Open mike 13/12/2022

Written By: notices and features - Date published: 6:00 am, December 13th, 2022 - 57 comments
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Jimmy 1

13 December 2022 at 9:59 am

Labour resignations this election announced. No great loss there other than possibly Jamie Strange who may have had a future.

Cabinet minister Poto Williams, David Clark, and Aupito William Sio retiring from Parliament at 2023 election | Stuff.co.nz

"Strange, speaking to Stuff about his resignation on Tuesday, said he was “better suited for government than opposition if you look at my personality type, so it was good timing for me coming into government” – however he downplayed the party was facing a loss, as “the polls are close … there is still a long way to go, and it’s too close to call”.

Has he seen the light?
- RosieLee 1.1
  
  13 December 2022 at 10:57 am
  
  Well, most of them have done enough time to receive (not earn) a fat pension.
  - Patricia Bremner 1.1.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 12:23 pm
    
    That is wrong. That was changed some time back. Only a few are in the old scheme.
    - RosieLee 1.1.1.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 5:43 pm
      
      They'll still do alright.
- bwaghorn 1.2
  
  13 December 2022 at 12:45 pm
  
  Strange sounds like a dick,
tsmithfield 2

13 December 2022 at 10:32 am

I must admit feeling a bit sorry for Michael Wood who was eviscerated by HDPA on Newstalk ZB last night. https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-demand/week-on-demand/

The interview started about six minutes in at th 17.30 segment yesterday.

The real clanger came when HDPA put it to Wood that the government was either stupid or stubborn. Wood denied that the government was stubborn, but failed to rule out the first option.

This was one of the harshest interviews I have heard. However, I think it reflected the frustration a lot of us have been experiencing who have been trying to hire staff over the last year or so, but have been blocked by what appears to be the government's ideological stance on restricting immigration.
- Robert Guyton 2.1
  
  13 December 2022 at 10:46 am
  
  "HDPA put it to Wood that the government was either stupid or stubborn."
  
  What an idiotic thing for HDPA to say.
- Craig H 2.2
  
  13 December 2022 at 11:35 am
  
  On how nurses and midwives ended up on the Tier 2 instead of Tier 1 Green List (aka work to residence and straight to residence respectively), the cabinet paper says there is a higher exit rate for internationally trained nurses and midwives than domestically trained nurses and midwives (paragraph 21). The rates aren't especially high 10% vs 6% for midwives and 6% vs 4% for nurses) but there isn't a lot of space in the document devoted to that particular item, suggesting they didn't consider it through lenses other than retention (if someone did, it wasn't written anywhere).
  
  I attended an MBIE/INZ webinar on immigration sector agreements and in response to a question asked in that, we were told that aged care nurses in particular leave faster because the pay is lower and that info had been provided through the Aged Care Association (and aged care nurses is a major pathway into registered nursing for overseas nurses from countries where the Nursing Council doesn't automatically recognise their qualifications). Perhaps the Minister would be wise to point to the recent agreement to fund parity in that sector as another reason to change the list as the initial reason (lower pay) has been rectified by the government.
- AB 2.3
  
  13 December 2022 at 11:40 am
  
  Indiscriminate opening of the immigration taps will lower wages, re-inflate the housing bubble and overstretch underfunded infrastructure. I realise that the Nats see the first two as positives and are adept at hiding the third under their watch. Also there's an astonishing sense of entitlement here – why do you assume the divine and permanent right to have enough workers available at a low enough price to guarantee your ongoing profitability? Are you a special type of citizen by virtue of operating a business – given that there appears to be no reciprocal right of workers to expect sufficient jobs at high enough wages to live comfortably? Michael Wood is all class and the only thing HDPA ever eviscerates is her own daft ideology.
  - tsmithfield 2.3.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 12:15 pm
    
    "Indiscriminate opening of the immigration taps will lower wages,"
    
    No. The current settings artificially increase wages through a government imposed labor shortage.
    
    Wages are not increasing because businesses are becoming more profitable, but rather because of the artificial restrictions Labour has put in place. That sort of policy simply is not sustainable going forward. If there is a recession, as the RB is trying to enact by its own admission, then a lot more workers will be laid off that would otherwise have been necessary.
    
    "Are you a special type of citizen by virtue of operating a business – given that there appears to be no reciprocal right of workers to expect sufficient jobs at high enough wages to live comfortably?"
    
    Actually, you know nothing about our business. We offer some of the best wages in our industry, and have some of the best so far as work and conditions are concerned. That has not been the issue.
    
    It has been about being able to attract workers at all. We have advertised for one position for over six months now with hardly any responses. And those few that have responded simply aren't up to the requirements of the role.
    - Craig H 2.3.1.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 2:02 pm
      
      As the baby boomers drop out of the workforce, labour shortages will grow, not reduce. Those workforce pressures will not be unique to NZ any more than that demographic bulge is. We also have to compete with Australia for labour which is hard as they have left us behind in wages.
      
      However, the temporary migration tap is open for employers that pay over median wage through the Accredited Employer Work Visa and has been since July. Do that, follow the process, and the tap has no other restrictions.
    - AB 2.3.1.2
      
      13 December 2022 at 3:15 pm
      
      If one thing "artificially increases" wages then its opposite (and the thing you want) by definition must artificially decrease" it. Stop pretending that the settings that favour you are some sort of 'natural' state – like gravity or photosynthesis. These are all contested choices.
      
      "you know nothing about our business". I wasn't talking about your business at all. I was talking in general terms about where a fair balance of conflicting interests might be found. It's not found by creating one class of citizens whose interests are assumed to be 'natural' priorities – and another whose interests are deemed to be illegitimate.
  - Tony 2.3.2
    
    13 December 2022 at 5:37 pm
    
    AB, I agree Michael Wood is all class, that's low class with a filthy mouth, spewing lies about the people who resisted being mandated out of society work family.
  - RosieLee 2.3.3
    
    13 December 2022 at 5:44 pm
- Jimmy 2.4
  
  13 December 2022 at 12:16 pm
  
  I think you meant to put this link up.
  
  https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/michael-wood-immigration-minister-on-the-expansion-of-the-green-list-to-include-nurses/
  
  Yep another train wreck of an interview. No point Heather keep asking the same question when Michael couldn't / wouldn't answer. So why has it taken seven months?
  - Peter 2.4.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 4:26 pm
    
    Why has it taken seven months? Things take time. Especially when you are conservative and go full-on safety first.
    
    You know, you get 2000 nurses in, something random happens where one immigrant does something poorly, upsets someone, or a family member who came in with them causes a problem. World War 3 would break out.
    
    The first to put the boot in about 'rushed procedures' or checking which wasn't as robust as it should have been would be Du Plessis-Allan or her fuckwit NewstalkZB colleagues. Their regular callers of course will be on their racist high horses about 'foreign' nurses and the difficulty in understanding them.
    
    The situation which sees dramatic shortages in numbers of mid-wives and nurses? Well that started in late October 2017. Up to that point soooo many wanted to be nurses and were in training because the pay and conditions were so good. Sooo few having trained headed off because they enjoyed the pay and conditions here so much.
    
    That's it isn't it? Like housing people in motels, Du Plessis-Allan didn't mind her National mates shitting in our nests and can't stand anything that parties other than National and Act do towards addressing then issues.
    - RosieLee 2.4.1.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 5:45 pm
      
      So you get 2000 nurses in – where are they going to live?
  - tinderdry6 2.4.2
    
    13 December 2022 at 4:48 pm
    
    Michael is generally an articulate and informed speaker, and he was certainly not at his best. However I prefer this exchange in the house today. Two very capable people giving as good as they get, with some humour attached.
Incognito 3

13 December 2022 at 12:10 pm

Covid-19 has been and is still taking a huge toll. Surprisingly though, this article does not mention the huge pressure & strain this single disease (single factor) puts on our health sector. Unlike the flu, which is seasonal and put high pressures on wards & EDs in many hospitals in previous years, Covid-19 is going through the population in larger multiple waves throughout the year and might be peaking rather than ebbing this summer.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/480620/covid-19-vs-the-flu-death-rates-compared
- aj 3.1
  
  13 December 2022 at 5:12 pm
  
  Covid-19 has been and is still taking a huge toll.
  
  It is far from over, and getting slightly scary in many countries again. I find it amazing that more people are not wearing masks, in particular the vulnerable in crowded shopping situations.
  
  Dr. Jeff Gilchrist is a Senior AI Data Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute and has put together an interesting thread on masks.
  
  Why aren't people wearing masks?
  
  A behavioural psychologist explains why Canadians still aren't willing to wear masks even when multiple viruses are causing children to be hospitalized at unprecedented rate
  
  https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1602301326049804295.html
Barfly 4

13 December 2022 at 2:31 pm

Ugh – Anxiety issues – my rent is increasing this Thursday so go to My MSD to try to update my details – yeah nah the website won't update them oh joy- phone helpline get different instructions from the helpline and now have to take a hardcopy proof of increase into the local office and fill out a form. My anxiety over this is winding up so I will be likely munching painkillers and sedatives until I can finish with this not fun.
- Tiger Mountain 4.1
  
  13 December 2022 at 3:57 pm
  
  Yes Barfly, commiserations. “My MSD” which used to be reasonably useable, has turned to shite for some reason lately. Make sure to keep copies of anything you hand to them, they are A grade experts in ‘losing’ or having no record of documents, and then asking for resupply.
  - Barfly 4.1.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 4:39 pm
    
    I went in and dropped off a letter from the club secretary confirming the details of the increase – and have since got a call from MSD asking me to apply for a temporary additional supplement that I now apparently qualify for – this seems unlike the MSD I know and fear – the anxiety I suffer from is so easily triggered and so debilitating it is a pain in the proverbial .Well one more year and I transition from unworthy drain on society to honored pensioner maybe I will be less susceptible to it then.
    - Patricia Bremner 4.1.1.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 5:27 pm
      
      One more year. Hang in there Barfly.
- Patricia Bremner 4.2
  
  13 December 2022 at 5:20 pm
  
  Best wishes Barfly.
- Jester 4.3
  
  13 December 2022 at 7:56 pm
  
  I wish I could just go to MSD when my mortgage rate increases for an extra handout that would be awesome.
  - arkie 4.3.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 8:00 pm
    
    You could:
    
    Accommodation Supplement is a weekly payment which helps people with their rent, board or the cost of owning a home.
    
    https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/accommodation-supplement.html
    - Jester 4.3.1.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 8:01 pm
      
      I've just never been one for expecting handouts and someone else to pay my living expenses.
      - arkie 4.3.1.1.1
        
        13 December 2022 at 8:18 pm
        
        If your situation has radically changed and you need assistance then the handout is actually a hand up. I'm glad our society largely agrees with the basic human value of helping each other.
  - Descendant Of Smith 4.3.2
    
    14 December 2022 at 5:56 am
    
    You don't really cause that would mean you are earning stuff all and struggling to survive let alone have a decent life.
    
    Benefit envy – the privilege of the well off many of whom manipulate their incomes to in fact get community services cards and childcare subsidies, etc. all the while moaning about bludgers.
    - PsyclingLeft.Always 4.3.2.1
      
      14 December 2022 at 7:38 am
      
      Or both working while on superannuation….and whinging about the "bene bludgers". (and maaries…and unions…and greenies etc etc). I have had the misfortune to work with some of these type of super scoopers. Always right wing…nat voters. Quite literally hate Jacinda ! Tend not to like it when someone (me : ) speaks up for the aforementioned groups !
    - Jester 4.3.2.2
      
      15 December 2022 at 10:10 pm
      
      I guess it's hard for me to understand as even back in my twenties, I started saving for my future so that by the time I got to retiring age, I wouldn't need to rely on a pension (as I thought there would be no pension by the time I got to 65). I wouldn't want to be in the position of relying on government to survive and not own where I was living by the time I got to retiring age.
bwaghorn 5

13 December 2022 at 3:25 pm

https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300764061/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-calls-act-leader-david-seymour-an-arrogant-prick

He he ,
- Tiger Mountain 5.1
  
  13 December 2022 at 3:52 pm
  
  The only bit she got wrong was making an apology!
- scotty 5.2
  
  13 December 2022 at 3:57 pm
  
  Gotta love the PM's unerring honesty.
  - Barfly 5.2.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 4:41 pm
  - Peter 5.2.2
    
    13 December 2022 at 4:52 pm
    
    Usually they have to apologise for misleading the house. Ardern had to apologise for being honest.
  - Patricia Bremner 5.2.3
    
    13 December 2022 at 5:37 pm
    
    As him indoors says "David Seymore AP." shall be his name from now on.
- Gosman 5.3
  
  13 December 2022 at 4:52 pm
  
  So much for the politics of kindness…
  - Robert Guyton 5.3.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 5:01 pm
    
    Sometimes, when a snake has been made mad by the heat of the sun, you need to hit it with a shovel (I've heard).
    - Jester 5.3.1.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 7:58 pm
      
      Are you suggesting he hits Jacinda with a shovel?
  - Tiger Mountain 5.3.2
    
    13 December 2022 at 5:16 pm
    
    The PM’s comments were an expression of being human imo.
    
    ACT seems the dumpster for NZ Trumpsters. Little kindness will be in evidence if the Natzos and ACT obtain office for minimum wage workers, Māori or even pensioners! if you read ACT Policy statements.
    
    Some of the ACT supporters online abuse personally directed to the PM is absolutely horrific–misogynist and threatening violence. This was a mild rebuke to a right wanker who owes his political career to NZ National largesse in Epsom and riding the conspiracy/threatened white bloke wave.
- MickeyBoyle 5.4
  
  13 December 2022 at 4:56 pm
  
  So it would be fine to you if Seymour called Ardern an "incompetent bitch"?
  
  No matter what your views are on Seymour, Ardern should not have said it.
  
  It's unbecoming for someone in her position and is the last thing we need to see in our political institutions.
  - Robert Guyton 5.4.1
    
    13 December 2022 at 5:02 pm
    
    Nah. He'd be wrong. Not so in this instance.
    
    Unbecoming?
    
    Truth will out.
  - bwaghorn 5.4.2
    
    13 December 2022 at 5:37 pm
    
    I doubt I would have got my knickers twisted if he had,
  - observer 5.4.3
    
    13 December 2022 at 6:27 pm
    
    I think you know the difference between words used in a debate/speech/interview, and words muttered under your breath.
    
    Seymour has been fine with worse comments that were open and public.
    
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/128699219/act-defend-tauranga-candidate-after-off-with-her-head-comment-aimed-at-tolley
    - aj 5.4.3.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 6:37 pm
      
      Seymour took this jibe in good humor (TV1 News)
      - tinderdry6 5.4.3.1.1
        
        13 December 2022 at 9:54 pm
        
        Hi did, and he will be the beneficiary of this rare but rather foolish slip by the PM.
  - Anne 5.4.4
    
    13 December 2022 at 6:46 pm
    
    There's a big difference between the two claims.
    
    David Seymour IS an 'arrogant prick'. Every time I see or hear him that is exactly what I say.
    
    Jacinda Ardern is neither incompetent nor a bitch – borne out by plenty of evidence.
    - Jester 5.4.4.1
      
      13 December 2022 at 8:00 pm
      
      Yes but you and many others on this website would lose your shit if it had been Seymour uttering a comment about Jacinda.
      - Robert Guyton 5.4.4.1.1
        
        13 December 2022 at 8:10 pm
        
        He probably does, only we don't understand parceltongue.
- observer 5.5
  
  13 December 2022 at 6:21 pm
  
  The funny part is seeing those who like to accuse feeble liberal lefties of being 'snowflakes' …
  
  melt.
  
  Don't be rude to righties, they're so easily offended.
Westykev 6

13 December 2022 at 3:39 pm

Take care of yourself Barfly and hope you feel better soon.

I'm afraid many people (renters and mortgage holders alike) will be anxious over the coming months. Just refixed our mortgage today, the increase was just over $600 a fortnight.
- Barfly 6.1
  
  13 December 2022 at 4:47 pm
  
  $600 a fortnight – ouch! I can see inflation heading down in the near future I certainly hope so for you. My room rent went up a $100 a week but I don't really have any complaint – my rent had been unchanged for about a dozen years and the accommodation supplement covers the lions share of the increase. I have gotten old and well out of touch in terms of costs, earnings and such
Nic the NZer 7

13 December 2022 at 5:55 pm

Who needs enemies when you've got friends like Sue Grey.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130747951/sue-grey-apologises-to-judge-after-disrupting-nelson-court
Adrian 8

14 December 2022 at 7:26 am

Its tough for WestyKev and anyone else with a mortgage increase, including ourselves, but this rate is probably what it was around 5-9 years ago. The dollar numbers will be different but the rate will be similar. Anyone expecting rates to stay low in the current world shit-fight must have been dreaming, it was inevitable. On a good note, surprisingly fuel prices in Chch in the past week are in the low 230s to 220s. and with the huge progress being made by the Ukrainians, they are much further east of the Dnipro than the maps are showing and they may have dealt the Wagner group almost terminal blows, then this war may well be over by the spring thaw and then fuel will be below $2 and no excuses for blaming passed on fuel prices for profiteering.
Eco maori 9

14 December 2022 at 7:52 pm

Ki the aha whano

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I cracked open a fortune cookie with a family group after dinner. My loved ones got warm, inspiring messages such as my son’s: ‘You will be successful in business and society’. Nice. I got this one: “Friends come and go, but enemies accumulate.” By coincidence, I had already drafted a ...
The PaepaeBy Peter Aranyi
3 days ago

http://pointofordernz.wordpress.com/?p=21176
THOMAS CRANWELL: When ideology turns violent – the political and media backing behind the Posie Parker mob Thomas Cranwell writes – ——————————– Similar to other countries, the transgender movement in New Zealand is not a grassroots organisation but instead is an increasingly ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
3 days ago

Greenhouse gassing the children at Kia Kaha Primary School
It is a lovely autumn morning.The sun is shining. The birds in Kōwhai park are twittering.There is music playing on Today FM.You can hardly tell that the children at Kia Kaha primary school are being greenhouse gassed.It is not just happening at Kia Kaha Primary School.It is happening to all ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
3 days ago

Judicialising the climate struggle
The United Nations has asked the International Court of Justice for a ruling on climate change obligations: The UN General Assembly has adopted a Vanuatu-led resolution calling for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change and human rights. The resolution was tabled by ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
3 days ago

Poor Old Mike Hosking
Poor old Mike Hosking! In today’s Herald, such is his visceral antipathy to our current government, that he is reduced to wrestling with himself in trying to understand how it is that despite its many failings – in his eyes at least – the Labour government is somehow ahead in ...
Bryan GouldBy Bryan Gould
3 days ago

A total no-brainer
Air pollution kills, and dirty diesel vehicles are a major source of it. Cleaning them up has enormous social benefits in avoided deaths and hospitalisations. How much? Billions of dollars: A report quietly released by the Ministry of Transport in July shows tighter regulation of vehicle imports for air ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
3 days ago

Political propaganda dressed up as an opinion poll
Via one of my lovely Twitter sources, the sardonic and interesting @johubris … the following ‘poll question’ has been recently distributed: “Thinking about your life and your country now, what is the most important issue that you want to see the New Zealand Government addressing?” This qualifies as push-polling, which ...
The PaepaeBy Peter Aranyi
3 days ago

This cover-up needs to be a crime
On Tuesday night, former Forestry Minister Stuart Nash was sacked for corruption, after the Prime Minister discovered he had disclosed confidential cabinet discussions to his donors. Its since emerged that Jacinda Ardern's office knew of this disclosure, but didn't act on the obvious breach of the Cabinet manual, and didn't ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
3 days ago

Buried beneath avalanche of new laws and bills there’s news from the Cyclone Taskforce (a month af...
Buzz from the Beehive Whoa, there – we can’t keep up! Suddenly, the PM’s ministerial team has unleashed a slew of press statements. Sixteen announcements have been posted on the Beehive website since our last check. This burst of activity (we wondered) might be the result of them responding positively ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
3 days ago

Harbour Crossing Project now estimated to cost $15-25 billion
Big transport news today with the government beginning public engagement on options for the Waitemata Harbour Connections project. This project has had an incredibly long history, with previous versions somehow managing to be incredibly expensive, detrimental to most of the transport outcomes we are trying to achieve in Auckland, and ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
3 days ago

Bryce Edwards: Is it time for an anti-corruption commission?
If ever there was an example of complacency about corruption and integrity in New Zealand politics it’s the fact that the Prime Minister’s Office knew back in 2021 that Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash was feeding privileged Cabinet information to business donors but did nothing about it. This is one of ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
3 days ago

Skeptical Science New Research for Week #13 2023
Open access notables "Despite the potential for positive methane–climate feedbacks from global wetlands, most Earth System Models (ESMs) and Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) that informed the last Assessment Report of the IPCC do not directly incorporate this process." Publishing in Nature Climate Change, Zheng et al. unpack the implications of this ...
Skeptical Science
3 days ago

NZ Politics Daily: 30 March 2023
Today’s content STUART NASH Richard Harman (Politik): How Nash got tangled up in “dirty politics” (paywalled) William Hewett (Newshub): Political pundit Bryce Edwards calls for anti-corruption commission, says Stuart Nash review needs to see if any MPs have ‘corrupt dealings’ Bridie Witton (Stuff): PM Chris Hipkins faces pressure to answer questions ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
3 days ago

Dawn Chorus: Govt’s latest climate back-tracks
Among its ‘go slow’ on climate measures, the Government chose to delay tighter regulation of vehicle imports for air pollution for six years because it would have increased vehicle purchase costs. Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government continues to backtrack on moves to reduce emissions, with three news items ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
3 days ago

How Nash got tangled up in “dirty politics”
Stuart Nash’s downfall appears to have had its beginnings with one of the players from the “Dirty Politics” scandals of 2014. Simon Lusk, a close associate of Cameron “Whaleoil” Slater, one of the key figures in Nicky Hagar’s “Dirty Politics” expose, has been associated with Stuart Nash. Lusk has ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
3 days ago

6 Months out from our election, the noise is not abating… and yes it is probably going to get wors...
Worried if this election will be shellacked by “the culture war”? That arrived ages ago. And, one side is definitely in panic mode, even if that’s not being admitted right now. Because of that, they’re reverting yet again to straight up… culture wars. Yes, fellow traveler, the Party who ...
exhALANtBy exhalantblog
3 days ago

Plugging a video channel: All about Climate
All About Climate is a Youtube channel dedicated to communicating climate science and combating misinformation about global warming. It is run by Roshan Salgado D'Arcy - or 'Rosh' for short. He is a geology graduate with an MSc in climate change and is currently reading for a PhD in the communication of ...
Skeptical Science
3 days ago

Of AIs, Ethics, and Sauronian Sonnets
ChatGPT is an interesting little beastie. I have only really started experimenting with it recently – not because I have any interest in using it for my own writing projects, but because I enjoy pushing and prodding the AI in strange directions. I have spent an inordinate amount of ...
A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
4 days ago

Climate Change: Labour is trying to kill us
The science of climate change is clear: we need to stop burning fossil fuels as quickly as possible, and we cannot burn even a fraction of those already discovered. So naturally, Labour is offering oil companies more exploration permits: The Government is offering companies another opportunity to search for ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
4 days ago

Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
There are two keyboards in my office. I hammer at one a lot more than the other.But some days — today, for instance, after a few days of steeping myself in toxicity —that other keyboard can really come into its own.I learned to play the piano as a kid, went ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
4 days ago

Twin blows dent confidence in ministerial ranks, so will they affect morale among party faithful...
Is the government imploding? Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has had to sack one of his more effective (and likeable) ministers, while another (from the Green Party) has insulted many of the adult population. For his part, Hipkins had appeared to be shaping up well since he took over the ...
Point of OrderBy tutere44
4 days ago

An inquiry into freedom of information in Australia
Three weeks ago, Australia's Freedom of Information Commissioner - their equivalent of the Ombudsman - suddenly resigned, on the basis that the entire system was broken and he was unable to fix it. And now, the Australian Senate is holding an inquiry into the resignation, and the problems with Australia's ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
4 days ago

A crime against democracy
Yesterday the government introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to the House. The bill is a response to Cyclone Gabrielle, and (like the Christchurch earthquake legislation) enables Ministers to amend laws by order in council across half the North Island, for five years. The list of laws allowed ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
4 days ago

An Ugly Demonstration.
Mobbed! As Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull’s (Posie Parker’s) opponents surged forward, her only protecters were a handful of burly security guards who surrounded their client and began forcing a path through what was now a howling mob. At least one video recording shows the diminutive Keen-Minshull, a terrified rag-doll, eyes dulled by ...
Bowalley Road
4 days ago

Four strikes and it’s out for Stuart Nash – now let’s see if Marama Davidson becomes a repeat ...
Buzz from the Beehive It looks like Marama Davidson must revile white sis males – or some other group of our population – three more times before she gets the heave-ho as one of Chris Hipkins’ ministers. That’s the conclusion to be drawn from the PM’s treatment of Stuart Nash, ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
4 days ago

Gordon Campbell on the banning of Tik Tok
For a serial offender like Stuart Nash, it was inevitable that another skeleton would emerge from his closet, and end his ministerial career. This one though, was a whopper. Previously, Nash had tried to tell the Police how to do their job. He had also tried to tell the courts ...
Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
4 days ago

Bryce Edwards: Nash’s sacking means a deeper probe into Cabinet “insider trading” is required
Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash was sacked last night for violating Cabinet Collective Responsibility rules, when it was revealed he disclosed sensitive Government information to business supporters who had donated money to him. The breach of the Cabinet Manual was enough to land him in trouble, but the fact that it ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
4 days ago

Te Hā Noa to Start Construction
Some good news last week with the Council confirming that Te Hā Noa – Victoria St Linear Park will go ahead and with construction starting on 11 April – though with a few fishhooks. Te Hā Noa, a renewed Victoria Street, is the next big project in Auckland Council’s Midtown ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
4 days ago

Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Broken trust led to sacking
Stuart Nash’s assurances to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins that there were no further examples of him breaching the Cabinet Manual became meaningless with the release of emails from Nash sharing Cabinet discussions with business people. The Prime Minister had no choice but to sack Nash as a Minister with immediate ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
4 days ago

A Quick Sean Plunket FAQ
Hi,Just a quick online-only update after yesterday’s newsletter, How Michael Organ Weaponised the Family Court... and Sean Plunket. First up — wow. Thanks for all the support, and to all those who shared their own personal stories in the comments. And welcome to any new Webworm readers.I just wanted ...
David FarrierBy David Farrier
4 days ago

Luxon demands Davidson apologise to white men!
Let that sink in for a moment - Christopher Luxon, who has spent the last year demonising Māori, wants Marama Davidson to apologise to white men.You will likely have seen the video, or read about it. Marama Davidson rushing along Princes St on Saturday evening, the road that runs between ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
4 days ago

Dawn Chorus: Councils set to dump Wellington Light Rail
Stuart Nash, the great-grandson of former Prime Minister Sir Walter Nash, has lost his political career. File Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Stuart Nash was sacked for telling donors what happened in Cabinet. Wellington’s City and Regional Councils are going cold on light rail plans. Wayne Brown is under ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
4 days ago

The links between Stuart Nash and NZ First
NZ First Leader Winston Peters is sympathising with Stuart Nash and defending him but dodging questions on whether he would be welcome in New Zealand First. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins last night sacked Nash from the Cabinet after an email he had sent to two of his campaign donors ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
4 days ago

Sacked for corruption
So, after interfering with the police, and then interfering with immigration decisions, Stuart Nash has finally been sacked: Stuart Nash has been sacked as a minister, after Stuff revealed he had emailed business figures, including donors, detailing private Cabinet discussions. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed the people Nash emailed ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
4 days ago

The climate landmine under our economy (a housing market with bits tacked on)
Nearly 25% of mortgages in Auckland are deemed at risk in a 1-in-100 year flood event. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Once a year, every year, from now on, in our not-so-slow-cooking climate crisis, there will be a moment when the most important number in Aotearoa’s own personal, national ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
4 days ago

More Labour secrecy
In July 2022, the then-Minister for Public Services, Chris Hipkins, promised that he would reduce the number of secrecy clauses in new legislation. Today the government has introduced not one, but two bills that strengthen secrecy at the expense of transparency. The first is the Resale Right for Visual Artists ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
5 days ago

You people are the best
Item One: About a confected crisis Please bear with me for a moment, readers outside Auckland, I wish to sound the klaxon. Auckland, we have until 11pm today to have our say. About what? About this, as copied and pasted from Pippa Coom’s Facebook page:The "austerity" budget is built on ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
5 days ago

Hipkins gets an apology from Davidson for reviling “white cis men” – but if she apologised to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Yet again, the statement we were looking for could not be found on the Beehive website. Nor was it on the Scoop or Green Party websites. But – come to think of it – we are probably wasting our time by searching. Our quest is for the ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
5 days ago

Approaching Gridlock: Arundhati Roy on Free Speech and Failing Democracy
The following is from a speech given by Arundhati Roy at the Swedish Academy on March 22, 2023, at a conference called Thought and Truth Under Pressure and reprinted from Literary Hub. I thank the Swedish Academy for inviting me to speak at this conference and for affording me the privilege ...
RedlineBy Admin
5 days ago

Wood pulls a Dutton
After almost two decades of racism, Australia is finally getting off its "stop the boats" bullshit. But don't worry, racists - Michael Wood has your back! The Government wants to increase the time it can detain without a warrant people seeking asylum en masse from four days to 28 ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
5 days ago

Labour dragging its feet on pay transparency
Last year, the Education and Workforce Committee recommended that the government legislate for pay transparency to prevent employers from secretly discriminating. This ought to be a bread and butter issue for Labour - discrimination sees women (and particularly Māori and Pasifika women) paid significantly less than men. But since then ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
5 days ago

THOMAS CRANMER: Violent suppression of free speech – Kellie-Jay Keen’s assault by transgender ...
Thomas Cranmer writes – ———— An unruly mob in Albert Park has catapulted New Zealand into the global headlines with ugly images that may become iconic in the debate about the dangers of transgenderism. ———— Bravo Kellie-Jay Keen. She did the job that needed to be done. For all the ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 days ago

Political Roundup: 28 March 2023
POSIE PARKER RALLY The Facts: New Zealanders are world leaders in respecting transgender men and women Chris Trotter (Interest): An ugly demonstration William Hewett (Newshub): Sir Peter Gluckman warns New Zealand’s social cohesion at risk, society needs to accept transgender people have rights Rachel Smalley (Today FM): How on earth did ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
5 days ago

Extreme heat waves in Europe may be linked to melting Arctic sea ice
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global warming is melting the Arctic ice cap, and that’s having unforeseen effects on the world’s weather — even thousands of miles away from the North Pole. Some climate scientists have begun to link increasingly common heat waves in Europe to what is ...
Skeptical Science
5 days ago

Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Integrity of politicians deserves scrutiny
Hot on the heels of the demotion of former police Minister Stuart Nash for breaching the Cabinet Manual, Radio New Zealand has revealed the close links between lobbyists and politicians- an area of New Zealand politics that is completely unregulated. The evidence in Guyon Espiner’s series Mate, Comrade, Brother, the ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
5 days ago

Warkworth and the Cost of Sprawl
At the Auckland Transport board meeting today a series of papers really highlight the cost of sprawl. For the last few years, the Supporting Growth work has been looking at designing the strategic transport networks for future greenfield areas in the South, Northwest, North (around Dairy flat) and in Warkworth. ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
5 days ago

How Michael Organ Weaponised the Family Court… and Sean Plunket
Hi,Today’s newsletter is something I’ve wanted to report for ages, but I have been waiting on a New Zealand judge to make a ruling. That ruling has been made — so here we go.Enjoy.A scene from Mister Organ.Two Police Officers Knock on My DoorOn November 4 last year, I was ...
David FarrierBy David Farrier
5 days ago

We couldn’t possibly comment
Only three days after Nanaia Mahuta had dinner with China’s Foreign Minister, New Zealand’s intelligence chiefs were talking about state actors interfering in New Zealand politics and using ethnic communities here for espionage purposes. Neither GSCB Director (and new SIS director) Andrew Hampton nor acting SIS CEO Phil McKee ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
5 days ago

Mahuta’s talks succeed in warming up high-level relationships in Beijing, and she opens way for ...
In what has been one of her most important diplomatic mission, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has opened the door for a visit to Beijing by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins later this year. Such a mission is regarded as vital with a new Prime Minister Li Qiang settling into office. ...
Point of OrderBy tutere44
6 days ago

Marama Davidson was reminded of the Maori numbers – maybe – before admitting mistake about who c...
Buzz from the Beehive Marama Davidson, Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, has featured in media headlines after being hit by a motorcycle near the scene of the Posie Parker protest and for sharing an inflammatory opinion about the perpetrators of violence. On The Daily Blog, Martyn ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
6 days ago

1 April changes to lift incomes
Over a million New Zealanders will receive a little extra to help with the cost of living as a result of our 1 April changes. Around the world, inflation is causing costs to rise and we’re feeling it here at home. In tough times, we need to support those who ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

Liveable incomes needed
With benefit changes coming into effect tomorrow, the Green Party is calling on the Government to lift benefits to liveable levels to make sure everyone has what they need to thrive. ...
Greens
2 days ago

Come on National, is that the best you can do?
A visionless National Party has stolen Government policy and rebranded it as their own. ...
Greens
2 days ago

Waitematā Harbour crossing options not good enough
Rapid transit for the Waitematā Harbour crossing must be the priority - not more car lanes that will make congestion and climate change worse. ...
Greens
3 days ago

Greens celebrate passing of Organic Products and Production Bill
Following decades of work by the Green Party alongside the organics sector, people will finally be able to be confident that products labelled organic have met standards. ...
Greens
3 days ago

Greens back pay transparency open letter
The Green Party supports immediate Government action to close the pay gap as called for in an open letter released today by the Human Rights Commission and 50 other organisations. ...
Greens
4 days ago

Continued strikes show need for bold action
The Green Party backs the demands of thousands of secondary and area school teachers striking today. ...
Greens
4 days ago

Greens welcome waste strategy release and work
The Green Party is today welcoming the release of the Government’s waste strategy, but says it has a big gap without action on the container return scheme for beverage containers. ...
Greens
4 days ago

Mass arrivals legislation a breach of NZ’s values
The Government’s decision to introduce ‘mass arrivals’ legislation goes against the values we all share of Aotearoa as a place where all people are treated fairly, the Green Party says. ...
Greens
5 days ago

Minster Davidson Must Resign After 'Violence' Comments
MINISTER DAVIDSON MUST RESIGN AFTER 'VIOLENCE' COMMENTS Marama Davidson should stand down as ‘Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence’ for the clear and outrageous statement she made at the Posie Parker protest that ‘white straight men’ are the cause of violence. Her offensive, racist, and sexist remarks ...
NZ First Press Release
6 days ago

In response to Newshub and Amelia Wade’s obvious and ham-fisted attempt at a typical and predicted...
In response to Newshub and Amelia Wade’s obvious and ham-fisted attempt at a typical and predicted political hit job. As any politically aware reporter would know, any Cabinet subcommittee has a duty and obligation as a part of any government to respond to any UN declaration, in this case ...
NZ First Press Release
1 week ago

‘The Real State of the Nation’
Good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation to speak with you today and in your busy lives turning up to this meeting. Forty five years ago, in Howick, often described as racist, and where few Maori lived because it had been a ‘Fencible’ settlement at the time of the Anglo-Maori ...
NZ First Press Release
1 week ago

National’s education policy gets an F
The Green Party has marked the National Party’s new education policy and given it a fail, especially for its failure to address the underlying drivers of school performance. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Child poverty stats show need for action
The Green Party is calling on the Government to immediately provide more support to families doing it toughest. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Greens ask Auckland MPs across party lines to speak up on Council budget proposals
Auckland Central Green MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to all Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland based Members of Parliament requesting their urgent attention to Auckland Council’s unprecedented slash-and-burn proposals. ...
Greens
1 week ago

IPCC report shows 2023 is a ‘now or never’ climate election
“This is it; 2023 will be the last opportunity New Zealand has to get a government that will confront the climate emergency with the urgency it demands,” says the Green Party’s co-leader and climate change spokesperson, James Shaw. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Enough slow progress, 2023 is a fight for our future
Political parties that want to negotiate with the Green Party must come to the table with much faster, bolder climate action, co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson emphasised in their State of the Planet speech today. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Greens call time on slow progress
Political parties that want to negotiate with the Green Party after the election must come to the table with much faster, bolder climate action, co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson emphasised today. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Green Party co-leader James Shaw's State of the Planet speech, 2023
You will never truly understand, from the pictures you’ve seen in the newspapers or on the six o-clock news, the sheer scale of the devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

More cost of living support for Kiwis
We’re boosting incomes and helping ease cost of living pressures on Kiwis through a range of bread and butter support measures that will see pensioners, students, families, and those on main benefits better off from the start of next month. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Greens back teachers’ demands
The Green Party backs the demands of the teachers’ strikers. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Greens will waste no time with Minister for Zero Waste
The error Labour Ministers made by stopping work on a beverage container return scheme will be reversed by the Greens at the earliest opportunity as part of the next Government. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Greens secure win for clean transport
The Green Party has made it easier for commuters to access e-bikes thanks to an amendment to tax rules. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Greens will always prioritise action on climate and inequality
“Cabinet needs to do better - and today has shown exactly why we need Green Ministers in cabinet, so we can prioritise action to cut climate pollution and support people to make ends meet,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Bold action needed to help people eat
Biggest increase in food prices for over three decades shows the need for an excess profit tax on corporations to help people put food on the table. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Flu vaccine to protect Kiwis this winter
From today, 1.8 million flu vaccines are available to help protect New Zealanders from winter illness, Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall has announced. “Vaccination against flu is safe and will be a first line of defence against severe illness this winter,” Dr Verrall said. “We can all play a part ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
19 hours ago

Congratulations to Professor Rangi Mātāmua – New Zealander of the Year
Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Willow-Jean Prime has congratulated Professor Rangi Mātāmua (Ngāi Tūhoe) who was last night named the prestigious Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa New Zealander of the Year. Professor Mātāmua, who is the government's Chief Adviser Mātauranga Matariki, was the winner of the New Zealander ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Further sanctions on Russian and Belarusian political and military figures
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has announced further sanctions on political and military figures from Russia and Belarus as part of the ongoing response to the war in Ukraine. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Alekseevna Lvova-Belova ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Ambitious new housing development for Whangārei
A new public housing development planned for Whangārei will provide 95 warm and dry, modern homes for people in need, Housing Minister Megan Woods says. The Kauika Road development will replace a motel complex in the Avenues with 89 three-level walk up apartments, alongside six homes. “Whangārei has a rapidly ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

CPTPP bolstered by decision on UK accession
New Zealand welcomes the substantial conclusion of negotiations on the United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “Continuing to grow our export returns is a priority for the Government and part of our plan to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and the Crown initial Taranaki Maunga collective redress deed (rua reo)
Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and the Crown initial Taranaki Maunga collective redress deed Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and the Crown have today initialled the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Deed, named Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little says. “I am pleased to be here for this ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Dates announced for 2023 Pacific language weeks
Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds has announced the 2023 Pacific Language week series, highlighting the need to revitalise and sustain languages for future generations. “Pacific languages are a cornerstone of our health, wellbeing and identity as Pacific peoples. When our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated, our communities thrive,” ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Over a quarter of New Zealanders to get cost of living relief from tomorrow
880,000 pensioners to get a boost to Super, including 5000 veterans 52,000 students to see a bump in allowance or loan living costs Approximately 223,000 workers to receive a wage rise as a result of the minimum wage increasing to $22.70 8,000 community nurses to receive pay increase of up ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Thousands of community nurses getting April pay boost
Over 8000 community nurses will start receiving well-deserved pay rises of up to 15 percent over the next month as a Government initiative worth $200 million a year kicks in, says Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall. “The Government is committed to ensuring nurses are paid fairly and will receive ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Speech to Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and TOI Foundation breakfast
Tākiri mai ana te ata Ki runga o ngākau mārohirohi Kōrihi ana te manu kaupapa Ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea Tihei mauri ora Let the dawn break On the hearts and minds of those who stand resolute As the bird of action sings, it welcomes the dawn of a ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Government takes next step to lift artists’ incomes
The Government is introducing a scheme which will lift incomes for artists, support them beyond the current spike in cost of living and ensure they are properly recognised for their contribution to New Zealand’s economy and culture. “In line with New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement with the UK, last ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

NZ stands with Vanuatu on climate at UN
New Zealand is welcoming a decision by the United Nations General Assembly to ask the International Court of Justice to consider countries’ international legal obligations on climate change. The United Nations has voted unanimously to adopt a resolution led by Vanuatu to ask the ICJ for an advisory opinion on ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

More Police deployed to the frontline
More Police officers are being deployed to the frontline with the graduation of 59 new constables from the Royal New Zealand Police College today. “The graduation for recruit wing 364 was my first since becoming Police Minister last week,” Ginny Andersen said. “It was a real honour. I want to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Aotearoa New Zealand committed to an enduring partnership with Vanuatu
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta met with Vanuatu Foreign Minister Jotham Napat in Port Vila, today, signing a new Statement of Partnership — Aotearoa New Zealand’s first with Vanuatu. “The Mauri Statement of Partnership is a joint expression of the values, priorities and principles that will guide the Aotearoa New Zealand–Vanuatu relationship into ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Government delivers levy change to support Fire and Emergency
The Government has passed new legislation amending the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) levy regime, ensuring the best balance between a fair and cost effective funding model. The Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Levy) Amendment Bill makes changes to the existing law to: charge the levy on contracts of ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Next steps for New Zealand’s organic regulations
The Government has passed the Organic Products and Production Bill through its third reading today in Parliament helping New Zealand’s organic sector to grow and lift export revenue. “The Organic Products and Production Bill will introduce robust and practical regulation to give businesses the certainty they need to continue to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Govt helps to protect New Zealanders digital identities
The Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Bill, which will make it easier for New Zealanders to safely prove who they are digitally has passed its third and final reading today. “We know New Zealanders want control over their identity information and how it’s used by the companies and services they ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Cyclone Taskforce focused on locally-led recovery
The full Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Taskforce has met formally for the first time as work continues to help the regions recover and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle. The Taskforce, which includes representatives from business, local government, iwi and unions, covers all regions affected by the January and February floods and cyclone. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Law changed to protect subcontractors
Changes have been made to legislation to give subcontractors the confidence they will be paid the retention money they are owed should the head contractor’s business fail, Minister for Building and Construction Megan Woods announced today. “These changes passed in the Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Act safeguard subcontractors who ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

New congestion busting harbour crossing options unveiled
Transport Minister Michael Wood has unveiled five scenarios for one of the most significant city-shaping projects for Tāmaki Makaurau in coming decades, the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing. “Aucklanders and businesses have made it clear that the biggest barriers to the success of Auckland is persistent congestion and after years of ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

New law enhances safety and security in the aviation sector
The Government has passed new legislation that ensures New Zealand’s civil aviation rules are fit for purpose in the 21st century, Associate Transport Minister Kiri Allan says. The Civil Aviation Bill repeals and replaces the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966 with a single modern law ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Coroners Amendment Bill passes third reading
A Bill aimed at helping to reduce delays in the coronial jurisdiction passed its third reading today. The Coroners Amendment Bill, amongst other things, will establish new coronial positions, known as Associate Coroners, who will be able to perform most of the functions, powers, and duties of Coroners. The new ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Review into Stuart Nash’s communications with donors
The Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Secretary to conduct a review into communications between Stuart Nash and his donors. The review will take place over the next two months. The review will look at whether there have been any other breaches of cabinet collective responsibility or confidentiality, or whether ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

600 more workers to support recovery
The new Recovery Visa to help bring in additional migrant workers to support cyclone and flooding recovery has attracted over 600 successful applicants within its first month. “The Government is moving quickly to support businesses bring in the workers needed to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods,” Michael ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Bills to vet school boards, contractors pass first reading
Bills to ensure non-teaching employees and contractors at schools, and unlicensed childcare services like mall crèches are vetted by police, and provide safeguards for school board appointments have passed their first reading today. The Education and Training Amendment Bill (No. 3) and the Regulatory Systems (Education) Amendment Bill have now ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Bill recognises unique role and contribution of Wānanga and Kura Kaupapa Māori
Wānanga will gain increased flexibility and autonomy that recognises the unique role they fill in the tertiary education sector, Associate Minister of Education Kelvin Davis has announced. The Education and Training Amendment Bill (No.3), that had its first reading today, proposes a new Wānanga enabling framework for the three current ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Foreign Affairs Minister talks to the Vanuatu Government on Pacific issues
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will travel to Vanuatu today, announcing that Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further relief and recovery assistance there, following the recent destruction caused by Cyclones Judy and Kevin. While in Vanuatu, Minister Mahuta will meet with Vanuatu Acting Prime Minister Sato Kilman, Foreign Minister Jotham ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Major investment to support the safety of frontline Police and communities
The Government is backing Police and making communities safer with the roll-out of state-of-the-art tools and training to frontline staff, Police Minister Ginny Andersen said today. “Frontline staff face high-risk situations daily as they increasingly respond to sophisticated organised crime, gang-violence and the availability of illegal firearms,” Ginny Andersen said. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Further laws passed to keep communities safe from gang offending
The Government has provided Police with more tools to crack down on gang offending with the passing of new legislation today which will further improve public safety, Justice Minister Kiri Allan says. The Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Bill amends existing law to: create new targeted warrant and additional search powers ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Standard kerbside recycling part of new era for waste system
The Government today announced far-reaching changes to the way we make, use, recycle and dispose of waste, ushering in a new era for New Zealand’s waste system. The changes will ensure that where waste is recycled, for instance by households at the kerbside, it is less likely to be contaminated ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

New laws will crack down on gang profits and criminal assets
New legislation passed by the Government today will make it harder for gangs and their leaders to benefit financially from crime that causes considerable harm in our communities, Minister of Justice Kiri Allan says. Since the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 came into effect police have been highly successful in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Stuart Nash dismissed from Cabinet
This evening I have advised the Governor-General to dismiss Stuart Nash from all his ministerial portfolios. Late this afternoon I was made aware by a news outlet of an email Stuart Nash sent in March 2020 to two contacts regarding a commercial rent relief package that Cabinet had considered. In ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Tax incentive to boost housing passes third reading
Legislation to enable more build-to-rent developments has passed its third reading in Parliament, so this type of rental will be able to claim interest deductibility in perpetuity where it meets the requirements. Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods, says the changes will help unlock the potential of the build-to-rent sector and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Law levels playing field for low-emissions commuting
A law passed by Parliament today exempts employers from paying fringe benefit tax on certain low emission commuting options they provide or subsidise for their staff. “Many employers already subsidise the commuting costs of their staff, for instance by providing car parks,” Environment Minister David Parker said. “This move supports ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

40 years of Closer Economic Relations with Australia
Today marks the 40th anniversary of Closer Economic Relations (CER), our gold standard free trade agreement between New Zealand and Australia. “CER was a world-leading agreement in 1983, is still world-renowned today and is emblematic of both our countries’ commitment to free trade. The WTO has called it the world’s ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Amendments to mass arrivals legislation
The Government is making procedural changes to the Immigration Act to ensure that 2013 amendments operate as Parliament intended. The Government is also introducing a new community management approach for asylum seekers. “While it’s unlikely we’ll experience a mass arrival due to our remote positioning, there is no doubt New ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Progress on public service pay adjustment
The Government welcomes progress on public sector pay adjustment (PSPA) agreements, and the release of the updated public service pay guidance by the Public Service Commission today, Minister for the Public Service Andrew Little says. “More than a dozen collective agreements are now settled in the public service, Crown Agents, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Further legislation introduced to support cyclone recovery
The Government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to further support the recovery and rebuild from the recent severe weather events in the North Island. “We know from our experiences following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes that it will take some time before we completely understand the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Duty relief for cyclone-affected businesses
Further assistance is now available to businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and to remit late-payments, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced. “This is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist economic recovery in the regions,” Meka Whaitiri said. “Cabinet has approved the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Thousands of sole parents to be better off after child support changes
More than 41,000 sole parent families will be better off with a median gain of $20 a week Law change estimated to help lift up to 14,000 children out of poverty Child support payments will be passed on directly to people receiving a sole parent rate of main benefit, making ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Labor’s unexpected Aston win is body blow for Dutton
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The rout of the Liberals in Aston is a disaster for Peter Dutton. The party has defied history – in the worst possible way. This is the first time in more than a century ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
5 hours ago

Labor wins Aston byelection; NSW election and Trump polling updates
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Morgan Hancock/AAP With 44% of enrolled voters counted in today’s Aston federal byelection, the ABC has Labor expected to win ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

Labor likely to win Aston byelection; NSW election and Trump polling updates
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Morgan Hancock/AAP With 44% of enrolled voters counted in today’s Aston federal byelection, the ABC has Labor expected to win ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
7 hours ago

The faulty logic of Stuart Nash and the Ombudsman's opportunity
Analysis - When is a cabinet minister not a cabinet minister? The faulty logic of Stuart Nash has landed him and Labour in a heap of trouble but opened the door to serious reform of the Official Information Act, Tim Watkin writes. ...
Radio NZ – political
16 hours ago

Indonesian police move to stem rise in Papuan freedom fighter attacks
Jubi News in Jayapura Indonesia’s Papua police chief Inspector-General Mathius D Fakhiri has called for action to ensure that “security disturbances” in the Puncak Jaya highlands do not widen in the face of escalating attacks by pro-independence militants. “For Puncak, we will take immediate action,” he said. According to General ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
17 hours ago

What’s new to Netflix NZ, Neon and other streaming services in April
What are you going to be watching this month? We round up everything coming to streaming services this month, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, Neon and TVNZ+. The biggies Party Down (all seasons on TVNZ+ from April 1) Thirteen years is a long time between drinks and ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff
20 hours ago

Focus on Politics: New Police Minister in opposition's crosshairs
Ginny Andersen has landed a hot-potato portfolio and has been in Cabinet less than two months - the opposition will be eager to test her mettle this election year. ...
Radio NZ – political
20 hours ago

Did people spontaneously applaud the Donald Trump indictment in a Rotorua cafe?
The executive producer of Modern Family has issued an incendiary claim about New Zealanders cheering and clapping in public. Hayden Donnell gets to the bottom of things. The sitcom Modern Family is remembered as a “warm-hearted story about the unbreakable bonds of family”; a tale of radically different people overcoming ...
The SpinoffBy Hayden Donnell
20 hours ago

‘Holding back the tears’: Shapeshifter’s soggy summer of cancelled shows
As rain kept falling across January, February and into March, all band members cold do was sit at home cancelling festivals and posting sad Facebook messages to fans. The first post landed on January 3. As wild weather began hitting the country, campers around Northland packed up their tents ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
21 hours ago

Strong communities are essential when disaster strikes
Because pro-social behaviour emerges so often after disaster, community empowerment should be central to disaster mitigation and recovery Opinion: Cyclone Gabrielle caused major damage across the North Island. This unprecedented climate event created great uncertainty. People are wondering if, or when, they can return to their homes, the extent to ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

Short story: Le fou et la folle, by Federico Magrin
"We, women, loving you; you, men, finding new women to love": a Francophile love story in NZ Louis woke up and found out Marine was not lying next to him in bed. He checked his phone – 5:30am. The aurora shone a bright gold on the windows of the detached ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

The Week in Detail: From Posie Parker to processed foods
Every weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at how co-governance really works, Labour's record on climate action, what the new AUKUS nuclear submarine deal means for New Zealand, Posie Parker's visit to Auckland and the free speech debate, and the damage processed foods are ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

'Devastated': Today FM's Tova O'Brien is the canary in the economic mine
The radio workers were caught by the unexpected speed of the decline of NZ's consumer economy, since Christmas – and they won't be the last. Jonathan Milne reports. When broadcaster Tova O’Brien uttered the resounding words, "they’ve f***ed us", they resonated beyond the 1 percent audience share of a small talk radio operation ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

Lake Onslow battery losing its charge
A New Zealand Battery Project centred on Lake Onslow in Central Otago is up against a cheaper North Island alternative Studies into whether a massive pumped-hydro scheme at Lake Onslow is New Zealand’s best bet for a secure energy future may have only four more months to run. While the ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

The Detail's Long Read: Jungle Warfare
This is The Detail's Long Read - one in-depth story read by us every weekend. This week, it's Jungle Warfare, written by Ellen Rykers and published in New Zealand Geographic's March/April 2023 edition. You can find the full article, with photos by Adrian Malloch, here. Hundreds of pest plant species—many of them garden escapees—run rampant in ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

The many lives of John-Paul Foliaki
The Red, White & Brass star talks spectacle, honouring family sacrifices and his debut lead role over a Tongan lunch in Otāhuhu. Name a creative pursuit and 28-year-old Tongan New Zealander John-Paul Foliaki will give it a go. That is, if he hasn’t already. Foliaki plays the lead role, Maka, ...
The SpinoffBy Charlotte Muru-Lanning
1 day ago

The stories of Katherine Mansfield, ranked
To mark 100 years since the great short story writer’s death, books editor Claire Mabey marathonned her collected works – these are the top 20. Reader, I did it. I read all of Katherine Mansfield’s short stories. Confession: I haven’t always been a fan. I have tedious memories of ...
The SpinoffBy Claire Mabey
1 day ago

Ekenasio steps into shoes of Magic giants
In her first season as an ANZ Premiership captain, Ameliaranne Ekenasio was nervous about filling the shoes of the legendary Magic captains before her. But, as Merryn Anderson writes, the quiet leader has the full respect of the side who voted her in. When the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic created history ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

What went wrong in Peter Bol’s doping case? A sport integrity expert explains
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Ordway, Associate Professor Sport Management and Sport Integrity Lead, University of Canberra Lawyers for Australian 800-metre star Peter Bol say allegations the runner engaged in doping should be dropped after two independent labs found no evidence he used a banned substance. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

‘I feel vindicated’ – Vanuatu Daily Post in landmark work permit win
Vanuatu’s Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Trading Post Ltd, the owner of the Vanuatu Daily Post newspaper, BUZZ FM96 and other media outlets, in a case against the government’s refusal to renew the company’s former media director’s work permit. Dan McGarry, who served as a director of the ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
1 day ago

Stephen Jack Selected As National’s Candidate In Taieri
Balclutha-based farmer Stephen Jack has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Taieri for the 2023 General Election. “Taieri is my home and I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to campaign for a National Government ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Government announces new sanctions against Russia, Belarus
The government has announced another set of sanctions as part of its ongoing response to the war in Ukraine. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Week in Politics: For Labour's sake, Nash must go
Analysis - The Stuart Nash scandal has the potential to damage Labour's election chances, Marama Davidson creates controversy and Auckland's second harbour crossing to be built earlier than expected. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare JM Burns, Assistant Professor and Non-executive Director, Bond University Shutterstock The story of the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund, whose name and marketing misled thousands of customers into believing it was Indigenous owned and run, is a stark example of ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

PSA: Remember to change your clocks this Sunday
It’s the biannual reminder to tamper with that pesky analogue clock you still have in your kitchen for some reason (or at the least your microwave/car stereo). This Sunday at 3am, we will all gain an hour of sleep as the clocks roll back ahead of winter. Get ready for ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

Ombudsman reopens investigation into Nash emails
The Chief Ombudsman has reopened his investigation into a complaint over former minister Stuart Nash's emails. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

Investigation into hidden Nash email reopened
The chief ombudsman has elected to reopen his investigation into an email from former minister Stuart Nash to a pair of donors back in 2020. The email, which only came to light this week, quickly triggered Nash’s dismissal from cabinet. But in bad news for the prime minister Chris Hipkins, ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

And thus, the celebration of The Bulletin’s fifth birthday comes to an end
Last week we celebrated The Bulletin’s fifth birthday with Spinoff members and staff at The Spinoff’s offices in Auckland. The Bulletin launched in March 2018 seeking to curate news and great journalism and email that to people for free each weekday morning. That hasn’t changed and it’s still going strong. ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
2 days ago

Minimum Wage Increase To Make Real Difference, Says NZCTU
The biggest increase in the history of the minimum wage will have a huge impact for workers on low wages, says the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. From tomorrow, the minimum wage will rise to $22.70, up from $21.20. This increase will benefit ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Has GPT-4 really passed the startling threshold of human-level artificial intelligence? Well, it dep...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By George Siemens, Co-Director, Professor, Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning, University of South Australia agsandrew/Shutterstock Recent public interest in tools like ChatGPT has raised an old question in the artificial intelligence community: is artificial general intelligence (in this case, ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Synthony postpones Auckland show due to weather
Auckland’s wet summer is delivering one final blow just in time for the weekend. The Synthony festival, due to be held on Saturday at Auckland Domain and featuring performances by Shapeshifter, Dave Dobbyn and Kimbra, has been postponed following predictions of heavy rainfall across the day. More than 20,000 people ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
2 days ago

Open Letter To Government
We would like to see a temporary by-pass of the major slip on State Highway 25A built to alleviate the concerns of the residents of the Eastern Side of Coromandel. Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted substantial damage to roading on the Coromandel Peninsula. ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Review: Wellmania takes wobbly aim at the wellness industry
Alex Casey watches Wellmania, the new Netflix comedy starring Instagram sensation Celeste Barber. The lowdown Based on the book by journalist Brigid Delaney, Netflix comedy Wellmania follows successful yet shambolic Australian food writer Liv Bealey (Celeste Barber) as she embarks on a quest to get well as quickly as possible. ...
The SpinoffBy Alex Casey
2 days ago

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier Reopens Nash Investigation
The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says he has reopened his investigation into an Official Information Act complaint about a decision by former Minister Stuart Nash. "The original enquiry was discontinued in May last year in discussion with the ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

NZNO Welcomes Pay Parity Move, Leaving Out GP Nurses Regrettable
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) has welcomed this morning’s Government announcement to address pay disparities in the nursing and kaiāwhina workforces from 1 April. NZNO Chief Executive Paul ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Britain to join CPTPP Pacific trade pact this year
The British High Commissioner to New Zealand says the United Kingdom joining the trade deal is "wonderful news". ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

Ingredient of the week: Broccoli
Don’t let broccoli’s virtuous goody two-shoes reputation put you off – these verdant and versatile florets make the perfect addition to tray bakes, salads, soups and more. I reckon broccoli’s “superfood” status has given it a bit of a bad reputation. Because it’s so healthy (and reasonably inoffensive), its nutrients ...
The SpinoffBy Charlotte Muru-Lanning
2 days ago

The Friday Poem: ‘escher x nendo’ by Michele Leggott
A poem from Michele Leggott’s forthcoming book Face to the Sky. escher x nendo I hear you Eddie Woo coming clear across the galleries of intercochlear space you have the measure of these galaxies earthmeasure you have the measure of their difference earthmisia you translate one world artemisia and here ...
The SpinoffBy Michele Leggott
2 days ago

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending March 31
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Doubleday, $26) The new, smaller format of Bonnie Garmus’ ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books
2 days ago

Curious Kids: what happens if you don’t get enough sleep?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Blunden, Professor and Head of Paediatric Sleep Research, CQUniversity Australia Shutterstock What would happen to a person if they didn’t get the sleep they needed? Hedya, age 11, Australia This is a really good question Heyda, because it ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

‘The last year of my career has been wiped’: Today FM’s instant online erasure
Within hours of Duncan Garner telling listeners ‘It looks like the end of us’, the station’s website, social media and archives had been scrubbed from the internet. Right now across Auckland you can still see ads for Leo Molloy’s doomed mayoral campaign and electorate offices adorned with a smiling Jacinda ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

PM on Stuart Nash's email scandal: 'He should have told me about it'
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has spoken more about the Stuart Nash email scandal at a media conference at the Manurewa RSA today, saying Nash has been "ultimately held accountable". ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

Vanuatu hails ‘historic resolution’ in climate battle on the world stage
By Barbara Dreaver in Port Vila Vanuatu is in celebration mode after winning a significant battle on the world stage over climate change. In a United Nations resolution spearheaded by Vanuatu, the world’s top court will now advise on countries’ legal obligations to fight climate change. It also means the ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
2 days ago

FLNKS message to French PM about Kanak ‘humiliation’ over referendum
By Jan Kohout, RNZ Pacific journalist New Caledonia’s Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) say they will tell the French Prime Minister of the Kanak people’s “sense of humiliation” over the last independence referendum. The pro-independence alliance is set to talk to the French state from April 7-15. The ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
2 days ago

Watch: PM Chris Hipkins talks to media on eve of benefit increases
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is visiting the Manurewa RSA meeting veterans who are among hundreds of thousands to receive higher payments from tomorrow. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

Your weekend entertainment plan: The Big Door Prize, Unstable and The Power
This is an excerpt from The Spinoff’s pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday here. If you want a middle-aged white man to play a disappointed-with-the-state-of-their-life middle-aged-white-man, you have two options: Jason Segel or Chris O’Dowd. Clearly, Segel was already busy ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
2 days ago

Four Million Milestone Reached For 2023 Census
Over four million people have returned their Individual Forms for the 2023 Census, Stats NZ said today. “This is a great milestone. We didn’t hit this milestone until 30 April in the 2018 Census. I would like to thank everybody who has been counted ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Government To Cement In High Carbon Future
The government's recent announcement of five high carbon options for the next harbour crossing has disappointed those concerned about climate change. TRAC, a rail advocacy collective, opposes the short-sighted decision, citing the urgent need to reduce ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

As the US pushes to make daylight saving permanent, should Australia move in the same direction?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Guzyal Hill, Senior Lecturer, Charles Darwin University Shutterstock Sunday will mark the end of the Daylight Saving Time (DST) in eastern Australia, but there are many who would like to see it last longer or permanently. Twice a year, New ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Call For Evidence On Aotearoa New Zealand’s Emissions Reduction Targets And Emissions Budgets, 31 ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has launched a call for evidence to support its work on Aotearoa New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets and emissions budgets. This call for evidence is an opportunity for anyone to share information, data and ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Kiwis May Not Be As Fraud Savvy As They Think: Visa Study
As the move to digital commerce continues, fraudsters are counting on consumers to let their guard down and to supply personal information. And according to new research released today by global payments technology company Visa (NYSE: V), which ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

The predator-free story on NZ’s $5 note
On the other side to Sir Ed is the scene of one of our greatest conservation triumphs. Allison Hess explains. Stuffed into your wallet or passed across the till, the New Zealand $5 note circulates largely unobserved. But if you were to take a closer look at the ubiquitous burnt ...
The SpinoffBy Allison Hess
2 days ago

EPA Seeks Feedback On Tapping Into Global Information
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is asking for views on which overseas regulators it will draw on for some hazardous substance assessments and reassessments. The recognised international regulators must regulate hazardous substances in a similar ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

What does Trump’s indictment mean for his political future – and the strength of US democracy?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Lecturer, RMIT University Alex Brandon/AP Events often seem inevitable in hindsight. The indictment of former US President Donald Trump on criminal charges has been a possibility since the start of his presidency – arguably, since close to the ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Te Pūkenga Leadership Have Failed
Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union is ready to fight for every job at Te Pūkenga, as members digest a series of shocking statements from their Chief Executive on RNZ’s Nine To Noon programme today. Peter Winder stated, amongst other things, ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Clout-lighting: pranking your partner for likes is a surefire way to get dumped this April Fools’ ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gary Mortimer, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Queensland University of Technology Media Whale Stock/Shutterstock What would you do to get more likes or shares on your favourite social media platform this April Fool’s Day? Would you blast an airhorn ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Newsletter: March 31 2023 – Items of interest and importance today
New Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. Today’s content STUART NASH, OIA Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Stuart Nash scandal boils down to cock-up vs ‘conspiracy’ (paywalled) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): The opaque transparency of the ...
Evening ReportBy Bryce Edwards
2 days ago

Indigenous knowledge offers solutions, but its use must be based on meaningful collaboration with In...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara McAllister, Research Fellow, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Shutterstock/Guy Hasler As global environmental challenges grow, people and societies are increasingly looking to Indigenous knowledge for solutions. Indigenous knowledge is particularly appealing for addressing climate change because ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Law change allows Māori to more easily switch electoral rolls
Tommy de Silva explains an interesting new legal shift: Māori can now switch between the Māori and general electoral rolls more easily thanks to a law change. These new rules allow anyone of Māori descent to switch between the rolls whenever they please until three months before an election. That ...
The SpinoffBy Tommy de Silva
2 days ago

Rule Change For Overseas Voting
The rules for overseas voting are changing from today for this year’s General Election to recognise the effect the pandemic has had on international travel. ‘This is a temporary change made by Parliament for New Zealanders living overseas who have ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Luxon takes aim at red tape in ambitious plan to boost renewable energy production
The National Party says its new renewable energy policy will double the amount of electricity produced from solar, wind and geothermal plants. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

Trump to be arrested over porn star hush money
It’s a headline I never quite expected to write but in recent days have been wondering if I would have to. Former US president Donald Trump will be arrested after a New York grand jury voted to indict him over alleged hush money paid to former adult film star Stormy ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

Lawsuits, NFTs and super-mad Swifties: Ticketmaster’s problems, explained
Everything you need to know about the ticketing agency’s ongoing debacles. So Ticketmaster’s back in the news. Why is the company that should be spitting out concert tickets calmly and quietly sparking so many headlines? Where do you want to start? The lawsuits, the NFTs or the super-mad Swifties? It’s ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
2 days ago

Auckland Council Admits It Doesn’t Know The Impact Of Its Own Budget Cuts
Auckland Council has proposed significant budget cuts without assessing the potential impacts on the region’s environment and climate change efforts, an official response reveals. No assessment was made as Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown never asked for one, ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Greenpeace Welcomes National’s Renewable Energy Policy, But Fossil Fuel Exploration And Agricultur...
Greenpeace is welcoming the National Party’s new renewable energy policy - ‘Electrify NZ’ - with its focus on increasing renewable electricity generation to replace coal, gas and petrol-fuelled transport. But the organisation is calling on National ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

National promises to double renewable energy supply
The National Party has pledged to “cut red tape” in the electricity sector through a new policy that it claims will double New Zealand’s supply of renewable energy. Dubbed “Electrify NZ”, the policy was unveiled this morning by party leader Christopher Luxon. “National wants a future where buses and trains ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

The Opportunities Party Launches A Petition To Establish An Anti-Corruption Commission
...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

New Zealand High School Teachers Hold Second One-day Strike
By Tom Peters, Socialist Equality Group 30 March 2023 Original url: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/03/30/jspf-m30.html About 20,000 secondary teachers at public schools in New Zealand held a nationwide strike on March 29. It followed a much larger one-day strike on March 16 involving ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Dunne's Weekly: The Week The PM Lost Control Of The Agenda
In his first two months as Prime Minister Chris Hipkins impressed for his directness, clarity and determination, and the assured way in which he transitioned into his new role. His everyman style, from the hoodie to the more than occasional meat pie, ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Maritime NZ: Skippers Need To Be Alert And Pay Attention At All Times
Recreational craft users are being reminded of their skipper responsibilities following the sentencing of a boatie in Invercargill this week. A skipper was this week sentenced in the Invercargill District Court in relation to a grounding of their vessel on ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Political editors panel: Nash's email calamity, and cis white men
Morning Report - RNZ and the NZ Herald's political editors discuss potential law-breaking by a now-sacked minister, and Marama Davidson's comments. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

Attention plant killers: new research shows your plants could be silently screaming at you
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alice Hayward, Molecular Biologist, The University of Queensland Shutterstock If you’re like me, you’ve managed to kill even the hardiest of indoor plants (yes, despite a doctorate in plant biology). But imagine a world where your plants actually told you ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Telehealth has much to offer First Nations people. But technical glitches and a lack of rapport can ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Centaine Snoswell, Senior Research Fellow Health Economics, The University of Queensland Di Vincenzo/Shutterstock Telehealth has been a game changer for many First Nations people globally, including in Australia. It has allowed First Nations people to access health care close to ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

The Millionaires’ Factory lays bare the good and bad about Australia’s millionaire manufacturer ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Davis, Emeritus Professor of Finance, The University of Melbourne Allen & Unwin The Millionaires’ Factory, subtitled “the inside story of how Macquarie Bank became a global giant” by financial journalists Joyce Moullakis and Chris Wright is an impressive, informative ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

A horse died on the set of The Rings of Power: more needs to be done to ensure the welfare of horses...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Luke, PhD candidate, CQUniversity Australia Amazon The recent death of a horse on the set of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is the latest incident raising questions about how humans use horses for entertainment ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Open mike 13/12/2022

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