On Newshub and economic voice
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- Date published:
1:21 pm, April 14th, 2024 - 16 comments
Categories: capitalism, Economy, Media, michael wood -
Tags: gower, newshub, nigel haworth, redundancy
It is good to hear that Michael Wood, now E Tū and on the side of television workers, is seeking to ensure that labour law is properly applied to the current proposals for Newshub’s closure. It is a case of “walking the talk” by an ex-Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, soon, I hope, to be back in Parliament. It’s probably doing him few favours to say that I’ve always considered Michael to cleave to the politics on which Labour should be focused.
However, back to the Newshub closure and redundancies. The work by Paddy Gower, Michael Morrah and others in their search for a worker-derived alternative plan for Newshub is striking. This initiative, it seems, is not at present viable, yet it is to be praised.
Age allows me to recall a previous era of workers’ responses to closures, alternative economic strategies for sectors and country, and, to speak the unspeakable, prefigurative forms of socialism. These debates were front and centre in the later ‘70s and early ‘80s in the UK and elsewhere, as the neo-liberal world view came to pass. They were in time united in the idea of an Alternative Economic Strategy (AES), taken up later in New Zealand to an extent, which combined national and industry planning with a broader politics of transition and political mobilisation. A key component of the AES was a response to plant-level restructuring that demanded a strong and active worker voice in all key decisions, including those that led to closure proposals.
The idea of worker plans for companies and plants drew on a number of intellectual strands, but particularly the Labour Process debate, from which they took as an axiom the view that management’s right to arbitrary decision making was an ideological assumption at odds with the way work and responsibility were configured in production and workplace. Such decision-making took place in a “contested terrain” in which the forces of labour and capital confronted each other. Trades unions were but the major battalions of labour in this confrontation. The “contest” took place at multiple levels – individual, informal group, section, plant and industry levels. The idea of “workers’ voice” became popular.
Underpinning this challenge to managerial prerogatives was a fundamental question about liberal democracy. The right to contest managerial power in the workplace assumed a right to challenge the economic decision-making of Capital. This was always the missing element in liberal democracy.
Limited political voice was hard-won, in the form of the vote; economic voice was never ceded by Capital; collective bargaining, one form of economic democracy, had to be fought for over generations, and at such cost. And it is always a first-line issue when the Right is in power, in a way that suffrage is not. Arguably, the cost to Capital of political democracy may be borne more easily than that arising from economic democracy. Economic democracy speaks to the creation and distribution of wealth eloquently and, for Capital, unacceptably.
This brings me back to Newshub. I doubt if Paddy Gower and Mike Morrah et al. were thinking of worker plans, AESs and the like when they proposed an alternative package. But they were acting in concert with that tradition as expertise and knowledge within the workforce was brought to bear critically on management plans, and alternatives were canvassed. Braverman would have recognised it instantly!
Why is this important? The answer is simple. It speaks to the need for Labour to consider actively, not only tax changes and switches, but also economic democracy. If we are to reverse local shifts in wealth inequality that reflect global shifts, this can only be achieved by a combination of tax shifts, and a parallel, and in many ways, more challenging, focus on power in production and distribution.
It is more challenging for it speaks to property rights at the heart of market and neo-liberal thinking, an area into which the contemporary Left is fearful to tread. The form of that focus – in particular, what beyond collective bargaining is required – is another discussion. I am certain, however, that improved collective bargaining is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for successful economic democracy.
Nigel Haworth is a New Zealand economics academic and politician. He was president of the Association of University Staff from 2005 to 2008. He was President of the New Zealand Labour Party from 2015 – 2019.
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- Oranga Tamariki cuts commit tamariki to state abuseTe Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals billThe Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...2 weeks ago
- Government throws coal on the climate crisis fireThe Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project insteadCancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori to visit Queensland to strengthen ties with Māori in AustraliaTe Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...2 weeks ago
- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homesThe National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on mediaThe action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...3 weeks ago
- Landlord Government leaves little hope for rentersThe Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...3 weeks ago
- Opportunity to build a more sustainable economyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...3 weeks ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...14 hours ago - Government to boost public EV charging networkEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...15 hours ago
- Residential Property Managers Bill to not progressThe coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...15 hours ago
- Independent review into disability support servicesThe Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...21 hours ago
- Justice Minister updates UN on law & order planJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...22 hours ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and DubaiTrade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...2 days ago
- Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...2 days ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...2 days ago
- Supporting whānau out of emergency housingWhānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...2 days ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...2 days ago
- Speech – Eid al-FitrAssalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...2 days ago
- Government saves access to medicinesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...2 days ago
- Pharmac Chair appointedHon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderHundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...4 days ago
- New sports complex opens in KaikoheRegional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...4 days ago
- Diplomacy needed more than everForeign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...4 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery BelgiumAmbassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...5 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk BairDistinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...5 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, TürkiyeMai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...6 days ago
- PM announces changes to portfoliosPaul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...7 days ago
- New catch limits for unique fishery areasRecreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...7 days ago
- Minister welcomes hydrogen milestoneEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...1 week ago
- Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment BillThe coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...1 week ago
- Overseas decommissioning models consideredOverseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...1 week ago
- Release of North Island Severe Weather Event InquiryEmergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...1 week ago
- Justice Minister to attend Human Rights CouncilJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...1 week ago
- Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facilityAssociate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...1 week ago
- Government to introduce revised Three Strikes lawThe Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...1 week ago
- New diplomatic appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...1 week ago
- Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and SomaliaNew Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...1 week ago
- Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho CollectiveMinister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...1 week ago
- Supporting better financial outcomes for KiwisThe Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...1 week ago
- Trade relationship with China remains strong“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...1 week ago
- PM’s South East Asia mission does the businessPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...2 weeks ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East AsiaNew Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...2 weeks ago
- Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...2 weeks ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...2 weeks ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...2 weeks ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...2 weeks ago
- School's struggle with asbestos removal: 'It's destroyed me'
An Auckland school's efforts to get rid of asbestos has been so tough its principal thought of quitting the job. ...25 mins ago - Urgent democratic need to save NZ’s journalism ecosystem
A new report on protecting journalism and democracy in New Zealand recommends a levy be charged on global platforms like Facebook and Google to fund media firms undertaking public interest reporting. It also calls for the reinstatement of a powerful Broadcasting Commission to distribute public funding for journalism and other ...55 mins ago - Unions Celebrate May Day During Tough Time For Working People
On International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi and the wider union movement are celebrating the proud history of the labour movement during a tough time for working people. ...1 hour ago - 'Never a right time' – MPs respond to pay rise newsThe pay rises are not particularly great timing when the public is doing it tough, ACT Party leader David Seymour says. ...2 hours ago
- The highs and lows of James Shaw’s 10 years in parliament
From bills to beards, a walk through the former Green co-leader’s time in politics. After close to a decade in politics, James Shaw is preparing to bid farewell to parliament. Tonight will see the former minister deliver his valedictory address, certain to be a speech filled with Shaw’s trademark wit ...3 hours ago - Efeso Collins deserved better than what parliament offered yesterdayTwo months ago, MPs unanimously voted to give themselves a week off in Efeso Collins’ honour. On Tuesday, most were too busy to give even an hour of their time. The day Fa’anānā Efeso Collins died, parliament felt different. In a building that operates at a breakneck pace, everyone stopped ...3 hours ago
- What you need to know about the world’s biggest election, happening right nowIndia’s election involves hundreds of millions of people and is a months-long affair. Here’s how voting works and what’s at stake. The biggest-ever election in world history started on April 19, with more than 10% of the world’s population eligible to vote. Elections in India, the world’s most populous country ...3 hours ago
- Bishop backtracks after fast-track backlashBehind closed doors, NZ First will be arguing fiercely against any watering down of the ministerial decision-making powers in the Bill The post Bishop backtracks after fast-track backlash appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Boy in the Water: Mum speaks publicly for first timeEmotional scenes played out in the Invercargill courthouse on the first two days of the coronial inquest into the death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones, in which the boy’s mother was accused of disposing of her son’s body. The second season of Newsroom’s award-nominated podcast The Boy in the Water ...3 hours ago
- When the doghouse is an upgrade, ECE is in troubleOpinion: The impression from the carpark is very inviting. The area is well fenced but barred so there is easy visibility of loved ones. Inside, the spaces are welcoming and clean and staff are friendly and clearly comfortable. I am greeted by ‘Kim’. She has worked here for three years, ...3 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 1 MayThe post Daily crossword, Wednesday 1 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Boards, don’t just wait for the axe to fallOpinion: Community organisation board members need to step up their strategic thinking The post Boards, don’t just wait for the axe to fall appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- We have an emergency emergencyAfter the Christchurch earthquake, the then-national civil defence boss compared his experience to “putting a team on the rugby field who have never ever played together before”. Now, eight years later – and following a damning inquiry into the emergency response of cyclones Gabrielle, Hale and the Auckland anniversary weekend floods – ...3 hours ago
- A body in Devonport“I had just come off the end of a major robbery case which I had been working on for six months when I got a call on the afternoon of September 1, 1992, that some remains had been found at a building site in Devonport, so I drove over with ...3 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 1 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 1 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Beef and beliefs: EU diplomat on the NZ relationshipBrussels’ man in Wellington on our newly active trade deal and the shared values underpinning ties The post Beef and beliefs: EU diplomat on the NZ relationship appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- If not journalists, then who?Comment: Journalists are very good at telling other people’s stories, but they fall well short when writing about their own profession. Perhaps that is why it is so undervalued. Every successive poll on the public’s attitude toward journalism is more alarming than the last. In the last month we have ...3 hours ago
- Preterm babies deserve better careOpinion: A young Māori woman and her Pacific partner arrive at their local hospital by ambulance. She has gone into labour at just under 24 weeks, but the couple haven’t recognised the symptoms – and don’t know the risks of premature birth for their baby. By the time they arrive, ...3 hours ago
- Pacific alliance condemns France over bid to ‘derail’ Kanaky decolonisation
Asia Pacific Report A Pacific civil society alliance has condemned French neocolonial policies in Kanaky New Caledonia, saying Paris is set on “maintaining the status quo” and denying the indigenous Kanak people their inalienable right to self-determination. The Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organisations (PRNGOs) Alliance, representing some 15 groups, said in ...5 hours ago - New Koi Tū future report calls for overhaul of outdated NZ mediascape to restore trustKoi Tū New Zealand cannot sit back and see the collapse of its Fourth Estate, the director of Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, Sir Peter Gluckman, says in the foreword of a paper published today. The paper, “If not journalists, then who?” paints a picture of an industry ...6 hours ago
- Chalmers outlines a more ‘risk-based’ foreign investment policy and guardrails around Future Mad...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Foreign investment proposals with implications for Australia’s strategic or economic security will face tougher scrutiny, under a policy overhaul to be announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Wednesday. At the same time, the government ...7 hours ago
- National first introduced piece of Oranga Tamariki Act legislation it now seeks to repeal – Wi...A Waitangi Tribunal inquiry report has warned government that a repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act could cause harm to children in care. ...11 hours ago
- New Papers On Government Consumption Multipliers, Automatic Stabilisers And Economic ShocksThe Treasury has published today three new papers covering government consumption multipliers, automatic stabilisers and the impacts of global shocks on New Zealand’s economy. ...11 hours ago
- Pacific state of Hawai’i first in US to pass dual Gaza ceasefire resolutionsAsia Pacific Report The Pacific state of Hawai’i’s House of Representatives has joined the state’s Senate in calling for a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza, becoming the first state to pass such a resolution, reports Hawaii News Now. In March, the Senate passed a ceasefire resolution with a 24–1 ...12 hours ago
- Australia just made a billion-dollar bet on building the world’s first ‘useful’ quantum comput...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Ferrie, A/Prof, UTS Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research and ARC DECRA Fellow, University of Technology Sydney PsiQuantum The Australian government has announced a pledge of approximately A$940 million (US$617 million) to PsiQuantum, a quantum computing start-up company based in Silicon Valley. Half ...13 hours ago
- What are heart rate zones, and how can you incorporate them into your exercise routine?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hunter Bennett, Lecturer in Exercise Science, University of South Australia Cameron Prins/Shutterstock If you spend a lot of time exploring fitness content online, you might have come across the concept of heart rate zones. Heart rate zone training has become more ...13 hours ago
- Ministry of Māori Development proposes to cut 38 positionsA recruitment pause put in place last year had reduced the scale of job losses necessary, says the secretary for Māori development. ...14 hours ago
- 'A man of the people': MPs pay tribute to Fa'anānā Efeso CollinsThe MPs reflected on the impact Fa'anānā had in Parliament, in his communities, and their long friendships with him. ...15 hours ago
- School phone ban for 16-year-olds 'very backward' – principalTwo secondary school principals are not convinced a phone ban is warranted and say it will be difficult to enforce. ...15 hours ago
- 27 years in captivity – free Marwan Barghouti, ‘Palestine’s Mandela’SPECIAL REPORT: By Eugene Doyle He is the most popular Palestinian leader alive today — and yet few people in the West even know his name. Absolutely no one in Gaza or the West Bank does not know him. That difference speaks volumes about who dominates the media narrative that ...15 hours ago
- Members of Parliament and Prime Minister to get pay riseThe Remuneration Authority has set an ordinary MPs' salary at $168,600 a year, and the PM's salary will rise to $484,200. ...15 hours ago
- Long before politicians called to ‘stop the boats’, First Nations people welcomed arrivals from ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Will McCallum, PhD Candidate – School of Communication and Creative Arts, Deakin University Earlier this year, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of not supporting Operation Sovereign Borders – the military-led border security operation that has “closed Australia’s borders ...16 hours ago
- Does the AFL ban on skinfold testing avoid fat shaming – or has footy ‘gone soft’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominique Condo, Senior Lecturer in Sports Nutrition, Deakin University Microgen/Shutterstock There was, perhaps unsurprising, outcry from some sections of the sports media when it was revealed the AFL was removing body composition testing (including skinfold testing) in its junior (under the ...16 hours ago
- Supreme Court reinstates PNG MP after bribery ruling overturnedBy Melyne Baroi in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinea MP, Peter Isoaimo, who had been ousted by the National Court in an alleged bribery case, has been reinstated by the Supreme Court on appeal. A three-member Supreme Court bench found that the National Court had erred in finding that ...16 hours ago
- Problems for news media arose 'too fast' – former media minister Melissa LeeThe former media minister says she may have been "a little slow" in reacting to dramatic changes. ...18 hours ago
- ‘When the ship docks’: Publishing the poetry of the late Schaeffer LemaluPublisher Chris Holdaway reflects on the unique project of collecting the work of the late, terrific poet Schaeffer Lemalu. One of the nice things you can do as a truly independent publisher is to make the books that writers want to make, whatever they happen to be. That’s how I’ve ...18 hours ago
- New minister announces review into disability support services funded by WhaikahaThe ministry has been under fire for not consulting with carers before changing entitlements to flexible funding support. ...18 hours ago
- Afghanistan Service Recognised In NZ Post’s Modern Veterans Stamp SeriesThose profiled in the stamp series served on overseas deployments from 1995 onwards, and all have been awarded theNew Zealand Operational Service Medal. ...18 hours ago
- On the politics of vengeanceLast night’s dismal poll result for the coalition government shows the limits of trying to govern as an opposition, argues Joel MacManus. There’s a quote from the American political activist Barbara Deming: “Vengeance is not the point; change is. But the trouble is that in most people’s minds, the thought ...18 hours ago
- Govt might take $1.1b hit to return GST on rates to councilsAnalysis by infometrics shows central government collected about that amount in GST from rates in 2022. ...18 hours ago
- ‘Abject failure’: why Australia’s scheme to curb foreign influence doesn’t work and can’t ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shireen Morris, Associate Professor and Director of the Radical Centre Reform Lab at Macquarie University Law School, Macquarie University Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock Foreign interference in Australian democracy poses a growing risk to our national sovereignty. It refers to coercive, corrupt or ...19 hours ago
- Defendant Pleads Guilty In Mortgage Fraud SchemeA defendant charged by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has pleaded guilty to four charges of obtaining by deception in relation to a mortgage fraud scheme. Sentencing has been scheduled for 14 August 2024. ...19 hours ago
- A handy primer for arts spokespeople who know nothing about New Zealand artWhat to say when pesky journalists ask gotcha questions like ‘can you name a single book you’ve ever read?’ and ‘did you read it, or did you just see the movie?’ This week, Act Party arts spokesperson Todd Stephenson foolishly agreed to an interview with Newsroom’s Steve Braunias regarding his ...20 hours ago
- School cellphone ban: What you need to knowExplainer - What will a ban on cellphones in schools achieve? Can students use them during lunch breaks? And what happens if you need to contact your child? ...20 hours ago
- We found pesticides in a third of Australian frogs we tested. Did these cause mass deaths?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jodi Rowley, Curator, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Biology, Australian Museum, UNSW Sydney Jodi Rowley, CC BY-NC-ND In winter 2021, Australia’s frogs started dropping dead. People began posting images of dead frogs on social media. Unable to travel to investigate the deaths ...20 hours ago
- Share Of Home Transfers To Overseas Buyers Remains LowIn the year ended March 2024, 0.4 percent of home transfers were to people who didn’t hold New Zealand citizenship or a resident visa, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...20 hours ago
- 364,000 New Zealanders rely on an accomodation supplement – but these 3 flaws need fixingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wasay Majid, Research Assistant , University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau New Zealand’s accommodation supplement scheme is facing scrutiny, with Social Development Minister Louise Upston recently saying “there is merit in considering whether the current settings are fair and sustainable long-term”. The ...20 hours ago
- Manasseh Sogavare bows out of prime ministerial race in Solomon IslandsBy Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor The first prime ministerial candidate has been announced in Solomon Islands and it is not Manasseh Sogavare. The man of the hour is Jeremiah Manele, the MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei constituency in Isabel Province, who served as minister of foreign affairs in the last government. ...20 hours ago
- If you love a dog, you must also love disposing of its shitProtesting the removal of bins by leaving piles of your dog’s shit for others to deal with doesn’t make you a hero – it’s precious and entitled behaviour. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve stood on the shoreline of Auckland’s Cheltenham beach, desperately trying to scoop increasingly liquid dog shit ...21 hours ago
- Analysis: What the shock poll tells us about the coalition governmentAnalysis - Christopher Luxon will be alert to the factors driving the dire polling, but won't be waving the white flag just yet, RNZ political editor Jo Moir writes. ...22 hours ago
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My initial thoughts on the media sea-changes ..
Is for a group of the (like-minded) exiled talent get together…and start something along the lines of the guardian..
Some version of a not-for-profit/worker-owned/co-op online media beast…
That would be a heroic rising from the ashes…and the chance to make a global-leader in online global/local news..
And of course having a model like that will open doors/access to like minded media entities..and some form of subscription/donation..if the product is as promised.. would be viable..
(I would pay for something like that..)
All the ingredients…in the way of skills/talent..are there..in abundance..
(Then there are all those soon to graduate media students..)
So…why not now…?
The laid off staff can boost the on-line video-podcast world of existing on-line media organisations and Stuff/NZME (on-line).
But there could also be a a digital Stuff – worker non profit collective. A Newshub type site – subscriber – with on demand video news/current affairs/documentary (opening market with TVNZ cutbacks). Other revenue from supply of news to local Sky and offshore outlets. There are a range of international (digital info/documentary) companies that collate from a range of content providers. Other revenue off can come off You Tube ads. Staff can receive support to be "freelance" successful on patreon.
I think a pillar of such a not for profit/workers co-op entity must be free access for all….no paywalls ..
I don't need to make the case for that..do I..?
I think access to media should be guaranteed as a democratic/human right…
I think it is fucked up that only those who can afford to pay get to read..what could be important information for those blocked..
Fuck that ..!
Fuck you NZ Herald..!
Tear down the paywalls..!
Personally I think that what is fucked up is when you say something like that without having (apparently) any idea or even having thought about what a solution would look like.
When you read this, please remember that I usually run a decade or two in advance of my age generation. Basically I think most news and broadcast media is going to resize and shift. It won't die. But it sure as hell will keep changing.
Usual first problem – who pays for it. Because advertising certainly won't. Which is why the free-to-air media died. There are more lucrative advertising channels.
Second problem – no-one in the important demographics are watching/listening. They're doing other things like working. TV and radio are so damn slow, and few apart from the retired, no-one really has have time to watch/listen much, they are permanently sated with news, and they watch entertainment on their leisure hours.
I don't watch news and even current affairs in media because it is so damn slow. I can read what I want from 6+ online newspapers in the time it takes a TV news to run and I don't have to sit through dribbling human interest stories or minor crimes or sport. I could watch and episode or two of a story-line in the time it takes to watch news.
Most working people who have phones seem to get their news from their contacts sharing links or scan reading a news feed now. Just like I did a couple of decades ago.
Third problem – taxation or licence fees or the like. The public information / emergency argument doesn't apply. I get alerts from the cell-phone or from the one channel dedicated to it – RNZ NatRad. Why should I pay a licence fee to pay for TV or radio channels that I never use.
My TV is only tuned to ad-free subscriber channels on the internet. I pay for ad-free RNZ via taxes as another internet channel for more detailed emergency info. I don't mind paying for some local content – busy enjoying The Cleaner on subscriber Neon at present. It doesn't have intrusive ads….
A kind of useless and historically ignorant set of statements. The NZH has always been behind a paywall, I remember wandering around as a kid with the job of picking up subscriptions for them and for the Auckland Star. Stuff just removed the paper paywall by switching to mostly electronic. The Herald added a paywall to its electronic as it was cannibalising their paper paywall.
I don't read the NZ Herald because its content vs price is like getting watered down Tullmore Dew. No substance. Way way too much useless fluff. Most of which I have already read from other sources from offshore or that I simply don't need to read. Why in the hell would I care?
I pay less to pay for a annual subscription to the electronic Washington Post which has a much lower fluff content. I also donate to Stuff because the local useless fluff level is lower and I don't have to jump through hoops to read it.
I'd only pay for the NZ Herald if they provide a account to buy by articles that I actually read.
You mean like here? Hell – that isn't 'free'. It has no profit. It is mostly just costs..
It is limited by the spare time that authors have to donate to write and moderate. The time that commenters donate to argue about the issues of the day. The time I have to technically maintain it, the gear and resources that I use to run it – mostly old hardware and things I use for my paid work.
What extra monetary costs we have are half donated by the people who actually donate (thanks you few generous people). I pay the rest and write it off to professional costs for a few lines in my CV. Working on the site and its toolkit is useful for understanding at a deep level exactly how to operate on the oily rag at a deep technical level. Mostly how to operate without me spending too much 'spare' time.
Mostly the site needs money for a couple of plugins for services in security (wordfence and a few others), performance (W3Cache, Bunny.net) and a couple of paid presentation utilities that I am slowly replacing.
There are also some excess costs of legal issues brought by the legally illiterate or their lawyers who do their clients wishes. I just work to help to bankrupt the illiterate fools if they start wasting my time. I figure it is a good way to train bullshitting idiots.
Some of this fiscal setup may change if I do decide to 'retire' and live off super, savings, and my open source interests some time after June.
But a media "not for profit/workers co-op" still has to make a profit, if only so that they have equity with which to purchase equipment and services, ideally pay people who would otherwise have to volunteer their time, and to ideally to finance some investigative reporting rather than just offering informed opinions that are usually largely derived from their other paid work and earned skills.
Anyone looking at starting a different media model..could do worse than looking at the guardian..and seeing if their (eminently successful/long-lived) financial model could be tweaked to work here…as a multi media beast..
There are also tax breaks/advantages to be had…and if content is of high enough and consistent quality..a la guardian..financial support from charitable entities would not be out of the question.
The NZH paywall is a joke, I could suggest 3 ways around it but that could get me in trouble. 🙈
We need a Spotify for news items , any one can upload their news , (well maybe some standards) then you get read you get paid , and the punter only needs 1 subscription.
That could also work..and I don't think these different ideas/models are in a competition for a winner..
They can co-exist next to each other..
The 'news' world has been dominated for too long by those two behemoths with their mirror-models…
I think it is exciting that a whole new world of online media can now blossom ..
Hell..!..I might even get over-excited..and join in…
Scoop is effectively that. Send them a news release and most of the time it will go up. It does seem to work on more of a donation model – ummm and Pro subscription.
The Spinoff, The Conversation, Evening Report also do quite a lot of that as well. Paid for by mixtures of donations, volunteers, subscriptions, and limited advertising. But all largely without paywalls. Plus of course a large chunk of Stuff.
But it is scattered. Besides you should look at Tidal and other music providers rather than Spotify. Look at this comparison – which is why I pay Tidal. Plus they have had a much better fidelity for a long time.
Thanks for your comments articulating the hurdles to be faced…
We could have had an entity in which broadcast tv and radio were integrated into a new major entity called Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media.
Labour, Greens, and Te Mati Maori were all in support.
It was to have a charter. It was going to be able to raise its own revenue through commercial operations, but RNZ would remain ad free.
It would have editorial independence enshrined in legislation.
What actually occurred was TVNZ opposed the new entity from day one, and used its staff to undermine it, and used its strong lobbying power to enable National to gradually kill it. And of course TVNZ helped cause Chippie to abandon it – it was in his DNA to betray Labour initiative so long as he stayed leader.
This is the alternative future we could have had. Not quite the ABC, but a major step towards it. An entity with the capacity to respond and grow with new media technologies.
Now as a result news and the politics within is diminished and won't be coming back in the tv series The Newsroom.
Our media is remarkably similar to the place that local governments are in now that they are having to pay for water infrastructure, rather than form amalgamated entities with the scale to keep up with new demand.
No doubt the fault is with this National coalition for further shrinking the role that news and hence politics plays in democracy. It is also on Labour for their lack of courage to get the job done when they fully had the opportunity.
How exactly did the National-led coalition "further shrink the role that news and hence politics plays in democracy"?
Massive shrinkage in TVNZ news and reporting capacity announced this week. All news bulletins on TVNZ other than 6pm will stop. 60 jobs lost.
Have you been hiding under a rock?
We don't yet have the number for the budget cuts to RNZ, but guaranteed they will be required to make savings like everyone else.
Wot..!…chippy is still here..?
Doesn't he know we called last drinks some time ago..?
Better turn the lights off and on.. until he gets the message..
..and slings his hook..
..and we could go back to some version of that earlier plan…
I don’t see the point in hand wringing over this..
It’s happened..we ain’t gonna change anyone’s mind..(c.f…warner bros..)
So..the time can be seized..and the opportunities reached for…
I have had the predisposition to not pay for media via the internet.
In the early days it was napster, peer to peer file sharing akin to sharing a cd, a taped version of a LP etc. Fast forward to Pirate Bay and the torrent revolution- games, movies, music.
In saying that, I have just paid a subscription for the first time ever for content that was at least partially free. David Slack's More than a Feilding. I stumped up $ after reading the eulogy he posted for his Mum. It resonated enough and made me realise how important and changing the media landscape is. I don't always agree with Slack but do enjoy his writing.
Oh how the times are a changing. There's a song in that.