, brought against the Age, the Sydney Morning ...11 hours ago
- 'He's not worried about the pledge I made' – Auckland councillors hit back at m...Wayne Brown has named and attempted to shame councillors who oppose the sale of the council's airport shares, but some are returning fire, saying he does not have the votes to pass his plan. ...12 hours ago
- No fast answers for cyclone-affected properties
Some certainty has arrived for those impacted by severe weather events earlier this year but the bulk of the detail for a buyout scheme affecting at least 700 homes is a work in progress, writes political editor Jo Moir. Analysis: Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has been determined since February ...13 hours ago - A win for the press, a big loss for Ben Roberts-Smith: what does this judgment tell us about defamat...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Rolph, Professor of Law, University of Sydney At the heart of the spectacular defamation trial brought by decorated Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith were two key questions. Had the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times damaged his reputation ...14 hours ago
- Want long-term contraception? There are more effective options than the pill. But they can be hard t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Bateson, Professor of Practice, University of Sydney Shutterstock Australians’ access to a range of contraceptive options depends on where they live and how wealthy they are. A recent parliamentary inquiry recommends ways to end this “postcode lottery” for people ...14 hours ago
- National brands Labour's Handmaid's Tale tweet as 'appalling'Labour's campaign chair is standing by a social media post which likens National's prescriptions policy to dystopian TV show and novel The Handmaid's Tale. ...15 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Liberal MP Bridget Archer urges other moderates to speak up as she p...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition’s decision to oppose the Voice to Parliament has put its moderate members in a jam. Some moderates are active yes advocates, while others are trying to keep low profiles. Bridget Archer, the outspoken ...16 hours ago
- Taxing Urea Better Than He Waka Eke Noa But Stronger Action Needed
Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling out the agriculture industry’s "undue influence" over the Government’s agricultural emissions policy, saying that " predatory denial and delay " have stalled the development of plans to price and reduce ...16 hours ago - South Auckland Fire Shows Risk Of Flock In Incinerator Proposal“The huge fire in South Auckland illustrates the serious human health risks of incinerating flock, the residual material left over from the scrap metal process. It is one reason we will be opposing the building of a waste incinerator in Te Awamutu ...16 hours ago
- Consultation opens on proposals to make online spaces saferThe Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) wants to make social media subject to regulation similar to that of traditional media platforms. ...16 hours ago
- The real cost of NZ’s two-tier health systemIt’s reassuring to think that by paying for private treatment you’re ‘freeing up a bed’ in a public hospital. But the reality is private beds don’t free up public beds, they replace them. Ethicists argue that healthcare is special. Unlike other consumer goods, its availability and accessibility should be based ...17 hours ago
- Mayor’s office says media ‘forced their way’ into budget speechThe office of mayor Wayne Brown has hit back at criticism journalists were “cherry-picked” for this morning’s budget announcement. A number of media outlets, including The Spinoff, Stuff, TVNZ and Newshub, were not invited to hear Brown’s budget address. Some, however, made it into the room after Brown had started ...17 hours ago
- The antithesis of healing: the AFL turns away from truth-telling again, ending Hawthorn investigatio...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Klugman, Research Fellow, Institute for Health & Sport, member of the Community, Identity and Displacement Research Network, and Co-convenor of the Olympic Research Network, Victoria University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains mention of the Stolen ...17 hours ago
- How raising tobacco taxes can save lives and cut poverty across the Asia-PacificSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sudyumna Dahal, PhD Student, Australian National University Shutterstock The human costs of tobacco and smoking worldwide are huge. 1.3 billion people use tobacco, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. More than 8 million people die prematurely because of tobacco, at ...17 hours ago
- Is This The Big Step Towards Making The Internet A Safer Place?Today, the Government released a discussion document: Safer Online Services and Media Platforms. It aims to reduce people’s exposure to harmful content, and create a system that is easier to navigate if people need to report harmful content. The ...17 hours ago
- ‘Hate speech laws 2.0’: Act wants to ‘kill’ proposed online safety rulesThe Act Party’s compared a proposal to improve online safety to the government’s doomed hate speech laws, and pledged to “kill” it off as well. Consultation is set to begin on a Department of Internal Affairs proposal to change how online content is regulated in New Zealand. But David Seymour ...18 hours ago
- Report Highlights Lessons For Public Organisations Supporting Improved Outcomes For MāoriA new report from the Auditor-General on four initiatives to improve outcomes for Māori has highlighted the importance of strong relationships between public organisations and Māori, and of taking the time needed to build these relationships. However, ...18 hours ago
- BSA Welcomes Consultation On Safer Online Services And Media PlatformsThe Broadcasting Standards Authority welcomes today’s launch of the public discussion document, Safer Online Services and Media Platforms, on a proposed new content regulation framework. The Authority has long been an advocate for a more flexible regulatory ...18 hours ago
- A new virtual museum reveals 600 million years of Australian fossils in unprecedented 3D detailSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alice Clement, Research Associate in the College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Virtual Australian Museum of Palaeontology, Author provided Palaeontology is the study of evolution and prehistoric life, usually preserved as fossils in rocks. It combines aspects of geology ...18 hours ago
- Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono Response To Proposals In Safer Online Services And Media Platf...Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono welcomes the release of the Safer Online Services and Media Platforms report from Te Tari Taiwhenua, dealing with content regulation for media and social media. “We welcome the move to an independent regulator that ...18 hours ago
- TLDR: The proposed reform for safer media and online platformsThe drearily titled “Safer Online Services and Media Platforms” document has just been released. Here’s a TLDR summary from The Spinoff’s Shanti Mathias: The suggested changes are pretty different from what we have right now. All digital industries that publish content, including overseas companies like Meta and Google and local ...18 hours ago
- TLDR: The proposed reform for safer media and online platformsThe drearily titled “Safer Online Services and Media Platforms” document has just been released. Here’s a TLDR summary from The Spinoff’s Shanti Mathias: The suggested changes are pretty different from what we have right now. All digital industries that publish content, including overseas companies like Meta and Google and local ...18 hours ago
- How a new proposal could change online safety in New ZealandThe Safer Online Services and Media Platforms document has just been released by the government’s Content Regulatory Review. It does more than capitalise nouns – here’s what you need to know about what’s inside. What is this document with the world’s most boring name? It’s a proposal from the Department ...18 hours ago
- How a new proposal could change online safety in New ZealandThe Safer Online Services and Media Platforms document has just been released by the government’s Content Regulatory Review. It does more than capitalise nouns – here’s what you need to know about what’s inside. What is this document with the world’s most boring name? It’s a proposal from the Department ...18 hours ago
- Review: Hamilton (the musical) comes to AucklandThe 2010s musical theatre phenomenon has finally made it to Spark Arena. Does does it live up to the years of expectation? This Angelica Schuyler is transcendent Full disclosure: I am overly familiar with Hamiton without being a full-on Hamilstan. I’ve listened to the cast recording countless times, watched it ...19 hours ago
- Review: Hamilton (the musical) comes to AucklandThe 2010s musical theatre phenomenon has finally made it to Spark Arena. Does does it live up to the years of expectation? This Angelica Schuyler is transcendent Full disclosure: I am overly familiar with Hamiton without being a full-on Hamilstan. I’ve listened to the cast recording countless times, watched it ...19 hours ago
- Brown calls for councillor loyalty – and media to stay away
Members of the press being turned away from the door distracted from the announcement of asset sales and inflation-pegged rates in Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s final budget proposal Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown didn’t mince words at a fiery press conference this morning where he confirmed he’d be calling for a ...19 hours ago - NZ First Secured 1800 New Frontline Police – Not LabourDuring New Zealand First coalition negotiations our policy was to train and resource 1800 new frontline police. We secured this coalition policy win to ensure our streets had a police force that could tackle crime - after years of neglect. Remember those ...19 hours ago
- No, AI probably won’t kill us all – and there’s more to this fear campaign than meets the eyeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Timothy Bennett, PhD Student, School of Computing, Australian National University Better Images of AI / Alan Warburton, CC BY-SA Doomsaying is an old occupation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a complex subject. It’s easy to fear what you don’t understand. ...19 hours ago
- Education Minister Jan Tinetti to face questioning over contempt accusationEducation Minister Jan Tinetti will be questioned by senior MPs next week over whether she deliberately misled Parliament. ...19 hours ago
- Education Minister Jan Tinetti to face questioning over contempt accusationEducation Minister Jan Tinetti will be questioned by senior MPs next week over whether she deliberately misled Parliament. ...19 hours ago
- Cyclone recovery: About 700 properties likely too risky to rebuild – MinistersThe government and councils will offer a buyout option to property owners whose land is too risky to rebuild on, and co-fund protection works for those who need it. ...20 hours ago
- Buyout scheme announced for cyclone-hit homeownersThe government will work with councils to offer a “voluntary buyout” for owners of homes written off by Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent severe weather. About 700 category three properties – those where it’s deemed the risk of future severe weather cannot be sufficiently mitigated – are expected to be ...20 hours ago
- Brown’s Budget Proposal Holds Public Services HostageAuckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed budget presents a dangerous false choice between cutting public services and privatising Auckland’s assets. The proposal to councillors offers to reinstate funding for public services and increase the pay ...20 hours ago
- Leaked DIA Consultation Document Reveals Major Proposal For Censorship Of Online SpeechA leaked consultation document from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) shows plans to draft and introduce legislation that would entirely restructure the New Zealand censorship regime, bringing online speech, such as material on social media ...20 hours ago
- And so we howl again, into the void: Where is Wayne Brown?A crucial day for the future of the city, and the mayor’s message to hundreds of thousands of Aucklanders: I don’t want to talk to you. Wayne Brown was right. The media is awash with drongos. I personally have behaved drongoistically – to borrow a Winstonism – at least twice ...20 hours ago
- Te Whatu Ora Listens To PSA And Enters Further Consultation On Big Health RestructureThe PSA is pleased Te Whatu Ora has listened to its concerns and is seeking further consultation with unions on a major restructuring as it seeks to remove duplication and centralise services. "This will be a huge relief for workers," said ...21 hours ago
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Nice one Metro.
As an aside,
“Most New Zealanders haven’t yet adjusted to the notion that poor people — including those in work — should aspire to living in a better-appointed garage or a better-upholstered car. That presumably isn’t the “brighter future” Key promised during election campaigns.”
THAT is how you talk about poor people without framing them in terms of deserving/undeserving. There is no need for the divisive ‘hard working poor’ rhetoric with its ‘Let’s make sure everyone knows we don’t mean wealfare bludgers’ subtext. Metro’s description is inclusive and neutral.
It’s definitely a good way to frame things to go more subtly inclusive of the poor, reframing National’s pro-business language to reflect on them rather than just banging the old virtuous poor drum. Definitely nice rhetoric. 🙂
According to most around here this Government was on the ropes in
2008; then
2009; then
2010; then
2011; then
2012; then
2013; then
2014; then
2015; then
2016; then…. (just go back and look at r0b’s comments and posts)
It won’t be until they are dead and buried that I will really believe they are gone. A Metro article and some typical cheer leading around here is not going to convince me they are on the ropes.
We have a lot of hard work over the next 12 months to ensure a Labour Green government can be formed (without the need for Winston)
That’s never going to happen. You read it here first.
Never is a long time – lifeless slugs of flesh like the Gnats decay quickly.
Do you seriously think the NZ electorate is ever going to vote in a Green/Labour government? Not after the wreckage Green parties have caused elsewhere.
Your supposition that the mainstream media is turning on the govt is premature at best. The media narrative is controlled by its owners and they certainly aren’t friendly to the left, to put it mildly. A cynic could also point out that the govt’s woes are self inflicted and not a result of a pussyfooting neolib centrist Labour party.
‘A newly critical mainstream media’
At that point my credulity snapped.
Henry.
Hosking.
Garner.
Soper.
Williams.
Christie.
We do not have a critical msm.
Indeed the consolidation of ownership is only making it more and more the mouthpiece of large corporate interests.
You’re looking in the wrong place. Of course there are the neoliberal lackies. But if you focus on them alone you are missing the ones who aren’t. There are also the ones who naturally conservative but who are no longer cheerleading Key/National or are at least questioning wtf is going on. Henry, Hosking etc will be last on the boat. You need to look at the ones whose attitude has changed. That’s what I took the post to be meaning.
There is blood in the water, the whale named JK is wounded. Even the young Rimmer shark is circling.TV editor Tim is preparing to film after observing first hand. http://pundit.co.nz/content/seymour-calls-out-bridges-as-weak-on-auckland-traffic
Key has largely dropped off the radar lately. No rushing to give his worthless disingenuous opinion, no hamming it up on radio stations like the “everyday guy” his image makers worked so hard to craft, no dumb arse photos doing lame shit. Maybe focus groups have learned the truth, Key is no longer trusted and is generally loathed!
Pleasingly the ‘gutless wanker’, the ‘non-man’ memes have increasing currency. That is well earned. The narrative has moved past this former god.
Fran O’Sullivan acknowledges that. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11697454
That’s the view from the outside. On the inside there’s irreversible plotting. There’ll just be Key and Hosking in tragic lonely embrace.
Fantastic piece by Fran O. Thanks
And yet I recall Fran O denying this issue vociferously on The Nation last year, and trying to paint Labour as xenophobic for raising it…
Eurasia has always been our ally. We have always been at war with Eastasia.
Eastasia has always been our ally. We have always been at war with Eurasia.
Check the graphics from the WSJ.
I think you mean Remora fish. To the best of my knowledge, sharks don’t have tongues…
+100 – eventually the truth had to come out.
And the damage will be done SAVE NZ
The lie constantly being spun by Key on immigration is that the figures are so high because “so many New Zealanders are coming home” the sub-text being that they are coming home to John Key’s wonderful new NZ.
This lie was called out by Colin James in a recent article in the ODT where he said that last year a net 4,000 NZ’s left for Oz and more people had been leaving for Oz over the whole period of this government.
The number of people leaving for Oz has reduced…but that is not the same thing.
Exactly. Even when they’re going through a slump the Aussies are still overall better off than Kiwis. The mining construction industry has taken a big hit, and with so many kiwis concentrated in that sector it was only natural that many of them would decide to return home.
But if do have a decent job most kiwis over here would be in no rush to make the trip back.
Unemployment figures are now over 10% in Oz are they not?
5.7% according to the SMH
http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/unemployment-rate-falls-to-57-as-parttime-jobs-surge-20160818-gqvcv9.html
Definitely weaker and more part-time jobs than anyone wants, but at least they’re upfront about it.
And given how dishonest Key’s govt is around how it measures unemployment I’d suggest direct comparisons are a bit fraught.
I know 5 mid 40s chaps who went oz over the last 15 years and they are still there and employed
I appreciate the sentiments…but there is still something odd about the Metro article.
It mentions ‘wages’ only once, and the terms of employment, or Employment law, well, not once, and ‘renting or rentals..again, not one mention.
These are the major concerns of the people most at risk due to Government inaction and free market policies.
It is very much an article aimed at the ‘concerns’ of the average home owning Metro reader, who would scream blue murder should their house price plummet due to any Government taking any real action on any of the issues raised.
Key the great comeback kid still has one more budget, an election date and media manipulation up his sleeve ahead of next year.
We write him off at our peril.
It may be 2020 before we see a change and by then if they survive a 3 year term it will be a watershed election and a new generation of leadership will be on offer.
No one should underestimate this man and the forces who back him and his desire to be in government long term.
Look back to the last 2 elections too see how it will play out, the signs are there already.
Siobhan your Metro analysis is spot on.
The way I read this article -is National are in trouble. There is a lot more searching questions. But this doesn’t necessary mean the end. JK could fend off the sharks.
Moving away from the blood water/shark metaphor. Basically the 2017 election is still in balance. If the left work hard they could win it. If JK pulls out some more tricks and keeps the wool over enough punters eyes then the right could win it.
I think a stable and honest labour leader, no KDC, the green/lab pact and the Gnats floundering on the housing crisis will make this a totally different election
Agreed, +1 Bearded Git.
Yeah i want a change just like the next guy if they are being honest.. all i am saying is dont underestimate this government and the media.
LabGreen have two big enemies here and it will be dirty fight the type Key is good at.
That’s true Mosa. NZ has never had such a dirty player like John Key before.
Agree. People are quick to forget Keys success is primarily from the number of people who have been made very wealthy from the housing crisis and trades and associated industries are bbooming.
And this has now spread well beyond Ak.
A labour green coalition is unelectable once the disinfected of light falls on it during election coverage, coupled with little angry andy is unelectable. National are comfortable with this fact and its current high polling in its 3rd term. Labour tends to do ok during recess and holidays ie when it shuts up, unfortunately during and election it can’t hide and its full retardness is exposed, more so now with its formal coalition The issue is not that people are not as happy with national but more so when a choice has to be made re a better alternative there is not one, little and robbo directed by greens and unions, possibly peters is simply unelectable and easily discredited via a public election campaign
this has been todays paid advert from keysycophants inc
Yes but unfortunately for you very true
you wouldn’t know truth if 50 tons of it landed on your head
That might explain the ranting illiteracy: it’s concussion.
Come on OABY you know deep down what I am saying when it gets through that socialist mist and fairy dust that surrounds you this is exactly how next year is going to pan out, If denial works for you to then, go for it😀😛
I note that you think “unelectable” means “holding 59 seats out of 121”, and that you can’t spell disinfectant.
I further note that the opposition block has led all but one poll since 2015.
‘Since 2015’? Is that all? And who is this ‘opposition’ block, and what is their relevance? We live in an MMP environment, OAB. He who can do the deals wins. NZF will NEVER go into a Green coalition.
Meanwhile, on Earth, the observations I made were a rebuttal of Reddelusion’s illiterate rant, fucko.
I have less than no interest in your opinion.
And yet you read them and reply!
Ahhh the Dracula principle. Sunlight IS the best disinfectant, so now that that light is shining on the Nats in earnest, watch the Key vampire wither and die away, it’s only a matter of time now Reddelusion.
National are pretty useless I agree, however that is not the issue, the opposition or alternative is simply unelectable on so many fronts
You are harping, Red. It’s boring.
Sorry for shattering your reality bubble Wobert
An opposition leader at around 10% in the polls tends to bear out your last comment.
This prick @ Reddullsion is tripping I’m sure of it !
Pricked your bubble to North, oops reality hurts but the truth sets you free 😀
Which is why National are so arrogant and dismissive of the housing crisis and unskilled migrants pouring into this country and lowering our wages.
Labour should be polling high with these two issue alone but don’t due to the issues you have correctly pointed out.
they need the immigration to pump up the GDP numbers take that away and the economy is one sick dog
Really before it was high dairy prices in our one trick economy, now it’s immigration, when immigration comes off the boil whats next, I am sure you will find something as quickly as labour finds the next crisis in our Neo liberal hell hole that has one of top ten most liveable cities in the world
Bollocks.
+1.
The NZ economy is a big lie, and the liars are in charge.
Stupidly supported by useful idiots RD, RR, MITM
Vancouver has just implemented a 15% tax on foreign house buyers. This has caused August house sales in Greater Vancouver to drop from 597 in 2015 to 87 in 2016.
The info is here:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-18/vancouver-housing-market-implodes-average-home-price-plunges-20-1-month-market-devas
Of course their are no parallels with Auckland (sarc).
Quite correct. Check out Fran OSullivans article in the Herald about laundered money in our house market from yesterday and this mornings article by Bernard Hickory re Visas. I have said this before, greedy NZ employers love high migration from poor countries as these people are more submissive and will put up with crap wages and conditions. The problem is, they also being down wages and conditions for the rest of us. It’s about time greedy corporates in NZ were given a boot up the arse and forced to pay a fair wage. Good work from Labour for with the Visa statistics, yes make this stick and Keys pathetic claims of all migrants being skilled will go up in flames. This, combined with sky rocketing house prices will see Nationals poll numbers plummet.
People are sick of crap wages and high living expenses and Keys arrogance that he shows towards the house crisis and now migration issues will see them turning away from National in droves
Incidentally, I heard our leader in the house saying that there are plenty of houses in Aucklsnd for under 650k. So I did a search on trade me and all that came up was dodgy units or the occasional old run down house that would need more spent on it to be liveable. Perhaps members of the house might want to ask Key where all these magical homes are for under 650k because I can’t find them. However, remember we are on the cusp of something special. More like we are on the cusp of third world living standards.
Hurrah, latest Reddelusion unplugged –
“…..the disinfected of light coverage angry retardness exposed deep down what I am saying socialist mist and fairy dust trick economy top ten most liveable cities in the world !” Still tripping I reckon.