Open mike 27/05/2024
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6:00 am, May 27th, 2024 - 14 comments
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- On Sunday
You've got to live, lady liveDo the tongue rollGive me joyBut don't kiss me too fastSong: Th’ Dudes.Good morning, all. After another heavy week of less-than-positive news, it’s time for something silly: the old standby of memories and questions.I can’t face writing about any more terrible people this week. I usually ...15 minutes ago - Fact brief – Is Greenland losing land ice?
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After the Reserve Bank’s appearance on 20 February at the Finance and Expenditure Committee (the Governor, his macro deputy Karen Silk, and his chief economist Paul Conway) on the previous day’s Monetary Policy Statement, I wrote a post here about it, focused on a number of areas in which Orr, ...19 hours ago - Australia’s defences must be ready in two years. Here’s what to do
Beijing deployed a naval task group to the waters around Australia for three related reasons. First, to demonstrate the reach and potency of Chinese sea power and to put Australia on notice that it is ...22 hours ago - True Faith
That's the price that we all payAnd the value of destiny comes to nothingI can't tell you where we're goingI guess there was just no way of knowingSongwriters: Bernard Sumner / Gillian Lesley Gilbert / Peter Hook / Stephen Eric Hague / Stephen Paul David Morris.What an eventful week it’s ...23 hours ago - Trump’s speech to Congress: America First in trade and alliances
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Peter Frankopan’s The Earth Transformed: An Untold History is a compelling account of the interaction between humans and the environment. We would be unwise to ignore it. The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Oxford professor of history Peter Frankopan was initially widely admired. But critics point ...2 days ago - A loss in Europe is a loss in the Indo-Pacific
The United States shocked the world last week with President Donald Trump’s very public rift with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This was followed by a US pause on military aid and some intelligence sharing with ...2 days ago
- International Women’s Day 2025: progress and possibilities
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- Bernanke on inflation targeting
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- You say socialist like it’s a bad thing
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- The Quad can help Australia monitor China’s naval behaviour
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- Friday 7 March
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The first Friday of March, and it’s definitely been madder on the transport network this week. Here’s some things we saw this week that were interesting. This week in Greater Auckland On Monday Connor did a deep dive into Auckland’s speed limit reversals. For Tuesday saw Connor follow ...2 days ago - As Trump sacks scientists, Australia should hire them. US drain is our brain gain
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- Truth Is a Beautiful Thing
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- Today’s fake news
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- Thursday 6 March
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- $11 billion and out
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- Defence, not more assertive cyber activity, is the right response to Salt Typhoon
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- Time of Use charging progresses – but will it actually lead anywhere?
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- Trump’s challenge to international order
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With the Trump regime in the US causing growing global instability, the government is banging the drum about increasing defence spending. And this morning we have a bunch of defence lobbyists pushing to double the size of the navy to four frigates, at a cost of $8 billion. Which sounds ...4 days ago
- School meals as human capital investment.
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- Overseas investment is getting riskier. The government needs to step up
Australian companies operating overseas are navigating an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape where economic coercion, regulatory uncertainty and security risks are becoming the norm. Our growing global investment footprint is nationally important, and the Australian government ...4 days ago
- A Few Sandwiches Short Of A Picnic
You're like MarmiteFickle to meMixed receptionNo one can agreeStill so saltyDarkest energyThink you're specialBut you're no match for meSong by Porij.Morena, let’s not beat about the bush this morning, shall we? You and I both know we’re not here to discuss cornflakes, poached eggs, or buttered toast. We’re here for ...4 days ago - Luxon trusts Seymour & Trump
4 days ago - In case we forgot, Typhoon attacks remind us of China’s cyber capability—and intent
Australians need to understand the cyber threat from China. US President Donald Trump described the launch of Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot, DeepSeek, as a wake-up call for the US tech industry. The Australian government moved ...4 days ago
- Meeting the government’s new PT fare revenue targets
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- The Child Psychologist Who Loved Compliance
This Webworm deals with religious trauma. Please take care when reading and listening. I will note that the audio portion is handled gently by my guests Michael and Shane. Hi,I usually like to have my thoughts a little more organised before I send out a Webworm, but this is sort ...4 days ago
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- As ordinary as they come
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- Tuesday 4 March
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School lunches plagued with issues as Luxon continues to defend Seymour Today, futher reports on “an array of issues” with school lunches as the “collective nightmare” for schools continues. An investigation is underway from the Ministries of Primary Industries after melted plastic was consumed by kids in Friday’s school lunches ...5 days ago
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- An administered, unnecessary & counter-productive inflation shock
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- Trump, political partisanship, and world peace
6 days ago - United States of betrayal II
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Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa It is a great pleasure to be here with you this morning. ...2 days ago
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- Release: Refreshed team to drive Labour’s 2026 priorities
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- Release: Labour calls on Govt to condemn Israel’s aid blockade
The National Government needs to publicly condemn Israel’s cutting off of aid supplies to the war-ravaged people of Gaza. ...4 days ago
- Release: Mark Mitchell missing in action
Police Minister Mark Mitchell is avoiding accountability by refusing to answer key questions in the House as his Government faces criticism over their dangerous citizen’s arrest policy, firearm reform, and broken promises to recruit more police. ...5 days ago
- Release: Fewer houses, consents down under National
The number of building consents issued under this Government continues to spiral, taking a toll on the infrastructure sector, tradies, and future generations of Kiwi homeowners. ...5 days ago
- Govt urged to rule out any involvement in AUKUS
The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to rule out joining the AUKUS military pact in any capacity following the scenes in the White House over the weekend. ...6 days ago
- Release: PSA survey proves Govt’s cuts are hurting patients
The National Government’s decision to cut jobs and freeze recruitment of health care workers is hurting frontline services and harming patients. ...6 days ago
- Government levels another blow at kaupapa Māori education
The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s plan to disestablish Resource Teachers of Māori (RTM) roles, a move that takes another swing at kaupapa Māori education. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour PR: More clarity needed for homebuyers
The Government’s levies announcement is a step in the right direction, but they must be upfront about who will pay its new infrastructure levies and ensure that first-home buyers are protected from hidden costs. ...1 week ago
- Greens welcome pause of works at Lake Rotokākahi and call for council to work constructively with m...
After months of mana whenua protecting their wāhi tapu, the Green Party welcomes the pause of works at Lake Rotokākahi and calls for the Rotorua Lakes Council to work constructively with Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera on the pathway forward. ...1 week ago
- The week in review
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- Release: Govt abandons retailers with citizen’s arrests
The Government’s expansion of citizen’s arrest powers leaves retailers on their own to deal with crime on their premises. ...2 weeks ago
- Co-Leaders announce plans to launch Green Budget this year
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- State of the Planet speeches, 2025
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- Release: Millions spent to rehash bad ideas on retail crime
The Government has spent $3.6 million dollars on a retail crime advisory group, including paying its chair $920 a day, to come up with ideas already dismissed as dangerous by police. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with mana whenua of Lake Rotokākahi
The Green Party supports the peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokākahi and are calling for the controversial sewerage project on the lake to be stopped until the Environment Court has made a decision. ...2 weeks ago
- Report highlights urgent need for “life-changing” free dental care
ActionStation’s Oral Healthcare report, released today, paints a dire picture of unmet need and inequality across the country, highlighting the urgency of free dental care for all New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Overhaul of Overseas Investment Act a Fire Sale of Kiwi Assets
The Government’s reckless overhaul of the Overseas Investment Act is a fast track for foreign investment at the expense of Kiwi interests. ...2 weeks ago
- MP Views: The Golden Age, The Red Band Cavalry, Fluoride, and Social Media
The Golden Age There has been long-standing recognition that New Zealand First has an unrivalled reputation for delivering for our older New Zealanders. This remains true, and is reflected in our coalition agreement. While we know there is much that we can and will do in this space, it is ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Call for Destiny Church to lose charity status
Labour Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford has written to the charities regulator asking that Destiny Church charities be struck off in the wake of last weekend’s violence by Destiny followers in his electorate. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Two Labour members’ bills drawn from ballot
Bills by Labour MPs to remove rules around sale of alcohol on public holidays, and for Crown entities to adopt Māori names have been drawn from the Members’ Bill Ballot. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt losing police faster than it can hire them
The Government is falling even further behind its promised target of 500 new police officers, now with 72 fewer police officers than when National took office. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Child poverty reduction must remain a priority
The latest child poverty statistics show child poverty reduction must remain a priority for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Static child poverty stats highlight need for urgent action
This morning’s Stats NZ child poverty statistics should act as a wake-up call for the government: with no movement in child poverty rates since June 2023, it’s time to make the wellbeing of our tamariki a political priority. ...2 weeks ago
- Right to Repair Bill passes significant step
Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson’s Consumer Guarantees Right to Repair Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament this evening. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Rate cuts highlight Willis’ economic blunders
Today’s Official Cash Rate cut is good news for borrowers, but also a symptom of rising unemployment and an economy in recession. ...3 weeks ago
- NZers didn’t need this much pain to reduce OCR
Today’s OCR cut will fail to soothe the long-term pain Christopher Luxon’s Government is inflicting upon our communities. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: ACT taps out of Treaty Principles Bill submission process
“The ACT Party can’t be bothered putting an MP on one of the Justice subcommittees hearing submissions on their own Treaty Principles Bill,” Labour Justice Spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...3 weeks ago
- Govt funding for biodiversity an embarrassment
The Government’s newly announced funding for biodiversity and tourism of $30-million over three years is a small fraction of what is required for conservation in this country. ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand stands with Ukraine, three years after illegal Russian invasion
As the world marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced additional sanctions on Russian entities and support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. “Russia’s illegal invasion has brought three years of devastation to Ukraine’s people, environment, and infrastructure,” Mr Peters says. “These additional sanctions target 52 ...2 weeks ago - Going for Growth: Overseas investment changes to drive higher wages
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced the Government’s plan to reform the Overseas Investment Act and make it easier for New Zealand businesses to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages. “New Zealand is one of the hardest countries in the developed world for overseas people to ...2 weeks ago
- Minister going to Australia for aged care meetings
Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello is traveling to Australia for meetings with the aged care sector in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney next week. “Australia is our closest partner, so as we consider the changes necessary to make our system more effective and sustainable it makes sense to learn from ...2 weeks ago
- More funding for biodiversity protection
The Government is boosting investment in the QEII National Trust to reinforce the protection of Aotearoa New Zealand's biodiversity on private land, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. The Government today announced an additional $4.5 million for conservation body QEII National Trust over three years. QEII Trust works with farmers and ...2 weeks ago
- Closure of the Ava Bridge Walkway postponed
The closure of the Ava Bridge walkway will be delayed so Hutt City Council have more time to develop options for a new footbridge, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Mayor of Lower Hutt, Campbell Barry. “The Hutt River paths are one of the Hutt’s most beloved features. Hutt locals ...2 weeks ago
- Speech to Committee for Auckland
Good afternoon. Can I acknowledge Ngāti Whātua for their warm welcome, Simpson Grierson for hosting us here today, and of course the Committee for Auckland for putting on today’s event. I suspect some of you are sitting there wondering what a boy from the Hutt would know about Auckland, our ...2 weeks ago
- Removal of level crossings a win for Aucklanders
The Government will invest funding to remove the level crossings in Takanini and Glen Innes and replace them with grade-separated crossings, to maximise the City Rail Link’s ability to speed up journey times by rail and road and boost Auckland’s productivity, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown ...2 weeks ago
- Carbon capture one step closer
The Government has made key decisions on a Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) framework to enable businesses to benefit from storing carbon underground, which will support New Zealand’s businesses to continue operating while reducing net carbon emissions, Energy and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Economic growth is a ...2 weeks ago
- Industrial hemp regulations to be reviewed
Minister for Regulation David Seymour says that outdated and burdensome regulations surrounding industrial hemp (iHemp) production are set to be reviewed by the Ministry for Regulation. Industrial hemp is currently classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, despite containing minimal THC and posing little ...2 weeks ago
- Advisory group on organised crime appointed
The Ministerial Advisory Group on transnational and serious organised crime was appointed by Cabinet on Monday and met for the first time today, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced. “The group will provide independent advice to ensure we have a better cross-government response to fighting the increasing threat posed to ...2 weeks ago
- Economic growth the focus of PM’s visit to Viet Nam
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Viet Nam next week, visiting both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, accompanied by a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders. “Viet Nam is a rising star of Southeast Asia with one of the fastest growing economies in the region. This ...2 weeks ago
- Changes to enable investment in build-to-rent housing passed into law
The coalition Government has passed legislation to support overseas investment in the Build-to-Rent housing sector, Associate Minister of Finance Chris Bishop says. “The Overseas Investment (Facilitating Build-to-Rent Developments) Amendment Bill has completed its third reading in Parliament, fulfilling another step in the Government’s plan to support an increase in New ...2 weeks ago
- New Police campaign welcomed
The new Police marketing campaign starting today, recreating the ‘He Ain’t Heavy’ ad from the 1990s, has been welcomed by Associate Police Minister Casey Costello. “This isn’t just a great way to get the attention of more potential recruits, it’s a reminder to everyone about what policing is and the ...2 weeks ago
- Child Poverty statistics show challenges remain
No significant change to child poverty rates under successive governments reinforces that lifting children out of material hardship will be an ongoing challenge, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. Figures released by Stats NZ today show no change in child poverty rates for the year ended June 2024, reflecting ...2 weeks ago
- Most common registered family names in 2024
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is pleased to announce the most common family names given to newborns in 2024. “For the seventh consecutive year, Singh is the most common registered family name, with over 680 babies given this name. Kaur follows closely in second place with 630 babies, while ...2 weeks ago
- Regional Tourism Boost to attract international visitors
A new $3 million fund from the International Conservation and Tourism Visitor Levy will be used to attract more international visitors to regional destinations this autumn and winter, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “The Government has a clear priority to unleash economic growth and getting our visitor numbers ...2 weeks ago
- ‘A peaceful, prosperous, democratic Pacific’
Good Evening Let us begin by acknowledging Professor David Capie and the PIPSA team for convening this important conference over the next few days. Whenever the Pacific Islands region comes together, we have a precious opportunity to share perspectives and learn from each other. That is especially true in our ...3 weeks ago
- Growing economy good for jobs and opportunities
The Reserve Bank’s positive outlook indicates the economy is growing and people can look forward to more jobs and opportunities, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Bank today reduced the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points. It said it expected further reductions this year and employment to pick up ...3 weeks ago
- Ahuwhenua Trophy award finalists
Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay and Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka today congratulated the finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy, celebrating excellence in Māori sheep and beef farming. The two finalists for 2025 are Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust and Tawapata South Māori Incorporation Onenui Station. "The Ahuwhenua Trophy is a prestigious ...3 weeks ago
- Fund to better recognise and support survivors
The Government is continuing to respond to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care by establishing a fund to honour those who died in care and are buried in unmarked graves, and strengthen survivor-led initiatives that support those in need. “The $2 million dual purpose fund will be ...3 weeks ago
- Safety improvements for busy SH5 intersection
A busy intersection on SH5 will be made safer with the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of SH28/Harwoods Road, as we deliver on our commitment to help improve road safety through building safer infrastructure, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Safety is one of the Government’s strategic priorities ...3 weeks ago
- Going for growth to boost farmer confidence
The Government is turbo charging growth to return confidence to the primary sector through common sense policies that are driving productivity and farm-gate returns, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “The latest Federated Farmers Farm Confidence Survey highlights strong momentum across the sector and the Government’s firm commitment to back ...3 weeks ago
- Bills aim to boost justice and reduce regulation
Improving people’s experience with the Justice system is at the heart of a package of Bills which passed its first reading today Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “The 63 changes in these Bills will deliver real impacts for everyday New Zealanders. The changes will improve court timeliness and efficiency, ...3 weeks ago
- Ō-Rākau battle site returning to tūpuna ownership
Returning the Ō-Rākau battle site to tūpuna ownership will help to recognise the past and safeguard their stories for the benefit of future generations, Minister for Māori Crown Relations Tama Potaka says. The Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passed its third reading at ...3 weeks ago
- Preparing more PhD students to lift productivity
A new university programme will help prepare PhD students for world-class careers in science by building stronger connections between research and industry, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says. “Our Government is laser focused on growing New Zealand’s economy and to do that, we must realise the potential ...3 weeks ago
- New pipes for Auckland City Hospital
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced funding of more than $14 million to replace the main water supply and ring mains in the main building of Auckland City Hospital. “Addressing the domestic hot water system at the country’s largest hospital, which opened in 2003, is vitally important to ensure ...3 weeks ago
- $30 million to support conservation tourism
The Government is investing $30 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to fund more than a dozen projects to boost biodiversity and the tourist economy, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Tourism is a key economic driver, and nature is our biggest draw card for international tourists,” says ...3 weeks ago
- Deputy PM to visit Middle East and North Asia
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea later this week. “New Zealand enjoys long-standing and valued relationships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both highly influential actors in their region. The visit will focus on building ...3 weeks ago
- Directors appointed to Ferry Holdings Limited
Minister for Rail Winston Peters has announced director appointments for Ferry Holdings Limited – the schedule 4a company charged with negotiating ferry procurement contracts for two new inter-island ferries. Mr Peters says Ferry Holdings Limited will be responsible for negotiating long-term port agreements on either side of the Cook Strait ...3 weeks ago
- Bringing cataract care closer to home
Ophthalmology patients in Kaitaia are benefiting from being able to access the complete cataract care pathway closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Ensuring New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government. “Since 30 September 2024, Kaitaia Hospital has been providing cataract care ...3 weeks ago
- Ex-National MP bashes Green’s visa-free Pacific travel petition, despite endorsing cause
A former National Party MP has come out swinging at a Green Party petition seeking visa-free travel for Pacific Island visitors, despite campaigning for the same goal. ...3 hours ago - An Ode to .. the New Zealand Herald
The Fall of the Grand CitadelIt is Friday afternoon in the Grand CitadelOf Legacy Media: The New Zealand Herald.A lonely fly buzzes across the dusty newsroom,Ignored by the scribes scratching on their scrolls.A surly minion appears at the door.“There is a barbarian at the gates,” he announcesTo no one in ...5 hours ago - Beauty and the brain
Analysis: We brush up against the aesthetic daily, whether through music, performances, paintings, movies, or even nature. Some experiences, however, reach beyond the ordinary, captivating our senses, unfolding our minds, and transporting us somewhere else.Neuroaesthetics is an emerging sub-discipline of experimental aesthetics, which seeks to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of ...5 hours ago
- In a summer of sharks, a sighting to top them all
Comment: It was back in December 2023, when our research team was on the University of Auckland’s vessel looking for workups – feeding frenzies – in the Hauraki Gulf near Kawau Island.A large metallic grey dorsal fin signalled a big shark, a short-fin mako. But wait, what was that orange ...5 hours ago
- International Women’s Day activists protest in solidarity with Palestinians
Asia Pacific Report Activists in Aotearoa New Zealand marked International Women’s Day today and the start of Ramadan this week with solidarity rallies across the country, calling for justice and peace for Palestinian women and the territories occupied illegally by Israel. The theme this year for IWD is “For all ...8 hours ago - Gallery: NZ women call for long-term peace and justice in Palestine
Asia Pacific Report Women from Aotearoa, Philippines, Palestine and South Africa today called for justice and peace for the people of Gaza and the West Bank, currently under a genocidal siege and attacks being waged by Israel for the past 16 months. Marking International Women’s Day, the rally highlighted the ...13 hours ago
- View from The Hill: Alfred forces Albanese into budget of risks and opportunities
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The “maybe” March 25 budget is now a definite, the government’s hand forced by cyclone Alfred. Anthony Albanese held open his option of calling an April 12 poll this weekend until the battering winds ...14 hours ago
- Health Minister’s priorities a ‘slippery slope’ towards private healthcare –...
Simeon Brown is proposing greater reliance on private hospitals to reduce the backlog for elective surgery. ...14 hours ago
- Greens say NZ visa barriers for Pacific Island nations is ‘unfair’, hangover ‘raci...
Green MP Teanau Tuiono says Pacific people have been asking for visa-free travel for some time. ...15 hours ago
- Brisbane is bracing for floods yet again. History shows residents should remain on very high alert
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Cook, Research Fellow, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University Tropical Cyclone Alfred has passed – now downgraded to a tropical low. But do not be lured into a false sense of security. Grave dangers remain. Parts of southeast Queensland and northern ...16 hours ago
- Remembering The Communist Roots Of International Working Women’s Day
The transformation of IWWD from a communist-led day of rebellion into a feel-good holiday of corporate branding is no accident. Capitalism thrives on absorbing and neutralising radical movements. ...19 hours ago - Gene technology changes: What you need to know
Explainer - The current GMO regime is out of date, experts agree. But proposed changes sideline Māori, some say. ...19 hours ago
- How can parents talk to their kids about Cyclone Alfred?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Westrupp, Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University Cyclones and floods are terrifying and unpredictable. The stress of ensuring your family’s safety, worrying about what might happen and then coping with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Some parents are also managing ...20 hours ago
- After the winds, now comes the rain and floods. Here’s what you need to know about ex-Cyclone Alfr...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia After a wet and wild night, residents of southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales are assessing the damage wrought by Cyclone Alfred, which has been downgraded to a tropical low. While the ...21 hours ago
- Through the lens of time: A tribute to ‘Rocky’ Roe’s PNG photography
PROFILE: By Malum Nalu in Port Moresby For nearly half a century, Papua New Guinea has been more than just a home for Laurence “Rocky” Roe — it has been his canvas, his inspiration, and his great love. A master behind the lens, Rocky has captured the soul of the ...23 hours ago
- Greens want visa-free travel for ‘Pacific whānau’
The Green Party is launching a petition asking the government to extend visa-free travel to visitors from Pacific Island nations ...1 day ago
- Chris Hipkins promises political bipartisanship, Chris Bishop isn’t so convinced
Analysis - Chris Hipkins' state of the nation speech highlighted political bipartisanship, but less than an hour later National was taking swings. ...1 day ago
- It’s Time For Beehive Women To Get Real On Pay Equity
“We are calling on the women who work in the Beehive to show some solidarity with working women by getting real on pay equity,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges. ...1 day ago
- International Women’s Day: Being a feminist in 2025
The conservative backlash sweeping around the globe is contributing to massive pushbacks in advances for women and girls, and women in Aotearoa are not immune.According to UN Women, gender disparities are worsening. The organisation believes closing gaps in legal protections and removing discriminatory laws it could take another 286 years based on ...1 day ago
- A glimpse into the future: rugby star Maia Davis
The Black Ferns Sevens scored 41 tries in six matches en route to winning the Vancouver Sevens.A try scored by Michaela Brake against Ireland to become the highest try scorer in World Series Sevens history demanded headlines but perhaps the most popular try scored among the team was the first ...1 day ago
- The Secret Diary of .. school lunches
Christopher Luxon: Hello and welcome to the brand new cooking show Giving The Kiddies Something To Eat. I’m Christopher and with me is David. He’s a real kitchen whizz!David Seymour: Look I’m a bit busy. I don’t have time to stand around here all day. Here. Eat this. Careful, it’s ...1 day ago
- Wikipedia, a surprising repository of fact
Every second, more than 8,000 people read Wikipedia. Every minute, there are about 350 edits to the site. It’s the most-read reference ever.This, of course, is according to Wikipedia – a sentence that would have been unlikely to appear in an article even a few years ago.But in a world ...1 day ago
- The more things change, the more they stay the same
Comment: It was all going so well for Chris Hipkins on Friday morning when he gave his State of the Nation speech.He filled a mid-sized room at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland with business people and party folk. His speech was delivered with a footsure, we’re-back-from-the-dead confidence after summer polls ...1 day ago
- We live in real cities in a real country, with real people and real talent
Gabi Lardies is here to reflect on the week as Mad Chapman is on leave. Sometime last year, I decided I was going to rediscover my hometown, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. I’ve lived here for so long that my groove of a few well-frequented streets and spots had become a bit ...1 day ago - ‘Are you hungry? Are you starved?’: Inside the biggest night in NZ slam poetry
Longtime poetry slam organiser, Ben Fagan, on the art, the rituals and the origins of the movement. It was a hot and rainy December night when the poets arrived. From across the country they flew, bussed and even drove themselves to the Ellen Melville Centre in Auckland to compete in ...1 day ago
- ‘Gives me the ick’: The interview Laura McGoldrick will never watch again
The broadcaster and presenter looks back on her life in television, including Coro’s teen pregnancy scandal, being a ‘5.30pm telly girl’ and meeting her future husband on camera. As broadcaster and presenter for Sky Sport, Laura McGoldrick regularly finds herself on the sidelines of some of the most exciting and ...1 day ago
- It’s toilet paper or me: Teacher aides are doing it tough
On International Women’s Day, a Taranaki teacher aide argues the conditions she and her largely female colleagues work in perpetuate the myth that women are natural caregivers, who do their jobs out of love. The choice is toilet paper or us. That’s what we teacher aides joke about. Except it’s ...1 day ago
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Adelaide Writers’ Week was vibrant, resourced and thriving. So why, returning home with a head full of plans, did Claire Mabey feel unexpectedly sad? The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members. I watch Conclave on ...1 day ago
- Pacific profiles: Frazer Strickland, the DJ and creative behind The Layers Platform
The Pacific profiles series shines a light on Pacific people in Aotearoa doing interesting and important work in their communities, as nominated by members of the public. Today, Frazer Strickland. All photos by Geoffery Matautia. Frazer Strickland is a multi-disciplinary creative hailing from Mt Roskill, Tāmaki Makaurau. He is an ...1 day ago
- An Ode for Victor Billot’s mum Eunice
Each year, the Sunday Ode series at ReadingRoom has an extended holiday. It packs up and heads off shortly before Christmas. It returns on the wing like a godwit, or perhaps a sinister black bat, in the fading days of summer.Around this time of the year, I get an email ...1 day ago
- Trump has ‘declared war against the American people’, says Ralph Nader
Democracy Now! AMY GOODMAN: President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress in a highly partisan 100-minute speech, the longest presidential address to Congress in modern history on Wednesday. Trump defended his sweeping actions over the past six weeks. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: We have accomplished more in 43 days than ...2 days ago
- Trend to health privatisation ‘means we’re effectively paying twice’ – union
The Health Commissioner's reset plan for Health NZ will still go on under new Board. ...2 days ago
- The EU will spend billions more on defence. It’s a powerful statement – but won’t do much for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University On March 3, US President Donald Trump paused all US military aid to Ukraine. This move was apparently triggered by a heated exchange a few days earlier between Trump, Vice President JD Vance ...2 days ago
- Health New Zealand lost control of spending, Deloitte report finds
The report suggests the country might have been better off sticking with the previous 20 district health boards. ...2 days ago
- Trust In Media Plummets Further: New Polling Shows Centralised Regulation Will Not Help
If trust in media is going to return, Kiwis need to see transparency in reporting, and independence from political and ideological influence. Trust will not increase with further regulation, especially from authorities in which the majority of Kiwis ...2 days ago
- ‘Don’t be that idiot’: surfing in a cyclone could cost you $16,000 or your life
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Peden, NHMRC Research Fellow, School of Population Health & co-founder UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, UNSW Sydney Social media is awash with images of surfers chasing waves as Cyclone Alfred whips up seas off Australia’s east coast. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli ...2 days ago
- Brand new Deputy High Commissioner Guergana Guermanoff steps up temporarily after Phil Goff’s ...
Guergana Guermanoff has only been deputy since January, and will represent New Zealand in the UK until a replacement is found. ...2 days ago
- How cyclones rip apart houses – and how to boost the chance your home stays standing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Henderson, Chief Engineer, Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University People in southeast Queensland and northern NSW have spent days racing to prepare their homes ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, now expected to make landfall over several hours on Saturday. It’s not ...2 days ago
- Chris Hipkins’ speech fails to impress National’s Chris Bishop
National says Labour's reshuffle and leader Chris Hipkins' state of the nation speech is all platitudes, no policy. ...2 days ago
- Cyclone Alfred is already retraumatising people who’ve lived through other disasters. I’m one of...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Smith, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead (Paramedicine), La Trobe University In 2011, as Cyclone Yasi approached the Queensland coast, I sat in my home in the tropical far north of the state and worried what the future would hold. Would my ...2 days ago
NZ's West Coast and Climate Change. Seemingly quite keen on the mining, drilling and all……
Mana Whenua in support too ? Not so good : (
The OAG tries to give a bit of a flag. ( A warning one ? )
And of course that bombastic jerk Shane Jones given a good hearing
Sadly a lot of Climate Change denial going on. How many floods will it take them to realise ?
This should be a reminder of how much people care about their livelihoods and want to keep living in a location they love. So strong is this attachment, it can lead us into behaviour that denies reality and is self-destructive in the long term. I think it's becoming increasingly clear that a necessary precondition for effective action on climate change and biodiversity loss is a guarantee of financial & material security for all. This is the power of our existing economic order – not only does it lead us into destroying the environment, it also makes us too terrified to stop destroying it.
Does anyone know of any efforts to unify the opposition against this government in particular the fast track consents bill?
Seems odd that the only people to hep organise a march to Parliament about it were the Maori Party.
March for Nature on 8th June.
https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/protest-march-against-fast-track-bill-announced-auckland
I would have thought that the fast track bill had constitutional implications, but evidently not.
It possibly would have if we actually had a constitution in the first place.
Geoffrey Palmer wanted to create one in the 1990s but just about everyone laughed and said we didn't need it because we had no corruption in New Zealand.
We should have listened.
After the election, I was one of numerous commenters who pointed out how essential it was for Labour, Greens and Te Pati Moari to work together while keeping their individual characteristics. It doesn't appear to be happening and I suspect it is because there are elements within all three parties who are ideologically opposed to such an arrangement.
The reasons may vary but its holding up any sort of accommodation which is rather sad because there are quite a few things we have in common – not the least being shock and horror at the way the CoC is conducting itself.
Yes it is a little concerning that the – so called – CoC is relatively united and chewing through its election promises (under urgency – no less) and the opposition parties look to be in disorganised disarray.
A 30% increase in property values (since 2019) and 30 year mortgage rates up to 7% – why Biden is doing it tough in the polls. Whose willing to pay 7% mortgage rates for 30 years?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmj66r4lvzzo
The USA and homelessness – an expansion of the imprisonment of the underclass is looming.
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/locked-up-with-no-place-to-go/
A common refrain around these here parts is that this will be a one term government.
Judging by the comments under this article, that refrain may be well wide of the mark.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/te-ao-maori/350287577/joel-maxwell-gucci-wallet-right-and-governing-koru-lounge
Funny, I had a good mate , (even though I reckon he's a nat voter) tell me yesterday over a beer that he reckons its a one term government
Where is Robert ?
Type in his name on search.