Submit as if your grandkids’ lives depend on it
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10:39 am, September 30th, 2024 - 19 comments
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Last week was a big week in politics.
The Government did a number of things each of which was deeply disturbing and deeply detrimental to our country.
They included:
- Walking back on a promise which was used to attack Labour repeatedly, which was to provide Dunedin with a hospital that it deserved. The announced cut back to the project suggests that National thinks Dunedin deserves very little.
- It was revealed that Mainfreight was not involved in the expert advisory group to advise on the new ferries. And not having rail enabled ferries would result in 5,000 more Mainfreight truck trips a year. When the country’s largest trucking firm says says that rail enabled ferries are vital then it is pretty clear that it is.
- Act announced that teacher only days during school term would be banned, making the introduction of the new curriculum very difficult if not impossible. Take that Teachers’ Union.
- In yet another insult to Maoridom the Government announced a cut to funding for Te Reo education for teachers of $30 million a year so that it could fund its new literacy programme.
But the most disturbing news was the introduction of the Government’s bill allowing for offsea oil and gas drilling to be reintroduced. And the kicker was that citizens will have only have five days from that date to submit on the bill. Citizenship involvement in the formulation of law is clearly not something of importance to this Government.
Its justification for the change was contained in this speech from Shane Jones during the Bill’s introduction:
Our Government inherited a dire situation where gas supply has been tight, and demand grossly exceeds supply. Why does this situation exist? It exists because of an ideological urge to reject the value of an indigenous resource in New Zealand called natural gas that represents a key contingency fuel that offers security to New Zealand’s energy system; an irrational belief that this valuable resource represents a threat to New Zealand’s reputation, New Zealand’s stamina economically. Our Government rejects that ideological clap trap.
In response Megan Woods summarised the bill well:
I am not going to spend the time of my speech reminding those on the opposite benches of the large body of climate science that tells us about the need to keep oil and gas in the ground—I’m taking that as a given. And I’m assuming members opposite actually do engage in that literature. But I am going to spend my time in this speech talking about how today signifies a time when the three parties of this Government firmly plant in the ground their backwards-looking plan that is no plan. All three parties in this coalition are showing their true colours today. They will be judged by their actions for generations to come. This is a bill that certainly does not put New Zealand first; it puts New Zealand at risk. This bill is quite simply climate denying, populist, right-wing virtue signalling.
Steve Abel from the Greens said this about the “inconvenience” of climate change:
If we are to have a future on this planet, the oil and gas industry and the coal industry must have no future. Now, is it convenient to transition our energy system from the means by which we have powered most of the world for the last 200 years? No, it is not convenient. Is it something we do for a laugh? No, it is not something we do for a laugh. It is something we do because the science of climate change—which the other side of the House are in rabid denial of—tells us that we have to move away from oil, gas, and coal.
And this:
It’s interesting that the party that wants to vandalise the functional viability of the atmosphere on which all humanity and, in fact, all life on Earth depends, by continuing to pollute it with carbon dioxide, is calling those of us who want to stop the destruction of the viability of life on Earth the vandals. In fact, that’s exactly what we’re here to do: to stop the vandalism.
The bill itself is more than a simple repeal of the drilling ban. It makes a number of changes. Gold mining on the foreshore would be permitted. Conservation land in Taranaki can now be investigated for exploitation.
One of the more complex and more worrying provisions is to remove the obligation for a permit or licence holder to take out an approved security to pay for decommissioning costs. More flexibility as approved by the Minister is to be allowed. Given that Shane Jones wanted the State to pay compensation if drilling rights were cancelled by a future Government you can imagine that he would be something of a pushover in negotiations with oil companies.
Also the previous government had expanded liability for decomissioning costs to include all former permit holders. The current proposal is that this be changed to include the prior permit holder only.
These are issues that need to be carefully worked through as the potential costs to the country are huge. Five days is not enough time to analyse them properly.
The change in philosophy is highlighted by a simple tweak to the purpose statement in the Act. Instead of the Government managing prospecting, exploration and mining of Crown owned minerals for the benefit of New Zealand it will in the future promote those activities under the bill.
If you want to make a submission this page has the details.
If you want to you may wish to say:
- Five days is a ridiculously short period to submit on something as serious as this.
- Climate change is real and is happening now. The country is seeing the effects of this regularly.
- The scientific consensus is that if we are going to avoid the worst effects of it we need to leave undiscovered oil and gas in the earth.
- There have been no major new discoveries of gas since 2002. The ban is not the cause of the current gas shortage.
- New gas wells will take 10 to 15 years to bring online. The ban on drilling has nothing to do with current gas shortages.
- Mass construction of renewable energy projects offers our best chance of a stable electricity supply as well as of meeting our emissions targets.
- Natural Gas is not necessarily a better alternative to oil. When methane gas emissions are factored in burning gas is much worse for the environment than the industry would let us think.
- The Bill is inconsistent with our international obligations as well as various trade treaties.
- In particular the Bill is inconsistent with the current Government’s goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
And just remember. Submissions have to be filed no later than 11:59 pm tomorrow night, Tuesday October 1.
Tell them to think about our grandchildren’s future. And how their climate denying, populist, right-wing virtue signalling performative art is not what we need in the middle of a climate crisis.
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Te Whatu Ora’s financials from the last year show the Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify making cuts that are already affecting patient care. ...6 days ago
- Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world
The New Zealand business community is unique. It has always punched well above its weight on the world stage. ...6 days ago
- Te Pāti Māori Statement on Israel & Iran
Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...6 days ago
- Release: Costello makes a fool of the PM
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...7 days ago
- Work to do on climate adaptation
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...1 week ago
- End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus
The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government breaks promise on ferry plan
Time has run out for Nicola Willis who has failed to keep her promise to deliver a solution to replace the Interislander ferries by today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour supports marches for better health
Labour supports Buller and Dunedin communities who are marching today and calling on the Government to act urgently to fix the health crisis. ...1 week ago
- Raising speed limits will cost our communities
The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Buller community
The Green Party stands in solidarity with the Buller community in its silent protest for better healthcare. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Proposed job losses devastating for Timaru
News that the Smithfield meatworks could close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Question mark over financial sustainability of Polytechs
The Government is taking tertiary education down a worrying path with new reporting finding that fourteen of the country’s sixteen polytechnics couldn’t survive on their own,” Labour’s tertiary education spokesperson Dr Deborah Russell says. ...2 weeks ago
- TPM issues warning to Govt: Back down or prepare for the wrath of the million Māori
Today the government announced a $30m cut to Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori- a programme that develops te reo Māori among our kaiako. “This announcement is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on te iwi Māori,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt set to break promise on Dunedin Hospital
The Green Party is calling on the Government to honour its promise to Dunedin and build its new hospital to full capacity. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Dunedin Hospital d-listed by Government
The non-announcement in Dunedin today had Ministers leaving broken promises and a likely severely diluted hospital build in their wake. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes UAE trade deal
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed today with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hundreds more jobs cuts on housing frontline
The Government has shown its true intentions for the public service and economy – it’s not to get more public servants back to the office, it’s more job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt not addressing health workforce crisis
The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts fair pay for bus drivers
The Government has cut funding for bus drivers to get paid fairly for the work they do, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown Minerals Bill Advances Colonisation
Today, the Crown Mineral Amendment Bill was read for the first time, reversing the ban on oil exploration off the coast of Taranaki. It was no accident that this proposed law change was read directly after the Government started to unravel the ability of iwi and hapū Māori to have ...2 weeks ago
- Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing
Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed – Te Pāti Māori
Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Justice, Tākuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading. "Māori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon
The Government must immediately help evacuate New Zealanders and Lebanese whanau caught up in the current conflict unfolding across south Lebanon. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits
The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalition’s introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. ...2 weeks ago
- Government introduces controversial MACA legislation
The Government’s introduction of its interventions in the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act threatens to throw relations between Māori and Crown into deeper disharmony. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Gun lobby bill removes regulation at ranges
Gun lobbyist Nicole McKee and her conflict of interest has struck again, this time removing safety regulations from shooting clubs and ranges in New Zealand. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt forgetting the 6000 jobs they’ve cut
The real problem in the public sector is ongoing job losses and cuts to the front line. ...2 weeks ago
- Government undermines public service with WFH crackdown
The Green Party says the Government’s retrograde move to tighten up on Work from Home arrangements is the latest in a series of blows to the Public Service. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ministers oblivious to cuts’ effect on families
The National Government is oblivious to the impact cuts to services will have on New Zealanders who are doing the hard yards caring for mentally ill family members. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Public service set up to fail under National
Nicola Willis has set up the public service to fail to pay for reckless tax cuts for landlords and the tobacco industry. ...2 weeks ago
- Holding careless builders accountable
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...9 hours ago - Further action to tackle driver licence wait times
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...13 hours ago
- Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...13 hours ago
- Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...18 hours ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...18 hours ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...18 hours ago
- Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...19 hours ago
- Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses
This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...2 days ago
- New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...2 days ago
- Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval
Kia uru kahikatea te tū. Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...3 days ago
- Fast-track to boost renewable electricity
The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...3 days ago
- Fast-track to drive transport projects forward
The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...3 days ago
- Fast-track projects released
The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...3 days ago
- Ruakākā recreation centre opened
A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...4 days ago
- Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...5 days ago
- Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...5 days ago
- Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property
The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...5 days ago
- New Government support for residential construction market announced
The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...5 days ago
- New appointment to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...5 days ago
- Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects
The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...5 days ago
- Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes
Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...5 days ago
- Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future. “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...6 days ago
- Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity
The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...6 days ago
- FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable
Parents and caregivers are now able to claim for FamilyBoost, which provides low-to-middle-income families with young children payments to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we are supporting families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, by helping ...6 days ago
- South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration
This week’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) has concluded with a renewed commitment to regional security of all types, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. Defence Ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga gathered in Auckland to discuss defence and security cooperation in the ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings
Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. “This is good news on two fronts – it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as ...6 days ago
- Speech to the Minerals West Coast Forum
Introduction Good morning! What a pleasure to be back in the stunning West Coast at one of my favourite events in the calendar. Every time I come back here, I’m reminded of the Coast’s natural beauty, valuable resources, and great people. Yet, every time I come back here, I’m also ...6 days ago
- Positive progress on Government health targets
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets. Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into ...6 days ago
- Supporting better access to data for Kiwis
The launch of a new data tool will provide Kiwis with better access to important data, Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly says. “To grow our economy and improve productivity we must adopt smarter ways of working, which means taking a more data driven approach to decision-making. “As Statistics Minister one of ...6 days ago
- Progressing remote building inspections
The Government is progressing plans to increase the use of remote inspections to make the building and consenting process more efficient and affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “We know that the building and construction sector suffers from a lack of innovation. According to a recent report, productivity ...7 days ago
- PPTA accepts charter schools
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the PPTA putting a proposal to members at its annual conference to change its constitution and allow membership of teachers who work in charter schools. “The PPTA has had a come to Jesus moment on charter schools. This is a major departure from the ...7 days ago
- New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed
David Clarke has been announced as the Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). David Clarke is a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law and he has over 20 years experience in governance roles in commercial, public and charitable sectors. He also is a current TAIC Commissioner. ...1 week ago
- Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea
The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in ...1 week ago
- South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland
Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, ...1 week ago
- Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed
In a triple whammy of good news, 1 October heralds the beginning of the funding of two major health products and a welcome contribution to early childhood fees, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Keytruda is the first drug to be funded and made available from the $604 million boost we ...1 week ago
- Children’s Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care. “The opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving ...1 week ago
- Minor variations no longer major problem
It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Previously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of ...1 week ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced seven diplomatic appointments. “Protecting and advancing New Zealand’s interests abroad is an extremely important role for our diplomats,” Mr Peters says. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of seven senior diplomats to these overseas missions.” The appointments are: Andrew ...1 week ago
- SuperGold Information Hub live
The first iteration of the SuperGold Information Hub is now on-line, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today. “The SuperGold Hub is an online portal offering up-to-date information on all of the offers available to SuperGold cardholders. “We know the SuperGold card is valued, and most people know its use ...1 week ago
- New fund to clean up old landfill and dump sites
A new Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund will help councils and landowners clean up historic landfills and other contaminated sites that are vulnerable to the effects of severe weather, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. "This $30 million fund, part of our Q4 Action Plan, increases the Government’s investment in ...1 week ago
- Physics Nobel awarded to neural network pioneers who laid foundations for AI
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron J. Snoswell, Research Fellow in AI Accountability, Queensland University of Technology The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to scientists John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks”. Inspired ...2 hours ago - Government to put pressure on opposition with legislation to ensure NBN stays in public hands
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government on Wednesday will introduce legislation to ensure the NBN remains in government ownership. The move is designed to set up a test for the Coalition, putting pressure on the opposition ahead ...2 hours ago
- From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do to th...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Prashantrajsingh/Shutterstock It’s time to take Donald Trump seriously. Betting markets say it’s as likely as not he will be elected US president four weeks from today. And unlike in ...3 hours ago
- From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do the U...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Prashantrajsingh/Shutterstock It’s time to take Donald Trump seriously. Betting markets say it’s as likely as not he will be elected US president four weeks from today. And unlike in ...3 hours ago
- Government to strengthen builder licensing regime
The government is continuing to crack down on dodgy builders, with a move to strengthen requirements for registration and licensing. ...7 hours ago - Minister refers question over state of navy contributing to Manawanui sinking to NZDF
RNZ asked Judith Collins if she would ensure staffing issues were within the scope an inquiry. ...7 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Danielle Wood on the keys to growing Australia’s weak productivity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra “Productivity” might sound a nerdy word to many, but improving it is vital for a more affluent life for Australians in coming years. At the moment it is languishing. Investigating ways in which our national ...7 hours ago
- Partisanship dominates as federal parliament fights over Middle East war
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Federal parliament has split on partisan lines over the Middle East crisis, just a day after the anniversary of the Hamas atrocities against Israelis. After discussions between Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton failed to reach ...7 hours ago
- 700 million plastic bottles: we worked out how much microplastic is in Queensland’s Moreton Bay
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elvis Okoffo, PhD candidate in Environmental Science, The University of Queensland M-Productions/Shutterstock When it rains heavily, plastic waste is washed off our streets into rivers, flowing out to the ocean. Most plastic is trapped in estuaries and coastal ecosystems, with a ...9 hours ago
- Australia will protect a vast swathe of the Southern Ocean, but squanders the chance to show global ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew J Constable, Adviser, Antarctica and Marine Systems, Science & Policy, University of Tasmania The Albanese government has today declared stronger protections for the waters around Heard Island and McDonald Islands, one of Australia’s wildest, most remote areas. The marine park surrounding ...9 hours ago
- What is amortisation, and what does it have to do with Peter Dutton’s nuclear proposal?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Yi, Course coordinator, University of South Australia atk work/Shutterstock This article is part of The Conversation’s “Business Basics” series where we ask experts to discuss key concepts in business, economics and finance. Nuclear power is expensive, but it remains ...9 hours ago
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Live analysis of the Seymour-Modlik debate
Act Party leader David Seymour is set to face-off against iwi leader Helmut Modlik in a debate on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Join us for live coverage from the debating chamber. David Seymour has accepted an invitation to debate te Tiriti o Waitangi and his party’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill, ...9 hours ago - IINZ Makes Formal Complaint About MFAT Lies
“It’s obscene that MFAT officials have recommended funding incitement and supporting terror, and they have lied about it in response to OIA requests” says co-director of IINZ, Dr David Cumin. ...9 hours ago - Productivity is often mistaken for wages. What does it really mean? How does it work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Peetz, Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow at the Centre for Future Work, and Professor Emeritus, Griffith Business School, Griffith University Alexey_Rezvykh/Shutterstock Australia’s productivity growth has reverted to the same stagnant pattern as before the pandemic, according to the Productivity Commission’s ...10 hours ago
- Breaking: Ferry crosses the Cook Strait without crashing into anything
Normally ferries crash into at least one object on their journey between Picton and Wellington. This time things were different. In what will be remembered as an almost unprecedented event in this nation’s history, a ferry has crossed the Cook Strait without crashing into anything. Ferries routinely crash into at ...10 hours ago
- Health NZ document dump reveals more details on big deficit
Leaders are admitting to a breakdown in internal controls that led to it hiring many more nurses than budgeted for. ...11 hours ago
- I have a stuffy nose, how can I tell if it’s hay fever, COVID or something else?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deryn Thompson, Eczema and Allergy Nurse; Lecturer, University of South Australia Lysenko Andrii/Shutterstock Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) affects 24% of Australians. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose (which may feel blocked or stuffy) and itchy eyes. People can also ...11 hours ago
- Grave cleaning videos are going viral on TikTok. Are they honouring the dead, or exploiting them?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edith Jennifer Hill, Associate Lecturer, Learning & Teaching Innovation, Flinders University Shutterstock Cleaning the graves of strangers is the latest content trend taking over TikTok. But as millions tune in to watch the videos, it’s becoming clear not all of them ...11 hours ago
- Glaring Inconsistency In New Zealand’s Response To Global Humanitarian Crises
An evidence-based position paper recommending NZ's response to the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. ...12 hours ago
- Revealed: $10 Million EECA EV Charging Contracts Need To Go!
“Under the Emissions Trading Scheme, the Government could spend its entire budget on EV chargers and it wouldn’t reduce emissions by a single gram. This is subsidising already well-off EV drivers, taking people’s hard-earned money to waste on subsidising ...12 hours ago
- Queensland Property Surcharges Refunds For New Zealanders
Commenting on the proposed class action, John Walker from litigation funder CASL said, “With the average property price in Queensland exceeding AU$885,400, affected New Zealand-based purchasers could be entitled to substantial refunds if the legal ...12 hours ago
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E tū Negotiation Specialist, Michael Wood, has called for full and meaningful engagement as these proposals are considered, emphasising the potential risks to both TVNZ and the country’s media ecosystem. ...12 hours ago
- Vape Law Changes Could Kill, Dairy Owners Warn Parliament
“How could 200,000 fewer daily smokers from vaping be a bad thing?” asked Ash Parmar the Group’s Vice-chair. ...12 hours ago
- Fast Track Listing Win For Te Ārai Development
Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust welcomes the news that Te Ārai South Precinct and Regional Park Integrated Development Plan has been listed as a project for the Fast Track Approvals Bill . The project is an integrated development of ...13 hours ago
- Should you need a permit to protest? Here’s why that’s a bad idea (and might be unlawful)
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria O’Sullivan, Associate Professor of Law, Member of Law as Protection Centre, Deakin Law School, Deakin University Australians’ ability to protest has again been in the news this week. Against the background of an armed conflict in the Middle East and rallies ...14 hours ago
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- Manawanui sinking: an expert explains why a speedy cleanup will be crucial – and the main challeng...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Battershill, Professor in Coastal Science, University of Waikato HMNZS Manawanui arrives at Devonport Naval Base in 2019 still bearing its original Norwegian name, Edda Fonn. Getty Images Speed will be of the essence as salvage crews attempt to stop fuel leaking ...14 hours ago
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Health Minister Shane Reti says $6 million allocated to Palmerston North Hospital's ED will help ease waiting times and improve patient care and safety. ...14 hours ago
- Dairy owners say new vape laws could risk worker safety
Ash Parmar told MPs the changes would make vapes harder to see in dairies - and also harder to steal. ...14 hours ago
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“The reasons for the demise of the HMNZS Manawanui must be made known” said a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren. ...14 hours ago
- Offshore wind company doubles-down on opposition to seabed mining
But the company proposing to mine the Taranaki seabed says they were there first. ...15 hours ago
- Health NZ deficit balloons to $1.76 billion
Te Whatu Ora will continue to lose about $147 million a month if nothing changes, a select committee briefing paper says. ...15 hours ago
- Former political figure found guilty of historical sexual abuse takes secrecy fight to High Court
Interim name suppression the man has now had for 622 days will continue until at least his name suppression appeal hearing. ...15 hours ago
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Here’s how to avoid being a pain in the arse while you’re swimming. With summer just around the corner and school holidays in full swing, your local pools have probably been busier than usual. Whether you’ve decided to start training for a triathlon, shred for summer, or take up swimming ...16 hours ago
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“A beautiful way to live” | Watch the full series: http://thespinoff.co.nz/videos/home-education 🌸 Three years ago, Jen gave her kids $100 to start a business as a learning project. Today, the dahlia farm is thriving, with almost 4,000 plants. “It’s a beautiful way to live,” says Jen. Gracie, Milly and Lexie ...16 hours ago
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Home Education follows the everyday lives of six families in Aotearoa educating their children at home. Meet Jen and the dahlia kids, learning through a flower business. The new docuseries Home Education is filmed across Aotearoa, in and around the homes of six families who have taken schooling ...16 hours ago
- Landlord fails in bid to evict 80-year-old tenant over $5000 unpaid rent
Life is tough for many pensioners, particularly those paying rent, financial mentors say. ...16 hours ago
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On Sunday, the list of projects selected for fast tracking under a controversial proposed law was released. The Spinoff takes a look at the numbers. The Fast-track Approval Bill is a proposed new law that would change the process of getting approval for major projects with national significance. Instead of ...17 hours ago
- ‘Piles and piles of obstacles’ to building gone under fast-track – developer
One of Wellington's most prominent property developers says the government's fast-track legislation makes him excited about building. ...17 hours ago
What I would like to see is the opposition clearly state that this bill will be repealed immediately on regaining the treasury benches.
Make it clear that there is no future in exploration in Aotearoa.
The Greens and TPM will be very clear that's what they'll do. The trouble is Labour hasn't got the balls…not this Labour party.
Swarbrick has announced that the GP would repeal these permits, if elected.
https://www.greens.org.nz/green_government_will_revoke_oil_and_gas_permits
They may or may not get support from Labour in this political stance. Yet to see anything from the Labour party committing to repealing permits. They've said it's a bad idea, but not said they'd reverse it.
https://www.labour.org.nz/release_oil_and_gas_must_stay_in_the_ground
Done!
Done!
Done. Not for my grandkids – don't have any children, But for other people's grandkids.
Micky's guidelines were useful.
Me done too.
Meanwhile..
Except …. perhaps if they tethered a pipeline to the current "minister" there would be an immediate supply of gas and wind from the pompous nincompoop. He ventilates constantly.
Haha, yes and the amount of politicians around the world that this renewable energy source would work on would make NZ a world leader!
Mainzeal or Mainfreight in the link?
Feck I have done this twice. Will correct.
Thanks for the submission tips/advice – done.
Shane Jones…..5 days? Our mandate and legitimacy comes from the election campaign.
Well….yea. Some of us saw it . Stood out like dogs bollocks.
No alternative? Liar !
And the advice? (which like Health etc they ignore..cause Dino thinkers)
Stand Up ! Push back !
NZ produced roughly 5.4% of its electricity from coal in the 10 years between 2014-2023.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/715879/new-zealand-coal-electricity-generation/#:~:text=New%20Zealand%20uses%20coal%20as,coalfields%20located%20throughout%20the%20country.
Given the mass of renewables coming online in the next few years, including the largest solar plant in NZ given consent yesterday (three times as big as any previous NZ solar site) this very small level of coal usage really isn't a problem, and it will reduce further soon.
I follows that NZ certainly doesn't need to invest in facilities to import gas-that would be stupid, as is National's bill to enable prospecting for gas.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529428/consent-granted-for-large-solar-power-station-at-ruakaka-in-northland
done
done
Advice? NACT1 don't need no frickin advice…..
Trade Minister Todd McClay : is he frickin serious? ( I bypassed Jones wank comment..more than enough of him already )
.. NZ's best Environmental Interests ? And our World image ?
NACT1 off on a wild goose gas chase….all for what?
Submitted- thanks for advice.