As reported by several others including Reuters, and Richard Harman at Politik,Treasury is forecasting that New Zealand's economy is going to go nowhere fast.
Treasury will cut its economic and fiscal forecasts because of a sustained productivity slowdown in the economy.
New Zealand Treasury's May budget forecasts had anticipated a return to economic growth in the second half of 2024, but the latest data suggests the recovery will begin later, Treasury Chief Economic Adviser Dominick Stephens said in a speech.
"Economic growth has proved slower than anticipated. Weaker economic growth means a smaller economy and less tax revenue, increasing the challenge for the government in balancing its books," Stephens said at the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand conference in Wellington.
Any Minister of Finance worth their salt would at least come out and say:
"Look, we know that 2024 is our largest collapse in heavy manufacturing in 40 years, and unemployment is up, and the tax cuts have done nothing, and those 'business confidence' indicators clearly have zero reality to how much money is being spent in the economy, but we have a plan we really do and things will get better soon."
Or if not a plan, at least get to the launch of something and go 'but look here!'.
I do not know why this government is incapable of doing most of its economic leadership job.
Perhaps our CoC govt "is incapable of doing most of its economic leadership job" because its MPs are out of their depth and really don't give a f**k – they are sorted.
The Minister of Energy would blame the former governments "oil and gas exploration policy", even that had no impact whatsoever (they had not the time to process any discovery from existing licenses, even if they had found any).
Or if not a plan, at least get to the launch of something and go ‘but look here!’.
Of course, there’s no plan and there was never going to be one, because this is not the government’s job in CoC’s mind – remember CoC is dogmatically neo-liberal. They see themselves as ‘managers’ but not necessarily Government as the Right conduit.
They most certainly do have a plan for the economy outside Wellington, and it's contained in their 149 projects that they intend to fast-track.
Unfortunately none of these projects will have an economic effect in this term, even if any are constructed this term (which is highly unlikely because every advocacy group and their dog will test the new legislation in court for years).
This is where each one of those projects is proposed:
I wouldn't try and argue that the previous lot knew how to improve our economy either, other than doling out whole dump-trucks of taxpayer-funded subsidy. Which mostly didn't work anyway.
Show us the GDP comparisons AD, and the Trade Treaties, You spent the whole time dissing them, but finally and belatedly you admit this lot are far worse inside twelve months. Their “Fast Track Solutions will not change anything before they are out and in again. Guess what, they will panic at the costs and like the Rail Ferries they will be cancelled Pie in the sky.
The PGF is good in concept (and it continued 2020-2023 as a pathway to Three Waters), it needs as much money as it had then to support infrastructure investment.
People moving out to the regions (given modern online work) is the future after all, not roads roads commute in urban density conglomerations.
Solar panels on the 1/4 acre + section homes in the provinces …
So much for these hollow men being better managers than the previous Government.
Their hubris and remove and stop any previous progress is now coming to bite them.
The people are driven by lower incomes to shop through cheap Chinese portals and to sell their "Toys and even other assets" as Bankers raise interest rates to try to control the fall out of covid pushing home owners mortgage rates higher.
Meantime CoC are following their usual austerity path of shrinking the Public purse, and are surprised at the lower tax take.
Their actions have added to a world wide contraction after the pandemic spend, and these supposed managers have ignored Treasury and general economic advice, spurned the science and even sacked scientists as they are so sure of their "snake oil" medicine.
We have just had a huge Hikoi. According to Luxon, the Maori Party!! The uncomfortable truth is, there is a swell of dissent from all sides. Even their own.
Will they listen? Will they what!!! This Government is creating a huge tsunami of disgust and disbelief at their high handed deliberate social engineering of a racial divide by attacking the Treaty, removing all things Maori from Public Service, forcing change on Schools and trained staff for ideological reasons.
They thought the same failed system would work if it was applied more quickly, and far from being "back on track" we are down a long recession valley, with almost every thinking economist seeing the danger.
When our mills and Maketu Pies fall into the hole, small communities lose hundreds of jobs, and communities die.
That is the point. They want needy individuals rather than flourishing communities, so now we have a failed group doing school lunches rather than community building. Regions once again losing services, with large employers retracting or going under.
Councils are buckling under the debt burden, while electricity is becoming very expensive as modern technology needs copious amounts.
I am old, and in all my years I have not seen such a pig headed bull dozer approach that ignores the science and advice, says they are uniting us when clearly the opposite is true.
What to do? What that group did who marched waving to all who gathered to support them. Figure out what we want from the grass roots up, instead of having a "big daddy" and his friends lead us to a finacial crash and societal boot camps.
Atlas requires no obstacles no community push back and the ability to move in and buy up, and smother our hope of togetherness. so the Treaty is a threat to their plans.
They use individuals like Duplicity Allan and the Platform and other well known folk like M Hoskins and The Taxpayers Union to spread memes and "'talking points"
Tacky online acting by our current PM is so embarrassing including his hands on greetings of other Leaders. He has been "hands off" for transgressions by his own, while others were hounded for errors. This all points to a PM with a strange moral compass.
When he was told people were beginning to question it all, he said "I don't care" That was the truth, "He's sorted".
Any new government is going to get pieces of a torn society, and have to work very hard to mend the hurt caused by this lot.
Cashed up people – ie those who support the ACT-led CoC, do well in a recession, as small businesses close and home owners are forced to sell.
So the CoC is serving its base, who gave millions to have a chance of making a quick buck or three – and to hell with the rest of society, bottom feeders, climate etc.
I refuse to lose heart ianmac. Luxon is out of his depth, Willis is worse than useless and Seymour and Winston are there for division and utu. (revenge)
Karma is coming, but we need to rally in support and state what we want clearly at all the forums. I felt hopeful when Chris Hipkins said he went to the Hikoi to listen and learn.
We need to correct Seymour's lie. Equality is not equity.
Equality for all assumes we all start the race in the same place, but some have inside running and never agree to a staggered start, so they always get the gold medal. Those doing it hard on the outer lane could get thrown off.
It seems the right wing narrative setting on the "bill before parliament" is in development.
Not by National Party, but by minions of ACT and NZF men.
First the conflation of Treaty principles being enunciated in an ongoing way, in legislation and via courts, with a permanent fix set in by a referendum.
And also conflating the attempt to do this, with a past effort to merely remove principles determined by parliament and or courts (by NZ First – 2005-2008 era). This precedent for it now seeking to remove Treaty references in legislation and diminishing the WT.
This was presumably of some effort to distract from the questionable utility of making an effort to fix a change without the consent of a Treaty partner, when also without parliamentary support. Thus mere grandstanding for party purposes, thus the boasting that this and they were of the future reality.
With about as much credibility as a governments planning to direct most of its future investment into roads.
The man from Uncle ACT, also played the person of a former PM.
For mine the term "40 Kings Council" does not indicate he has read much of letters.
See anyone can do it.
Yet pronounce of matters of law he did and then even to conclude he is the one who is right. How, by crafting a narrative, one entirely based on his own logic. At least, he admits to being petty.
To edify, the first principle as per there even being a Treaty, is that there is to be an agreement between 2 parties. Once enacted, there is then a relationship/partnership (as indicated in the Treaty terms). This then involves the basis for a process for continuing engagement and where necessary redress.
To formalise principles by (popular majority) referendum, obstructs the involvement of future parliaments (after it finally acknowledged it had exercised Crown power in breach of the said Treaty), the Crown relationship with Maori and due process.
As for
“All New Zealander’s are equal before the law”
This is not a government declaring a principle, it is stated in article 3, so clearly a lay person with no letters can read it for themself well enough.
The rest is just a statement of opposition to the concept of any partnership with the indigenous people of the Treaty, for much the same reasons as fast tracking access to conservation areas, despite damage to the environment and habitat.
The ACT Atlas network man mindset is to bow down to the muscular power of the authority of money and where there is capacity to resist that, take away the right to do so.
In oligarchy circles known as "lawyering up"
Expect to see facts and reason prevail over the noise generated by flag waving and outrage
Mansplaining – gaslighting the victim who dares protest.
Mansplaining – gaslighting the victim who dares protest
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones remains committed to uplifting provincial New Zealand – and won’t be letting native animals or “screeching voices” get in the way of that.
There was no moa he would not have eaten, no bird he would not strangle, if he woke up drunk and disorderly, hungry and within reach.
A man open to doing deals with those of the business class.
“Climate change in my view, over the last regime, has been turned into a religion and when I want a religious experience, I’ve got other ways of enjoying that.
He might piss on a forest fire, but only if he had a long enough hose.
To treat the man with the respect, a man of his talents, deserves.
Please remember the grass roots has the power. We support the Treaty and will through "Unity" vote CoC out in 2026. Start giving a "cup of coffee" donation to your chosen Party of the Left, and register to vote.
Don't believe the spin. Like the tax cuts it is "smoke and mirrors". We are stronger together, so talk to your local organisers, start supporting those who are keeping us informed. Read Nick Rockel, Gerard Otto Mountain Tiu and Bernard Hickey. If you know of others who interpret the intent put their names out there, support their work by reading sharing and if you can supporting with a few dollars.
Seymour said the hīkoi had presented no coherent objection to the Treaty Principles Bill.
His audience of up to 200 were highly engaged on Māori issues even before Seymour arrived.
One said Māori were like seagulls: if you feed them "more come – and then they start crapping on you."
Another said that over the years there'd been a "self-serving reinterpretation of the Treaty to benefit the Māori elite".
Yet another reckoned that before Pākehā brought colonisation and war Māori "were killing each other anyway".
There was talk of what percentage of Māori ancestry should count, and an assertion that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wasn't brave enough to investigate Māori organisations with charity tax status.
Predominantly aged over 60, the audience's biggest applause during Seymour's speech was for the government cutting 6000 public servant roles.
Patricia, you have described so well the sad state of NZ after just one year of this government. Their jack boot approach dismantling everything Labour introduced, their lack of empathy towards people, their arrogance, their nastiness – it goes on and on, week after week. I see no sign of light at the end of the tunnel. The economy is not good. Wellington is badly affected by the redundancies. A central cafe I frequent which has always been very busy was nearly empty the last time I was there recently. Nicola's landlords will be worried! No wonder she wants people back in the office. The vibe in the city is not good.
National and Act were upset at the Haka performed in the debating chamber. Erica Stanford personified what what they should be upset about after calling Jan Tinetti a "stupid bitch". Nastiness oozes off Stanford's face. Emotions can run high but that said more about herself than Tinetti.
the sytematic destruction of Palestinian resources.
They're breaking ground.
Israeli settler leader Daniella Weiss has said she recently visited northern Gaza to scout locations for future Israeli settlements there.
During an interview on Channel 13 on Saturday, Weiss said she has the support of 740 families to establish settlements in the Palestinian territory and was hoping to grow support from "one to two million Israelis".
"Yesterday we were on a tour at a temporary site near the Gaza border, where we set up 40 trailers that we will eventually move into Gaza," she said on the evening news programme.
"The truth is we are still a few steps away from real estate, but yes, I was in the field," Weiss told the interviewer when he questioned if she entered Gaza after 7 October.
The period of using Hamas to justify the settlement continuance and expansion in the WB is over.
Now it is, use Hezbollah and Iran to justify permanent occupation of the river to the sea.
The Gaza gas and the Oct 7 2023 attack, seem to be their lithium/raw earth minerals and baddies in Maruipol (south est Donetsk).
The settlers will want the coast and far north but the IDF is building its watchtower system first (ring road grid pattern surrounding 3 high rise containment areas – thus checkpoints between the 3) and the Minister of Finance will want areas for reserved for the on shore part of gas field development.
For those wondering about the how of land without a people, they do not intend to. They are moving to deny the right to vote to citizens with views inimical to Jewish state identity and security (taking away to vote from left/secular Israelis and some Palestinian cause identifying Israeli Arabs – thus near all in Gaza and WB from the get go).
If this prospect does not motivate the Arab League to work to get Iran to recognise a 67 border two state outcome, then nothing will.
A quibble about his comment on the turnout for Harris. She got a lot more than Clinton.
Harris got less votes from Latino men and black men than Biden, and they did vote, for Trump – because of the (somewhat specious) claim it was better before 2020 and would be after 2024 (yet wages rose faster than prices 2020-2024).
The vote count was down 4M on the 2020 record turnout (when voting was made easier).
As per Pennsylvania – the GOP increased the number registered in 2020 by 300,000 (targeting those who did not vote, registering them and helping them with the process).
Michigan was a state apart because of its large Moslem and Palestinian population.
Russia is separated from Europe by the Black Sea, as are other countries East of it, including Ukraine . It is also separate ethnically, Slavic as opposed to Germanic; liguistically, the Slavic group of languages as opposed to the Romance or Germanic groups; and religiously, Orthodox as opposed to Roman (and derivatives). Russia is not a member of either the EU or NATO, though I understand she has attempted to join both organisations at different times.
She is separate historically as well. The east has always been considered different since the days of Graeco-Persian wars.
Yeah , sounds like a good reason to go on killing each other for another few thousand years!!
Your words, not mine. I rather it's time the two sides got together and made up their minds to share peacefully the continent that both inhabit. Russia seems to think so, Ukraine doesn't, and Europe is just paranoid.
The Ural Mountains are the traditional line that divides Russia into European Russia and the Asian part of the Russian Federation
North Asia
Some international organizations consider North Asia to be part of Eastern Europe because of its colonization by Russia. The region is predominantly influenced by Russian culture, and most of its population is of European descent.
Siberia
Geographically, Siberia is part of Asia, but it's considered European culturally and politically because it's part of Russia.
When did you last look at a map … most of Russia is north of the Black Sea.
And no part of Ukraine is to the east of the Black Sea.
Europe is separate from Anatolia because of some water … and thus is Asia Minor. East of the Black Sea is south Russia and the Caucasus.
Nations do not stop being part of Eastern Europe, or Asia, because of their language or religion. Iran and India are part of Asia regardless of their Indo-European/Aryan languages.
Andno part of Ukraine is to the east of the Black Sea.
The dividing line between East and West seems to run through both Ukraine and the Black Sea: at least as far as ethnic and political groups are concerned.
It was only Crimea, at one time part of the Khan empire, that was a victim of Tsarist imperialism (about 300 years ago). Russian Ukraine, which I think did not always include the whole of Ukraine, came about through a treaty between the Cossacks and Muscovy (Russia).
The Warsaw pact seems to have come about as a side effect of Russia defending itself against the Nazies in WW2.
But Ukraine is not in Asia. Not one authority (international organisation, scholar, reference book, anybody at all) has Ukraine in Asia. Literally nobody.
But Ukraine is not in Asia. Not one authority (international organisation, scholar, reference book, anybody at all) has Ukraine in Asia. Literally nobody.
Therefore it is in Europe.
Your syllogism is invalid. It doesn't follow that if Ukraine is not in Asia it must be in Europe. It may be in neither. It may lie between the two (not that it matters much). Historically, however, it has been part of the Eastern block since Tsarist times.
When Yeltsin granted Ukraine independence in the early nineties he pointed out that here was a longstanding border dispute, but hinted that Russia would not pursue providing Ukraine remained in the Eastern block.
David Seymour vs the All Blacks is just the most recent example in a series that illustrates how far out on a limb David Seymour is. Here's a non-exhaustive selection in a thread Here's David Seymour vs Christianity
Seymour is inserting himself in a game of rugby with a righteous attitude of "you are wrong and why can't you see I'm right? It is as if he thinks he is akin to Moses bringing the stone tablet with the 10 commandments." This is indicative of a problem imo
What I propose is that liberals and the left organize those who can be organized, and then direct those grassroots foot soldiers toward the goal of establishing a larger social formation: one that has a low barrier to entry but that is also connected by longer-lasting bonds than GOTV.
[…]
Any organization that seeks to replace the Democratic-leaning Elks Lodge in American public life needs to look more like an Elks Lodge than a DSA meeting. With that in mind, my proposal is that the Democratic Party, along with other liberal and left-leaning organizations, should fund the creation of community centers in priority voting precincts. These centers would be managed by a combination of local volunteers and paid staff who are hired directly from the surrounding community.
JOSEPH TWISTED THE DISHCLOTH gently in the wine-glass, removed it carefully, and held the glass up to the light. Though the bar was dimly lit, there was illumination enough to set the glass a-sparkle. Satisfied, Joesph replaced it carefully on the shelf.“Whose that fellow at the end of the bar?”The ...
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This morning’s six standouts for me at 6.30am include:Rachel Helyer Donaldson’s scoop via RNZ last night of cuts to maternity jobs in the health system;Maddy Croad’s scoop via The Press-$ this morning on funding cuts for Christchurch’s biggest food rescue charity;Benedict Collins’ scoop last night via 1News on a last-minute ...
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I don't knowHow to say what's got to be saidI don't know if it's black or whiteThere's others see it redI don't get the answers rightI'll leave that to youIs this love out of fashionOr is it the time of yearAre these words distraction?To the words you want to hearSongwriters: ...
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One last thing before I quitI never wanted any moreThan I could fit into my headI still remember every single word you saidAnd all the shit that somehow came along with itStill, there's one thing that comforts meSince I was always caged and now I'm freeSongwriters: David Grohl / Georg ...
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Hi,If you’re a New Zealander — you know who Mike King is. He is the face of New Zealand’s battle against mental health problems. He can be loud and brash. He raises, and is entrusted with, a lot of cash. Last year his “I Am Hope” charity reported a revenue ...
Probably about the only consolation available from yesterday’s unveiling of the Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) is that it could have been worse. Though Finance Minister Nicola Willis has tightened the screws on future government spending, she has resisted the calls from hard-line academics, fiscal purists and fiscal hawks ...
The right have a stupid saying that is only occasionally true:When is democracy not democracy? When it hasn’t been voted on.While not true in regards to branches of government such as the judiciary, it’s a philosophy that probably should apply to recently-elected local government councillors. Nevertheless, this concept seemed to ...
Long story short: the Government’s austerity policy has driven the economy into a deeper and longer recession that means it will have to borrow $20 billion more over the next four years than it expected just six months ago. Treasury’s latest forecasts show the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s fiscal strategy of ...
Come and join myself and CTU Chief Economist for a pop-up ‘Hoon’ webinar on the Government’s Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) with paying subscribers to The Kākā for 30 minutes at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream to watch our chat. Don’t worry if ...
In 1998, in the wake of the Paremoremo Prison riot, the Department of Corrections established the "Behaviour Management Regime". Prisoners were locked in their cells for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no fresh air, no exercise, no social contact, no entertainment, and in some cases no clothes and ...
New data released by the Treasury shows that the economic policies of this Government have made things worse in the year since they took office, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney. “Our fiscal indicators are all heading in the wrong direction – with higher levels of debt, a higher deficit, and ...
At the 2023 election, National basically ran on a platform of being better economic managers. So how'd that turn out for us? In just one year, they've fucked us for two full political terms: The government's books are set to remain deeply in the red for the near term ...
AUSTERITYText within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedMy spreadsheet insists This pain leads straight to glory (File not found) Read more ...
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi are saying that the Government should do the right thing and deliver minimum wage increases that don’t see workers fall further behind, in response to today’s announcement that the minimum wage will only be increased by 1.5%, well short of forecast inflation. “With inflation forecast ...
Oh, I weptFor daysFilled my eyesWith silly tearsOh, yeaBut I don'tCare no moreI don't care ifMy eyes get soreSongwriters: Paul Rodgers / Paul Kossoff. Read more ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob HensonIn this aerial view, fingers of meltwater flow from the melting Isunnguata Sermia glacier descending from the Greenland Ice Sheet on July 11, 2024, near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), the ...
In August, I wrote an article about David Seymour1 with a video of his testimony, to warn that there were grave dangers to his Ministry of Regulation:David Seymour's Ministry of Slush Hides Far Greater RisksWhy Seymour's exorbitant waste of taxpayers' money could be the least of concernThe money for Seymour ...
Willis is expected to have to reveal the bitter fiscal fruits of her austerity strategy in the HYEFU later today. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, December 17 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast ...
On Friday the government announced it would double the number of toll roads in New Zealand as well as make a few other changes to how toll roads are used in the country. The real issue though is not that tolling is being used but the suggestion it will make ...
The Prime Minister yesterday engaged in what looked like a pre-emptive strike designed to counter what is likely to be a series of depressing economic statistics expected before the end of the week. He opened his weekly post-Cabinet press conference with a recitation of the Government’s achievements. “It certainly has ...
This whooping cough story from south Auckland is a good example of the coalition government’s approach to social need – spend money on urging people to get vaccinated but only after you’ve cut the funding to where they could get vaccinated. This has been the case all year with public ...
And if there is a GodI know he likes to rockHe likes his loud guitarsHis spiders from MarsAnd if there is a GodI know he's watching meHe likes what he seesBut there's trouble on the breezeSongwriter: William Patrick Corgan Read more ...
Here’s a quick round up of today’s political news:1. MORE FOOD BANKS, CHARITIES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS AND YOUTH SOCIAL SERVICES SET TO CLOSE OR SCALE BACK AROUND THE COUNTRY AS GOVT CUTS FUNDINGSome of Auckland's largest foodbanks are warning they may need to close or significantly reduce food parcels after ...
Iain Rennie, CNZMSecretary and Chief Executive to the TreasuryDear Secretary, Undue restrictions on restricted briefings This week, the Treasury barred representatives from four organisations, including the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi, from attending the restricted briefing for the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update. We had been ...
This is a guest post by Tim Adriaansen, a community, climate, and accessibility advocate.I won’t shut up about climate breakdown, and whenever possible I try to shift the focus of a climate conversation towards solutions. But you’ll almost never hear me give more than a passing nod to ...
National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...
The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Mike Smith’s “ambitious” climate claim against Attorney-General Judith Collins.Smith, a Māori climate activist, and Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kahu elder, appealed a High Court decision that found his claims against the Crown – that its action on climate change was inadequate – untenable.The Appeal Court’s ...
Trish McKelvey is listed 139 times in the index of the New Zealand women’s cricket tome The Warm Sun On My Face, authored by Trevor Auger and Adrienne Simpson.She wrote the foreword for the book and headlines two chapters addressing crucial events in the evolution of the sport.McKelvey’s appointment as New Zealand ...
Summer reissue: The New Zealand comedy legend takes us through her life in television, including the time she hugged Elton John and the unshakeable legacy of a girl named Lyn. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please ...
Summer reissue: You really won’t guess how it ends. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. First published October 4, 2024. Parliament’s Economic Development, Science ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mary-Rose McLaren, Professor of Teaching and Learning and Head of Program, Early Childhood Education, Victoria University Collin Quinn Lomax/ Shutterstock Some years ago, my daughter was set a maths problem: how much does it cost to drive a family of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine E. Wood, Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology Asier Romero/ Shutterstock Christmas is coming, and with it many challenges for parents of young children. You likely have one festive event after another, late nights, party ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio Astronomy, University of Sydney Tayla Walsh/Pexels With billions of children around the world anxiously waiting for their presents, Father Christmas (or Santa) and his reindeer must be travelling at breakneck speeds to deliver them ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Higgins, Professor & Director, Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University Feeling unsure about your child going to a sleepover is completely normal. You might be worried about how well you know the host family, how they manage supervision or ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, UNSW Sydney Exactly 50 years ago, on Christmas Eve 1974, Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin and left a trail of devastation. It remains one of the most destructive natural events in Australia’s history. Wind ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Irmine Keta Rotimi, Doctoral Candidate, Marketing and International Business department, Auckland University of Technology Videos of children opening boxes of toys and playing with them have become a feature of online marketing – making stars out of children as young as two. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Nicholas, Lecturer in Dance and Performance Science, Edith Cowan University Tatyana Vyc/Shutterstock Once the end-of-year dance concert and term wrap up for the year it is important to take a break. Both physical and mental rest are important and taking ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kit MacFarlane, Lecturer, Creative Writing and Literature, University of South Australia Capitol Records For those looking to introduce some musical conflict into the holidays, Bob Dylan’s Christmas in the Heart remains a great choice in its 15th anniversary – like it ...
Opinion: It was February 2024 when my friends started getting in touch with me to suggest I run for the Tauranga City Council mayoralty. At the time, the council was governed by four Government-appointed commissioners, who had been in their roles since 2021. Their terms were coming to an end ...
Opinion: As the year winds down and we pause for some reflection, I find myself, as chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, contemplating the unprecedented hatred aimed at Jewish New Zealanders. Antisemitism – the prejudice, discrimination or hostility directed at Jews – has snowballed to record levels, so much ...
Summer reissue: Joy Cowley reveals her enthralling life story, from a difficult childhood, to getting drunk with Roald Dahl, to encountering an Arctic polar bear. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and ...
Summer reissue: Alex Casey chats to Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie about the challenges of life on a 1,200-acre farm in Central Otago, and why they continue to share it with the nation in Nadia’s Farm. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue ...
Summer reissue: Dominion Road has made a name for itself as a destination for authentic, regionally-specific Chinese food. How did it get here?The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 24 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...
By Emma Andrews, Henare te Ua Māori journalism intern at RNZ News From being the headline to creating them, Moana Maniapoto has walked a rather rocky road of swinging between both sides of the media. Known for her award-winning current affairs show Te Ao with Moana on Whakaata Māori, and ...
Kick Back has growing concerns about the impact that denying young people access to shelter is having on the mental health and physical safety of the young people we serve. ...
By Litia Cava, FBC News multimedia journalist Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed how arms and ammunition used to conduct the 1987 military coup were secretly brought into Fiji on board a naval survey ship. Speaking at the commissioning of a new research vessel for the Lands and Mineral ...
Youth advocates are worried tighter rules for emergency housing could lead to someone dying due to the impacts on mental health and physical safety for those denied shelter. ...
“We urge the Health Select Committee to extend the date for submissions,” concluded Rev Bush. “There is too much at stake to leave the outcome of this review only in the hands of politicians or those with vested interests.” ...
A separate passport, citizenship and membership of the United Nations are only available to fully independent nations, Winston Peters' office says. ...
By Emma Andrews, Henare te Ua Māori Journalism Intern at RNZ News The New Zealand fuel company Z Energy is swapping out street names for “correct” kupu on service stops around the country, with the help of local hapū. When Z took over 226 fuel sites from Shell in 2010, ...
Summer reissue: Was it a false measurement, a full-blown conspiracy or just some mild incompetence? Mad Chapman uncovers the truth of Maddi Wesche’s final throw. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Old, Associate Professor, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Western Sydney University Dmitry Chulov, Shutterstock At this time of year, images of reindeer are everywhere. I’ve had a soft spot for reindeer ever since I was a little girl. Doesn’t everyone? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grozdana Manalo, Career Services Manager (Education), University of Sydney hedgehog94/Shutterstock Getting casual work over summer, or a part-time job that you might continue once your tertiary course starts, can be a great way to get workplace experience and earn some extra ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ty Ferguson, Research associate in exercise, nutrition and activity, University of South Australia Peera_Stockfoto/Shutterstock It’s never been easier to stay connected to work. Even when we’re on leave, our phones and laptops keep us tethered. Many of us promise ourselves we ...
The NZ Media Council upheld the complaint under principle four: comment and fact On 5 September 2024, The Spinoff published a brief article titled Made in Palestine, found in 1970s Hastings, which highlighted an upcoming art exhibition featuring photographs of vintage cosmetic products labelled “Made in Palestine.” The piece, described ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University We are well and truly in cricket season. The Australian men’s cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Woods, Lecturer, Nursing, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University FTiare/Shutterstock Summer is here and for many that means going to the beach. You grab your swimmers, beach towel and sunscreen then maybe check the weather forecast. Did you think to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Nutrition, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia Dean Clarke/Shutterstock The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence in delicious foods and meals. However, for many, it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ari Mattes, Lecturer in Communications and Media, University of Notre Dame Australia Late Night With The Devil. Maslow Entertainment Marketing is critical to the success of commercial films, and companies will often spend half as much again on top of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francisco Jose Testa, Lecturer in Earth Sciences (Mineralogy, Petrology & Geochemistry), University of Tasmania The Conversation As a kid, it was tough for me to grasp the massive time scale of Earth’s history. Now, with nearly two decades of experience as ...
Te Pāti Māori has had to adopt a new way of debating, operating and even thinking in Parliament in response to the Government’s “onslaught” against te ao Māori, co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says.In an end-of-year interview with Newsroom, the Te Tai Hauauru MP reflected on how 2024 has differed from her ...
As reported by several others including Reuters, and Richard Harman at Politik,Treasury is forecasting that New Zealand's economy is going to go nowhere fast.
Treasury will cut its economic and fiscal forecasts because of a sustained productivity slowdown in the economy.
New Zealand Treasury's May budget forecasts had anticipated a return to economic growth in the second half of 2024, but the latest data suggests the recovery will begin later, Treasury Chief Economic Adviser Dominick Stephens said in a speech.
"Economic growth has proved slower than anticipated. Weaker economic growth means a smaller economy and less tax revenue, increasing the challenge for the government in balancing its books," Stephens said at the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand conference in Wellington.
Any Minister of Finance worth their salt would at least come out and say:
"Look, we know that 2024 is our largest collapse in heavy manufacturing in 40 years, and unemployment is up, and the tax cuts have done nothing, and those 'business confidence' indicators clearly have zero reality to how much money is being spent in the economy, but we have a plan we really do and things will get better soon."
Or if not a plan, at least get to the launch of something and go 'but look here!'.
I do not know why this government is incapable of doing most of its economic leadership job.
Perhaps our CoC govt "is incapable of doing most of its economic leadership job" because its MPs are out of their depth and really don't give a f**k – they are sorted.
Meanwhile, many Kiwis are voting with their feet – their path to 'sorted' lies elsewhere.
The Minister of Energy would blame the former governments "oil and gas exploration policy", even that had no impact whatsoever (they had not the time to process any discovery from existing licenses, even if they had found any).
Of course, there’s no plan and there was never going to be one, because this is not the government’s job in CoC’s mind – remember CoC is dogmatically neo-liberal. They see themselves as ‘managers’ but not necessarily Government as the Right conduit.
They most certainly do have a plan for the economy outside Wellington, and it's contained in their 149 projects that they intend to fast-track.
Unfortunately none of these projects will have an economic effect in this term, even if any are constructed this term (which is highly unlikely because every advocacy group and their dog will test the new legislation in court for years).
This is where each one of those projects is proposed:
https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/10/16/all-149-fast-track-projects-mapped/
I do – us Kiwis have been sold the myth that Natz are better at business, while in reality the opposite is true!
But we can always fall back on the "rock star economy" of high immigration and high real estate prices to pretend that things are getting better!
I wouldn't try and argue that the previous lot knew how to improve our economy either, other than doling out whole dump-trucks of taxpayer-funded subsidy. Which mostly didn't work anyway.
Show us the GDP comparisons AD, and the Trade Treaties, You spent the whole time dissing them, but finally and belatedly you admit this lot are far worse inside twelve months. Their “Fast Track Solutions will not change anything before they are out and in again. Guess what, they will panic at the costs and like the Rail Ferries they will be cancelled Pie in the sky.
Too early to say if they're worse at managing the economy. But it's a solid downward start.
Why are you so shy today?
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-22-11-2024/#comment-2017968
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/534365/government-s-fiscal-policy-dragging-out-recession-economists-say
Did it cut R and D funding?
Kainga Ora did fine and were on the right path.
The PGF is good in concept (and it continued 2020-2023 as a pathway to Three Waters), it needs as much money as it had then to support infrastructure investment.
People moving out to the regions (given modern online work) is the future after all, not roads roads commute in urban density conglomerations.
Solar panels on the 1/4 acre + section homes in the provinces …
So much for these hollow men being better managers than the previous Government.
Their hubris and remove and stop any previous progress is now coming to bite them.
The people are driven by lower incomes to shop through cheap Chinese portals and to sell their "Toys and even other assets" as Bankers raise interest rates to try to control the fall out of covid pushing home owners mortgage rates higher.
Meantime CoC are following their usual austerity path of shrinking the Public purse, and are surprised at the lower tax take.
Their actions have added to a world wide contraction after the pandemic spend, and these supposed managers have ignored Treasury and general economic advice, spurned the science and even sacked scientists as they are so sure of their "snake oil" medicine.
We have just had a huge Hikoi. According to Luxon, the Maori Party!! The uncomfortable truth is, there is a swell of dissent from all sides. Even their own.
Will they listen? Will they what!!! This Government is creating a huge tsunami of disgust and disbelief at their high handed deliberate social engineering of a racial divide by attacking the Treaty, removing all things Maori from Public Service, forcing change on Schools and trained staff for ideological reasons.
They thought the same failed system would work if it was applied more quickly, and far from being "back on track" we are down a long recession valley, with almost every thinking economist seeing the danger.
When our mills and Maketu Pies fall into the hole, small communities lose hundreds of jobs, and communities die.
That is the point. They want needy individuals rather than flourishing communities, so now we have a failed group doing school lunches rather than community building. Regions once again losing services, with large employers retracting or going under.
Councils are buckling under the debt burden, while electricity is becoming very expensive as modern technology needs copious amounts.
I am old, and in all my years I have not seen such a pig headed bull dozer approach that ignores the science and advice, says they are uniting us when clearly the opposite is true.
What to do? What that group did who marched waving to all who gathered to support them. Figure out what we want from the grass roots up, instead of having a "big daddy" and his friends lead us to a finacial crash and societal boot camps.
Atlas requires no obstacles no community push back and the ability to move in and buy up, and smother our hope of togetherness. so the Treaty is a threat to their plans.
They use individuals like Duplicity Allan and the Platform and other well known folk like M Hoskins and The Taxpayers Union to spread memes and "'talking points"
Tacky online acting by our current PM is so embarrassing including his hands on greetings of other Leaders. He has been "hands off" for transgressions by his own, while others were hounded for errors. This all points to a PM with a strange moral compass.
When he was told people were beginning to question it all, he said "I don't care" That was the truth, "He's sorted".
Any new government is going to get pieces of a torn society, and have to work very hard to mend the hurt caused by this lot.
👍👍👍
Cashed up people – ie those who support the ACT-led CoC, do well in a recession, as small businesses close and home owners are forced to sell.
So the CoC is serving its base, who gave millions to have a chance of making a quick buck or three – and to hell with the rest of society, bottom feeders, climate etc.
Well said Patricia. Your mind is bigger than mine so thanks for covering so much.
I refuse to lose heart ianmac. Luxon is out of his depth, Willis is worse than useless and Seymour and Winston are there for division and utu. (revenge)
Karma is coming, but we need to rally in support and state what we want clearly at all the forums. I felt hopeful when Chris Hipkins said he went to the Hikoi to listen and learn.
We need to correct Seymour's lie. Equality is not equity.
Equality for all assumes we all start the race in the same place, but some have inside running and never agree to a staggered start, so they always get the gold medal. Those doing it hard on the outer lane could get thrown off.
It seems the right wing narrative setting on the "bill before parliament" is in development.
Not by National Party, but by minions of ACT and NZF men.
First the conflation of Treaty principles being enunciated in an ongoing way, in legislation and via courts, with a permanent fix set in by a referendum.
And also conflating the attempt to do this, with a past effort to merely remove principles determined by parliament and or courts (by NZ First – 2005-2008 era). This precedent for it now seeking to remove Treaty references in legislation and diminishing the WT.
This was presumably of some effort to distract from the questionable utility of making an effort to fix a change without the consent of a Treaty partner, when also without parliamentary support. Thus mere grandstanding for party purposes, thus the boasting that this and they were of the future reality.
With about as much credibility as a governments planning to direct most of its future investment into roads.
https://archive.li/iWJb0#selection-4801.0-4890.1https://archive.li/iWJb0#selection-4801.0-4890.1
The man from Uncle ACT, also played the person of a former PM.
For mine the term "40 Kings Council" does not indicate he has read much of letters.
See anyone can do it.
Yet pronounce of matters of law he did and then even to conclude he is the one who is right. How, by crafting a narrative, one entirely based on his own logic. At least, he admits to being petty.
To edify, the first principle as per there even being a Treaty, is that there is to be an agreement between 2 parties. Once enacted, there is then a relationship/partnership (as indicated in the Treaty terms). This then involves the basis for a process for continuing engagement and where necessary redress.
To formalise principles by (popular majority) referendum, obstructs the involvement of future parliaments (after it finally acknowledged it had exercised Crown power in breach of the said Treaty), the Crown relationship with Maori and due process.
As for
This is not a government declaring a principle, it is stated in article 3, so clearly a lay person with no letters can read it for themself well enough.
The rest is just a statement of opposition to the concept of any partnership with the indigenous people of the Treaty, for much the same reasons as fast tracking access to conservation areas, despite damage to the environment and habitat.
The ACT Atlas network man mindset is to bow down to the muscular power of the authority of money and where there is capacity to resist that, take away the right to do so.
In oligarchy circles known as "lawyering up"
Mansplaining – gaslighting the victim who dares protest.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360496033/haka-makes-great-theatre-it-isnt-argument
Mansplaining – gaslighting the victim who dares protest
There was no moa he would not have eaten, no bird he would not strangle, if he woke up drunk and disorderly, hungry and within reach.
A man open to doing deals with those of the business class.
He might piss on a forest fire, but only if he had a long enough hose.
To treat the man with the respect, a man of his talents, deserves.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/minister-shane-jones-on-climate-change-regional-development-and-bringing-back-oil-and-gas-the-front-page/C57TVFYB7ZHKTESZBKVO2TYDVM/
Please remember the grass roots has the power. We support the Treaty and will through "Unity" vote CoC out in 2026. Start giving a "cup of coffee" donation to your chosen Party of the Left, and register to vote.
Don't believe the spin. Like the tax cuts it is "smoke and mirrors". We are stronger together, so talk to your local organisers, start supporting those who are keeping us informed. Read Nick Rockel, Gerard Otto Mountain Tiu and Bernard Hickey. If you know of others who interpret the intent put their names out there, support their work by reading sharing and if you can supporting with a few dollars.
Damo's facts and reason crowd.
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Seymour said the hīkoi had presented no coherent objection to the Treaty Principles Bill.
His audience of up to 200 were highly engaged on Māori issues even before Seymour arrived.
One said Māori were like seagulls: if you feed them "more come – and then they start crapping on you."
Another said that over the years there'd been a "self-serving reinterpretation of the Treaty to benefit the Māori elite".
Yet another reckoned that before Pākehā brought colonisation and war Māori "were killing each other anyway".
There was talk of what percentage of Māori ancestry should count, and an assertion that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wasn't brave enough to investigate Māori organisations with charity tax status.
Predominantly aged over 60, the audience's biggest applause during Seymour's speech was for the government cutting 6000 public servant roles.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360497069/david-seymour-wont-bow-down-his-hapu-leaders-over-treaty-bill
I do like that phrase! What about the pakeha elite? You know, the 300 families who pay half the tax of ordinary people?
Or the already wealthy who benefitted most from the farcical tax cuts?
Or the mega landlords who got given extra cash to buy up mortgagee sales?
Patricia, you have described so well the sad state of NZ after just one year of this government. Their jack boot approach dismantling everything Labour introduced, their lack of empathy towards people, their arrogance, their nastiness – it goes on and on, week after week. I see no sign of light at the end of the tunnel. The economy is not good. Wellington is badly affected by the redundancies. A central cafe I frequent which has always been very busy was nearly empty the last time I was there recently. Nicola's landlords will be worried! No wonder she wants people back in the office. The vibe in the city is not good.
National and Act were upset at the Haka performed in the debating chamber. Erica Stanford personified what what they should be upset about after calling Jan Tinetti a "stupid bitch". Nastiness oozes off Stanford's face. Emotions can run high but that said more about herself than Tinetti.
Here is an interactive map of buildings and resources destroyed in Gaza, created by research group Forensic Architecture.
It makes very clear the sytematic destruction of Palestinian resources.
They're breaking ground.
Israeli settler leader Daniella Weiss has said she recently visited northern Gaza to scout locations for future Israeli settlements there.
During an interview on Channel 13 on Saturday, Weiss said she has the support of 740 families to establish settlements in the Palestinian territory and was hoping to grow support from "one to two million Israelis".
"Yesterday we were on a tour at a temporary site near the Gaza border, where we set up 40 trailers that we will eventually move into Gaza," she said on the evening news programme.
"The truth is we are still a few steps away from real estate, but yes, I was in the field," Weiss told the interviewer when he questioned if she entered Gaza after 7 October.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-settler-daniella-weiss-claims-settlement-scouting-visit-gaza
The period of using Hamas to justify the settlement continuance and expansion in the WB is over.
Now it is, use Hezbollah and Iran to justify permanent occupation of the river to the sea.
The Gaza gas and the Oct 7 2023 attack, seem to be their lithium/raw earth minerals and baddies in Maruipol (south est Donetsk).
The settlers will want the coast and far north but the IDF is building its watchtower system first (ring road grid pattern surrounding 3 high rise containment areas – thus checkpoints between the 3) and the Minister of Finance will want areas for reserved for the on shore part of gas field development.
For those wondering about the how of land without a people, they do not intend to. They are moving to deny the right to vote to citizens with views inimical to Jewish state identity and security (taking away to vote from left/secular Israelis and some Palestinian cause identifying Israeli Arabs – thus near all in Gaza and WB from the get go).
If this prospect does not motivate the Arab League to work to get Iran to recognise a 67 border two state outcome, then nothing will.
Labour conference in Christchurch this week.
Shane Te Pou …
https://archive.li/FKtPB#selection-3997.64-4092.1
A quibble about his comment on the turnout for Harris. She got a lot more than Clinton.
Harris got less votes from Latino men and black men than Biden, and they did vote, for Trump – because of the (somewhat specious) claim it was better before 2020 and would be after 2024 (yet wages rose faster than prices 2020-2024).
The vote count was down 4M on the 2020 record turnout (when voting was made easier).
As per Pennsylvania – the GOP increased the number registered in 2020 by 300,000 (targeting those who did not vote, registering them and helping them with the process).
Michigan was a state apart because of its large Moslem and Palestinian population.
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/aa84/live/4cc89a80-a8ef-11ef-a4fe-a3e9a6c5d640.png.webp
But I agree with him that Harris offered few policies. Yet $1bn was spent (wasted?) On the Dem campaign…3 x Trump
Based on how the campaign was reported, or this?
The right wing echo chamber magnified GOP messaging.
https://archive.li/nM9ZM
The numbers to date are
Harris 74.47m 48.3%
Trump 76.96m 49.9%
It has got closer and closer since election day. America was split right down the middle.
Quite the cover.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gc-6JpiXEAAmxSP?format=jpg&name=large
AUKUS was first declared on Sept 15 2021
It came into force on Feb 8 2022.
The invasion of Ukraine was February 24 2022.
US Intelligence got it right but …
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-business-europe-8acc2106b95554429e93dfee5e253743
Apart from Ukraine, which is not part of Europe anyway (though it would like to be), how is Russia attacking Europe?
mikesh, there was an article on the Guardian on Russia’s war on Europe yesterday. It’s a bit vague, because it’s mostly undercover operations…
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/23/the-ukraine-missile-crisis-putins-shadow-war-against-the-west-finally-breaks-cover
Ukraine is most definitely part of Europe, as is all the part of Russia lying to the west of the Ural mountains.
Thankyou
Russia is separated from Europe by the Black Sea, as are other countries East of it, including Ukraine . It is also separate ethnically, Slavic as opposed to Germanic; liguistically, the Slavic group of languages as opposed to the Romance or Germanic groups; and religiously, Orthodox as opposed to Roman (and derivatives). Russia is not a member of either the EU or NATO, though I understand she has attempted to join both organisations at different times.
She is separate historically as well. The east has always been considered different since the days of Graeco-Persian wars.
Yeah , sounds like a good reason to go on killing each other for another few thousand years!!
Yeah , sounds like a good reason to go on killing each other for another few thousand years!!
Your words, not mine. I rather it's time the two sides got together and made up their minds to share peacefully the continent that both inhabit. Russia seems to think so, Ukraine doesn't, and Europe is just paranoid.
AI Overview
When did you last look at a map … most of Russia is north of the Black Sea.
And no part of Ukraine is to the east of the Black Sea.
https://cdn.britannica.com/82/183782-050-D2CE9388/World-Data-Locator-Map-Ukraine.jpg
Europe is separate from Anatolia because of some water … and thus is Asia Minor. East of the Black Sea is south Russia and the Caucasus.
Nations do not stop being part of Eastern Europe, or Asia, because of their language or religion. Iran and India are part of Asia regardless of their Indo-European/Aryan languages.
And no part of Ukraine is to the east of the Black Sea.
The dividing line between East and West seems to run through both Ukraine and the Black Sea: at least as far as ethnic and political groups are concerned.
Russia isthe victims of Tsarist and Soviet Russia's imperialism are separated from Europe by the Black Seafify
It was only Crimea, at one time part of the Khan empire, that was a victim of Tsarist imperialism (about 300 years ago). Russian Ukraine, which I think did not always include the whole of Ukraine, came about through a treaty between the Cossacks and Muscovy (Russia).
The Warsaw pact seems to have come about as a side effect of Russia defending itself against the Nazies in WW2.
But Ukraine is not in Asia. Not one authority (international organisation, scholar, reference book, anybody at all) has Ukraine in Asia. Literally nobody.
Therefore it is in Europe.
Geography lesson ends.
But Ukraine is not in Asia. Not one authority (international organisation, scholar, reference book, anybody at all) has Ukraine in Asia. Literally nobody.
Therefore it is in Europe.
Your syllogism is invalid. It doesn't follow that if Ukraine is not in Asia it must be in Europe. It may be in neither. It may lie between the two (not that it matters much). Historically, however, it has been part of the Eastern block since Tsarist times.
When Yeltsin granted Ukraine independence in the early nineties he pointed out that here was a longstanding border dispute, but hinted that Russia would not pursue providing Ukraine remained in the Eastern block.
The Red team is apparently facing the merger of X/Truth Social – most likely Musk buying out the company, neither makes a profit.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/nov/17/bluesky-musk-trump-x-twitter-authoritarian-world
Bluesky, like a dream of rescue, from a Trump presidency.
Sweary bluesky in real time.
(nsf sensitive souls)
https://swearsky.bagpuss.org/
Wee Davy v almost everyone.
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@LewSOS
David Seymour vs the All Blacks
[…]
@LewSOS
David Seymour vs the All Blacks is just the most recent example in a series that illustrates how far out on a limb David Seymour is. Here's a non-exhaustive selection in a thread Here's David Seymour vs Christianity
https://xcancel.com/LewSOS/status/1860506372267450375
Seymour is inserting himself in a game of rugby with a righteous attitude of "you are wrong and why can't you see I'm right? It is as if he thinks he is akin to Moses bringing the stone tablet with the 10 commandments." This is indicative of a problem imo
Meanwhile in the real world.
God bless the Aussie protestors.
Bring back the halls.
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What I propose is that liberals and the left organize those who can be organized, and then direct those grassroots foot soldiers toward the goal of establishing a larger social formation: one that has a low barrier to entry but that is also connected by longer-lasting bonds than GOTV.
[…]
Any organization that seeks to replace the Democratic-leaning Elks Lodge in American public life needs to look more like an Elks Lodge than a DSA meeting. With that in mind, my proposal is that the Democratic Party, along with other liberal and left-leaning organizations, should fund the creation of community centers in priority voting precincts. These centers would be managed by a combination of local volunteers and paid staff who are hired directly from the surrounding community.
https://resnikoff.beehiiv.com/p/the-party-should-throw-them-a-party