Maybe giving a shit? My son said to me when younger…“no one’s into sticking it to the man anymore dad…” Now in early 30s with workplace and life experience he is a staunch supporter of Palestine and numerous other issues.
Generation student loan and generation renters of over priced dumps are starting to push back. Te Pāti Māori did a sterling job with the budget actions. The demographic changes slightly with each boomer funeral.
Coots in suits and their political parties are going to be on the outer, not soon enough for me–as a leftist boomer–but it will happen.
Same as ever…the ideological struggle is often dominated by the ruling class via the media channels–heh, ZB and such like–and state force is there to surveil, jail, bash and run up MSD debts as required. 40 years of a neo liberal state, union busting, and flogging off worker built assets have broken down collectivism as private capital has penetrated public infrastructure.
The upshot is alienation from political involvement among the bottom 50% who have barely 5% of the wealth. NZ has a large farming, tradie, SME, self employed aspirational sector who identify with capital and finance capital.
Good enough answer James about the filthy Natzos ?
Good enough answer James about the filthy Natzos ?
Thanks for taking the time to respond, but I still don't get it.
My own view is our leaders on the left have ben far too timid.
Labour has been the government for 21 of the 40 years you referenced. With the exception of Lange/Douglas, you'd reasonably expect that time in power to have caused a rebalancing of the issues you have identified. Yet here we are at the beginning of another Nat term of government with the fundamental settings the same as they were in 1990. People keep voting for it, and even when they swing to the left nothing changes.
Its frustrating and a tad depressing that Kiwis continue to support this system we live .
To put it another way…structurally since 1984 the neo liberal state remained substantially intact whichever party was in office or which group of parties under MMP.
State Sector Act, Reserve Bank Act, debt to GDP cap, contracting out, privatised power generation and supply (bludging on previous working class construction of Hydro power), SOEs, student loans, etc. all roll over whom ever wins.
Cancellation of import substitution regimes that enabled textile, footwear, clothing, car assembly, Ministry of works, Forestry, fishing, all haunt us still.
So until that is changed…Greens and TPM are into it, but not Labour at this stage.
Cause voting Labour isn't voting for the left. It is a vote for national lite.
There's plenty been saying this for ages – some like me in 2010 and ever since. Others have since left us like Rogue Trooper.
There’s been quite a bit of comment about the gradual shift in this country over time to the right. To the point where Labour is really a right wing party.
We are ever getting closer to the American Democrat / Republican split where no one represents the workers.
This got me thinking about some of those things I grew up with that we were proud to have from a working class perspective and could they apply today. These things probably weren’t talked about much in well off households. This was modified with some of the thinking I’ve developed over time.
These are the sorts of policies that if espoused by a party would get my vote.
1. The principle of an egalitarian society with all citizens being looked after and supported
2. A clear statement that an increasing gap between the top and the bottom is not to be desired due to the negative social impacts. That the country should move forward as a whole.
3, A fair days work for a fair days pay. The 8 hour working day and the 40 hour working week should be re-instated. Anyone working more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week should be paid time and a half. Salaries – by which some employers currently use to get around the minumum wage rules – should be set a a minimum equivalent of 40 hours per week X 120% of the minumum wage.
4. Benefit rates should be increased immeadiately by the $20-00 per week cut made years ago. Labour should be deeply embarrassed by reinstating this for NZS but not for benefits.
5. Government should undertake as part of their social committment to provide jobs for young people and people with disabilities – particularly in times of recession. Government Departments should be funded specifically for this. The private sector should be supported to provide jobs for people with significant disabilities by having their health / productivity assessed on a 3 yearly basis and having the difference between the productivity assessment and the Invalids Benefit paid to the employer – until the person turns 65 and qualifies for NZS if need be. Workers must be paid at least the minimum wage.
6. All shop trading should cease on Sundays from 12:00 pm so workers all have half a day a week to spend with their families. This includes bars. This will also be positive for people running small businesses who have currently little choice but to open because their big competitors are.
7. Alcohol should not be able to be sold in dairies and similar outlets.
8. Gambling machines except in the casinos should be banned – this includes pubs and RSA’s.
9. A clear progressive tax system should be implemented with the proviso each year that 20% of any surplus should be returned to all tax payers in equal shares as a lump sum payment………..
"Shoo in", please. "Shoe in" would surely imply that he only got there because he got a good kick up the arse? Alternatively he will, if elected, give the electorate that treatment?
I don't think it is because he is a “shoe-in” (which he is). They will vote Green because Starmer is not a left wing leader. He is a middle of the road unity leader. What he stands for is quite difficult to determine.
Under their FPP system he will win by the largest landslide in history. But if you want to vote for a left progressive party, the Green party is the only option.
Nor is it the older voters who are entirely driving this. Despite lowering voting ages, young people are also voting further right in greater numbers:
For the European Union parliamentary elections early this month, voting ages were lowered to 16 in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Greece and Malta. And many of the first-time voters used this newly gained privilege to support local far-right parties
Starmer is YABN (Yet Another Blairite Neoliberal) in the endless parade of them that infest supposedly 'left' parties everywhere, sponsored no doubt by banks and big biz
"According to policy documents, the (England and Wales) Green Party “recognise[s] there are many gender identities that are within, and outside of, the traditional gender binary of man and woman” and that “trans men are men, trans women are women, and non-binary identities exist and are valid”.
to the party’s responsibilities and rights section of its policy statement continues: “We shall respect transgender and non-binary people’s identities as real. The Green Party shall include, and push for further acceptance of, transgender and non-binary people within all areas of society.”
According to a YouGov poll in Jun 2023 “Both in Britain and amongst all countries surveyed, women and younger adults are more likely than men and older adults, respectively, to say the transgender community faces a lot of discrimination. They also show higher levels of support for all types of measures in favour of transgender people, with differences of about 6 to 9 points between women and men and between Gen Zers and Boomers.”
More young people, and more women support trans rights, people who are more likely to vote Green.
That is one issue but there are actually more critical things like poverty, housing, collapsing NHS, and disgusting water supplies across England, which a more confidently Left-wing party is more likely to tackle seriously.
I think you are radically misunderstanding the socio-economic climate of Germany in the 1920s and the very early 1930s- which was the crucible in which the Nazi party was formed and gained popularity; if you are conflating it in any way with the socio-economic climate in the US in the 2020s.
Nor was there a civil war (in any of the ways that is usually meant by that term) in Germany in the 1920s/30s.
And the likelihood of one happening in the US is really, not very high. Potentially riots (with aggrieved voters), and protests in various forms. But the US has been through plenty of examples of both in the 20th century- without descending into Civil War.
I’m well aware of the historical differences.
The playbook being used by Trump is too similar to ignore. That, and pissing all over the constitution will, at some point cause a strong reaction. Given the number of firearms in the US, that could get violent.
If you're aware of the historical differences – then what was the point of your analogy? In what way do you see the two situations as alike?
Precisely what elements of the 'playbook' do you think that Trump and Hitler share?
Setting that aside.
Are you envisaging that, Trump will win – and somehow manage to subvert the constitution. And that this will trigger outraged Democrats to rise up in arms against him?
It seems highly unlikely – for a number of reasons.
Presidents have no power to change the constitution. The most Trump could do (and he already achieved much of this in his previous term), is to stack the Supreme Court with conservative justices – who are more likely to look favourably at the policy outcomes he wants.
I really can't see outraged Democrats taking to arms – even if he did try. Protests, yes. Even possibly violent protests (destruction of property, etc., as we saw during the BLM protests) – but storming the White House? I don't think so.
Or, are you envisaging that Trump loses, and outraged supporters attempt to change the result by force of arms.
You could argue that this has already been tried, and failed, badly, last time. There is no doubt that there will be safeguards in place to ensure that another attempt is promptly nipped in the bud.
However, in this case, Trump would have exactly zero power to subvert the constitution. And the duly elected authorities will have both power and motivation to shut down any targeted violence very, very firmly.
And so I come full circle on this response and just want to encourage you with some substance that we are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.
When national say improved financial performance what do they mean. Do they want them to make a profit on rent charged?
Last time this meant deferred maintenance while poor peoples rent went into the consolidated funds by way of special dividends.
Housing New Zealand is expecting to pay the Crown a dividend of $118 million this financial year, the largest in five years.
Opposition politicians have been urging the Government to take a smaller dividend from the agency that manages State houses, after reports of cold and mouldy houses.
Housing New Zealand returned a $108 million dividend in the past financial year, the third largest ever paid.
“In fact, the Housing Minister refused to rule out scaling Kainga Ora back. We have seen this before – the last National government ended up with 1,500 fewer public homes than it started with and sucked out $576 million in dividends.
Chief Justice John Roberts at his confirmation hearing: “No one is above the law under our system and that includes the president. The president is fully bound by the law.” (Sept. 2005)
@AccountableGOP
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in January 2006:
“There is nothing that is more important for our republic than the rule of law. No person in this country, no matter how high or powerful, is above the law.”
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in September 2018: “Under the Constitution, the president is not above the law. No one is above the law…The president remains subject to the law.”
I don't see any reference in the linked article to a "Maori gang doing graffiti" – what is the source of this statement?
However, if there is a nutjob presenting as though they are cocking and aiming a firearm – I'd rather the police were called, and took action.
From your linked article:
"Senior Sergeant Glenn Wilkinson said a member of the public called police after a man was spotted walking along Marine Parade carrying what looked to be a hunting rifle and pointing it at people."
"Wilkinson told Stuff CCTV footage showed the man carrying the umbrella as if it were a rifle, cocking it and pointing it at people"
It seems clear that the situation was quickly scaled down, once the CCTV footage showed it was an umbrella rather than a rifle.
If you’re selling your soul, working all dayOvertime hours for bullshit payNothing’s gonna change if all you do Is wish you could wake up and it not be trueJoin a union, fight for better payJoin a union, brother, organise todayYou’ll see where the problem really liesWhen the union comes around: ...
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The government’s failure to invest in flood protection and emergency relief will be felt for generations to come says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Te Tai Rāwhiti, Tākuta Ferris. “It was only three months ago that councils were calling for the government to help invest in flood protection. Cyclone Gabrielle ...
Mema Paremata mō te Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi, says the government is subscribing the Rotorua Housing Crisis to a privatisation fast-track. The comments come after 100-homes have been placed on hold whilst Kāinga Ora conduct a review. “With a quick text message to one of their rich mates, this government has ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding that the Māori Development Minister move quickly to prevent a financial restructure announced by Whakaata Māori yesterday. "Minister Potaka must immediately intervene and recommit funding to Whakaata Māori. A 25% reduction is cutting Whakaata Māori at their knees; we cannot accept that," said broadcast spokesperson, ...
National has come up with yet another way to make driving a car more expensive – this time adding more costs to sit a driver licence, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
Correspondence released under the Official Information Act reveals the Government’s boot camp concept is not backed by the military that is expected to run it. ...
The Government is risking the wellbeing of vulnerable children across Aotearoa who benefit from services like counselling, intensive family support, parent programmes and early intervention, as they claw back funding. ...
Thousands of people have taken to the streets and voiced their concerns about National’s destructive and undemocratic Fast Track Approvals Bill. Add your voice and tell National why this legislation needs to be stopped in its tracks. ...
Celebrating Matariki as a public holiday over the past two years has made sure everyone gets to spend some extra time with friends and family, as well as the chance to learn more about what makes this time of year meaningful. ...
The Government needs to be transparent about the cuts they are making to hospital infrastructure, so that cities are clear on the health resources they will have into the future. ...
Our students deserve access to fresh, healthy food to fuel their busy school days and lives.That’s why Labour introduced the Ka Ora, Ka Ako healthy school lunch programme. Teachers, parents, principals and health experts all saw the benefits of it. ...
The new Covid-19 Inquiry we campaigned and fought for will start in November.The current Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response will be divided into two phases. ‘Phase Two’ of the inquiry will start from November 2024 and will be the independent, full scale, and public inquiry we ...
“Today’s announcement is simply a repeat of the Government rejecting decades of evidence and expert advice, as they forcibly try to turn marketing slogans into policy,” said children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
“I am relieved Pharmac will be funded more to buy medicines for Kiwis. It is important that decisions on which drugs get funded remain independent from politics,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
The Green Party welcomes the announcement of more funding for cancer treatments and medicines, however, calls for more to be done to address the severe health inequities that come with cancer. ...
Frivolous check-ins with beneficiaries are the Government’s latest plan to find excuses to punish those on the Job Seeker allowance and add to the stigma they face. ...
The grounding of the Aratere Interislander Ferry is a wake-up call to the Coalition Government; they need to front up with a realistic long term solution to moving people and freight between our islands. ...
New Zealanders need and deserve a strong public health system. Throughout the country, we need to ensure hospitals, clinics and community providers have the resources needed to provide the best level of care. ...
Victims of family violence could fall through the gaps in New Zealand, as Police stop responding to some call outs and the Government chooses to prioritise other things. ...
The lack of bids at today’s ETS auction is a sad indictment on this Government's staggering indifference to the climate crisis and their lack of a plan. ...
“I am deeply disappointed in the National Party's budget. Their broken promises and cuts to essential services, including health, education, and support for vulnerable groups, will have long-lasting negative impacts” – Raymor, Auckland ...
Today marks the beginning of Schools Pride Week in New Zealand, an important calendar event largely run by rainbow rangitahi to advocate for safer, more inclusive school environments. ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is getting on with the Government’s first seven Roads of National Significance (RoNS) projects expected to begin procurement, enabling works and construction in the next three years. “Delivering on commitments in our coalition agreements, we are moving ...
The Coalition Government is building for roll growth and easing pressure in Auckland’s school system, by committing to the construction of a new primary school, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. As part of Budget 24’s $456 million injection into school property growth, a new primary school (years 1-6) will be ...
Dr Shane Reti's speech to Iwi-Maori Partnership Boards, Thursday 4 July 2024 Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau Celebrate the rising of Matariki Celebrate the rising of the lord of the skies Celebrate the rising ...
Kia Ora Koutou, Tena Koutou, Good Morning. Thank you Mahaki Albert for the warm welcome. Thank you, Prime Minister, and thank you everyone for coming today. When I look around the room this morning, I see many of our hard-working mental health and addictions workforce from NGO and Community groups, ...
An independent expert advisory panel has been appointed to review the Public Works Act to make it easier to build infrastructure, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk has announced. “The short, sharp review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to progressing critical infrastructure projects and reducing excessive regulatory and legislative barriers, so ...
A trip to Australia next week to meet mining sector operators and investors will signal New Zealand is once again open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The visit is also an opportunity to build relationships with Australian state and federal counterparts and learn from their experiences as New ...
New Zealand’s ability to engage with key trading partners is set to grow further with 20 scholarships awarded for groups to gain education experiences across Asia and Latin America, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. Of the 20 scholarships, 12 have been awarded to groups travelling for study ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed progress on Northwest Rapid Transit, as the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) confirms next steps on the preferred option, a busway alongside State Highway 16 from Brigham Creek to Auckland City Centre. “The Government is committed to a rapid transit system that will support urban development, ...
Reflecting the Government’s priority to improve the public services Kiwis rely on, including mental health care, Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey has today announced five mental health and addiction targets. “The targets reflect my priorities to increase access to mental health and addiction support, grow the mental health and addiction ...
The first round of the government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund is set to open for applications later this month, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “The Fund will support new and innovative initiatives that are focussed on increasing access to better mental health support, ...
Speech to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand - 4 July 202 AcknowledgementsGood morning. Can I acknowledge Jen Baird and the team from REINZ. It’s good to be here with you this morning.IntroductionThis morning I’d like to talk to you about the Coalition Government’s plan to fix our housing crisis and ...
New Zealand and Nauru are deepening their relationship, including on economic resilience and education, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand and Nauru have a warm, long-standing relationship, and we are strengthening our engagement through enhanced political, security, and development cooperation,” Mr Peters says. “The good functioning ...
The Government will establish ambitious new housing growth targets for New Zealand’s cities, while taking steps to make it easier to expand both up and out, says Housing and Resource Management Act (RMA) Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Our Going for Housing Growth policy focuses on the fundamentals that have led ...
Increasing the recreational daily catch limit for kina around the northeastern North Island and a new special permit to remove kina will help tackle kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Kina barrens are areas of rocky reef where healthy kelp forests have been consumed by an overpopulation ...
The Government has marked a major milestone for rural connectivity at the official opening of the 500th RCG mobile tower in Anawhata today, Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Rural, rugged and remote, like many of the 500 towers delivered, RCG worked alongside community stakeholders to deliver better connectivity for Anawhata ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today released the updated Endeavour Fund Investment Plan – the Government’s $55 million per annum fund for science and research. “Endeavour is the Government’s largest contestable fund investing in science and research. It is crucial that this investment aligns with this Government’s priority ...
Work on a critical minerals list and a stocktake of New Zealand’s known mineral potential is underway and will be key to enabling a strategic, considered approach to developing the country’s resources and strengthening mineral resilience, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Together, the list and the stocktake will identify the ...
The Government is providing a further $500,000 to the Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund to help the community following flooding last week, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced during a visit to the district today. “I have been back on the ground in Wairoa today to get a further ...
The Coalition Government is delivering consistency in student assessment, giving parents certainty on how their child’s doing at school, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Currently, the first glimpse at student achievement is when children sit NCEA. It’s far too late to learn in Year 10 or 11 if they have ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit the United States from 9-12 July. Mr Luxon will begin his visit by building New Zealand’s profile with politicians in Washington DC, meeting members of the US Administration and of Congress. “The United States is the world’s largest economy and our second biggest trading partner. It ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has confirmed that cervical screening will continue to be free for women with higher risk of cervical cancer. “Our Government is committed to achieving better cancer outcomes for New Zealanders, and screening programmes are critical to getting an early diagnosis and timely treatment,” says Dr ...
The board of Kāinga Ora – Homes & Community has been refreshed and Ministers have issued a new Letter of Expectations demanding better financial performance, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.“Earlier this year we released the report of the independent review into Kāinga Ora led by Sir Bill English, which found ...
New Zealand and Solomon Islands are boosting their partnership in areas aimed at enhancing security and prosperity, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “Solomon Islands is a very important Pacific partner for New Zealand, and we are pleased to be findings ways to do more together for mutual benefit,” Mr ...
New Zealand today concluded a groundbreaking trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland, to remove tariffs on hundreds of products that benefit sustainability and the environment, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) opens up commercial opportunities for New Zealand businesses ...
New Zealand and Australia have highlighted their strong commitment to Solomon Islands aviation and economic development through the handover of the upgraded Seghe Airfield today. “The upgrade of the Seghe Airfield runway in Western Province will enable flights to operate under all weather conditions, making operations safer and more ...
The Government is rolling out changes to the driver licencing system to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing New Zealanders trying to sit their driver licence tests across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Since the previous government’s decision last year to remove re-sit fees for theory and practical ...
Around 11,000 singers from 40 countries will be taking to the stage in Auckland next week for the 13th World Choir Games, generating important economic and cultural benefits for the supercity, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “It’s the biggest choral competition and festival in the world, so I’m absolutely ...
A reservation over the Kermadec Arc preventing the granting or extending of minerals prospecting, exploration, and mining permits will be extended for 18 months from 5 July, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones’ declaration, enabled under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, will extend consecutive existing reservations, the latest of ...
The Government is taking immediate action to support New Zealand’s media and content production sectors, while it develops a long-term reform programme, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Firstly, the Government will progress the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill with amendments, to support our local media companies to earn ...
Tākina Puanga, mānawatia a Matariki, mānawatia te huinga whetū! Congratulations to Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Puku o te Ika a Māui on winning this year’s national secondary schools kapa haka competition Te Huinga Whetū, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. “It was great to hear the stage rumbling ...
The coalition Government's latest Action Plan will have a strong focus on making Kiwis safer and restoring law and order, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced. “The Government I lead is one of action and we are already making meaningful changes that will keep Kiwis safe in their homes, workplaces ...
A successful second quarter Action Plan shows the coalition Government has continued to build on the momentum of its first 100 days, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government Action Plan was laser-focused on rebuilding the economy and reducing the cost of living, restoring law and order, and delivering better ...
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour is glad to see the Natural Hazards Insurance Act come into force today, further protecting homeowners’ rights after a natural hazard event and seeing the Earthquake Commission (EQC) become the Natural Hazards Commission. “The Government is committed to ensuring Kiwis continue to get reliable insurance ...
Restoring the brightline test to two years will help increase the supply of residential property putting downward pressure on rent, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “From 1 July, the brightline test will replace the five and ten-year periods with a more balanced two-year period. “Every day, New Zealanders are struggling ...
Councils, iwi, businesses and community organisations with infrastructure projects that support regional priorities are invited to apply for funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, which opened today. “The Coalition Government is focused on growing the economy. We are doing everything we can to enable an export-led recovery, regional prosperity and ...
Kia ora koutou katoa – it’s a pleasure to join you here at Tōtara Haumaru on Auckland’s North Shore I would like to begin by acknowledging the many hands, over many years, that have been involved in the creation of this wonderful new facility Tōtara Haumaru, particularly those who are ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins will visit the Kingdom of Tonga to take part in the opening of a New Zealand-funded His Majesty’s Armed Forces Leadership Centre and to meet with counterparts. “New Zealand has a long, shared military history with Tonga and the development of this leadership centre is an ...
Today the Crown joined Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu at Papawai Marae to mark the return of Wairarapa Moana to iwi, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. “The legal transfer of the ownership of Wairarapa Moana is the final chapter in a fraught dispute between ...
Changes to the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Standard) Act will enable changes to the emissions targets more easily with a review of the Clean Vehicle Standard currently underway, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Large changes in technology, fuel efficiency, and consumer trends and preferences means that the Clean Car Importer Standard ...
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has today announced that four members have been reappointed to the Fire and Emergency New Zealand [FENZ] board. “I am pleased to announce that Rebecca Keoghan has been reappointed as chair for a two-year term of office,” says Ms van Velden. Rebecca was appointed ...
Wellington-based climate scientist Nicholas Golledge has written a stunning book called Feedback: Uncovering the Hidden Connections Between Life and the Universe. In this excerpt, he takes us back 5,000 years to show the concept of feedbacks at work in neolithic society. Five thousand years ago, a unique and monumental episode ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Levinson, Professor of Transport, University of Sydney There’s nothing wrong with tolls on roads. Designed well, they can both pay for roads and ensure they are used efficiently. Without tolls, drivers considering whether or not to travel on particular roads at ...
New Zealand has a huge problem with court delays, given 43% of prisoners are unsentenced and awaiting court processes. This is a complete anomaly internationally and the team established to respond to this is now being cut. ...
If a song demands it, I just ask for quiet in the same way I would ask a friend for a hug. I risk looking like a twat every time, but I’ll take that on the chin if it means enhancing the collective experience, writes musician Vera Ellen. This story ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Martin, Senior Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock There’s a new bill before federal parliament calling for housing to be considered a fundamental human right. The bill, introduced last week by independent federal parliamentarians Kylea Tink ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca Trelease, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology Still from Terrace House: Opening New Doors. Netflix Often when we think about reality TV, we think about mess, conflict and scandal – three things usually grouped under the umbrella ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Blair, Teaching Fellow in Music, University of Otago Getty Images I first saw A Hard Day’s Night at a film festival over 20 years ago, at the insistence of my mum. By then, it was already decades old, but I ...
“It’s clear to Kiwis that academic freedom in New Zealand is under threat. In recent years, both in New Zealand and abroad, we’ve seen the consistent pattern of universities stifling opinions, and individuals feeling unable to speak freely. ...
The plucky underdog goes offline, paving the way for a brand new – and experimental – TV news service, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. The curtain falls on Newshub Nothing in the media scene this year ...
The Don't Subsidize Pollution campaign has taken a 6000 strong petition to Parliament asking the government to scrap free carbon credits for major polluters. ...
Days before the lights go out one last time, 6pm anchors Sam Hayes and Mike McRoberts came up to The Spinoff for a candid, powerful conversation about the life and legacy of 3 News. Tonight Samantha Hayes and Mike McRoberts present their one last 6pm bulletin, the final act of ...
The thing about floods is the water doesn’t tend to go to the right places. Housing minister Chris Bishop says he wants to flood the housing market. On Thursday, he unveiled a list of policies to deregulate the market and make it easier to build homes. His description of ...
The saga of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has come to an end – for now, at least. Last week, the WikiLeaks founder appeared in a US court in the Mariana Islands, pleaded guilty to one charge under the Espionage Act, then flew back to Canberra thanks to time already served ...
The latest government targets cover the cost of living, crime and public services, but have nothing for the environment The post Action plan: 40 shades of grey but no green appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Opinion: The NZer credited with salvaging the battered Trump-Biden transition proposes a new corporate-style approach to changing leaders The post Presidential candidates need a year’s head start appeared first on Newsroom. ...
The mystery began in 2019. Keryn Martin and Logan Ainsworth were preparing the walls of the Paremata-Plimmerton Rugby clubrooms for a significant refurbishment when they removed eight framed jerseys. Seven of them bore the inscription “Presented by K Gray” and another black jersey was simply entitled “New Zealand Women’s Rugby” ...
Kāinga Ora has been purged, KiwiRail has lost three directors, senior public servants are retiring or being encouraged to pursue alternative careers. Where does it stop? This week on Raw Politics the panel tries to anticipate other targets in the public service and state-owned businesses which might fall ...
Comment: Decreased gas availability has prompted Genesis to import further coal, and that will continue barring a left-field solution The post Back to black – the return of coal power appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NONFICTION 1 Waitohu by Hinemoa Elder (Penguin Random House, $35) A free copy of Hinemoa Elder’s latest blockbuster self-helper is up for grabs in this week’s giveaway. The blurbology tells us, “From the best-selling author of Aroha and Wawata comes a new and inspiring journal to help you make deeper connections using the energies ...
The Public Service Commissioner has thanked the Treasury Secretary and the Education Secretary for their service, as both confirm they’ll step down this year The post Call for Kiwi appointee as next Treasury Secretary appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Senator Fatima Payman, who announced on Thursday she was quitting her party, has now officially joined that well-known club of “Labor rats” – those who have been thrown overboard or jumped ship. Notable past ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sanjoy Paul, Associate Professor, UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney China’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are having a moment. For a long time, the race to electrify motoring has been almost synonymous with American carmaker Tesla, a clear early leader. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brooke Nickel, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, University of Sydney wedmoments.stock/Shutterstock The way women are screened for breast cancer in Australia may change. There’s international debate on the age women should be invited for screening. But an even larger change being ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Campbell, Lecturer, Performing Arts, UniSA Creative, University of South Australia Morgan Sette It is always wonderful to see a new Australian play, and to see one by a female playwright with a majority female cast and creative team is a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Henry, Associate Professor in Planning, Massey University Getty Images Increasingly low-cost environmental sensors coupled with AI-powered analytical tools dangle the promise of faster and more insightful environmental planning. The need for better decision making about the way we use ecosystems ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wright, Senior Research Fellow, Energy & Circularity, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University Small collections of electricity generators, or “microgrids”, have long been used in disaster recovery, when network supply falters during bushfires or cyclones. But now the technology is being ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Stokes, Industry Professor, Environment and Sustainability, Macquarie University Rob Stokes The right of everyone to have a say on development is at the heart of modern urban planning. But as homes become ever more expensive, questions are being asked about ...
The former chief news officer at Newshub reflects on, and explains, the end of a news era. A version of this article was first published on Hal Crawford’s Substack, Crawford Media. Subscribe here. This Friday will be the last day of broadcasting and publishing for my old newsroom, Newshub. It’s ...
The controversial policy has many supporters, for vastly different reasons. Liam Rātana explains.During the 2023 election campaign, there was a Māori MPs debate at Terenga Paraoa Marae in Whangārei, hosted by the Public Service Association. Present are the electorate’s incumbent Kelvin Davis, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi from Te Paati Māori, Green ...
The Housing Minister says the changes will "ensure abundant development opportunities in our key urban areas" by making it easier to build new houses. ...
The May results are reported against forecasts based on the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (BEFU 2024), published on 30 May 2024, and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...
Dr Areta Wilkinson’s arts practice investigates contemporary jewellery as a form of knowledge informed by Māori philosophies, especially whakapapa and a Ngāi Tahu worldview. Her work is represented by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Wellington. She is an Arts Foundation Laureate, ...
New safety measures are on the way for some of New Zealand’s bus drivers. Staff writer Lyric Waiwiri-Smith speaks to one driver about the recent rise in aggression from commuters. It’s difficult to think of a vehicle – or shall we say, chariot – more symbolic of the working class ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Söderberg, Professor & Director, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University DebraO’Connor/Shutterstock Much of the debate about nuclear power in the month since the Coalition announced its plan to install reactors in seven states has been about ...
Children’s Minister Karen Chhour introduced her bill to repeal the section in May, which requires the ministry to consider whakapapa and the Treaty of Waitangi when making decisions about children and young people in state care. ...
"It’s tempting to think that the Government has cut funding for the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, but the truth is that budgeting services can stop people falling over the edge in the first place," said Mr Watson. ...
I need a perfect line to cut to the bone and deter them once and for all. Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear HeraEvery Sunday afternoon my neighbour and his friends and flatmates all gather to watch the rugby league. I’m not a sports fan, but I actually kind ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carmel Taddeo, Senior Lecturer at UniSA Education Futures, University of South Australia Prateek Katyal/Pexels Many parents are worried about how much their children use social media and what content they might encounter while using it. Amid proposals to ban ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Söderberg, Professor & Director, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University DebraO’Connor/Shutterstock Much of the debate about nuclear power in the month since the Coalition announced its plan to install reactors in seven states has been about ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adhi Oktaviana, PhD Candidate in Archaeology, Griffith University Cave art site of Leang Karampuang in the Maros-Pangkep karst area of South Sulawesi. A rock art panel on the ceiling depicting three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig dates to at least ...
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It’s been a while since Labour winning was a genuine possibility, let alone a likelihood, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. The ...
Midway through last year, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson could barely walk; running made her cry. She’d just missed out on the Silver Ferns to play at the Netball World Cup in South Africa – after a remarkable comeback to the court from back-to-back Achilles ruptures – but there was something else going ...
Civil service mandarins Iona Holsted, Caralee McLiesh and Lil Anderson aren’t expected to have their contracts renewed, sources say. All three had been appointed on fixed term contracts that come up for renewal in coming months; none is expected to get another term. There had been plans for the acting ...
So if major political candidates are getting much older on average, what would make standing more attractive for the young?
a political culture that makes sense to them and is easier to function in.
Maybe giving a shit? My son said to me when younger…“no one’s into sticking it to the man anymore dad…” Now in early 30s with workplace and life experience he is a staunch supporter of Palestine and numerous other issues.
Generation student loan and generation renters of over priced dumps are starting to push back. Te Pāti Māori did a sterling job with the budget actions. The demographic changes slightly with each boomer funeral.
Coots in suits and their political parties are going to be on the outer, not soon enough for me–as a leftist boomer–but it will happen.
Meet the new boomer; same as the old boomer (eventually).
Well hopefully that old trope fades. Determinism, fatalism and defeatism are not the way to go for the working class. Fight, fight & fight.
The vast majority of people are working class, yet Nact1 are in government.
Any ideas why?
Same as ever…the ideological struggle is often dominated by the ruling class via the media channels–heh, ZB and such like–and state force is there to surveil, jail, bash and run up MSD debts as required. 40 years of a neo liberal state, union busting, and flogging off worker built assets have broken down collectivism as private capital has penetrated public infrastructure.
The upshot is alienation from political involvement among the bottom 50% who have barely 5% of the wealth. NZ has a large farming, tradie, SME, self employed aspirational sector who identify with capital and finance capital.
Good enough answer James about the filthy Natzos ?
Thanks for taking the time to respond, but I still don't get it.
My own view is our leaders on the left have ben far too timid.
Labour has been the government for 21 of the 40 years you referenced. With the exception of Lange/Douglas, you'd reasonably expect that time in power to have caused a rebalancing of the issues you have identified. Yet here we are at the beginning of another Nat term of government with the fundamental settings the same as they were in 1990. People keep voting for it, and even when they swing to the left nothing changes.
Its frustrating and a tad depressing that Kiwis continue to support this system we live .
To put it another way…structurally since 1984 the neo liberal state remained substantially intact whichever party was in office or which group of parties under MMP.
State Sector Act, Reserve Bank Act, debt to GDP cap, contracting out, privatised power generation and supply (bludging on previous working class construction of Hydro power), SOEs, student loans, etc. all roll over whom ever wins.
Cancellation of import substitution regimes that enabled textile, footwear, clothing, car assembly, Ministry of works, Forestry, fishing, all haunt us still.
So until that is changed…Greens and TPM are into it, but not Labour at this stage.
Cause voting Labour isn't voting for the left. It is a vote for national lite.
There's plenty been saying this for ages – some like me in 2010 and ever since. Others have since left us like Rogue Trooper.
There’s been quite a bit of comment about the gradual shift in this country over time to the right. To the point where Labour is really a right wing party.
We are ever getting closer to the American Democrat / Republican split where no one represents the workers.
This got me thinking about some of those things I grew up with that we were proud to have from a working class perspective and could they apply today. These things probably weren’t talked about much in well off households. This was modified with some of the thinking I’ve developed over time.
These are the sorts of policies that if espoused by a party would get my vote.
1. The principle of an egalitarian society with all citizens being looked after and supported
2. A clear statement that an increasing gap between the top and the bottom is not to be desired due to the negative social impacts. That the country should move forward as a whole.
3, A fair days work for a fair days pay. The 8 hour working day and the 40 hour working week should be re-instated. Anyone working more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week should be paid time and a half. Salaries – by which some employers currently use to get around the minumum wage rules – should be set a a minimum equivalent of 40 hours per week X 120% of the minumum wage.
4. Benefit rates should be increased immeadiately by the $20-00 per week cut made years ago. Labour should be deeply embarrassed by reinstating this for NZS but not for benefits.
5. Government should undertake as part of their social committment to provide jobs for young people and people with disabilities – particularly in times of recession. Government Departments should be funded specifically for this. The private sector should be supported to provide jobs for people with significant disabilities by having their health / productivity assessed on a 3 yearly basis and having the difference between the productivity assessment and the Invalids Benefit paid to the employer – until the person turns 65 and qualifies for NZS if need be. Workers must be paid at least the minimum wage.
6. All shop trading should cease on Sundays from 12:00 pm so workers all have half a day a week to spend with their families. This includes bars. This will also be positive for people running small businesses who have currently little choice but to open because their big competitors are.
7. Alcohol should not be able to be sold in dairies and similar outlets.
8. Gambling machines except in the casinos should be banned – this includes pubs and RSA’s.
9. A clear progressive tax system should be implemented with the proviso each year that 20% of any surplus should be returned to all tax payers in equal shares as a lump sum payment………..
Well said.
Whereabouts are you standing?
I will vote for that.
Vote Green…they are always younger.
I think quite a few people will vote Green in the UK election to make a statement because they know Starmer is a shoe-in.
"Shoo in", please. "Shoe in" would surely imply that he only got there because he got a good kick up the arse? Alternatively he will, if elected, give the electorate that treatment?
I took it to mean Starmer had his shoe in the door so that nobody else could get a foot in. 😉
…oops. Thanks Alwyn.
I don't think it is because he is a “shoe-in” (which he is). They will vote Green because Starmer is not a left wing leader. He is a middle of the road unity leader. What he stands for is quite difficult to determine.
Under their FPP system he will win by the largest landslide in history. But if you want to vote for a left progressive party, the Green party is the only option.
Yeah its a slam donk for Labour.
The SNP leans well to the left usually.
Labour voters had the option to go left with Jeremy Corbyn or choose the neoliberal path with Starmer.
Labour Party membership has dropped by roughly 200,000 under Starmer. Under Corbyn it was about 550k and has dropped to 350k.
Maybe the UK younger voters will vote Green (we'll see). But the French and German ones aren't.
The Green parties in both countries have lost seats in the most recent elections. With a rise in the far right vote, rather than the far left.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/09/green-party-losses-in-eu-elections-raise-concerns-over-green-deal
Nor is it the older voters who are entirely driving this. Despite lowering voting ages, young people are also voting further right in greater numbers:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/european-election-green-wave-of-young-voters-turns-a-much-murkier-colour/4NGTVDQ2Z5CXXBSRXJ6PTX7PYI/
Starmer is YABN (Yet Another Blairite Neoliberal) in the endless parade of them that infest supposedly 'left' parties everywhere, sponsored no doubt by banks and big biz
But hasn't the England & Wales Green party been captured by GC ideologues?
"According to policy documents, the (England and Wales) Green Party “recognise[s] there are many gender identities that are within, and outside of, the traditional gender binary of man and woman” and that “trans men are men, trans women are women, and non-binary identities exist and are valid”.
to the party’s responsibilities and rights section of its policy statement continues: “We shall respect transgender and non-binary people’s identities as real. The Green Party shall include, and push for further acceptance of, transgender and non-binary people within all areas of society.”
They have kicked GC individuals and the large Green Party Women group out, using perhaps dodgy excuses, but kicked them out nevertheless.
According to a YouGov poll in Jun 2023 “Both in Britain and amongst all countries surveyed, women and younger adults are more likely than men and older adults, respectively, to say the transgender community faces a lot of discrimination. They also show higher levels of support for all types of measures in favour of transgender people, with differences of about 6 to 9 points between women and men and between Gen Zers and Boomers.”
More young people, and more women support trans rights, people who are more likely to vote Green.
No, they have been captured by people who are too chicken to say that lesbians don't have penises.
That is one issue but there are actually more critical things like poverty, housing, collapsing NHS, and disgusting water supplies across England, which a more confidently Left-wing party is more likely to tackle seriously.
The demand on primary health care is resulting in workplace stress.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/07/03/gps-left-practice-now-relying-on-telehealth-due-to-stress-ex-staff/
Two questions;
Is the American voter more aware than the German voter in the 1930s?
If not, how long before civil war breakes out? Ostensibly to reinstate the constitution.
I don't think so and the political outcomes are getting equally likely since 2020.
Civil war starts with the assassination of the winning candidate before the end of 2025
I think you are radically misunderstanding the socio-economic climate of Germany in the 1920s and the very early 1930s- which was the crucible in which the Nazi party was formed and gained popularity; if you are conflating it in any way with the socio-economic climate in the US in the 2020s.
Nor was there a civil war (in any of the ways that is usually meant by that term) in Germany in the 1920s/30s.
And the likelihood of one happening in the US is really, not very high. Potentially riots (with aggrieved voters), and protests in various forms. But the US has been through plenty of examples of both in the 20th century- without descending into Civil War.
I do understand the ingredients are different, but the cooking is leading to the same poison.
Do you have some evidence for your belief?
Because those countries which have descended into civil war, don't really have a lot in common with the socio-political climate in the US.
Regardless of whether Trump wins or loses, I really don't see any indication that the US is likely to:
I’m well aware of the historical differences.
The playbook being used by Trump is too similar to ignore. That, and pissing all over the constitution will, at some point cause a strong reaction. Given the number of firearms in the US, that could get violent.
If you're aware of the historical differences – then what was the point of your analogy? In what way do you see the two situations as alike?
Precisely what elements of the 'playbook' do you think that Trump and Hitler share?
Setting that aside.
Are you envisaging that, Trump will win – and somehow manage to subvert the constitution. And that this will trigger outraged Democrats to rise up in arms against him?
It seems highly unlikely – for a number of reasons.
Or, are you envisaging that Trump loses, and outraged supporters attempt to change the result by force of arms.
You could argue that this has already been tried, and failed, badly, last time. There is no doubt that there will be safeguards in place to ensure that another attempt is promptly nipped in the bud.
However, in this case, Trump would have exactly zero power to subvert the constitution. And the duly elected authorities will have both power and motivation to shut down any targeted violence very, very firmly.
Jan 6 was just a warm-up. The same forces are still there and have not been idle while Joe Biden bumbles about hopelessly
And your evidence is?
The threats are never far below the surface.
And so I come full circle on this response and just want to encourage you with some substance that we are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.
https://www.mediamatters.org/project-2025/heritage-foundation-president-celebrates-supreme-court-immunity-decision-we-are
When national say improved financial performance what do they mean. Do they want them to make a profit on rent charged?
Last time this meant deferred maintenance while poor peoples rent went into the consolidated funds by way of special dividends.
Housing New Zealand is expecting to pay the Crown a dividend of $118 million this financial year, the largest in five years.
Opposition politicians have been urging the Government to take a smaller dividend from the agency that manages State houses, after reports of cold and mouldy houses.
Housing New Zealand returned a $108 million dividend in the past financial year, the third largest ever paid.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/283700/english-defends-$118m-housing-nz-dividend
“In fact, the Housing Minister refused to rule out scaling Kainga Ora back. We have seen this before – the last National government ended up with 1,500 fewer public homes than it started with and sucked out $576 million in dividends.
https://www.labour.org.nz/news-release_another_announcement_still_no_funding_for_more_public_houses
Imagine that…
//
@AccountableGOP
Chief Justice John Roberts at his confirmation hearing: “No one is above the law under our system and that includes the president. The president is fully bound by the law.” (Sept. 2005)
https://x.com/AccountableGOP/status/1807882444663587082
@AccountableGOP
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in January 2006:
“There is nothing that is more important for our republic than the rule of law. No person in this country, no matter how high or powerful, is above the law.”
https://x.com/AccountableGOP/status/1807855254006124944
@AccountableGOP
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch: “Nobody is above the law in this country, and that includes the president of the United States.” (March 2017)
https://x.com/AccountableGOP/status/1808191057236000975
@AccountableGOP
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in September 2018: “Under the Constitution, the president is not above the law. No one is above the law…The president remains subject to the law.”
https://x.com/AccountableGOP/status/1807835389865951253
Woe the Republic
Performance policing where National’s cops get tough on umbrellas. Reassure the rich if they ever see a poor person they can be shot.
Police said it had resembled a Maori gang doing graffiti in the fevered imaginations of two passers by.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/armed-police-cordon-off-queenstown-waterfront-after-possible-sighting-of-firearm/WQADUDDDQFFNTN56O7S7UBXHVI/
I don't see any reference in the linked article to a "Maori gang doing graffiti" – what is the source of this statement?
However, if there is a nutjob presenting as though they are cocking and aiming a firearm – I'd rather the police were called, and took action.
From your linked article:
"Senior Sergeant Glenn Wilkinson said a member of the public called police after a man was spotted walking along Marine Parade carrying what looked to be a hunting rifle and pointing it at people."
"Wilkinson told Stuff CCTV footage showed the man carrying the umbrella as if it were a rifle, cocking it and pointing it at people"
It seems clear that the situation was quickly scaled down, once the CCTV footage showed it was an umbrella rather than a rifle.