NRT: A surfeit of caution
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- Date published:
6:26 pm, July 18th, 2013 - 28 comments
Categories: death with dignity, human rights, labour, leadership -
Tags: choice, euthanasia, maryan street
I/S at No Right Turn on Street’s End of Life Choice Bill.
When Louisa Wall put up her marriage equality bill, senior figures in Labour denounced it as a “distraction” and a “sideshow” and wanted her to drop it. The bill went on to be a great success, exciting people, inspiring people, showing them that Parliamentary politics mattered, and that Labour was relevant and could lead.
Naturally, Labour’s dinosaurs haven’t learned that lesson:
Labour MP Maryan Street is under pressure to drop a member’s bill which would legalise euthanasia because her party is concerned it could be a negative distraction in the lead-up to the general election next year.
If Ms Street’s End of Life Choice Bill was pulled from the ballot, the debate could extend into election year, and some Labour MPs felt this could hurt the party’s run for Government by distracting from its main policies and deterring more conservative voters.
Euthanasia is not as sexy an issue as marriage equality, nor as morally clear-cut. But like marriage equality, it is one whose support has been building for years and whose time has come. Its also one which reaches across traditional political lines – lest anyone forget, both Michael Laws (then a National MP) and Peter Brown (NZ First) have put up bills on the issue. While religious conservatives will fight it tooth and nail, there aren’t very many of them anymore, and marriage equality has burned them. For everyone else – including the elderly, who have watched their friends and family die slowly and painfully, stripped of their dignity – it is largely a matter of getting the safeguards right.
Labour could lead on this issue. Or it could abdicate that leadership to others. But if it does the latter, then it is basicly saying that all it offers is management. And if that’s the case, there is simply no reason to care about them.
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- Forestry sector must compensate for slash damageThe Green Party welcomes today’s release of the report of the Ministerial Inquiry into slash and sediment, and are clear that the forestry industry must foot more of the bill. ...3 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – why mess with the magic of the monarchy?When Chris Hipkins appeared on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he described himself as a “technical republican”. At least it was clearer than when he stumbled over what a woman is. In the blue corner, the other “Chris” said, “New Zealand will become a republic, eventually.” Of course, they both supported ...3 weeks ago
- Govt must break up supermarketsThe Government needs to do much more to address supermarket profiteering, which is driving high food prices. ...3 weeks ago
- Grant Robertson: Pre-Budget speech to BNZ business breakfastThis morning, the Minister of Finance Grant Robertson delivered a pre-Budget speech in Auckland. ...3 weeks ago
- Government drives $2 billion of business research and development
The 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 ...19 hours 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 ...22 hours 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 ...24 hours 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 ...1 day 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 ...1 day 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 ...1 day 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 ...2 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 ...2 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 ...2 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 ...2 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...5 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...7 days 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 ...7 days 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 ...7 days 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
- Humanitarian support for the people of SudanAotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$3.5 million to help meet urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The severe fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has had devastating impacts for civilians. At least 705 people have been killed and 5,287 injured. ...1 week ago
- Clean-up at Hawkes Bay facility to help region deal with cyclone wasteRepairing a Hawke’s Bay organic composting facility devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle is among the latest waste reduction projects getting Government backing, Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking announced today. “Helping communities get back on their feet after the devastating weather that hit the northern parts of the country this year is ...1 week ago
- 8% pay boosts for GP & community nursesAbout 6,100 more GP, community nurses and kaiāwhina will be eligible for pay rises of 8% on average to reduce pay disparities with nurses in hospitals, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. The top up comes from a $200 million fund established to remove pay disparities between nurses ...1 week ago
- Govt turns the sod on new Jobs and Skills Hub for Hawke’s BayNew Jobs and Skills Hub to begin construction in Hawke’s Bay The Hub will support the building of $1.1billion worth of homes in the region and support Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild and recovery. Over 2,200 people have been supported into industry specific employment, apprenticeships and training, by these Hubs across NZ ...1 week ago
- Community Housing Aotearoa Conference SpeechTēnā koutou e nga maata waka. Kia koutou te mana whenua tēnā koutou Ngā mate huhua o te waa, haere, haere, haere atu ra. Hoki mai kia tātou te kanohi ora e tau nei, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Tēnā koutou i runga i te kaupapa o te ...1 week ago
- New mental health tool launched for small business owner-operatorsThe Government has launched a new tool to help small business owner-operators manage and improve their mental wellbeing, Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. The Brave in Business e-Learning series is another tool the Government has delivered to support small businesses with their mental health and wellbeing. “A pandemic, ...1 week ago
- TAB partnership helps secure future of racing industryMinister for Racing Kieran McAnulty has announced the approval of a 25-year partnership between TAB NZ and UK betting company Entain that delivers at least $900 million in guaranteed funding for the racing industry over the next five years. Entain, a UK based group that operates multiple sports betting providers ...1 week ago
- Government project delivers more reliable and resilient water source to NorthlandThe Government has delivered the first of three significant water security projects in Northland, boosting regional business and climate resilience, with the opening of Matawii reservoir today, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced. A $68 million Government investment supported the construction of the reservoir, along with two other water storage ...1 week ago
- Christchurch City Councillors Concerned About Tarras Airport
Sustainable Tarras (ST) supports today’s commitment from the new Christchurch City Holdings (CCHL) board seeking increased transparency and community engagement on the Tarras airport, as debated with Christchurch City Council (CCC) at today’s ...1 hour ago - Hospice Faces Escalating Funding Crisis...1 hour ago
- “Animals Deserve Respect” – National Animal Rights Day This SundayThis Sunday, 4 June, Wellington and Christchurch will join over 300 cities worldwide in observing the National Animal Rights Day. The events remember the billions of animals who lose their lives each year due to human actions, and acknowledge the ...2 hours ago
- EDS Opposes Renewables PlanEDS has lodged its submission on “ Strengthening National Direction on Renewable Electricity Generation and Electricity Transmission ”, a consultation document prepared by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and the Ministry ...2 hours ago
- Only ‘select’ media invited to council budget launch
Auckland’s mayor snubbed most journalists from a morning launch of his new budget. While the Herald was among a select few allowed in the room, reporters from outlets like Stuff weren’t sent an invitation. In a story headlined “Wayne Brown snubs Stuff readers on major Auckland Council budget update”, a ...2 hours ago - Gender And Ethnic Pay Gaps A Concern For Majority Of New Zealanders, Most Support Pay Transparency L...A nationwide poll on pay gaps shows nearly 2 out of every 3 New Zealanders consider pay gaps to be a ‘significant’ or ‘very significant’ issue (64%), with a similar number supporting new pay transparency policies to address the issue (63%). ...2 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: An acquaintance is in love with me and it’s making me uncomfortableI said we could still be friends but now I just want him to leave me alone. Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to [email protected] Dear Hera Towards the end of last year, I was surprised to see a university acquaintance from a different city – we’d had one tutorial together – at ...2 hours ago
- Wayne Brown’s budget proposal: Rates pegged to inflation, but airport shares must goWayne Brown’s proposed budget will see rates increases pegged to inflation – but it requires his desired sell-off of Auckland Airport shores. The mayor is presenting his budget in Auckland today. Few were invited to witness the moment live, with media like Stuff reportedly left out (The Spinoff was not ...2 hours ago
- Dunne's Weekly: Still Overpromising And UnderdeliveringWhen it was first unveiled, the government’s extension in this year’s Budget of 20 hours free early childhood education to 2-year-olds from next March was hailed as a masterstroke. The Minister of Finance said it would save qualifying households ...2 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Prescription fees remain a political battlegroundI didn’t know this but because we have reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom, visitors from those countries will not have to pay for prescriptions once the $5 fee is removed here in July. Naturally that means New Zealanders enjoy reciprocity in their experience of local health ...2 hours ago
- Why you'll be paying more interest on your mortgage – likely forever
Reserve Bank is researching whether interest rates will need to be pegged higher longterm ...2 hours ago - Have we got the brain all wrong? A new study shows its shape is more important than its wiring
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Pang, Research Fellow in Psychology, Monash University Shutterstock The human brain is made up of around 86 billion neurons, linked by trillions of connections. For decades, scientists have believed that we need to map this intricate connectivity in detail ...3 hours ago - In the 1800s, colonisers attempted to listen to First Nations people. It didn’t stop the massacresSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Gapps, Historian and Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle Benjamin Duterrau, The Conciliation 1840, oil on canvas. Purchased by the Friends of TMAG and the Board of Trustees, 1945. Collection: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, AG79. Note of warning: This article ...3 hours ago
- I’m over 65 and worried about the flu. Which vaccine should I have?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena Plebanski, Professor of Immunology, RMIT University Philippe Leone/Unsplash Influenza, or the flu, is a virus transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can cause the sudden onset of a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle ...3 hours ago
- It’s not just climate – we’ve already breached most of the Earth’s limits. A safer, fairer f...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven J Lade, Resilience researcher at Australian National University, Australian National University Shutterstock People once believed the planet could always accommodate us. That the resilience of the Earth system meant nature would always provide. But we now know this is ...3 hours ago
- ‘An exciting possibility’: scientists discover markedly different kangaroos on either side of Au...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vera Weisbecker, Associate Professor, Flinders University Shutterstock Australia’s dingo fence is an internationally renowned mega-structure. Stretching more than 5,600 kilometres, it was completed in the 1950s to keep sheep safe from dingoes. But it also inadvertently protects some native ...3 hours ago
- Closing the First Nations employment gap will take 100 yearsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Reza M. Monem, Professor of Accounting, Griffith University In 2008 Australia’s federal, state and territory governments set the goal of halving the employment gap between First Nations Australians and others within a decade. That required, by 2018, lifting the employment rate for ...3 hours ago
- Making NZ’s tax system fairer is a good idea – but this proposed new law isn’t the answerSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Barrett, Associate Professor in Commercial Law and Taxation, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images It’s no secret that Revenue Minister David Parker has long been interested in tax reform in New Zealand. In 2022, he ...3 hours ago
- A kiss to detect wine on her breath: the violent policing of women drinking in Ancient RomeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lily Moore, PhD Candidate in Classics and Archaeology, The University of Melbourne A Woman Drinking, Andrea Mantegna. about 1495-1506 The National Gallery, London. The ancient Romans venerated wine. It was accessible to the masses, a fundamental staple of mainstream life ...3 hours ago
- ‘Do the right thing’: Mayor Brown’s last ditch effort to get support for airport share sell-of...Auckland’s mayor Wayne Brown is making a list ditch appeal to councillors he claims are holding up a potential sell-off of airport shares. The Herald’s reported that councillors were called to two confidential meetings yesterday, one on the sale of the airport shares and another to discuss a draft of ...3 hours ago
- Running down the clock on agri-emissions pricingTime is running out to nail down an alternative pricing scheme before the election. Ministers are said to be fed up with the lack of movement and the sector is calling for a delay, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive ...3 hours ago
- Public ‘flying blind’ on Tarras proposal
Objectors continue to push for the canning of a mooted new Central Otago airport as the company pushing it buys the critical final piece of the site A Christchurch City Council committee has expressed concern about one of its subsidiary companies, Christchurch International Airport, pushing ahead with a proposed airport ...4 hours ago - India-NZ ties 'must move past cricket and curry'
The Govt has faced further calls to ramp up diplomatic relations with India. ...5 hours ago - The silver lining to the cost of living crisis? It’s easier to pay off your student loanWhile your grocery bills suggest otherwise, high inflation is not all bad news – especially if you’ve got a New Zealand student loan, Emma Vitz explains. High inflation sucks. The price of lettuce appears to be doubling every time you go to the supermarket. People who bought into the property ...6 hours ago
- All the books vying for the 2023 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young AdultsWelcome to the authors, illustrators and publishers on the shortlist for this year’s New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Books editor Claire Mabey offers her thoughts, alongside comments from student readers. It’s hard to write a great children’s book. The kind that will be reprinted and re-gifted ...6 hours ago
- The ebb and flow of Auckland Council’s storm recovery costs
An adjusted estimate of flood recovery spend has saved Auckland Council $10m ...6 hours ago - Reform of post-sentence safety laws one step closer
The Law Commission is seeking public input ...6 hours ago - Book of the Week: An incident on Banks Peninsula
Paddy Richardson is swept away by a magical new novel I love novels that you fall into and languish, trusting that each word will be perfectly placed, that each action will be either consistent or surprising, that each character will be rounded and real. Fiona Farrell’s sumptuously written, ...6 hours ago - NZ's beef with critical US debt ceiling debate
Exporters are nervously watching today's critical Congress vote ...6 hours ago - Matchmaking by bankers
Why would – and how does – a bank get involved in dealing with private capital? In our final podcast in conjunction with BNZ, we meet a woman who introduces fledgling businesses with committed, long-term investors. Head of Private Capital, BNZ, Linda Sturgess tells Emile Donovan why paying it forward is a ...6 hours ago - Normalising Te ao Māori in the workplace key to dispelling whakamā
‘Kia kaha, kia māia, be brave and lean into it.' Newsroom speaks to Spark's Māori development lead Riki Hollings about what it means to be on a te ao Māori journey – and the best way to support that | Content Partnership Riki Hollings is a descendant of Ngāti Ranginui and Ngai ...6 hours ago - National still taking bait from streetfighter Hipkins
National should have the confidence to come out from the shadows and more positively assert its own agenda ...6 hours ago - Time to get over the shock of the 'new'
It’s unclear why AI-generated images in advertising are more or less deceptive or ethically questionable than using models Opinion: There has been a recent furore about the use of AI-generated images featuring people used by the National Party in a political advertisement. My immediate reaction was that this was a storm in ...6 hours ago - How do zoos keep taonga safe?
When countries send their iconic and precious animals to be cared for overseas, who and what makes sure they're being cared for appropriately? A kiwi encounter at an American zoo has caused outrage, and raised questions about how our taonga species are treated when they go overseas. But Save the Kiwi ...6 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 1 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. ...7 hours ago - Daily crossword, Thursday 1 June
...7 hours ago - After 24 hours of drama, Roger Cook becomes the next premier of Western AustraliaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Drum, Professor of Politics and International Relations, University of Notre Dame Australia With the withdrawal of his principal challengers and the implicit endorsement from key factions within the Labor party, Roger Cook will become Western Australia’s 31st premier. We can expect ...13 hours ago
- Word from The Hill: PwC scandal, McGowan quitting politics, PM’s trip to Singapore and high inflat...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As well as her interviews with politicians and experts, Politics with Michelle Grattan includes “Word from The Hill”, where she discusses the news with members of The Conversation’s politics team. In this podcast Michelle and ...15 hours ago
- It’s time to end Western Australia’s $4 billion-per-year GST bonusSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Breunig, Professor of Economics and Director, Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock The Morrison government’s decision to give a special deal to Western Australia for the distribution of the income from the ...16 hours ago
- It’s time to end Western Australia’s $4 billion-per-year GST bonusSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Breunig, Professor of Economics and Director, Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock The Morrison government’s decision to give a special deal to Western Australia for the distribution of the income from the ...16 hours ago
- Message Of Condolence For The Passing Of HRH Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu FotofiliHis Excellency Dr Davies and I wish to extend our deepest condolences to His Majesty King Tupou VI and the Tongan Royal Family following the recent passing of Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. Her Royal Highness committed her life to ...18 hours ago
- A sustainable Australia depends on what happens in our cities – that’s why we need a national ur...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Freestone, Professor of Planning, School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock Australia has not had a national urban policy since the Rudd government. A troika of Liberal PMs followed. Tony Abbott wasn’t interested. Malcolm Turnbull didn’t quite live up ...18 hours ago
- NZ comedy couple behind The Office AustraliaLocal comedy veteran couple Jackie Van Beek and Jesse Griffin’s next TV project has been revealed – and it’s an Australian version of the British-turned-American comedy institution The Office. The series, confirmed for 2024, will see David Brent and Michael Scott replaced by a female lead for the first time. ...18 hours ago
- Couples Therapy is NZ’s realest reality TVThree’s take on the overseas hit format is one of the year’s bravest shows, writes Chris Schulz. This is an excerpt from The Spinoff’s weekly Friday newsletter Rec Room. Sign up for regular instalments here. Emma wants Parrish to be more romantic. She doesn’t want to have to keep telling ...20 hours ago
- Couples Therapy is NZ’s realest reality TVThree’s take on the overseas hit format is one of the year’s bravest shows, writes Chris Schulz. This is an excerpt from The Spinoff’s weekly Friday newsletter Rec Room. Sign up for regular instalments here. Emma wants Parrish to be more romantic. She doesn’t want to have to keep telling ...20 hours ago
- Secondary Teachers To Vote On Latest Offers From GovernmentPPTA members will vote next week on new offers for settlement of the secondary teachers’ and area school teachers’ collective agreements that were received yesterday. “PPTA Te Wehengarua national executive met last night to consider the offers and we don’t ...20 hours ago
- Intelligence overhaul recommendations could mean significant reform of spy agencies, expert says
Paul Buchanan says recommendations from a review of intelligence legislation could lead to the most significant reform of the sector in decades. ...20 hours ago - House of Representatives passes Voice referendum legislation, which is assured of Senate passageSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra After a marathon debate, the House of Representatives on Wednesday morning passed the bill for the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament to be inserted into the Constitution. The bill now goes to ...20 hours ago
- Auditor-General's Report On Supporting Improved Outcomes For Māori To Be Published 1 JuneThe Auditor-General intends to publish the following report this Thursday, 1 June: Four initiatives supporting improved outcomes for Māori We have more information about this report on our website . You will be sent a link to this report shortly ...21 hours ago
- Trying for a baby? What you need to know about a vital part of your womb (and how to look after it)Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Louise Hull, Professor and Endometriosis Group Leader, The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide Shutterstock Human reproduction is completely dependent on the healthy function of an underestimated but vital organ: the endometrium. This is the spongy tissue that lines the ...21 hours ago
- ‘NoHomo’: Cabinet minister takes aim at Simon O’Connor comment on parentsA senior cabinet minister has criticised National Party MP Simon O’Connor for saying it is the responsibility of a mother and a father to raise a child. During a debate on a child support amendment bill in parliament yesterday, Tāmaki MP O’Connor, who is well known to hold socially conservative ...21 hours ago
- ‘NoHomo’: Cabinet minister takes aim at Simon O’Connor comment on parentsA senior cabinet minister has criticised National Party MP Simon O’Connor for saying it is the responsibility of a mother and a father to raise a child. During a debate on a child support amendment bill in parliament yesterday, Tāmaki MP O’Connor, who is well known to hold socially conservative ...21 hours ago
- Jen Cloher on finding their waiFor the last few years, Jen Cloher has been on a journey into their whakapapa. Their latest album, I am the River, the River is Me, is the culmination of the knowledge they’ve gained since. I meet Jen Cloher at a wine bar in Ponsonby with menus written in both ...21 hours ago
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Agreed. Stop running from ‘scary’ stuff and let the MP lead the charge, as Ball did so brilliantly. If you’re worried about fallout then make it a conscience issue and allow Parliament to debate it free of party bs. That’s advice for all parties. Stop seeing disagreement between your MPs as weakness and realise its realistic and grown up.
“let the MP lead the charge,”
What is Street like?
I’m in two minds about this. Euthanasia is a critical issue, and the bill would need alot of debate publicly. Next year I fear our efforts should be focussed predominantly on the left winning the election. If Labour weren’t in such a sad state, it would be possible to do both.
On the otherhand, it’s not a distraction from Labour’s policies, it’s what politics is supposed to be about, duh. If Labour can’t manage to get their core policies across (and I agree this is a problem for them), then that says something about Labour.
Go for it Maryan!
I remember a ten year old lass dying of a brain tumour.
“Daddy,” she said, “you didn’t let our sheepdog suffer like this.” Says it all really.
Pain relief has improved over 30 years, but I am all for dignity in dying.
A glass of wine on the deck surrounded by family and friends, a celebration of what has gone before, and then a release from unnecessary pain and suffering of the patient and family.
I am sure there will a large degree of support across the political spectrum.
“But sheepdogs don’t go to heaven, hon cause they don’t have a soul. But you do. And you want to go to go heaven, don’t you? Well…God gave you this life and it’s up to God to pluck you from this life and take you to his bosom. And if you deny God, then well hon, you’ll burn in hell for ever. And we wouldn’t want that hon, would we? What was that? You’re burning in hell now? Oh – tsk-tsk – there now, there now.”
Apologies for any unintentional hurt to sensibilities…
Huh? I don’t really follow…
Comment intended as a shallow pastiche indicative of deeply seated cultural prejudices and fears….
It’s pathetic.
As with Louisa’s bill, the Labour caucus could have agreed not to put a bill into the ballot. Or they could put it in and if it gets drawn, deal with it like adults (fortunately it was mostly the latter with Louisa’s).
But saying “Ooh, it’s gone in but let’s hope it doesn’t see the light of day, coz that would be awkward, but at least it’s not our decision, we’ll just keep our fingers crossed …” – that’s just an invitation to be mocked. Chronic lack of leadership, as usual.
Withdraw it or stand by it.
Yep. Show some decent political management. Stand for it, or against it, and not somewhere in the meek grey space inbetween.
That is correct. And, please, do not mumble, bumble … and stumble.
Make the argument cogently and clearly. And do lots of homework beforehand.
It is not clear-cut imo although I want the ability to choose when and how I die and therefore support the ability of people to make that decision, I also really fear that in our society some people will be persuaded to go – you know because the bills are getting too high or they are no longer productive units in society. So the safeguards must be there. I have enacted the enduring power of attorney for my mother so this is not theoretical for me.
Interesting timing too, of a euthanasia bill and the kind of people-hating welfare reforms going on currently.
You really shouldn’t insult dinosaurs this way. They were very successful, sophisticated creatures of remarkable diversity, and as birds, which is what we call them now, the continue to innovate and prosper. The African Grey Parrot, the Kea and several species of crow, for example, exhibit intelligence equivalent to a five-year-old human, placing them well above the average economist.
Labour could lead on this issue.
Lead? Lead?! Do you realise how many steps actual leadership could take them away from the Bellamy’s buffet? Several at least! Maybe even a dozen! Are you insanely reckless?
Alas, Captain Mumblefuck has appointed Whalecum as his senior policy advisor without actually paying him. It’s Whalecum who determines Labour policy now, not the membership or even the back benches. If a flabby Sontaran in a bad poodle hair wig doesn’t approve, it won’t be policy, no matter what work the membership does and you can be assured that Beltway Grant won’t want to upset the markets either.
Apparently a half dozen soft NACT votes count for more than eight hundred thousand people who painted their roofs. I’m not sure if the electoral commission counts the same way though…
I really want a like button for comments like this, spot on the money, so to speak.
[lprent: Tried before. Killed both by popular acclaim and because it was sucking CPU excessively. Unlikely to return. ]
I’m thinking of renaming myself “Banquo’s Ghost” (see MacBeth ), but the postings of the old The Standard pages serve that purpose while “Rhinocrates” is sillier and I am very silly indeed.
You have been missed.
Thank you CV, and keep up the good fight, but I may have to devote more of my energies to my creative endeavours… the ones that pay… might pay… eventually…
Great post, Rhino. You do realise I could now work out your identity by finding out who in Shearer’s office has qualifications in biology or palaeontology?
Plenty of dinosuars hanging around those parts…
True, but thinking of dinosaurs as birds and vice versa is a fairly recent development. That gives an extra clue.
“Labour could lead on this issue.”
More like Labour’s number one choice has been taking off like a LEAD balloon. Fly, fly, fly. Come on, fly. Six more months, o six more months. How long some more should we wait? Too late, soon it shall be too late.
Grant, please, please, please, o Grant, please save the party. Please save the party from being euthanised. Save the list MPs, save the polls from slipping some more.
Grant, Cunliffe and Little need to get their shit together ASAP and sort out a plan. Come on guys, for the good of the country, pretty please, don’t let us sleepwalk into another 3 long cold Tory years..
As far as euthanasia goes, fuck Labour again. They stand by damning with faint praise while NAct strips dignity from the living. When one of their own wants to restore it to the dying, they say the time isn’t right. Well, people die all the time, and any unnecessary suffering won’t be any less because it’s election year. In the meantime, people suffer and a few courageous doctors put their liberty on the line to help minimise the suffering.
If I had a terminal disease and could foresee my inevitable death with no quality remaining, I’d make my own arrangements.
“If I had a terminal disease and could foresee my inevitable death with no quality remaining, I’d make my own arrangements.”
Check out a group called “Compassion and Choices” which originated as the Hemlock Society.
Thanks, but you won’t get rid of me that easily 🙂
Still got a while to go, Tories to annoy, windmills to charge down,………..
It is bad political management. The left will not win power if it pisses off the Pasifika working class and offends it’s conservative religious beliefs. Labour in particular should be trying to enhance their living and working conditions, their poor wages, high power bills, health disparities, the list is endless. It should not be alienating them by being judgemental and picking arguements with them about some deeply held tenets.
They may not vote National, but they will just not vote.
Game over, three more years of Key and the country lost forever.
Same argument as with gay marriage. The Polynesians I know are a bit sick of being used as a convenient excuse for Labour cowardice. They’re not as conservative as many people seem to think.
Pasifka people stayed home on election day in 2008, Murray. 14 votes needed in West Auckland, 45 in Chch Central etc, to get Labour candidates over the line just for staters. Good political management means doing the stuff you want at an appropriate time not when you are vulnerable to negative manipulation.