Strange Democracy.

Written By: Bill - Date published: 11:38 am, May 30th, 2018 - 30 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, class war, democracy under attack, International, liberalism, Politics, Propaganda, uk politics - Tags: brexit, George Soros

Remember the “Moment of Truth” in Auckland Town Hall just before the 2014 election when Glen Greenwald, Julian Assange and Edward Snowden revealed the extent of the NZ government’s spying on us?

I seem to recall that went down as foreigners interfering in democratic processes in many quarters, and as such, was deemed to be “malign”. And so, regardless of the information they were imparting or attempting to impart, the order of the day (at least in a number of quarters) was to cast aspersions on the messengers, while minimising and/or ignoring the message.

Remember a company based in Russia pushing ridiculous but clickable memes through facebook that allowed them to generate revenue from advertising that was attached to their posts in various ways?

That was a “the sky is falling in” moment of foreign interference in democratic processes that, to this day, has people and agencies running around all in a flap.

So there’s a pattern. Whatever the rights and wrongs or efficacy of what’s being done, the clear message is that a country’s elections ought to be left to unfold in a vacuum, sealed by domestic power structures that can rightfully, and without interference, subject the voting public to whatever information or mis-information as might be around at the time.

Any challenge to that set up (either real or merely perceived) is jumped on from a great height with cries about democracy being subverted, undermined or otherwise threatened. Of course, in the current political climate, the alleged source of the threat will tend to be Russia, what with its supposed track record of nefarious goings on stretching all the way back to the stone age or when-ever. Such were the claims with regards the independence vote in Catalonia, and various European elections, as well as the US one.

And sure, the USA and whoever else sticks fingers in various pies and has done for years, but either we’re meant to view that interference (“ours”) as benevolent in intent if not benign in practice, or ignore it completely. Which, for the sake of this post, is fine, because we’re talking about interference in elections taking place on “our” side of some notional fence – which is to say, on the ‘good guys’ side of the fence.

So from Dotcom to “all things Russian” (or tenuously connected to something that can be labelled “Russian”), and across various jurisdictions, democracy is under attack from “bad guys” who are bad because they are focusing their energies on largely benign or benevolent instances of power.

Which brings us to today’s Guardian headlines about George Soros, a Hungarian American and dedicated liberal centrist, who is about to launch a campaign aimed at securing a second Brexit referendum in Britain. Now, I know there’s a swathe of conspiratorial stuff swills around about George Soros and his influence. I’m not interested in any of that and would appreciate if comments steer away from that rabbit hole.

The point is that the Guardian has “gifted” its front page to the announcement of a foreign person intent on shaping British democratic culture at a quite fundamental level. This isn’t about influencing a vote, but about generating an issue for the British public to vote on. And yet, the pieces (there are two) offer up no criticism of this attempt to determine British politics at such a basic level.

In fact, the second piece strongly suggests that any questioning of this most bizarre unfolding of events is, or will be, down to rabid nationalism and/or anti-semitism on the part of those calling matters into question. The British public are to “get in behind” George Soros. George Soros, so the second article reports, is looking to “save the UK from “immense danger”” after all.

And what could possibly be wrong with that?

30 comments on “Strange Democracy. ”

Comments are now closed

roy cartland 1

30 May 2018 at 4:25 pm

Billionaires don’t really count as foreigners, as they go/do where/what-ever they like, and the public is chill with it. As NZ has so obsequiously demonstrated to the likes of James Cameron, Peter Thiel, that nuclear survivalist bunker-builder in Wanaka, et al.
Gosman 2

30 May 2018 at 4:27 pm

I think you have misinterpreted why the ‘Moment of truth’ was such an anti-climax and blew up in the face of those who promoted it.

It was less to do with the Foreigner angle and more to do with the expectations that were raised by Kim Dotcom (and others) prior to the big reveal.

The general feel was that this was something that was going to prove beyond doubt that John Key knew about the arrest of Kim Dotcom and additionally knew this was to satisfy US commercial interests.

Instead of that we got some complicated story about Government spying on NZers via the Five Eyes network (which I suspect most NZers didn’t even care too much about). That was the reason it didn’t gain traction.
- Hanswurst 2.1
  
  30 May 2018 at 4:49 pm
  
  Your point is irrelevant, since, regardless of whether you are right or not about the importance of expectations on Dotcom to The Moment of Truth, Key and his hangers-on were definitely propagating the angle Bill describes in his post.
  - Gosman 2.1.1
    
    30 May 2018 at 5:21 pm
    
    I have yet to see any evidence presented that the main attack points against the ‘moment of truth’ was that it involved a lot of foreigners.
    
    Do you have some link backing this view up?
- Stuart Munro 2.2
  
  30 May 2018 at 5:03 pm
  
  It didn’t gain traction because establishment stooges like Tim Watkin made very certain that it didn’t. It would have impugned the Key kleptocracy’s gross abuse of power and imperiled their ability to continue to misgovern.
  
  “(which I suspect most NZers didn’t even care too much about)”
  
  The rotten to the core MSM ensured that they didn’t get to decide.
One Two 3

30 May 2018 at 4:35 pm

No need for rabbit holes, Bill…

Soros is headline news, fronting a ‘correcting’ exercise in broad daylight…

Hungary chose a different approach…
- One Anonymous Bloke 3.1
  
  30 May 2018 at 6:49 pm
  
  Hungary’s approach has met with dismay at the EU Parliament, who will vote next month and in September as to whether to formally commence sanction procedures.
  
  Orbán’s government has been accused by critics at home and abroad of putting Hungary on the road to autocracy and reintroducing undemocratic practices last seen under communism, such as de facto censorship in state media. The government has repeatedly dismissed such criticism as overblown and unwarranted meddling in the country’s domestic affairs.
  
  They’re also accusing the European Parliament of being agents of Soros, but the EU accusations broadly confirm what I’ve been hearing privately.
dukeofurl 4

30 May 2018 at 4:46 pm

I thought Soros had British citizenship?
Yes, he was of German-jewish ancestry born in Budapest ( born Schwartz) but survived the nazis and emigrated to Britain after the war.
Nowdays he would say he has Hungarian-British-American nationality.
As he lives in US now it could be said he was interfering in British politics
- Bill 4.1
  
  30 May 2018 at 4:59 pm
  
  According to the George Soros wiki page he has citizenship of Hungary and the US.
  
  And the second linked Guardian piece has him as a Hungarian-American hedge fund owner
  
  And his bio page from his own website states he emigrated to the US in 1956.
  
  https://www.georgesoros.com/the-life-of-george-soros/
  
  So, no. No British citizenship.
- Macro 4.2
  
  30 May 2018 at 5:03 pm
  
  Yes it is certainly possible to hold dual citizenship of the US and UK – it depends on individual circumstances.
  
  The United States does not formally recognize dual citizenship. However, it also has not taken any stand against it, either legally or politically.
  
  https://immigration.findlaw.com/citizenship/dual-citizenship.html
Ad 5

30 May 2018 at 5:31 pm

George Soros is not a foreign government.
- Bill 5.1
  
  30 May 2018 at 5:36 pm
  
  Neither are any of the pertinent entities mentioned in the post.
  - Ad 5.1.1
    
    30 May 2018 at 7:07 pm
    
    Apart from Russia, multiple times.
    Which was the true subtext of this entire post.
    
    Unlike Russia, Soros was completely open that it was his entity doing the funding from the beginning.
    - Bill 5.1.1.1
      
      30 May 2018 at 7:15 pm
      
      Like I said Ad, none of the pertinent entities mentioned in the post are states.
      
      The subtext is (or so I would have thought) pretty obvious.
      
      When Liberalism’s primacy is threatened, then according to liberal media, it’s “democracy under attack” – and ideological bogey men are sought out and presented.
      
      When a Liberal agenda is on the offensive, it’s “three wise monkeys” time.
      - One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.1.1
        
        30 May 2018 at 7:28 pm
        
        The last time I recall democracy was “under attack” in NZ, it was capital’s privilege/primacy being threatened; it was “under attack” apparently, by a “neoliberal” NZLP coalition government.
        
        What am I missing?
        
        Bill 5.1.1.1.1.1
        
        30 May 2018 at 9:41 pm
        
        The intervening 30 odd years that saw the ascent and plateau of liberalism?
        
        30 years ago Capital sought to overcome the constraints social democratic governance had placed on it. There is an argument that Capital essentially went on strike (no investment) and created the crisis of stagflation that opened the door for the “liberal reforms” of Thatcher, Reagan, Douglas et al.
        
        The idea you’re suggesting – that Capital is any kind of harbour or home for democracy, and that an attack on Capital can constitute an attack on democracy, is an odd one.
        
        One Anonymous Bloke …
        
        31 May 2018 at 5:15 am
        
        Good thing I wasn’t suggesting that then, eh.
        
        …the implications of the Electoral Finance Bill…
One Anonymous Bloke 6

30 May 2018 at 5:39 pm

The substantive difference between eg: Soros and eg: the CIA and/or GRU is that Soros is an individual who acts (more-or-less I suppose) in the open, and the CIA/GRU are states acting covertly.

It fairly common for ‘foreigners’ to be asked to comment on all sorts of topics from trade to tourism etc etc. Media interviews, co-operation between trades unions at a global level, etc.

If/when those foreigners are discovered in possession of a hidden agenda, like Israelis wanting passports, there’s legitimate cause for concern.
- Bill 6.1
  
  30 May 2018 at 5:44 pm
  
  And that’s true, but a straw peep argument thang in the context of the post.
  - One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1
    
    30 May 2018 at 5:56 pm
    
    How so? Soros, Dotcom are both subject to praise and/or denigration based on the perspective of whoever comments on their behaviour. For everyone saying “get in behind” Soros there’s someone saying the opposite. Both perspectives get published. Same for Dotcom.
    
    You did ask “what could possibly be wrong with that?”
    
    So I guess the answer is “plenty, potentially, but the shit the CIA/GRU get up to is in a different category because it’s undeclared”.
    - Bill 6.1.1.1
      
      30 May 2018 at 6:12 pm
      
      Apart from the elevation of the platform or volume of the megaphone employed or accessible for the opposing views in your first para, I have no argument with what your saying.
      
      In relation to this post, the Guardian has come out in full support and (by my reading) is looking to head off criticism at the pass (as per argued in the main body of the post). And sure, no doubt there will be critical takes aired elsewhere…
      - One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1.1.1
        
        30 May 2018 at 6:23 pm
        
        It did occur to me that Soros, Dotcom and the like represent privilege seeking influence (a bit like The Guardian really), as opposed to grass roots. That said, Mana made common cause with Dotcom. Soros no doubt also has allies.
millsy 7

31 May 2018 at 2:16 am

Conservative reactionaries call Soros a “communist”, yet the Russian oligarchs owe him for “helping” Boris Yeltsin defeat the Communist Party candidate in the 1996 election. This is freely admitted in Russian circles.
- dukeofurl 7.1
  
  31 May 2018 at 5:42 pm
  
  The one where Yeltsin won the 2nd round 54% to 40% ( with 5% none of the above).
  
  Dont think he needed much help
CHCOff 8

31 May 2018 at 7:27 pm

The British electorate should get abit more involvement in their Brexit, but it should be on the terms of their elected govt. not that of trans international lobby groups.

All of which is a significant proportion of what the exercise is all about surely.
- One Anonymous Bloke 8.1
  
  31 May 2018 at 7:50 pm
  
  on the terms of their elected govt. not that of trans international lobby groups.
  
  What about when their elected government is a mouthpiece for trans-national lobby groups? Surely under those circumstances, resistance by other trans-national lobby groups is ok.
  
  Example: an extreme authoritarian organisation spends a lot of money and we get toxic US education rorts in NZ. In that circumstance, is it ok for teachers’ unions to draw on international experience to help destroy charter schools?
  
  In a nutshell, whatever rules are put in place to prevent the National Party’s inherently treacherous agenda, they will find a way around the law. Grass roots organisations caught in the same net can’t afford as many morally white lawyers.
CHCOff 9

31 May 2018 at 8:33 pm

What about when their elected government is a mouthpiece for trans-national lobby groups?

Well i’ve blogged often before that i think it would be better if you had above board local lobbying as part elected govt. and i understand what you are saying.

In short, the more local involvement, even with say ‘theoretically’ an elected govt that is a mouthpiece of foreign interests & rorting against the public interest, at least it would still have to do token efforts with required more involvement of electorate guidance on policies. And overtime there would be contrasts that steadily raise the bar in the general understandings of the mass electorate.
greywarshark 10

31 May 2018 at 9:20 pm

Thinking about overseas influence on our government, why did we decide to limit ourselves so much in the Won’t Budgeit rules Robertson and Labour have adopted. The public debt to GDP which has apparently been decided at 20% seems more to the austerity side than just being prudent. (… 19.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2022.)

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/357606/budget-2018-the-fiscal-nitty-gritty

What other countries are spending.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_public_debt
Compare – net debt to GDP for 2017 (CIA) – USA Central Intelligence Agency.
Japan 223.8%
Singapore 114.6%
Belgium 104.3%
Canada 98.2%
UK 90.4%
Austria 81.7%
United States 77.4%
Ireland 69.5%
Germany 65.7%
Finland 63.8%
World (average?) 59.9%
Netherlands 59%
South Africa 50.1%
Australia 47.1%
South Korea 43.3%
Sweden 39%
Denmark 35.1%
New Zealand 32%
Turkey 29.6%
Nepal 27.3%
China 18.6%
Russia 11.8%

United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Canada – there is information about their public debt.

At less than 25% (as noted in the Budget) we seem to be amongst some strange bedfellows! They have different trajectories than us.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_public_debt#/media/File:Government_debt_gdp.png
Timeforacupoftea 11

1 June 2018 at 2:52 am

The FBI have to practice somewhere, why not Coatsville !!
Scott C 12

2 June 2018 at 8:42 am

Hey Bill, I agree, although being new here I wondering whether the Chomsky-esque idea of the media actively arranging public opinion is readilly accepted by this site’s audience. Perhaps it is. The other intriguing example of this in NZ media is the China activity story, with Hillary CLinton, no less, coming here to sure up the ‘china is a threat perspective’ and the various local media pieces presuming to be the prevailing perspective on it.
Or too – far as I can tell – the unaskable question of why the government is paying the farmers /their collectives anything let alone a goodly chunk of $800 million to ease their losses. THe stories about this to my mind all leap straight over that question and ponder only superficialities of it. This seems to be strategic messaging by corporates. To me this seems 80% likely and perhaps equates to Chomsky’s describing the NYT and FOX combo as defining the thinkable left. Fox news, by being utterly outraged at NYT’s position, makes anything left of the NYT position pretty much crazy. …if you are with me 🙂

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Reserve Bank Governor and the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee yesterday ended up at odds with National’s Finance spokesperson, Nicola Willis, over whether the Budget was inflationary. Willis said it was. The exchange is looking like a significant test of Willis’s economic credibility. The MPS statement and the Governor’s media ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
3 days ago

Go to Galatea, if you want to differ from other schools and be inspired by a celebrated Dutch artist
A bit of googling was necessary to find out about Galatea School – Te Kura o Kuhawaea. Its website says it is a small rural school, opened in 1935 and nestled under the Te Urewera Ranges, opened in 1935, among lush green dairy farms and beside various forest plantations. It ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
4 days ago

Letter of apology from Zoo Miami
On behalf of everyone at Zoo Miami, please accept our most sincere apology to the New Zealand National Party of New Zealand and the proud people of the LinkedIn tribe. It stunned us all to learn that Kiwi Chris the Robot Politician was in fact an actual person.This was not at ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
4 days ago

Letter of apology from Zoo Miami
On behalf of everyone at Zoo Miami, please accept our most sincere apology to the New Zealand National Party of New Zealand and the proud people of the LinkedIn tribe. It stunned us all to learn that Kiwi Chris the Robot Politician was in fact an actual person.This was not at ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
4 days ago

Still rotten
In the early 2000's, we learned that the New Zealand Police had covered up rape and sexual assault by police officers, because the criminals were their own, part of the gang. The resulting scandal led to prosecutions, sackings, a commission of inquiry, and a promise by police to change. But ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
4 days ago

Dogs decision delayed – but the horse-racing industry looks like a good bet (at least for now) aft...
Buzz from the Beehive Money was profusely flowing or generously being committed in a raft of ministerial announcements and speeches over the past 24 hours. If we tallied all the dollar signs in all the new press statements on the government’s official website, billions would be involved. But in some ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
4 days ago

Recycle the ETS cash++ into emissions cuts here
A much better alternative than cash in consumers’ pockets would be emissions-reducing vouchers or spending that effectively ‘buys’ even more emissions reductions through, for example, bigger discounts on public transport and electric bikes, solar panel installation vouchers and discounted energy-efficient appliances and lights. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / T… ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
4 days ago

The Great Donkey Special.
Hi all,I’ve been getting lots of nice feedback about my newsletter from yesterday, Laughing with Donkeys. Which is nice, but feels a bit sad considering most people can only read the first part of it. I was particularly keen to share the end of Jacinda’s WHO speech as it summed ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
4 days ago

NZ Politics Daily: 24 May 2023
ELECTION, PARLIAMENT Andrea Vance (Stuff): National using AI for attack ads: The AI political campaign has arrived Jenna Lynch (Newshub): National uses realistic-looking AI-generated health workers, scared woman to front attack ads Herald: National Party uses AI in attack ads: Christopher Luxon ‘not aware’ Mark Quinlivan (Newshub): National leader Christopher ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
4 days ago

Miami Zoo Says it Will Immediately Stop Deranged Treatment of its Kiwi Bird
Hi,I’ve been on the phone to Miami all morning. After a bunch of emails overnight, I called Miami Zoo’s media department first thing, who told me I needed to talk to the mayor of Miami. Apparently “big” zoo business was dealt with by the mayor. So I called the City ...
David FarrierBy David Farrier
4 days ago

At a glance – Global cooling – is global warming still happening?
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Skeptical Science
5 days ago

Feeding that dark flame in men
We attended a funeral last night in the comfort of our own lounge. It was for Logan Roy who is, when the eulogies are all said and done, only an imaginary character. But then again, aren’t we all to some extent imaginary characters?Such eulogies they were. Only the Succession subtitles ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
5 days ago

Working from home and the paucity of GDP
Paul Krugman's column today talks about the economics of increased working from home. The primary benefit? People don't have to waste a huge portion of their lives commuting. And while this is difficult to quantify, the impact is huge: it’s not hard to make the case that the overall ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
5 days ago

THOMAS CRANMER: New Zealand’s Thin Blue Line
The Parliament Protests and the Posie Parker Rally have exposed the extent to which the Police frontline is under-resourced and under-funded. Thomas Cranmer writes – Soaring levels of crime and high profile protests at Parliament and the Posie Parker rally have made policing a political hot topic ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 days ago

Rachel Brooking hates waste – and she wants us to know about a $20m trough (funded by levies) to h...
Buzz from the Beehive It was tempting – for a moment – to suggest Rachel Brooking become an Associate Minister of Finance to keep Grant Robertson on the straight and narrow. The temptation was triggered by Brooking’s speech (as Associate Minister for the Environment) to the WasteMINZ conference in Hamilton, ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
5 days ago

Why Budget 2023 is more austere than it appears
If net migration keeps pounding along at a rate of over 100,000 per year the implications for the economy, residential land prices, interest rates and Government borrowing will be profound. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Stronger-than-forecast net migration and population growth looks set to make Labour’s last Budget before ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
5 days ago

NZ Politics Daily: 23 May 2023
CLIMATE CHANGE, NZ STEEL DEAL Simon Wilson (Herald): Christopher Luxon gets it right and terribly wrong on NZ Steel deal (paywalled) Duncan Greive (Spinoff): Why did we give $140m to a shady Australian corporate? Because we had no choice Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): The NZ Steel carbon deal: shape of things to ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
5 days ago

The end in sight for bus disruption?
It’s been a tough year for public transport users who have had to suffer through thousands of service cancellations, delays and rail network closures. ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
5 days ago

Geoffrey Miller: How successful was Chris Hipkins’ trip to Papua New Guinea?
Chris Hipkins is blazing his way through New Zealand’s foreign policy. The New Zealand Prime Minister’s fast-but-furious visit to Papua New Guinea this week – which saw Hipkins spend just 23 hours in Port Moresby, the PNG capital – was the PM’s fourth such rapid international trip since he took ...
Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
5 days ago

Laughing with Donkeys.
It sometimes occurs to me. When I’m thinking what to write about. That I spend an awful lot of time reading about idiotic things that idiots have said.The radio, the news, social media. You look at the content coming out and it makes you remember not to swim at a ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
5 days ago

Yoga diplomacy
Thirty-six years ago, almost to the day, after he launched Fiji’s first military coup in 1987, the now-elected Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, yesterday awarded the Prime Minister of India Fiji’s highest honour. That 1987 coup was targeted against a Labour government which contained Indian Ministers and led to fears ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
5 days ago

The Song of Saqua: Back to D&D
It has been a while since I last did a write up of my D&D shenanigans. Part of it has been motivation, part of it has been that the more interesting stuff has been in the form of one-shots, rather than long campaigns. I actually DMed a three session ...
A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
6 days ago

Can Climate Change spark (zombie) Pandemics?
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). The Last of Us tells the story of a fungal zombie apocalypse... triggered by climate change. So could this kind of ...
Skeptical Science
6 days ago

‘No one cares’: 25-year-old with extensive family cancer history can’t access genetic testing That’s the headline on a Stuff report which alerted the public to the experiences of a woman who was pregnant with her first baby when she found out she was likely to be at higher risk of ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
6 days ago

Maybe I'm amazed and maybe I'm not
A short list of some of the fastest things in the world:Cat versus snakeUsain BoltPeople who claim to support climate action, coming up with their objection to any goddam specific action whatsoeverYesterday was a good day — a very good day — in the short history of decarbonising ourselves.We were told ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
6 days ago

The dirty power of culture wars.
A few decades ago I wrote an essay about the impact of state terror on Argentine society. One of my points was that terrorism was used by the military dictatorship known as the “Proceso” not because it was particularly effective … Continue reading → ...
KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
6 days ago

Megan Woods stays mum about levy-fetching energy bill – but she brings out megaphone for news of m...
Buzz from the Beehive Point of Order looked again on the government’s official website for statements from Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods about two energy-related bills that were rushed into law last week. We can’t say she has been silent, because she had lots to say in parliament ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
6 days ago

Labour chickens out on the voting age again
The Justice Committee has reported back on the declaration of inconsistency on the voting age. Sadly, the recommendations won't surprise anybody: the Labour-majority committee recommended that Parliament immediately lower the voting age for local government, and that it "investigate" lowering it for general elections (while remembering to fix a bunch ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
6 days ago

Climate Change: The uncertainty problem
When the government announced its $140 million carbon-reduction subsidy for NZ Steel yesterday, practically everyone's first thought was "why aren't they paying for it themselves?" The National Party based their entire response on this, denouncing the deal as corporate welfare, and arguing that the ETS should incentivise companies to reduce ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
6 days ago

BRIAN EASTON: Crises!
A conversation between a minister and advisor. Brian Easton writes – Come in, Sit down. Thank you Minister. We have to deal with the current crisis. You know what a crisis is? No, actually I don’t, Minister. I looked it up in a dictionary. None of its ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
6 days ago

National Must Learn To Be Kind – Or Remain In Opposition.
“Our sympathy for the poor and disadvantaged is this big.” At need, New Zealanders will use their vote as a shield. From preference, they will use it as a tool. But, increasingly, they are refusing to use it as a weapon. Labour grasps the need to “be kind”. Until National does ...
Bowalley Road
6 days ago

Gordon Campbell on the NZ Steel deal
Goodness gracious: The National Party has come out against corporate welfare! Or at least it is dead against the government’s $140 million subsidy deal with New Zealand Steel. The deal will enable the installation of a new electric arc furnace, will reduce the company’s reliance on coal, and will mark ...
Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
6 days ago

CMIP6: Not-so-sudden stratospheric cooling
As predicted in 1967 by Manabe and Wetherald, the stratosphere has been cooling. A new paper by Ben Santer and colleagues has appeared in PNAS where they extend their previous work on the detection and attribution of anthropogenic climate change to include the upper stratosphere, using observations from the ...
Real ClimateBy Gavin
6 days ago

$140m well spent at $16.20/tonne
After the PM donned NZ Steel-branded hi-vis and announced funding towards a new electric arc furnace, National has accused the Government of paying ‘corporate welfare’ to NZ Steel’s ASX-listed Australian owner, BlueScope Steel. But has Luxon just fallen (again) into a trap set by Labour? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
6 days ago

NZ Politics Daily: 22 May 2023
ELECTION Andrea Vance (Stuff): National has got much bigger problems than an unpopular leader Chris Trotter (Interest): National must learn to be kind – or remain in opposition 1New: Q+A: Luxon’s polls ‘abysmal’ but National leadership change unlikely – panel Philip Burdon (Post): The challenges mounting against Luxon and National (pawyalled) ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
6 days ago

Budget 2023 Highlights
Last week the government released their latest budget. By in large it seems to have been fairly well received and one thing that strikes me about it is there was not one large headline grabbing initiative but lots of little ones that added up. It’s a shame the government can’t ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
6 days ago

Finally, Europe embraces Brexit
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So Brexiteers who have been banging on about European over-regulation for years will be delighted at the Damascene call from France’s President Macron for a “European regulatory pause” – particularly it seems for green regulation. Sounding like someone else, he ...
Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
6 days ago

The scale of petty reactionism perhaps makes the biggest impression on Budget 2023
The sheer arrogance of the assumptions that went flying out, the insolence of the ignorance of it all, it’s sometimes breathtaking, at other times so sadly, infuriatingly predictable. Like the sun coming up, one can almost set your watch to it. But not only was the reaction from ...
exhALANtBy exhalantblog
7 days ago

National’s backtrack forces another visionless, shambolic policy
The National Party has released another confused and rushed policy that will only further worsen the inequality that is driven by unaffordable housing. ...
Greens
5 hours ago

Grant Robertson: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
Welcome to sunny and calm Wellington, which I know those of you who are visiting would of course expect to be the case. It’s been a busy week since we put forward the 2023 Budget. Labour MPs have been out across the motu giving the good oil on the Budget. ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

Carmel Sepuloni: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
Kia orana, Talofa lava, Mālo e lelei, Taloha ni, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Noa’ia e mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia ora, Tena Koutou Katoa. Labour Party President Jill Day, Prime Minister Hipkins, Party faithful, delegates and comrades, whānau and friends, it’s a privilege to be here today. I begin my ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

Kelvin Davis: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
One of my kaumātua up North stood before the Waitangi Tribunal and said: ‘He aha kē ahau, te tangata kore hara i mua i te Atua, e tu nei kia whakawaatia e koe, te tangata tāhae, te tangata hara, te tangata kore tikanga? Ko koe kē te tika, kia tū ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

We don’t need to engineer a recession, Government can tax wealth
The Green Party is calling on the Government to take responsibility for reducing inflation by taxing wealth instead of leaving RBNZ to continue hiking the Official Cash Rate. ...
Greens
4 days ago

Enough posturing, let’s get on and build enough public housing
The Green Party is urging the Government to take its own advice and come up with a long-term plan to build thousands more public homes. ...
Greens
4 days ago

Green Party unveils its list for the 2023 election
The Green Party has released its list of candidates for the 2023 election. With a mix of familiar faces, fresh new talent, and strong tangata whenua voices, this exceptional group of candidates are ready to set the direction of the next Government. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Beyond the Farm Gate Lurks Separatism
Thank you for your invitation to be here, after yesterday's budget, and for the opportunity to talk with you. In the economic and social turmoil following the arrival of COVID 19 in New Zealand many concerns emerged. How would we keep our economy going and maintain our exports which are ...
NZ First Press Release
1 week ago

Budget 2023: More cost of living support
At the heart of Budget 2023 is a cost of living package, designed to ease the pressure on New Zealanders in the face of global inflation and the challenges of rebuilding from extreme weather events. It provides practical cost of living relief across some of the core expenses facing Kiwis ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Highlights of Budget 2023
Budget 2023 delivers practical cost of living support for New Zealanders today and makes targeted investments to build a better future. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Greens welcome much needed investment but Labour can go further for Te Ao Māori & Pasifika in t...
Today the Green Party’s Te Mātāwaka (Māori and Pasifika) caucus supported the 2023 Budget, but there’s still room for improvement. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Free prescriptions important step forward
The Green Party is today welcoming free prescriptions. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Long-term commitment needed on public housing
Budget 2023’s investment in public housing falls short of what’s needed. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Green initiative addresses both climate and inequality
A long standing Green Party policy has been extended yet again in this year’s Budget. This will deliver warmer homes for thousands of people, lower power bills, and cut climate pollution. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Greens on board with more affordable buses and trains
The Green Party is fully on board with free bus and train travel for under 12s and half price travel for under 25s - next stop, free travel for all under 18s, students, and apprentices. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Budget 2023 falls short of what’s needed
Today’s Budget makes good progress on climate and inequality, but falls short of what’s needed to fix both. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Forestry sector must compensate for slash damage
The Green Party welcomes today’s release of the report of the Ministerial Inquiry into slash and sediment, and are clear that the forestry industry must foot more of the bill. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Winston Peters – why mess with the magic of the monarchy?
When Chris Hipkins appeared on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he described himself as a “technical republican”. At least it was clearer than when he stumbled over what a woman is. In the blue corner, the other “Chris” said, “New Zealand will become a republic, eventually.” Of course, they both supported ...
NZ First Press Release
2 weeks ago

Govt must break up supermarkets
The Government needs to do much more to address supermarket profiteering, which is driving high food prices. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Grant Robertson: Pre-Budget speech to BNZ business breakfast
This morning, the Minister of Finance Grant Robertson delivered a pre-Budget speech in Auckland. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Action to support people to put food on the table more urgent than ever
Yet another increase in food prices shows the urgent need for the Government to tax wealth and use the money to help people put food on the table. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Grant Robertson: Pre-Budget speech to Wellington Chamber of Commerce
This morning, the Minister of Finance Grant Robertson delivered a pre-Budget speech in Wellington. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Our preoccupation with Māori theatrics while sacrificing economic realism
May is significant in the New Zealand parliamentary calendar, given the Minister of Finance delivers the Budget - a whopping $128 billion last year, over a third of our GDP. This year Grant Robertson is riding a unicycle on a tightrope. The sugar rush is over but will he still ...
NZ First Press Release
3 weeks ago

Labour left floundering on seabed health
Labour has once again avoided taking decisions to protect ocean health and shown exactly why we need more Green MPs. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Whaitiri Fiasco A Multi-Party Deception
‘Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive’ It’s now revealed that Meka Whaitiri consulted with the Speaker before her resignation announcement and sought guidance on the process. So the Speaker knew before Meka sent the letter to him of her intent to defect to ...
NZ First Press Release
3 weeks ago

Agreement between Indo-Pacific partners for supply chain resilience
Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor joined ministerial representatives at a meeting in Detroit, USA today to announce substantial conclusion of negotiations of a new regional supply chains agreement among 14 Indo-Pacific countries. The Supply Chains agreement is one of four pillars being negotiated within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 hours ago

Celebrating Samoa Language Week 2023
Our most spoken Pacific language is taking centre stage this week with Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week kicking off around the country. “Understanding and using the Samoan language across our nation is vital to its survival,” Barbara Edmonds said. “The Samoan population in New Zealand are ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 hours ago

Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert system
Over 90 per cent of New Zealanders are expected to receive this year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight between 6-7pm. “Emergency Mobile Alert is a tool that can alert people when their life, health, or property, is in danger,” Kieran McAnulty said. “The annual nationwide test ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
7 hours ago

Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement
ENGLISH: Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Whakatōhea and the Crown, 183 years to the day since Whakatōhea rangatira signed the Treaty of Waitangi, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little has announced. Whakatōhea is an iwi based in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

New Chair appointed to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
Elizabeth Longworth has been appointed as the Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton announced today. UNESCO is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting cooperative action among member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Tourism transformation starts with people
Tourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Tourism transformation starts with people
Tourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Te ao Māori health services cheaper and more accessible for whānau
Greater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Te ao Māori health services more accessible for whānau
Greater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Government’s work for survivors of abuse in care continues
The Government continues progress on the survivor-led independent redress system for historic abuse in care, with the announcement of the design and advisory group members today. “The main recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Abuse in Care interim redress report was for a survivor-led independent redress system, and the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Two brand new mental health facilities opened in Christchurch
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall has opened two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities at the Christchurch Hillmorton Hospital campus, as the Government ramps up its efforts to build a modern fit for purpose mental health system. The buildings, costing $81.8 million, are one of 16 capital projects the Government has funded ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Government invests more than $24 million in regional projects
The Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies by announcing another $24 million worth of investment into ten diverse projects, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “Our regions are the backbone of our economy and today’s announcement continues to build on the Government’s investment to boost regional economic ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Budget 23 supports the growth of Māori tourism
An $8 million boost to New Zealand Māori Tourism will help operators insulate themselves for the future. Spread over the next four years, the investment acknowledges the on-going challenges faced by the industry and the significant contribution Māori make to tourism in Aotearoa. It builds on the $15 million invested ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

First Bushmasters ready to roll
Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the first 18 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the New Zealand Army, alongside personnel at Trentham Military Camp today. “The arrival of the Bushmaster fleet represents a significant uplift in capability and protection for defence force personnel, and a milestone in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Humanitarian support for the people of Sudan
Aotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$3.5 million to help meet urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The severe fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has had devastating impacts for civilians. At least 705 people have been killed and 5,287 injured. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Clean-up at Hawkes Bay facility to help region deal with cyclone waste
Repairing a Hawke’s Bay organic composting facility devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle is among the latest waste reduction projects getting Government backing, Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking announced today. “Helping communities get back on their feet after the devastating weather that hit the northern parts of the country this year is ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

8% pay boosts for GP & community nurses
About 6,100 more GP, community nurses and kaiāwhina will be eligible for pay rises of 8% on average to reduce pay disparities with nurses in hospitals, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. The top up comes from a $200 million fund established to remove pay disparities between nurses ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Govt turns the sod on new Jobs and Skills Hub for Hawke’s Bay
New Jobs and Skills Hub to begin construction in Hawke’s Bay The Hub will support the building of $1.1billion worth of homes in the region and support Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild and recovery. Over 2,200 people have been supported into industry specific employment, apprenticeships and training, by these Hubs across NZ ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Community Housing Aotearoa Conference Speech
Tēnā koutou e nga maata waka. Kia koutou te mana whenua tēnā koutou Ngā mate huhua o te waa, haere, haere, haere atu ra. Hoki mai kia tātou te kanohi ora e tau nei, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Tēnā koutou i runga i te kaupapa o te ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

New mental health tool launched for small business owner-operators
The Government has launched a new tool to help small business owner-operators manage and improve their mental wellbeing, Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. The Brave in Business e-Learning series is another tool the Government has delivered to support small businesses with their mental health and wellbeing. “A pandemic, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

TAB partnership helps secure future of racing industry
Minister for Racing Kieran McAnulty has announced the approval of a 25-year partnership between TAB NZ and UK betting company Entain that delivers at least $900 million in guaranteed funding for the racing industry over the next five years. Entain, a UK based group that operates multiple sports betting providers ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Government project delivers more reliable and resilient water source to Northland
The Government has delivered the first of three significant water security projects in Northland, boosting regional business and climate resilience, with the opening of Matawii reservoir today, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced. A $68 million Government investment supported the construction of the reservoir, along with two other water storage ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Trade Minister to US to attend Ministerial meetings
Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor will travel to Detroit tomorrow to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting from 24 – 29 May. Whilst in Detroit, Damien O’Connor will also host a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Ministers ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Murihiku Regeneration energy and innovation wānanga
I want to start by thanking Ngāi Tahu and the Murihiku Regeneration Collective for hosting us here today. Back at the Science and Innovation Wananga in 2021, I said that a just transition in New Zealand must ensure Iwi are at the table. This is just as true now as ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

New Ambassador to Mongolia announced
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of diplomat Dr James Waite as Aotearoa New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Mongolia. He is currently the Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, a role he will continue to hold. “New Zealand and Mongolia share a warm and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Government commitment to Māori Education continues
Biggest-ever investment in property with more money for new sites and modernisation Roll-out of learning support coordination in kaupapa Māori and Māori Medium Schooling Boost in funding for iwi and schools to work together on Local Histories content Substantial support for Māori Education has continued in Budget 2023, including ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

More students to benefit from next round of Creatives in Schools
Applications for the next round of Creatives in Schools will open on Friday 16 June 2023, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today during a visit at Te Wharekura o Mauao in Tauranga. “The Creatives in Schools programme funds schools and ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Speech to WasteMINZ conference, Hamilton
Tena koutou katoa and thank you all for being here and welcoming me to your annual conference. I want to acknowledge being here in Tainui’s rohe, and the mana of Kingi Tuheitia. I hate waste. So much so that when we built our home in Dunedin, I banned the use ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Extra boost for Southland’s Just Transition
Southland’s Just Transition is getting a further boost to help future-proof the region and build its economic resilience, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today. “This Government is committed to supporting Southland’s just transition and reducing the region’s reliance on the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point,” Megan ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

PM concludes successful Pacific visit, confirms intention to visit India
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has concluded a series of successful international meetings with Pacific region leaders in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Hipkins secured constructive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and United States Secretary of ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

Agreed statement from NZEI, PPTA and the Minister of Education
On Friday 19th May, Minister Tinetti facilitated a meeting between NZEI and PPTA with the Ministry of Education to discuss options for finding a way forward in the current stalled collective bargaining. The meeting was constructive, and the parties shared a willingness to work towards a solution. The following was ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Five community energy projects kick start
Eighty-nine households will soon benefit from secure, renewable, and more affordable energy as five community-level energy projects are about to get underway, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today.  Five solar projects – in Whangārei, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Christchurch – are the first to receive funding from the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

New Zealand confirms recovery support for Cook Islands
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed New Zealand will provide NZ$15 million in emergency budget support for Cook Islands in its ongoing recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. New Zealand’s support was confirmed during a meeting with the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown in Papua New Guinea today. “New ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Budget 2023 provides significant investment in kapa haka
The Government’s continued recognition of and support for the important place Kapa Haka has in Aotearoa was evident today at a celebration at Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Willow-Jean Prime said. “Our investment of $34 million over two years ensures that this kaupapa is ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

NZ’s biggest ever emissions reduction project unveiled
The Government is partnering with New Zealand Steel to deliver New Zealand’s largest emissions reduction project to date, with half of the coal being used at Glenbrook steel to be replaced with electricity to recycle scrap steel. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made the announcement alongside Energy and Resources Minister Megan ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Government welcome Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2750 report into homelessness
The Government has welcomed the Stage One Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2750 – Housing and Housing Services Kaupapa Inquiry report into homelessness released today. Minister of Housing Hon Megan Woods and Associate Minister of Housing (Māori) Hon Willie Jackson as Co-Leads for the government, with Associate Minister of Housing (homelessness) Hon ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

PM confirms details of Papua New Guinea visit
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed his upcoming visit to Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister travels to Port Moresby on Sunday May 21, and will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. He has also been invited ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Bill ensures ongoing reporting on tax system fairness
A Bill requiring facts about the fairness and efficiency of New Zealand’s tax system to be reported and published annually has been tabled in Parliament today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the Taxation Principles Reporting Bill would ensure that tax information is reported against a set of fundamental tax principles. ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Tax bill improves fairness at home and abroad
NZ joins global effort to ensure multinationals pay a minimum rate of tax Tax on ACC, MSD lump sum payments changed to reduce amounts owing for some KiwiSaver topups for child carers taking paid parental leave Implementing changes to trustee tax and tax relief for flood-hit businesses Several measures ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

New approach on law and order delivers
Successful ‘circuit breaker’ pilot targeting repeat child offenders to be expanded to Hamilton, Christchurch and Auckland City Funding to maintain Police to population ratio achieved after 1800 extra Police officers added Creation of NZ’s first comprehensive digital Firearms Registry Modernising frontline police processes to free up time for officers Budget ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

India launches ‘celebration of future’ climate research centre at USP
By Joeli Bili in Suva A partnership forged between the Indian government and the University of the South Pacific (USP) will see the establishment of a new Fiji-based centre for climate change, coastal and ocean management in the region. The Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research Institute (SCORI) at USP’s Suva ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
20 mins ago

Labour Unarmed In Contest Of Ideas
“New Zealanders watching for Labour’s vision for a wealthier, safer, more united country this weekend saw a political party enter a contest of ideas completely unarmed,” says ACT Leader David Seymour. “Labour’s first two policy announcements of this ...
Scoop politics
40 mins ago

Apprenticeship scheme would be permanent under Labour government
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has used his first major speech to his party to promise to keep an existing apprenticeship scheme in place. ...
Radio NZ – political
44 mins ago

Congress 2023 speech: Chris Hipkins
28 May 2023 E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira ma. Tena koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa. Mālō e lelei Kia Orana Talofa Lava Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō Ni Ni sa bula. Namaste As-salamu alaykum Ni hao … or as we say ...
Scoop politics
46 mins ago

Labour Backing Apprentices And Employers
Labour will back employers and guarantee a pipeline of skilled tradespeople by making the successful Apprenticeship Boost scheme a permanent feature of New Zealand’s tertiary education system, Labour leader Chris Hipkins has committed today. The programme ...
Scoop politics
50 mins ago

New Zealand’s Version of ‘Know Nothingism’
Rt Hon Winston Peters Public Meeting Marlborough Events Centre Blenheim 1.00pm 28 May 2023 Good afternoon and thank you for taking the time to be here. Blenheim is at the heart of the Marlborough region and an important contributor to New Zealand’s ...
Scoop politics
57 mins ago

New Zealand First Announces Kaikoura Candidate
New Zealand First is pleased to announce Jamie Arbuckle, Marlborough District Councillor, to stand as a candidate for the Kaikoura electorate at this year’s General Election. Jamie Arbuckle is an outstanding contributor to New Zealand First and his local community. ...
Scoop politics
60 mins ago

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework finish negotiations on improving supply chain resilience
Fourteen Indo-Pacific countries have finished negotiations about improving supply chain resilience as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 hour ago

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework finish negotiations on improving supply chain resilience
Fourteen Indo-Pacific countries have finished negotiations about improving supply chain resilience as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 hour ago

Are these the best buns in Christchurch?
His cafe Tom’s is one of the small gems of Ōtautahi’s breakfast scene. Now owner-operator Tom Worthington has a second cafe – just a few doors down from the first. He talks to Charlotte Muru-Lanning about opening Estelle, and the overwhelming importance of a good bun. This is an excerpt ...
The SpinoffBy Charlotte Muru-Lanning
5 hours ago

Disability access 'a work in progress' for Parliament
Efforts are underway to make Parliament more accessible for people who live with disability. ...
Radio NZ – political
6 hours ago

Disability access 'a work in progress' for Parliament
Efforts are underway to make Parliament more accessible for people who live with disability. ...
Radio NZ – political
6 hours ago

What’s your favourite New Zealand music collaboration?
As New Zealand Music months comes to an end, we look back at some of the most memorable collaborations between (or involving) local artists. Aotearoa has a long and proud tradition of mucking in, lending a hand and sharing the bloody load. Given that the theme for NZ Music Month ...
The SpinoffBy Group Think
7 hours ago

Now's not the time for budget cuts on climate
Auckland Council's proposed budget cuts might look okay on paper, but when the weeds start taking over and the council fails to meet its own emissions targets, we’ll be left with an even bigger – and costlier – mess to clean up. Carl Morgan explains why the council and volunteers need to ...
Newsroom
10 hours ago

Between ‘Birdspeak’ and ‘The Artist’: Arihia Latham and Ruby Solly in conversation
Poets Ruby Solly (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) and Arihia Latham (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) talk about their new collections of poetry, and the many resonances between them. ‘Hineahuone’ from Birdspeak by Arihia Latham My legs are swamp maire sodden weights hip sockets wide like the pae maunga on ...
The SpinoffBy Ruby Solly
10 hours ago

The Sunday Essay: The original Christchurch bus exchange
Teenage memories so often populate one place. For Sharon Lam, it was the original bus exchange on the corner of Colombo and Lichfield Street. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by MK Templer. Once upon a time, before earthquakes and ...
The SpinoffBy Sharon Lam
11 hours ago

OPM call for PNG’s James Marape as negotiator for NZ pilot’s safe passage
Asia Pacific Report Free Papua Organisation (OPM) leader Jeffrey Bomanak has appealed for Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to become a “neutral intermediary” to negotiate between the Indonesian government and the West Papuan rebels holding a New Zealand pilot hostage for his release. He has called in a ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
15 hours ago

Newsroom wins three national media awards
The annual awards for news journalism see Newsroom win three titles and the NZ Herald win website of the year for the fourth time in a row Newsroom has won another three national media awards at the annual Voyager dinner in Auckland – including best crime and justice reporting for ...
Newsroom
16 hours ago

NZ’s opposition ‘need to go back to school’ over bilingual sign attack
By Rayssa Almeida, RNZ News reporter New Zealand’s Māori Party co-leader says the opposition National Party should go back to school if it thinks including te reo Māori on road signs is confusing. In a transport meeting yesterday in Bay of Plenty, National’s spokesperson Simeon Brown said introducing the language ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
18 hours ago

Author-poet condemns rebel threat to shoot NZ hostage pilot if denied talks
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author-poet and advocate for West Papuan independence has condemned a reported threat against the life of a New Zealand hostage pilot, Philip Mehrtens, held by Papuan liberation fighters and appealed to them to “keep Philip safe”. Jim Aubrey, a human rights activist who has campaigned ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
21 hours ago

Nats need to 'go back to school' over bilingual sign criticism – Māori Party
The Māori Party co-leader says the National Party should go back to school if it thinks including te reo Māori on road signs is confusing. ...
Radio NZ – political
23 hours ago

No Consent From Whakatohea Hapu For Treaty Of Waitangi Settlement Deed To Be Signed By 'Iwi&#03...
Hapu of Te Whakatohea opposed to the New Zealand government's Treaty of Waitangi settlement deal for their Raupatu - invasion and land confiscation - claims and the cutting off of their historic Treaty of Waitangi claims in the Waitangi Tribunal ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Labour goes negative on National-ACT 'cuts'
Labour kept up its attacks on the Opposition's proposed tax cuts but fumbled its own number-crunching at a party congress, Marc Daalder reports Analysis: Going on the attack is a new strategy for a Labour Party with fresh leadership. Jacinda Ardern promised "relentless positivity" after her election victory in 2020 and ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

Labour Congress 2023 Speech: Grant Robertson
Welcome to sunny and calm Wellington, which I know those of you who are visiting would of course expect to be the case. It’s been a busy week since we put forward the 2023 Budget. Labour MPs have been out across the motu giving the good oil on ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

SPEECH: Labour Congress 2023 Speech: Carmel Sepuloni
Introduction Kia orana, Talofa lava, Mālo e lelei, Taloha ni, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Noa’ia e mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia ora, Tena Koutou Katoa. Labour Party President Jill Day, Prime Minister Hipkins, Party faithful, delegates and comrades, whānau ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

SPEECH: Labour Congress 2023 Speech: Kelvin Davis
One of my kaumātua up North stood before the Waitangi Tribunal and said: ‘He aha kē ahau, te tangata kore hara i mua i te Atua, e tu nei kia whakawaatia e koe, te tangata tāhae, te tangata hara, te tangata kore tikanga? Ko koe kē te tika, ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Labour promises not to change superannuation age if re-elected
Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni says a re-elected Labour government led by Chris Hipkins would not raise the pension age from 65. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Focus on Politics: Hipkins juggles competing ideologies over PNG-US deal
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' visit to Papua New Guinea sends a clear message: superpowers may come and go, but New Zealand is here to stay. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Cheesecakes, brownies and cookies – she did it all for the mochi
Cathy Fan started baking to heal herself. Now, her designer cheesecakes and cookies are in demand all over Auckland – and beyond. On a recent Wednesday, Cathy Fan caused a bit of a scene. The part-time baker was setting up her stall at Britomart’s regular food truck lunch event when ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
1 day ago

Cheesecakes, brownies and cookies – she did it all for the mochi
Cathy Fan started baking to heal herself. Now, her designer cheesecakes and cookies are in demand all over Auckland – and beyond. On a recent Wednesday, Cathy Fan caused a bit of a scene. The part-time baker was setting up her stall at Britomart’s regular food truck lunch event when ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
1 day ago

Crunchy, spicy and delicious: Seven Indian snacks you need to try
Beyond that bland bag of supermarket bhuja, an exciting new snacking world awaits. In 2002 when we moved to Auckland, my mum’s favourite shop was the lonely old Moshim’s Indian store near Pakuranga Plaza out east. It was the only place that sold the spices and ingredients she needed to ...
The SpinoffBy Perzen Patel
1 day ago

Labour faithful gather for election-year conference – what might they have in store?
The Labour Party faithful are gathering in Wellington this weekend for the party's annual congress. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Black Ferns' fitness weapon – the 'bomb squad'
He helped get them fit enough to be world champions, now Craig Twentyman is relishing the next phase for rugby's Black Ferns The Black Ferns World Cup win last year was as much a rugby miracle as it was a fitness miracle. Meet Craig Twentyman - the Kiwi strength and ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

A short history of the kitchen
The kitchen has become associated with routine and ritual, of domestic practices and gendered activities, but it is also the site of a gradual shift toward the ‘democratisation’ of domesticity Opinion: Looking back over the past few years, the pandemic called into question many things about the way we live. ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

The Week in Detail: India, mānuka and 'greedflation'
Every weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at why we've never nailed down a free trade agreement with India, the looming threat of another "twindemic" of winter illness, what "greedflation" is and whether it can be blamed for the soaring cost of living, the ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

Wayne to Busan: lessons for Auckland from Korea’s second city
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is rubbing shoulders this weekend with mayors from cities like New Orleans, Santiago and Mombasa at the World Climate Industry Expo in Busan Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has touched down in Busan, South Korea on an independently-funded trip to participate in the World Climate Industry Expo. ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

Depth of focus
Today we start the Pinnacle Series. A weekly showcase of future leaders and inspirational young New Zealanders from the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme who are forging ahead in their chosen fields. First up, Kirsten Fisher-Marsters has her sights set on championing the next generation of promising young athletes. July 23, 2021, is ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

The Grammy-partying, Spotify-crushing NZ rappers you’ve probably never heard of
SXMPRA and Lilbubblegum aren’t household names yet – but their streaming numbers prove they’re already in the big leagues. Kalem Tarrant is feeling a little dusty. He’s sitting outside a Symonds Street burger joint at a Monday lunchtime with Luke Winther, whose dark sunglasses indicate he’s feeling the same way. ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
1 day ago

Ranked: the grotesque images and bleak prompts behind National’s AI ads
The first AI-generated political attack ads arrived this week. Duncan Greive assesses the disturbing contents. The first political scandal of the generative AI era in New Zealand politics could not have fit our country’s bumpkin brand better. 1News’ Justin Hu had the terrific scoop earlier this week, heading to the ...
The SpinoffBy Duncan Greive
1 day ago

Long Read: Talofa and Ni Hao
This is The Detail's Long Read - one in-depth story read by us every weekend. This week, it's Talofa and Ni Hao by Ollie Neas, published in North & South's February issue. You can read the full article, with accompanying photos, here. In Samoa, there are mixed feelings about Chinese influence and the nation’s ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

Short story: Perhaps it was like this, by Michael Morrissey
A scorched Earth, and an Ivan Rogers photo essay The sand, the colour of a sun tan, caused a cancer called thirst. Curable by water – if you could lay hands and mouths on the wet stuff over which the human race was to enter a ferocious war in ...
Newsroom
1 day ago

Cost Of Living Budget Delivers For Mangere
Cheaper Childcare: 20 hours free ECE expanded to include two-year-olds Helping with Health Costs : $5 prescription co-payment scrapped Targeting Transport: Free public transport for under-13s, half priced for under-25s Reducing Power Bills: 100,000 ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

'They should be in English': National to ditch te reo Māori traffic signs
National does not support bilingual traffic signs in te reo and English, transport spokesperson Simeon Brown says. ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

Picture this: green hydrogen plants next to green steelworks to boost efficiency and kickstart both ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Changlong Wang, Research fellow, Monash University Shutterstock The race to net zero is accelerating. Just last week, United States President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a climate pact to boost cooperation. The move signifies Australia is ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Surry Hills was once the centre of New South Wales’ ‘rag trade’: a short history of fashion ma...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McNeil, Distinguished Professor of Design History, UTS, University of Technology Sydney Top Dog factory for men’s hats, Surry Hills, 1941 State Library of New South Wales Sydney has awoken to the smouldering ruins of its largest city fire in 55 years. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

The highly secretive Five Eyes alliance has disrupted a China-backed hacker group – in an unusuall...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis B. Desmond, Lecturer, Cyberintelligence and Cybercrime Investigations, University of the Sunshine Coast Dennis Desmond, Author provided This week the Five Eyes alliance – an intelligence alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and the United States – ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

‘WA’s Christmas tree’: what mungee, the world’s largest mistletoe, can teach us about treadi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Lullfitz, Research Associate, The University of Western Australia Alison Lullfitz, Author provided Noongar Country of southwestern Australia is home to the world’s largest parasitic plant, a mighty mistletoe that blooms every December. That’s why it’s commonly known as WA’s ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

The Week in Politics: Reserve Bank raises OCR, Budget reaction continues
Analysis - The Reserve Bank's surprisingly benign response to the Budget robs National of a strong attack line and the NZ Steel deal is hailed as a win for the climate, but opposition parties say its "corporate welfare". ...
Radio NZ – political
2 days ago

It’s Friday so… have some Barbie in your life
I’m gradually becoming more and more convinced this year’s Barbie film from Greta Gerwig is going to be the best movie of 2023. Or the worst, but in a way that it is still great. For now, you should absolutely watch this new trailer which also serves as a promo ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

Democracy In New Zealand – Could It Be Better?
As the general election approaches, secondary school students are being challenged to the ‘run the ruler’ over New Zealand’s democracy. An essay competition launched today calls on secondary school students to identify the important elements of a ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

‘Living museum’ will help bring Fiji’s Girmit experience by storytelling
By Rachael Nath, RNZ Pacific journalist In a significant step toward preserving and commemorating Fiji’s rich history, efforts are underway to establish the country’s first living museum. This unique institution will focus on capturing the era of the British colonial government’s indentured system in Fiji, shedding light on the arrival ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
2 days ago

Everyone we saw at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2023, part two
Guy Montgomery, Maria Williams, Guy Williams and more shows from the second half of the festival, reviewed. Abby Howells: La Soupco Oh the joy of seeing someone as weird as you just be happily weird in public. Off the top: I loved La Soupco. Having known little about Howells beyond ...
The SpinoffBy Group Think
2 days ago

Everyone we saw at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2023, part two
Guy Montgomery, Maria Williams, Guy Williams and more shows from the second half of the festival, reviewed. Abby Howells: La Soupco Oh the joy of seeing someone as weird as you just be happily weird in public. Off the top: I loved La Soupco. Having known little about Howells beyond ...
The SpinoffBy Group Think
2 days ago

The country’s ‘highest bar’ is about to open
Auckland’s Sky Tower will soon have a new bar – situated on the 50th floor. That’s just below the observation deck and the Orbit restaurant. A press release revealed the new Skybar, which will be the country’s “highest bar”, will be launching on June 23, in partnership with champagne producers Moët ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

The country’s ‘highest bar’ is about to open
Auckland’s Sky Tower will soon have a new bar – situated on the 50th floor. That’s just below the observation deck and the Orbit restaurant. A press release revealed the new Skybar will be launching on June 23, in partnership with champagne producers Moët and Chandon. “We’ve been looking for the ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

A Gore-y assignment for Linda Clark
The troubled Gore council looks to call in a legal-political-media troubleshooter to restore order, Vaneesa Bellew reports Lawyer and former political journalist Linda Clark is expected to head an independent review tasked with restoring confidence in Gore District Council. Councillors at an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday will consider several recommendations ...
Newsroom
2 days ago

PNG’s Governor-General signs off on dismissal of Bryan Kramer as MP
By Todagia Kelola in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General, Sir Bob Dadae, has formally dismissed former cabinet minister Brian Kramer as a Member of Parliament representing the people of Madang. On Wednesday, the Governor-General, who was out on duty travel when the Leadership Tribunal made its recommendation of dismissal ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
2 days ago

Ingredient of the week: Miso
There’s remarkable variety and depth to be found in a spoonful of fermented bean paste. Oh, miso paste! Salty, sweet, mellow, earthy, fruity, deeply umami and wonderfully aromatic. A tub of miso paste is a flavour essential, always stashed in my fridge, ready to be dug into with a spoon ...
The SpinoffBy Wyoming Paul
2 days ago

Ingredient of the week: Miso
There’s remarkable variety and depth to be found in a spoonful of fermented bean paste. Oh, miso paste! Salty, sweet, mellow, earthy, fruity, deeply umami and wonderfully aromatic. A tub of miso paste is a flavour essential, always stashed in my fridge, ready to be dug into with a spoon ...
The SpinoffBy Wyoming Paul
2 days ago

The Friday Poem: ‘Schoolboy Reunion’ by Danny Bultitude
A new poem by Wellington poet Danny Bultitude. Schoolboy Reunion Saw him at Wellington Train Station after I Saw him on the Police Ten-7 Facebook page Last summer, obsidian, he worked in this gym Underpaid, mistreated, he set the place aflame Never realised that was how you spelt his name ...
The SpinoffBy Danny Bultitude
2 days ago

The Friday Poem: ‘Schoolboy Reunion’ by Danny Bultitude
A new poem by Wellington poet Danny Bultitude. Schoolboy Reunion Saw him at Wellington Train Station after I Saw him on the Police Ten-7 Facebook page Last summer, obsidian, he worked in this gym Underpaid, mistreated, he set the place aflame Never realised that was how you spelt his name ...
The SpinoffBy Danny Bultitude
2 days ago

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 26
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey (Te Herenga Waka University Press, $35) The winner of ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books
2 days ago

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 26
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey (Te Herenga Waka University Press, $35) The winner of ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books
2 days ago

Regional communities were central to Uluru Statement, and they must also be for the Voice to Parliam...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Blackwell, Research Fellow (Indigenous Diplomacy), Australian National University Today marks the sixth anniversary of the Uluru Statement From the Heart, and National Sorry Day. The statement is a powerful document that speaks of the opportunity for true and meaningful change ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Regional communities were central to Uluru Statement, and they must also be for the Voice to Parliam...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Blackwell, Research Fellow (Indigenous Diplomacy), Australian National University Today marks the sixth anniversary of the Uluru Statement From the Heart, and National Sorry Day. The statement is a powerful document that speaks of the opportunity for true and meaningful change ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Curious Kids: how does your brain know how to move your body?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arjun Burlakoti, Senior Lecturer in Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, University of South Australia Shutterstock How does your brain know how to move your body? – Ivy, age 8, Victoria Hi Ivy, thanks for asking such an interesting question! To answer ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Curious Kids: how does your brain know how to move your body?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arjun Burlakoti, Senior Lecturer in Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, University of South Australia Shutterstock How does your brain know how to move your body? – Ivy, age 8, Victoria Hi Ivy, thanks for asking such an interesting question! To answer ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Your weekend TV guide: Platonic, The Clearing, Fubar and The Little Mermaid
Platonic is the week’s biggest new release, a rom-com series starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne that critics say is “one of the strongest new shows of the year,” (Collider), and, “strikes a nice balance between lighthearted and serious storylines” (Decider). “It’s fun simply to spend time in the company ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
2 days ago

Your weekend TV guide: Platonic, The Clearing, Fubar and The Little Mermaid
Platonic is the week’s biggest new release, a rom-com series starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne that critics say is “one of the strongest new shows of the year,” (Collider), and, “strikes a nice balance between lighthearted and serious storylines” (Decider). “It’s fun simply to spend time in the company ...
The SpinoffBy Chris Schulz
2 days ago

Researchers built an analogue computer that uses water waves to forecast the chaotic future
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ivan Maksymov, Principal Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University Shutterstock Can a computer learn from the past and anticipate what will happen next, like a human? You might not be surprised to hear that some cutting-edge AI models could achieve this ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

Researchers built an analogue computer that uses water waves to forecast the chaotic future
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ivan Maksymov, Principal Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University Shutterstock Can a computer learn from the past and anticipate what will happen next, like a human? You might not be surprised to hear that some cutting-edge AI models could achieve this ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 days ago

A British gambling giant just took over the TAB. Here’s why that’s bad news
The government insists it just saved the TAB by handing over operations to an overseas gambling company. But the deal is shortsighted and potentially dangerous, writes Terry Leisman. So what just happened? Racing minister Kieran McAnulty has just approved a 25-year deal transferring our own TAB NZ betting operations to ...
The SpinoffBy Terry Leisman
2 days ago

The Opportunities Party Announces ‘Climate Opportunities’ Policy To Build Resilience
Today, The Opportunities Party (TOP) announces its 2023 climate policy ‘Climate Opportunities’. The policy suite includes three ‘system-level’ policies for emissions reduction and several areas of focus for climate adaptation. The policy ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Mama Hooch Rapists’ WhatsApp Group Members Called Out
A group calling for action to stop sexual violence against women and children has welcomed the lifting of name suppression for the predatory Christchurch-based brothers, Daniel Jaz (40) and Roberto Jaz (38). However, it says a spotlight also needs to ...
Scoop politics
2 days ago

Stadium Southland board chair resigns after Skelt harassment investigation
This is a story from a little earlier in the week that I missed, but given The Spinoff’s ongoing reporting on the wider goings on at Stadium Southland in Invercargill I thought it was worth flagging for you all. The Southland Tribune has reported that long-serving Stadium Southland board member, ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
2 days ago

Strange Democracy.

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Strange Democracy.

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