Further meetings about the TPPA were held around the country on the weekend. More actions are being held this week in Christchurch and Wellington (see below).
First, some commentary from the meetings on the weekend,
… there are more similar agreements in the pipeline (RCP with Asian countries; the re-working of the China FTA; the deal with the EU; one with Sth and central American countries)
submit to the NZ select committee after the agreement is signed in Chile on March 8 – when some of the contents will be published – say “no” to re-activating the clauses put on hold – the US will try to revive them
say “no” to ISDS clauses in any future agreements
there is no protection against being sued by corporates for climate change measures; Treaty-related legislation; legislation for better workers’ rights; health care legislation, etc, etc
… I estimate there were around 300+ people there.
I also recall going to some anti-TPPA demos in Auckland in recent years where the turnout was small. the big demo came in more recent years.
We are in a re-grouping phase. Kelsey praised us for what has been achieved – delaying the TPPA for several years, for example, and the big demos. The message to us was to continue to hold the line
You can sign the petition at dontdoit.nz, they want 5,000 signatures before the signing day on the 8th. They currently have 4,650.
Far fewer people turned out at the anti CPTPP rally today than those when National was in power. It’s essentially still the same deal that @jacindaardern called ‘a dog’ when in Opposition. If you don’t believe the @nzlabour spin, sign this: https://t.co/CmqgRZl2mfpic.twitter.com/54Wq1abkeA
The text of the TPP hasn't significantly changed, and all the problems with it that existed when National wanted it are still there, yet Labour is going to push it through. Let them know they're wrong, sign and if you're in Welly, march on thursday at noon. https://t.co/B5vP6I5Amg
“The results overwhelming show the public support for the government to take a second, independent, look at the agreement before they sign us up to a deal which could restrict the ability of our government to make laws in the public interest” says ActionStation spokesperson Rick Zwaan.
Mikey Brenndorfer – speaking on the health analysis:
Moana Maniapoto – speaking on holding the lines, and Te Tiriti, and independent analysis:
Bryan Bruce – speaking on the implications of the TPPA and similar trade deals, and on why trickle down theory doesn’t work internationally either:
Tell me again how free trade works?
Laila Harre – speaking on holding the lines and labour rights:
Jane Kelsey – speaking on the spin, current state of play and actions needed moving forward:
Last week Christchurch group Our Children’s Futurelocked themselves to train tracks to protest the TPPA,
Background to the week of action, and the state of play regarding the TPPA, is at It’s Our Future.
On Thursday the 8th of March (signing day), we invite you to join us outside of Parliament at lunchtime to send a strong resounding message to the government that we do not want the TPPA or any similar trade deals in the future. It’s our future – the future of our children, we want truly progressive trade deals!
Our Nationwide Day of Action has morphed into a Nationwide Week of Action
It's not weakening our sovereignty, it's streamlining it. Right-sizing our democracy for late capitalism. Look at being sued by multinationals as an opportunity, not a challenge
We demonstrably do have a liar ( in fact two) in power, as to fetishist, who know’s and regardless – what people do in their own time is their business.
No , no ,… no,… I’m afraid your confusing this govt with the last poor excuse for one that was recently ousted…
As for the TTPA 2… well,… yes its time to roll up ones sleeves and put the ultimatum , – we don’t want it , -and if you want to stay on side with the people of this country , – DON’T DO IT !!!
Got a few things to do this arvy but will be signing.
As for lies, if you actually followed what I said during the campaign, I attacked labour for their economic policy over and over. So really your comments about lies, stunned mullet is ideological, and just not correct. .
I was disappointed when National failed to get back in but that blows been softened considerably by Labours many about faces since they’ve been in power
Sure I would have preferred National but National-lite is ok with me
No , it means they have not truly comprehended the public outcry and the ensuing outcome and fate that the last dictatorial government suffered partially because of it ,…
RNZ coverage of TPP protests – YouTube
john campbell coverage of TPPA protests youtube▶ 2:26:32
Yes indeed, however , the last protests were an indication of public feeling then , – and the way it is was being rammed through… the latest rounds may just be an eye opener.
I think you’re being a little uncharitable there. There is a phenomenon where some people don’t care about things they thought were bad if “their team” now supports them. It is one of the bad things about our lot getting into government. I’d say that and uncritically buying the Labour line about how they “improved” the deal is why opposition to (CPA)TPP is so much quieter atm.
natural ebbs and flows too. Some people will be feeling like it’s a done deal so what is the point of protesting. I like the regrouping message from the organisers.
I think that’s the value in continued protests even if they are just small (and yet backed by the 75% poll). It keeps the issue on the agenda, and allows those deeper conversations to happen.
Trick now is, what direction do we want those conversations to go?
I suspect some Labour members or supporters don’t want to challenge the government now labour is finally leading it.
However, I would point out that at the Aotea Square meeting on Sunday, Laila Harre spoke about being a Labour party member, while also publicly opposing the latest TPPA-11.
Moana Maniapoto talked about how she celebrated when Labour formed a government with NZF and Greens as support. She cracked open the wine. She said that this government is and will do many good things. but that we should still hold them to account when necessary.
I’m not suggesting theres anything wrong in owning multiple houses I’m merely using that link as a round about way to suggest that this government is using the media to lull everybody to sleep and to not worry about hard decisions
I had hoped there would have been large numbers of people showing up to various demonstrations, not with illusions that the signing of the TPP could be averted, but more to let the government know it had been put on notice for signing it.
“Let’s not do this” when we’re talking about a done deal, struck me and strikes me as an odd piece of messaging – one that doesn’t exactly give people a worthwhile reason to turn out.
After all, when the horse has bolted, what’s the point in rushing to the stable doors?
You make a good point, Bill. Howver, I get that it is an echo of Labour’s election slogan “Let’s Do This”.
But also, it’s not over yet. First the relevant Bill has still to go through Parliament, and we are being encouraged to submit to the select committee – for some that could mean as little as a paragraph stating opposition to the agreement.
Also, if you look at the It’s Our Future site, there’s a drop down menu (“Other Agreements”) focused on upcoming agreements with some similar dodgy elements. Kelsey flagged this in her speech in Auckland at the weekend. there’s TISA, the RCEP, and an update of the NZ-China free trade agreement.
Also, it’s inevitable that there will be a drop off in momentum. A recent poll show people want an independent analysis of the TPPA – I guess in the light of Labour-NZF doing their about turn on it. Some people want more info. And it is hard to keep up momentum over time there will be lulls and resurgences.
And the US/Trump is looking like wanting back in, which will re-activate the suspended sections – probably with a vengeance.
3 – 0 down. 5 min left on the clock. “It’s not over yet.”
Except, as far as the TTP goes, it is over. The Bill will sail through Parliament on tail winds created by NZ Labour and the National Party.
True, that’s not necessary the case with other Agreements. Though National and NZ Labour will keep on supplying those tail winds – unless or until the anti is upped on NZ Labour and it’s made abundantly clear to them that by signing such deals they sign their own death warrant in terms of electability.
But do enough people care enough? Do enough people understand well enough to use the only Parliamentary leverage available and commit to voting Green? Will the Green Party go loud and proud with its opposition?
Parker has spouted tosh about fantastic negotiating that changed everything when in fact nothing of substance was altered. And he got away with it! How come?
It all sounds terribly dismal, I know, but…
On the bright side, the world is shifting, and the formerly secure liberal consensus of that muddled middle that gave us “Blair” and “Third Way” and Clinton’s “triangulations” is getting washed out.
NZ might be a shore somewhat distant to that wave. But it will arrive. And it doesn’t have to hit these shores before having an effect, given that it takes a number of partners to dance that “free trade” jig 😉
Make no mistake, it is exactly the same txt as the original agreement by the National party but has a few pages added onto that suspends some provisions mostly on health that they can just stop suspending if they rejoin.
The ISDS is still in there. There is NO protection of ISDS at all. Apparently there may be for a few countries in the side letters so there is still NO protection for this in the agreement.
The EU has now said they will NOT allow ISDS clauses in their agreements any longer. Pity the Labour government can show some guts and actually do the same instead of the weak and feeble approach, like National.
The US mandated that climate change was removed from every part of TPPA. When they left, NZ under the Labour and NZ First Government DID NOT put in climate change clauses.
This is AFTER Jacinda Ardern saying that climate change was her issue of the 21st century. (Obviously leaving Parker in charge is not working if that is true).
The PM will be judged by this agreement, so it is Jacinda’s name as the number one person who was a hypocrite, when it all goes wrong with climate change and NZ will be unable to act quickly due to this type of dinosaur agreement to protect corporation profits now and in the future, not the people who live in the country or this environment.
On average the ISDS clauses are used once a week around the world. As resources get fewer the corporations are keener to protect their profits and their lawyers thinking of new ways to profit from them.
It takes the decision making on these legal matters AWAY from NZ legislation. It is not even a real court that is used, it’s a business type tribunal.
India was unable to do solar panels to help it’s climate change obligations under the free trade agreements it was part of.
If the WTO restricts buy local, I wonder if the Indians have considered copying the Americans and applying tariffs on imported solar panels so they are not competitively priced?
NAFTA’s Chapter 11 Makes Canada Most-Sued Country Under Free Trade Tribunals
“Canada is the most-sued country under the North American Free Trade Agreement and a majority of the disputes involve investors challenging the country’s environmental laws, according to a new study.’
The upgrade to the FTA with China should not be much of a problem, it is just asking that we get access on the same (better) terms they later gave Oz.
We can offer support for (their) RCEP and continued support for One Belt if they agree. RCEP is just a total in package of existing FTA (with China and ASEAN) expanded to include others (such as India).
The South Americans will not push corporate rights and the EU is not the threat in these matters that the US is.
TPP is a done deal, maybe a push to have the government and opposition agree to block US admission to TPP unless it is on existing terms (the US does not get what they would have if they signed up now) would be useful.
RCEP is not uncontroversial. There is a very good opportunity to improve it and shape it into a better deal with our participation, but it would require Labour and New Zealand First living up to their rhetoric on trade, and actually trying to export some of our values around labour rights and environmentalism overseas.
While the RCEP negotiations to date do not appear to go as far as the TPPA, risks that have been identified so far are inclusion of Investor-State Dispute Settlement provisions and a likely impact on the availability of medicines.
The RCEP negotiations are officially due to be finished by the end of the year. In reality, however, commentators predict that the agreement will take much longer to conclude, if at all, due to competing visions for the agreement and the very different strategic interests of the parties.
TISA is a radical extension of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). It binds countries to a neoliberal regime for services.
The Trade in Services Agreement (“TiSA”) is a proposed agreement to roll back regulation of international trade in services. There are 23 countries involved in the negotiations, the most significant being the EU (who negotiate as a single bloc) and the US.
…
if it is agreed to, it will have a big effect on New Zealand’s ability both to regulate in the public interest and to support local organisations to provide service to the New Zealand public.
In a nutshell, the idea of TiSA is to make it easier for service providers (such banks, insurance companies, internet service provider, freight companies and healthcare providers) to sell their services to consumers in another country. This would be done by stripping away regulations and other practices which get in the way of corporate profits.
On the NZ-China-FTA update, nothing on the webpage yet. but under the RCEP page it says:
At one end, New Zealand, Australia and Japan are pushing for an [RCEP] agreement with tough rules similar to the TPPA, including for investment and trade in services. At the other end, China is reportedly pushing for a more traditional free trade agreement focusing on reductions in tariffs on goods.
If Labour can be convinced to hold the line against ISDS in any future FTA, where New Zealand take China’s side on this vs Japan/Oz in RCEP talks in return for their upgrading our access to their market to what they gave Oz in their FTA, there is a win win for us.
We have to be partner fluid/straddle the two sides to realise what is best for us.
And as for the USA coming into TPP – why not have Labour oppose this unless there is a side deal where we and the US have a mutual opt out of ISDS?
The problem with this umbrella corporation lead type global trading approach, which this latest step is a further ratcheting up of, is that it an approach based on all the wonders of socialism efficiency and dynamism, without the govt aspect.
The Chinese, for all the weightage of the structural cul-de sacs that they have ( & for the significance of the challenge that brings, it is of note that the situation there has changed to indefinite terms of power), at least have a nationalistic govt with power to provide some overview to things in their population’s interest.
So another relative win for China in the wings with the global trading positions, which it can not be blamed for taking the opportunities of when served up to them voluntarily, by anchorless power structures.
which it [China] can not be blamed for taking the opportunities of when served up to them voluntarily, by anchorless power structures.
Would you class the signing by the National Government in May 2017 during the visit by Xi Jinping of an MOU with China on mutual BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) development as being such an opportunity?
I don’t recall any great concern, protests etc on this at the time.
Here is a recent update just a few days ago, which claims amongst other things that NZ’s signing this MOU was out of step with Australia (who refused to sign such an MOU) and India, Japan and the US.
If you followed the election campaign closely and the promises made by Jacinda and Labour, then there was no reason not to vote for Labour. They made all the right principled noises and sounded like they wanted to make positive change.
However there was always that suspicion that they are still the tired old mob from 1984.
And within 6 months they do this. Sign up to a treaty the marched on the streets against. Even worse than that they lied by claiming the minor adjustments were something they negotiated whereas now it seems the Tories had already negotiated everything.
This broken promise has left me deflated about this government.
I am going to increase my donations to the Green Party as they need to become much more influential heading into 2020.
Occidental v. Ecuador
In October 2012, an ICSID tribunal awarded a judgment of $1.8 billion for Occidental Petroleum against the government of Ecuador.[42] Additionally, Ecuador had to pay $589 million in backdated compound interest and half of the costs of the tribunal, making its total penalty around $2.4 billion.[42] The South American country annulled a contract with the oil firm on the grounds that it violated a clause that the company would not sell its rights to another firm without permission. The tribunal agreed the violation took place but judged that the annulment was not fair and equitable treatment to the company.[42]
Putting people’s fates into a bunch of lawyers is never a good idea. Law mostly benefits the rich.
Have a look at the Little vs Hagaman case. Even though Little was found not guilty, the Haganman went back for another trial.
In this way, it is not about a person (or country) being right or wrong when you are encouraging litigation, it is about power imbalances and using the law to imbalance, disrupt and scare freedom of speech, while delegating decision making to others to decide a person or (countries) fate.
It’s about to get a lot worse in NZ! Already the councils are out of control, imagine what they will do after this agreement is signed, more and more environmental degradation and decisions to empower rich and take and marginalise the poor.
Now they have an agreement for multinational chemical and oil companies among other’s, to join in the subjugation!
You are dead right and given the tax $$ of this TPP mess you can expect more tax gouging of the average Kiwi from the political parasites to pay for it all in years to come.
Socialism for the rich, capitalism for everyone else.
Perhaps we were all being naive after 30+ years of politicians ignoring the wishes of voters to think that the situation would suddenly, magically, be transformed after the recent election.
All this really proves is voting is participation in your own oppression and those of others. Suffice to say I’m done with these creeps for good unless by some miracle a group with integrity turns up but after all this time I wont hold my breath.
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Massey's Cossacks: New Zealand's employer class didn't need the services of a Pinkerton Detective Agency – strike-breakers par excellence in the service of US industrial titans like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller. Not when the strapping sons of Waikato and Wairarapa cockies could be quietly trained and organised by ...
Gregory Moore, The University of MelbourneIt’s official: Australians endured the coldest, wettest summer in at least five years thanks to La Niña, a climate phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean. Before we knew it, autumn rolled in bringing more rain. Tragically, it led to widespread flooding across New South Wales, ...
by Orla Ní Chomhraí In 1946 George Orwell wrote: “Fifteen years ago, when one defended the freedom of the intellect, one had to defend it against Conservatives, against Catholics, and to some extent — for they were not of great importance in England — against Fascists. Today one has to ...
SATIRE by Remy Beethey/them, demigender, queer, white priv. In a stunning and brave turn the Court Theatre in Christchurch has decided to completely change how it casts plays. The awakening came when Christchurch’s Court Theatre got called out by queer activist, agender Rosemary Mitford-Taylor after casting a cis actor to play ...
The government shifts blame for its own failings onto landlords South Auckland councillor Efeso Collins remarked early this month that Jacinda Ardern had abandoned the collegiality of “the team of five million” and entered her “post-kindness phase” after she blamed South Aucklanders for sparking an unpopular week-long lockdown. Casting ...
Dr Leah Grout, Dr Jennifer Summers, Dr Amanda Kvalsvig, Prof Michael Baker, Prof Nick WilsonWhile succeeding very well with its elimination strategy, NZ still does not have optimal border control. We find since July 2020 there have been 13 identified border failures and at least 6 internal MIQ facility ...
By Monica Vallender, Master’s student with AgResearch Invermay and the University of Otago. A few months ago, while home for the Christmas break, my mother – out of the blue – turned to me and asked, “what made you actually decide you wanted to go to university and study science?” ...
One of the innovations of the Zero Carbon Act was a clause specifically allowing public bodies (or bodies performing public functions) to consider climate change targets and reduction plans in their decision-making. It was phrased as a "permissive consideration": they didn't have to. But as we've seen from the Thames-Coromandel ...
Jim Mann, University of OtagoType 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in New Zealand and will get much worse unless action is taken now, according to a new report on the economic and social cost of the disease. Already 228,000 New Zealanders (4.7% of the population) have type 2 ...
School Strike 4 Climate has announced another climate strike for April 9th, and invited everyone to join them in standing up against climate change. As before there will be events all over the country, and you can find yours on their strike map. Personally, I'm nervous about protesting during a ...
Small businesses are not only the heart of our economy – they’re also the heart of our communities. They provide important goods and services, as well as great employment opportunities. They know and love their locals. And after a tough year, they need our support! ...
Green Party spokesperson for Pacific Peoples Teanau Tuiono MP, supports the demand from Pasifika communities fighting for climate action as their homelands are more at risk in the Pacific region. ...
The Green Party supports the six demands for climate action put forward by School Strike for Climate NZ, who are striking across the country today. ...
The Ministry of Justice Māori victimisation report, released today, reinforces what we already know about the impact of systemic racism in Aotearoa and that urgent action is needed. ...
Ricardo Menéndez March’s Members Bill to ensure that disabled New Zealanders do not face discrimination for having a disability assist dog was today pulled from the biscuit tin to be debated in Parliament. ...
More than one million people will be better off from today, thanks to our Government’s changes to the minimum wage, main benefits and superannuation. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to do more for New Zealanders who continue to miss out, as main benefits are set to rise by less than $8 a week tomorrow, Thursday 1 April (at the start of the financial year). ...
Sunday 28th March 70 Rongomaiwahine descendants welcomed members of the Green Party’s Māori Caucus, Te Mātāwaka, Dr Elizabeth Kerekere and Teanau Tuiono, to discuss concerns about RocketLab’s operations on the Mahia Peninsula. ...
The new homes enabled through additional borrowing capacity for Kāinga Ora announced by Government today must have a Te Tiriti o Waitangi lens, having Māori take the lead in developing homes ...
We’ve announced the next steps in our plan to tackle New Zealand’s housing crisis, as we take urgent action to help more Kiwis into homes. Here, we answer your questions about our plan to improve housing in New Zealand. ...
We believe everyone deserves a warm, dry place to call home, which is why we’ve announced the next steps in our plan to tackle the housing crisis. The new policies we’ve announced build on the work we’ve already done to improve housing in New Zealand. Here’s a look at everything ...
The Green Party is calling for active transport access across the Auckland Harbour Bridge to be a priority as the future of the SkyPath remains uncertain. ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today expressed New Zealand’s sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. “Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people and the Government, I would like to express ...
We, the Home Affairs, Interior, Security and Immigration Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America (the ‘Five Countries’) met via video conference on 7/8 April 2021, just over a year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Guided by our shared ...
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni has today announced the opening of the first round of Ngā Puninga Toi ā-Ahurea me ngā Kaupapa Cultural Installations and Events. “Creating jobs and helping the arts sector rebuild and recover continues to be a key part of the Government’s COVID-19 response,” Carmel ...
Interim legislation that is already proving to keep people safer from drugs will be made permanent, Health Minister Andrew Little says. Research by Victoria University, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, shows that the Government’s decision in December to make it legal for drug-checking services to operate at festivals ...
Public consultation launched on ways to improve behaviour and reduce damage Tighter rules proposed for either camping vehicles or camping locations Increased penalties proposed, such as $1,000 fines or vehicle confiscation Rental companies may be required to collect fines from campers who hire vehicles Public feedback is sought on proposals ...
The Government is continuing to support Air New Zealand while aviation markets stabilise and the world moves towards more normal border operations. The Crown loan facility made available to Air New Zealand in March 2020 has been extended to a debt facility of up to $1.5 billion (an additional $600 ...
Christchurch’s Richmond suburb will soon have a new community hub, following the gifting of a red-zoned property by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to the Richmond Community Gardens Trust. The Minister for Land Information, Damien O’Connor said that LINZ, on behalf of the Crown, will gift a Vogel Street house ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says the reopening of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ (MPP) Languages Funding in 2021 will make sure there is a future for Pacific languages. “Language is the key to the wellbeing for Pacific people. It affirms our identity as Pasifika and ...
It is a pleasure to be here tonight. Thank you Cameron for the introduction and thank you for ERANZ for also hosting this event. Last week in fact, we had one of the largest gatherings in our sector, Downstream 2021. I have heard from my officials that the discussion on ...
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has today announced the 16 projects that will together get $3.9 million through the 2021 round of Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund, further strengthening the Government’s commitment to Māori knowledge in science and innovation. “We received 78 proposals - the highest ...
The Government is delivering on a key election commitment to tackle climate change, by banning new low and medium temperature coal-fired boilers and partnering with the private sector to help it transition away from fossil fuels. This is the first major announcement to follow the release of the Climate Commission’s ...
Six projects, collectively valued at over $70 million are delivering new schools, classrooms and refurbished buildings across Central Otago and are helping to ease the pressure of growing rolls in the area, says Education Minister Chris Hipkins. The National Education Growth Plan is making sure that sufficient capacity in the ...
Two more schools are now complete as part of the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme, with work about to get under way on another, says Education Minister Chris Hipkins. Te Ara Koropiko – West Spreydon School will welcome students to their new buildings for the start of Term 2. The newly ...
The Government is acting to ensure decisions on responding to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice. “New Zealand has worked towards an elimination strategy which has been successful in keeping our people safe and our economy ...
Six Māori scholars have been awarded Ngārimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial scholarships for 2021, Associate Education Minister and Ngārimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The prestigious Manakura Award was also presented for the first time since 2018. “These awards are a tribute to the heroes of the 28th ...
New Zealand’s aerospace industry is getting a boost through the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), to grow the capability of the sector and potentially lead to joint space missions, Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has announced. 12 New Zealand organisations have been chosen to work with world-leading experts at ...
The Government is backing more initiatives to boost New Zealand’s food and fibre sector workforce, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “The Government and the food and fibres sector have been working hard to fill critical workforce needs. We've committed to getting 10,000 more Kiwis into the sector over the ...
Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni has welcomed the first reading of the Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill in the House this evening. “Tonight’s first reading is another step on the way to removing excessive sanctions and obligations for people receiving a Main Benefit,” says ...
The Government has taken a significant step towards delivering on its commitment to improve the legislation around mental health as recommended by He Ara Oranga – the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, Health Minister Andrew Little says. The Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Amendment ...
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Bill passing its third reading today. “After nearly 100 years of a system that was not fit for Māori and did not reflect the partnership we have come to expect between Māori and the Crown, ...
New Zealand’s successful management of COVID means quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia will start on Monday 19 April, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed the conditions for starting to open up quarantine free travel with Australia have ...
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little welcomed ngā uri o Ngāti Hinerangi to Parliament today to witness the third reading of their Treaty settlement legislation, the Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill. “I want to acknowledge ngā uri o Ngāti Hinerangi and the Crown negotiations teams for working tirelessly ...
Minister of Police Poto Williams has announced the members of the Ministers Arms Advisory Group, established to ensure balanced advice to Government on firearms that is independent of Police. “The Ministers Arms Advisory Group is an important part of delivering on the Government’s commitment to ensure we maintain the balance ...
Kiri Allan, Minister of Conservation and Emergency Management will undertake a leave of absence while she undergoes medical treatment for cervical cancer, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. “I consider Kiri not just a colleague, but a friend. This news has been devastating. But I also know that Kiri is ...
Excellent progress has been made at the new prison development at Waikeria, which will boost mental health services and improve rehabilitation opportunities for people in prison, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says. Kelvin Davis was onsite at the new build to meet with staff and see the construction first-hand, following a ...
To reduce the trauma of road crashes caused by drug impaired drivers, an Independent Expert Panel on Drug Driving has proposed criminal limits and blood infringement thresholds for 25 impairing drugs, Minister of Police Poto Williams and Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill ...
Temporary COVID-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, providing continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced today. “Over the past year, we have had to make rapid decisions to vary visa conditions, extend expiry dates, and ...
Temporary COVID-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, providing continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced today. “Over the past year, we have had to make rapid decisions to vary visa conditions, extend expiry dates, and ...
The Government is expanding its Pregnancy and Parenting Programme so more women and whānau can access specialist support to minimise harm from alcohol and other drugs, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “We know these supports help improve wellbeing and have helped to reduce addiction, reduced risk for children, and helped ...
*** Please check against delivery *** It’s an honour to be here in Rūātoki today, a rohe with such a proud and dynamic history of resilience, excellence and mana. Tūhoe moumou kai, moumou taonga, moumou tangata ki te pō. The Ahuwhenua Trophy competition is the legacy of a seed planted ...
The economic recovery from COVID-19 continues to be reflected in the Government’s books, which are again better than expected. The Crown accounts for the eight months to the end of February 2021 showed both OBEGAL and the operating balance remain better than forecast in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal ...
Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash have welcomed confirmation New Zealand will host the opening ceremony and match, and one of the semi-finals, of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Grant Robertson says matches will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin, ...
Changes to the minimum wage, main benefit levels and superannuation rates that come into force today will raise the incomes for around 1.4 million New Zealanders. “This Government is committed to raising the incomes for all New Zealanders as part of laying the foundations for a better future,” Minister for ...
The New Dunedin Hospital – Whakatuputupu has been approved for consideration under the fast track consenting legislation. The decision by Environment Minister David Parker signifies the importance of the project to the health of the people of Otago-Southland and to the economy of the region. “This project ticks all the ...
Transport Minister Michael Wood is getting Auckland light rail back on track with the announcement of an establishment unit to progress this important city-shaping project and engage with Aucklanders. Michael Wood said the previous process didn’t involve Aucklanders enough. ...
The Minister of Tourism is to re-open a government fund that supports councils to build infrastructure for visitors, with a specific focus on regions hardest hit by the loss of overseas tourists. “Round Five of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund will open for applications next month,” said Stuart Nash. It ...
A Governance Group of eight experts has been appointed to lead the next phase of work on a potential new public media entity, Minister for Broadcasting and Media Kris Faafoi announced today. “The Governance Group will oversee the development of a business case to consider the viability of a new ...
Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson today helped launch a new fund to provide direct financial support for tamariki and rangatahi Māori throughout the South Island who is experiencing financial hardship and missing out on physical activity opportunities. “Through Te Kīwai Fund, we can offer more opportunities for Māori to ...
Six whānau in Pāpāmoa receive the keys to their brand-new rental homes today, in stage four of a papakāinga project providing safe and affordable housing in the regions. Minister for Māori Development, Willie Jackson congratulates Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks Incorporated on the opening of three affordable rentals and three social housing ...
Kia ora tatou. It’s great to be here today and to get a conversation going on the disarmament issues of greatest interest to you, and to the Government. I’m thrilled to be standing here as a dedicated Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control, which I hope reinforces for you all ...
Analysis by Bryce Edwards. Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Judith Collins’ National Party leadership is under more scrutiny, with increased talk in the media of her being replaced by brand new MP Christopher Luxon. For many commentators it’s just a question of “when” rather than “if” Collins is replaced. While ...
Kiwi Seafarers continue to feel shortchanged by the New Zealand Government. On the 1st of December 2020 the UN general Assembly called for all Seafarers to be designated as Key Workers . International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack ...
Revelations that foreign affairs officials have approved the sale of military equipment to a host of human-rights-abusing countries, including Israel, is an outrage. In recent years foreign affairs has been dominated by trade priorities with concerns ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Quilty, Senior Staff Specialist, Alice Springs Hospital. Honorary, Australian National University A sizeable chunk of Northern Territory’s doctors are thinking about leaving the territory because of climate change, our new research shows. Our study, just published in The Lancet Planetary Health, ...
With the trans-Tasman bubble on the way, Auckland Airport has undertaken the unique challenge of splitting one airport into two. Matthew Scott went along to see what the parallel worlds look like. Birdsong is piped into an empty hallway. A message to nobody plays on the intercom. Luxury stores ...
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners is today marking the death of their patron, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Phillip had been patron of the College for 47 years, since he formally handed over ...
"People are walking up the hill, as we walk down, with their hands on their hips, their faces red, or looking directly at the path, not game enough to look up to see how far they’ve got to go": a portrait of a relationship set in a Dunedin landmark, by ...
It was with great sadness that I received notification from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness Prince Philip has died at Windsor Castle. The death of His Royal Highness is a great loss to Her Majesty the Queen, the members of the Royal Family ...
The Royal Commonwealth Society expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Royal Commonwealth Society expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to our Patron, Her Majesty ...
9 April 2021 Monarchy New Zealand today expresses its sadness at the passing of Queen of New Zealand’s consort, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Prince Philip died aged 99. Prince Philip is the longest-serving consort in New Zealand’s history. ...
"On behalf of ACT, I would like to express sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family. "Prince Philip will be remembered for his long dedication to public service. He has selflessly contributed to a long period of stability ...
Critic's Chair: Guy Somerset salutes Losing Alice, a compelling eight-part psychological thriller showing on Apple TV+ Who doesn’t like a compliment, a bit of flattery? But, unless you happen to be Donald J Trump, when the flattery spills over into sycophancy you tend to get suspicious. Alice Ginor (Ayelet Zurer) ...
WATCH: Silver Ferns shooter Monica Falkner talks about the pain of losing her dad, then fighting back from injury in part three of Pure As. Monica Falkner knows her dad, David, would have shed tears watching her finally play for the Silver Ferns against England last year - after five harrowing ...
Rampant house prices mean saving money for a deposit on a home is becoming increasingly fruitless. But just how long does it take in today’s market compared to a few years ago?Of all the essential and obscure pecuniary concepts that we learn throughout life, saving is one of those things ...
From the trauma of loss, Jean Sergent built a stage production that offers an invitation to others to embrace the radical possibility that things can get better.I’ve always been interested in death and dying – not the mechanics of it, but the social conditions. How death is prepared for, announced, ...
For almost three years, Onzo’s black and yellow fleet littered New Zealand’s streets with an accessible and affordable two-wheel option. Then it vanished, leaving behind a trail of angry and perplexed customers. Auckland’s first dockless bike-share scheme has disappeared in much the same way it first arrived – quietly, mysteriously and ...
Ardent disciple of mountain, valley, river and sky, Brian Turner is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated poets. Michelle Langstone travelled to his central Otago home to meet and hear the man who commands the language of the landscape.The landscape starts speaking to you from the turnoff on to the ...
George Driver heads to the end of the Earth to spend his birthday alone in New Zealand’s forgotten city.“Don’t go to Invercargill.”I’d spent most of my life a couple of hours’ drive from Invercargill. But every time I considered going I was confronted with this advice: “Don’t go, it’s not ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Jeffrey, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Southern Cross University Trees are the Earth’s lungs – it’s well understood they drawdown and lock up vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But emerging research is showing trees can also emit methane, and it’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Last week, people were falling over themselves to get vaccination appointments and had to be told, by their doctors and their government, to be patient. Patience is still needed — indeed, more than ever — ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A week ago, people were falling over themselves to get vaccination appointments and had to be told, by their doctors and their government, to be patient. Patience is still needed — indeed, more than ever ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, La Trobe University Last night, the federal government announced substantially revised plans for the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia. Due to concerns about the vaccine’s possible links to a rare blood-clotting disorder, and following advice from ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Aigner, PhD candidate Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy, Australian National University On Saturday at the Adelaide Festival there will a public showing of Australian Atomic Confessions, a documentary I co-directed about the tragic and long-lasting effects of the atomic weapons testing ...
The Human Rights Commission is calling for more information on the justification behind the temporary suspension of travel from India. “Temporarily banning New Zealanders from returning home from India is a significant limitation on their freedom ...
The Chinese developers who caused an environmental disaster on an idyllic Fijian island have been found guilty on two counts of undertaking unauthorised developments in relation to a planned 370-bure resort and casino. The Suva Magistrates Court delivered its verdict against Freesoul Real Estate today, after the ruling date was pushed out twice with no ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Esterman, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Australia Australia’s vaccine rollout is in chaos. The news last night the AstraZeneca vaccine, the only one Australia has guaranteed supply of, would not be recommended for people under 50 due to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jan Golembiewski, Researcher, University of Technology Sydney The Royal Commission into Aged Care left organisations that provide housing for aged care wondering how they will put its recommendations into effect. Most of these recommendations relate to the models of care and levels ...
Our Beehive bulletin The Government’s ban on new low and medium temperature coal-fired boilers and partnering with the private sector to help it transition away from fossil fuels perhaps ranked as the most important Beehive announcement yesterday. It was the first major announcement to follow the release of the Climate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nikki Turner, Professor, University of Auckland From next week, unvaccinated staff working at managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities will be moved to low-risk jobs, following a case of a worker who missed vaccination appointments and then tested positive for COVID-19. The ...
The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill has been welcomed by Energy Resources Aotearoa as a useful tool in developing better public policy. The Bill was drawn from the members ballot at Parliament on Thursday. "This should help deliver better policy ...
Division and social discord has undermined Covid-19 responses in other western nations. We must do everything we can to prevent that taking seed here, writes Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman. The Ministry of Health has done a stellar job in keeping us all safe. I have no doubt that the latest ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 The Mirror Book by Charlotte Grimshaw (Vintage, $38)Excerpt from Emma Espiner’s fantastic Spinoff review of this fantastic ...
Eight Wellington City Councillors – given the critical constitutional choice of Treaty partnership or democracy – yesterday voted in favour of further undermining the council’s democratic election and decision-making structures by granting voting rights to the representatives appointed by Maori tribes to sit on council committees. Only six councillors voted ...
Mike Hosking did, didn’t, does, doesn’t, will and won’t want to have the PM on his radio show, while simultaneously accusing the New Zealand media of being asleep at the wheel, writes James Elliott It was reported in the news this week that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere ...
Green Party MP Ricardo Menendez March’s labelling of police dogs as being “attack dogs” is as out of touch as it is insulting to our entire police force, says Darroch Ball co-leader of Sensible Sentencing Trust. “A bill seeking to increase the maximum ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Reilly, Professor, University of Western Australia Could a change be afoot in the way Australians vote in federal elections? The Coalition government may be eyeing a shift to optional preferential voting — as used in New South Wales — which allows ...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is urging action in the case against New Zealand-born Paul Mora, who allegedly fraudulently claimed €113 million in German tax credits. Paul Mora is wanted by Interpol in relation to the Cum-Ex tax affair after failing ...
An almost forgotten moment in our history, brought into the spotlight by a gutsy new theatre show, reveals uncomfortable truths about the history of race relations in Aotearoa.In a country that has until very recently avoided teaching its own history in schools, it’s perhaps unsurprising that a confrontation between university ...
A new poem from Ōtautahi-based poet Claudia Jardine.Ode to Mons Pubisfatty tissue, edifice of overturesjoints, ligaments, bones, cartilagedark turns to stars when I think aboutthe buttress of pubic symphysisyes! paths of faery lights, yes! brambly wadsyes! tracks of calligraphic gastropodsyes! tender grasses, yes! boxed bedsclippings from a crooner’s greenhousetopiary of ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is speaking to media a day after announcing a suspension of travel from India because of high numbers of Covid-19 cases. ...
The country's largest education union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, is backing the school students striking for climate action across the country today. NZEI Te Riu Roa President Liam Rutherford says the organisation "fully supports tamariki and educators who ...
At its core, Aotearoa New Zealand’s housing crisis is not about houses, but about the way we think about wealth, community, ourselves and our neighbours, the economy, education system, and much more. The only solutions to this problem involve everyone. ...
One year ago today managed isolation became mandatory for travellers arriving into New Zealand. The joint heads of Managed Isolation and Quarantine, Megan Main and Brigadier Jim Bliss, have paid tribute to the efforts of those who’ve contributed ...
Public feedback is now invited to improve freedom camping in New Zealand. To support the public consultation, the first of a series of public meetings throughout Aotearoa is being held at the Ellen Melville Centre in central Auckland from 2pm – 4pm on ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. Click here to subscribe to Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup and New Zealand Politics Daily. Today’s contentCovid: India travel ban Luke Malpass (Stuff): Is the the ‘temporary’ India travel ban proportional ...
Hospitals should be a place of welcome and healing. But for gender-diverse people and their families, going to the hospital can feel like walking into a linguistic minefield. While a child was being treated at a New Zealand hospital last month, a health professional kept using the wrong gender pronouns ...
Local Government New Zealand welcomes the long overdue review of self-contained freedom camping rules announced by Tourism Minister Stuart Nash today. “Many councils across the country welcome the contribution freedom campers make to local economies,” ...
A new just transition plan released today by Climate Justice Taranaki calls for a major shift towards a domestic economy and away from exports and imports in a phase out of fossil fuels by 2030. The document focuses on Aotearoa’s three main greenhouse ...
Today Renters United launches their campaign for #RentControlsNow. This comes just weeks after the Government announced it’s housing package, a package that Renters United said “fell short of delivering any change to over one third of New Zealanders ...
Three… two… one… blast-off! They’re an incredible sight, but what’s the impact of rocket launches on the environment? Mirjam Guesgen investigates.Commercial space flights, moon colonies and missions to Mars are all exciting prospects. Some of them are even being helped along by New Zealand companies. Rocket launches are loud, ground-shaking, smoggy ...
A government committed to fairness and responsible law-making should not allow two bills recently drawn from the Member’s Ballot to sink without debate, Federated Farmers says. "At the very least the Regulatory Standards Bill and the Income ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ritesh Chugh, Senior Lecturer – Information Systems and Analysis, CQUniversity Australia If you’ve ever gotten your phone wet in the rain, dropped it in water or spilt liquid over it, you’re not alone. One study suggests 25% of smartphone users have damaged ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Macaulay, Professor of Public Administration, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Following a number of high-profile inquiries into workplace misconduct — including within parliament, the police and fire service — it became clear people who report such behaviour in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Holly Seale, Associate professor, UNSW This year is shaping up as the year of the COVID-19 vaccination photo, with the pandemic providing seemingly endless photo opportunities. We’ve seen stock photos of people getting vaccinated in news reports, images of the prime minister ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucinda McKnight, Senior Lecturer in Pedagogy and Curriculum, Deakin University Robots are writing more of what we read on the internet. And artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools are becoming freely available for anyone, including students, to use. In a period of rapid ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW House prices are back in the news, and out of control. In the past three months the median house price in Sydney has risen by more than A$100,000 to A$1.12 million. Sydney’s median residential property price ...
Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for April 9, bringing you the latest news throughout the day. For one day only, Stewart is off, so to get in touch email Bulletin editor Alex Braae at thebulletin@thespinoff.co.nz.The Spinoff can’t exist without our members. If you want to help us stay ...
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Four key questions for the climate strikers, unvaccinated border worker tests positive, and big implications of ban on arrivals from India.We’re going to start today’s Bulletin with something different – a short interview. Because today teenagers across the country will once ...
The climate strikes are finally back! It’s been a turbulent year-and-a-half since our last strike, with two cancellations due to COVID-19, but finally we’re back with our fourth Intergenerational Strike 4 Climate. Christina Sieberhagen, 15, is ...
Staff from the animal rights organisation SAFE are going on strike today and will be marching with School Strike 4 Climate NZ in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. SAFE CEO Debra Ashton said the strike is especially important to SAFE because farming ...
From: Auckland Feminist Action and Migrant Zine Collective Feminist coalitions across Tāmaki Makaurau are calling on elected leaders to put an end to sexual violence in Aotearoa. The coalitions on Saturday, April 10 at 2pm, will march down Queen Street ...
Locals in Timaru and Ahuriri preparing for protests this Saturday and Sunday respectively due to the influx of live export ships Aotearoa has seen this week. Two live export ships arrived at Ahuriri this week, with another two arriving this weekend. Thousands ...
New Zealanders in India are devastated the government has taken the unprecedented step of suspending all travel from the Covid-19 hot spot leaving them stranded. ...
New research has shown a link between fidgeting and decision-making ability, especially amongst people with ADHD. Could this explain why some of us can’t seem to sit still? Matthew Scott investigates The hardest part was moving while keeping still. Dr Justin Fernandez had tasked himself with measuring the effect of ...
Moving port operations from Auckland to Whangarei could result in a 700-800 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions - a consequence completely opposed to the Government's climate change policy, writes David Grinlinton. In December last year, the diversion of just one container ship bound for Auckland to unload in Whangarei ...
As of today I have managed to finish this adventure ... 
Another quiet month ... 
It’s an interesting one. Earlier this year, Cadbury’s Chocolate managed to get itself offside with religious fundamentalists over an advertisement showing gay men eating a creme egg: 
It’s all different now. So you can see those protests weren’t really TPP protests, but an avenue to protest the National govt.
The agreement is going to be signed regardless.
Look on the brightside, at least we no longer have a liar, and fetishist in power.
We demonstrably do have a liar ( in fact two) in power, as to fetishist, who know’s and regardless – what people do in their own time is their business.
No , no ,… no,… I’m afraid your confusing this govt with the last poor excuse for one that was recently ousted…
As for the TTPA 2… well,… yes its time to roll up ones sleeves and put the ultimatum , – we don’t want it , -and if you want to stay on side with the people of this country , – DON’T DO IT !!!
Got a few things to do this arvy but will be signing.
Well you boy went public with his.
As for lies, if you actually followed what I said during the campaign, I attacked labour for their economic policy over and over. So really your comments about lies, stunned mullet is ideological, and just not correct. .
I was disappointed when National failed to get back in but that blows been softened considerably by Labours many about faces since they’ve been in power
Sure I would have preferred National but National-lite is ok with me
Well, not entirely. If NZF was not in the position it was in, Labour would have rubbished a lot more, like the 90 day trial.
So next election, I suspect NZF may not be needed. Then you will get true Labour.
Does this mean fake Labour are leading us now?
No , it means they have not truly comprehended the public outcry and the ensuing outcome and fate that the last dictatorial government suffered partially because of it ,…
RNZ coverage of TPP protests – YouTube
john campbell coverage of TPPA protests youtube▶ 2:26:32
How about actually identifying the date of that video – 9 November 2015.
Much bigger turn-out to the latest CP-TPP marches from what I have heard and seen from videos posted on the Facebook pages.
Yes indeed, however , the last protests were an indication of public feeling then , – and the way it is was being rammed through… the latest rounds may just be an eye opener.
I think you’re being a little uncharitable there. There is a phenomenon where some people don’t care about things they thought were bad if “their team” now supports them. It is one of the bad things about our lot getting into government. I’d say that and uncritically buying the Labour line about how they “improved” the deal is why opposition to (CPA)TPP is so much quieter atm.
natural ebbs and flows too. Some people will be feeling like it’s a done deal so what is the point of protesting. I like the regrouping message from the organisers.
I doubt that very much.
It was purely anti National protests.
I think this is a great opportunity for young people to realise that liberalism is the real enemy.
All that caring language, and tokenism really adds up to bugger all for working people.
If we organise outside the state, then we are not bound by these silly little rules.
I think that’s the value in continued protests even if they are just small (and yet backed by the 75% poll). It keeps the issue on the agenda, and allows those deeper conversations to happen.
Trick now is, what direction do we want those conversations to go?
“All that caring language, and tokenism really adds up to bugger all for working people”
We are all working people.
“we are all working people”
What do mean by that statement?
thanks for this important post, weka.
I suspect some Labour members or supporters don’t want to challenge the government now labour is finally leading it.
However, I would point out that at the Aotea Square meeting on Sunday, Laila Harre spoke about being a Labour party member, while also publicly opposing the latest TPPA-11.
Moana Maniapoto talked about how she celebrated when Labour formed a government with NZF and Greens as support. She cracked open the wine. She said that this government is and will do many good things. but that we should still hold them to account when necessary.
Oh don’t worry about it so much, look heres something:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/latest/101946100/jacinda-ardern-and-clarke-gayford-buy-new-home-for-growing-family
Its like we’re all buying a new home so Isn’t that better than worrying about some silly trade deal 🙂
Stop stirring, PR – and keep up to date. AND irrelevant to this post.
This was done to death on Sunday, 4 March on Open Mike at 7. Here are some links for you.
I’m not suggesting theres anything wrong in owning multiple houses I’m merely using that link as a round about way to suggest that this government is using the media to lull everybody to sleep and to not worry about hard decisions
I suppose I could have used this instead:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/101900513/fish-of-the-day-clarke-gayford-returns-to-catch-the-one-that-nearly-killed-him
Its like we’re all going fishing together so Isn’t that better than worrying about some silly trade deal 🙂
PR stop it. Wrong Post. OM is where these comments should have been. Come on over there; I have some pictures for you ….
I’m both intrigued and a little worried
I had hoped there would have been large numbers of people showing up to various demonstrations, not with illusions that the signing of the TPP could be averted, but more to let the government know it had been put on notice for signing it.
“Let’s not do this” when we’re talking about a done deal, struck me and strikes me as an odd piece of messaging – one that doesn’t exactly give people a worthwhile reason to turn out.
After all, when the horse has bolted, what’s the point in rushing to the stable doors?
You make a good point, Bill. Howver, I get that it is an echo of Labour’s election slogan “Let’s Do This”.
But also, it’s not over yet. First the relevant Bill has still to go through Parliament, and we are being encouraged to submit to the select committee – for some that could mean as little as a paragraph stating opposition to the agreement.
Also, if you look at the It’s Our Future site, there’s a drop down menu (“Other Agreements”) focused on upcoming agreements with some similar dodgy elements. Kelsey flagged this in her speech in Auckland at the weekend. there’s TISA, the RCEP, and an update of the NZ-China free trade agreement.
Also, it’s inevitable that there will be a drop off in momentum. A recent poll show people want an independent analysis of the TPPA – I guess in the light of Labour-NZF doing their about turn on it. Some people want more info. And it is hard to keep up momentum over time there will be lulls and resurgences.
And the US/Trump is looking like wanting back in, which will re-activate the suspended sections – probably with a vengeance.
So “Let’s Not Do This” is also future-focused.
3 – 0 down. 5 min left on the clock. “It’s not over yet.”
Except, as far as the TTP goes, it is over. The Bill will sail through Parliament on tail winds created by NZ Labour and the National Party.
True, that’s not necessary the case with other Agreements. Though National and NZ Labour will keep on supplying those tail winds – unless or until the anti is upped on NZ Labour and it’s made abundantly clear to them that by signing such deals they sign their own death warrant in terms of electability.
But do enough people care enough? Do enough people understand well enough to use the only Parliamentary leverage available and commit to voting Green? Will the Green Party go loud and proud with its opposition?
Parker has spouted tosh about fantastic negotiating that changed everything when in fact nothing of substance was altered. And he got away with it! How come?
It all sounds terribly dismal, I know, but…
On the bright side, the world is shifting, and the formerly secure liberal consensus of that muddled middle that gave us “Blair” and “Third Way” and Clinton’s “triangulations” is getting washed out.
NZ might be a shore somewhat distant to that wave. But it will arrive. And it doesn’t have to hit these shores before having an effect, given that it takes a number of partners to dance that “free trade” jig 😉
Make no mistake, it is exactly the same txt as the original agreement by the National party but has a few pages added onto that suspends some provisions mostly on health that they can just stop suspending if they rejoin.
The ISDS is still in there. There is NO protection of ISDS at all. Apparently there may be for a few countries in the side letters so there is still NO protection for this in the agreement.
The EU has now said they will NOT allow ISDS clauses in their agreements any longer. Pity the Labour government can show some guts and actually do the same instead of the weak and feeble approach, like National.
The US mandated that climate change was removed from every part of TPPA. When they left, NZ under the Labour and NZ First Government DID NOT put in climate change clauses.
This is AFTER Jacinda Ardern saying that climate change was her issue of the 21st century. (Obviously leaving Parker in charge is not working if that is true).
The PM will be judged by this agreement, so it is Jacinda’s name as the number one person who was a hypocrite, when it all goes wrong with climate change and NZ will be unable to act quickly due to this type of dinosaur agreement to protect corporation profits now and in the future, not the people who live in the country or this environment.
On average the ISDS clauses are used once a week around the world. As resources get fewer the corporations are keener to protect their profits and their lawyers thinking of new ways to profit from them.
It takes the decision making on these legal matters AWAY from NZ legislation. It is not even a real court that is used, it’s a business type tribunal.
India was unable to do solar panels to help it’s climate change obligations under the free trade agreements it was part of.
https://boingboing.net/2016/03/13/usa-uses-tpp-like-trade-court.html
The TPPA was a DOG and still is a DOG.
It is not too late to stop the signing at the Labour and NZ First government has not signed it yet.
Like the EU – they should know not to sign these agreements with ISDS clauses in them.
If the WTO restricts buy local, I wonder if the Indians have considered copying the Americans and applying tariffs on imported solar panels so they are not competitively priced?
NAFTA’s Chapter 11 Makes Canada Most-Sued Country Under Free Trade Tribunals
“Canada is the most-sued country under the North American Free Trade Agreement and a majority of the disputes involve investors challenging the country’s environmental laws, according to a new study.’
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/01/14/canada-sued-investor-state-dispute-ccpa_n_6471460.html
The upgrade to the FTA with China should not be much of a problem, it is just asking that we get access on the same (better) terms they later gave Oz.
We can offer support for (their) RCEP and continued support for One Belt if they agree. RCEP is just a total in package of existing FTA (with China and ASEAN) expanded to include others (such as India).
The South Americans will not push corporate rights and the EU is not the threat in these matters that the US is.
TPP is a done deal, maybe a push to have the government and opposition agree to block US admission to TPP unless it is on existing terms (the US does not get what they would have if they signed up now) would be useful.
RCEP is not uncontroversial. There is a very good opportunity to improve it and shape it into a better deal with our participation, but it would require Labour and New Zealand First living up to their rhetoric on trade, and actually trying to export some of our values around labour rights and environmentalism overseas.
There are still problems with the other agreements in the pipeline, although they tend to not be as wide-ranging as the TPPA.
It’s Our Future on the RCEP –
On TISA (Trade in Services Agreement):
On the NZ-China-FTA update, nothing on the webpage yet. but under the RCEP page it says:
If Labour can be convinced to hold the line against ISDS in any future FTA, where New Zealand take China’s side on this vs Japan/Oz in RCEP talks in return for their upgrading our access to their market to what they gave Oz in their FTA, there is a win win for us.
We have to be partner fluid/straddle the two sides to realise what is best for us.
And as for the USA coming into TPP – why not have Labour oppose this unless there is a side deal where we and the US have a mutual opt out of ISDS?
Labour would accept whatever if the US wanted back in.
Same as National.
Mainly because as Clark said, it would be extremely dumb not to.
The problem with this umbrella corporation lead type global trading approach, which this latest step is a further ratcheting up of, is that it an approach based on all the wonders of socialism efficiency and dynamism, without the govt aspect.
The Chinese, for all the weightage of the structural cul-de sacs that they have ( & for the significance of the challenge that brings, it is of note that the situation there has changed to indefinite terms of power), at least have a nationalistic govt with power to provide some overview to things in their population’s interest.
So another relative win for China in the wings with the global trading positions, which it can not be blamed for taking the opportunities of when served up to them voluntarily, by anchorless power structures.
which it [China] can not be blamed for taking the opportunities of when served up to them voluntarily, by anchorless power structures.
Would you class the signing by the National Government in May 2017 during the visit by Xi Jinping of an MOU with China on mutual BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) development as being such an opportunity?
I don’t recall any great concern, protests etc on this at the time.
Here is a recent update just a few days ago, which claims amongst other things that NZ’s signing this MOU was out of step with Australia (who refused to sign such an MOU) and India, Japan and the US.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/101721886/an-alternative-to-chinas-belt-road-initiative
This is why I had to vote Green in 2017.
If you followed the election campaign closely and the promises made by Jacinda and Labour, then there was no reason not to vote for Labour. They made all the right principled noises and sounded like they wanted to make positive change.
However there was always that suspicion that they are still the tired old mob from 1984.
And within 6 months they do this. Sign up to a treaty the marched on the streets against. Even worse than that they lied by claiming the minor adjustments were something they negotiated whereas now it seems the Tories had already negotiated everything.
This broken promise has left me deflated about this government.
I am going to increase my donations to the Green Party as they need to become much more influential heading into 2020.
Occidental v. Ecuador
In October 2012, an ICSID tribunal awarded a judgment of $1.8 billion for Occidental Petroleum against the government of Ecuador.[42] Additionally, Ecuador had to pay $589 million in backdated compound interest and half of the costs of the tribunal, making its total penalty around $2.4 billion.[42] The South American country annulled a contract with the oil firm on the grounds that it violated a clause that the company would not sell its rights to another firm without permission. The tribunal agreed the violation took place but judged that the annulment was not fair and equitable treatment to the company.[42]
Putting people’s fates into a bunch of lawyers is never a good idea. Law mostly benefits the rich.
Have a look at the Little vs Hagaman case. Even though Little was found not guilty, the Haganman went back for another trial.
In this way, it is not about a person (or country) being right or wrong when you are encouraging litigation, it is about power imbalances and using the law to imbalance, disrupt and scare freedom of speech, while delegating decision making to others to decide a person or (countries) fate.
It’s about to get a lot worse in NZ! Already the councils are out of control, imagine what they will do after this agreement is signed, more and more environmental degradation and decisions to empower rich and take and marginalise the poor.
Now they have an agreement for multinational chemical and oil companies among other’s, to join in the subjugation!
“Have a look at the Little vs Hagaman case. Even though Little was found not guilty, the Haganman went back for another trial.”
Little was damn lucky, he should have been found guilty, politicians have parliamentary privilege for this very reason
You are dead right and given the tax $$ of this TPP mess you can expect more tax gouging of the average Kiwi from the political parasites to pay for it all in years to come.
Socialism for the rich, capitalism for everyone else.
Perhaps we were all being naive after 30+ years of politicians ignoring the wishes of voters to think that the situation would suddenly, magically, be transformed after the recent election.
All this really proves is voting is participation in your own oppression and those of others. Suffice to say I’m done with these creeps for good unless by some miracle a group with integrity turns up but after all this time I wont hold my breath.
Somehow reminds me of the previous Labour / Douglas sell out. Fooled again.