Posts Tagged ‘oil’
Take the oil!
Written By: - Date published: 6:23 pm, January 28th, 2019 - 87 comments
Before he was elected President, Donald Trump’s approach to United States illegal attacks on Iraq and Libya was that their only mistake was that the US didn’t “take the oil.” After becoming President, his approach to oil-rich Venezuela was “can’t we just invade them?”
Update: John Bolton confirms its about the oil.
World Bank to stop funding oil and gas exploration
Written By: - Date published: 6:15 am, December 14th, 2017 - 29 comments
It is time for all of the institutions, countries, investors and individuals who are still in the Paris Agreement to stop funding fossils – once and for all.
– Stephen Kretzmann, Executive Director of Oil Change International
Greenpeace’s Taitu confronts oil exploration ship
Written By: - Date published: 11:38 am, April 11th, 2017 - 27 comments
Thank you Greenpeace, and specifically thank you Russel Norman and the crew of the Taitu, for taking to the seas to fight this little battle in the most important struggle of our age.
Oil prospecting on the shores of Lake Te Anau?
Written By: - Date published: 3:10 pm, March 22nd, 2017 - 22 comments
The Nats are buying another fight with NZ’s nature lovers. Last time they tried something like this 50,000 marched in Auckland and they were forced to back down.
Greenpeace protesting oil conference in New Plymouth
Written By: - Date published: 9:55 am, March 22nd, 2017 - 3 comments
Greenpeace protestors are blockading an oil conference in New Plymouth. “If we’re to have a future, oil can have no future.”
Greenpeace activists on oil rig
Written By: - Date published: 11:25 am, April 7th, 2015 - 74 comments
Obama vetos Keystone pipeline
Written By: - Date published: 10:42 am, February 26th, 2015 - 8 comments
Too little, too late, but a victory the environment (and for sanity) none the less.
The last gasp of oil
Written By: - Date published: 8:23 am, January 23rd, 2015 - 109 comments
Fracking has created a short term oil glut. That’s bad news for climate change. Could we at least find a silver lining in this carbon cloud, or will it be business as usual?
Local Bodies: The Great Oil Gamble and Wasted Opportunities
Written By: - Date published: 8:37 am, April 7th, 2014 - 24 comments
Gamble Big’ rather than ‘Think Big’ should be this National Government’s mantra.Opening up huge areas of our land and territorial waters for open slather oil and gas exploration is a gamble on so many levels. When many countries like Denmark are actively chasing a sustainable, clean energy future, this government is throwing all its hopes on a big strike of fossil fuel.
What use is oil extraction here?
Written By: - Date published: 9:10 am, March 20th, 2014 - 26 comments
One of the more irritating traits of National politicians is their bone-headed and short-term obsession about being rentiers selling raw and lightly processed raw materials offshore. Sure it is great in the short-term for the seller of the rights to those raw materials, but it does little to nothing for the other 4+ million people […]
Syria et al.
Written By: - Date published: 5:09 pm, August 29th, 2013 - 311 comments
Sometimes the most complicated and complex situation becomes clear when viewed from a simple and obvious perspective.
NRT: If you can’t cap it, don’t drill it
Written By: - Date published: 9:49 am, June 7th, 2013 - 21 comments
I/S at No Right Turn on deep water drilling off our coast line.
Just one teeny problem…
Written By: - Date published: 9:49 am, April 26th, 2012 - 72 comments
You’d think we’d draw some obvious conclusions from the Arctic melt. Apparently not though. We’re in a hole, but we’re going to keep digging…
Iran
Written By: - Date published: 9:20 am, March 4th, 2012 - 107 comments
Israel and the US have both been ratcheting up their rhetoric against Iran in the past few months and an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities looks highly likely. Just the other day, Obama told Iran to stop its nuclear programme or else adding, “I don’t bluff”. I really, really hope he’s bluffing. Because Iran’s ready to make an attack on it cost the world big time.
Texas of the South Seas?
Written By: - Date published: 10:57 am, January 17th, 2012 - 132 comments
Every few years, since the 70s, they’ve promised the great New Zealand oil boom is coming. It ain’t going to happen. If there is lots of oil, it’s deepsea and expensive. And they haven’t found it in 40 years of looking. We have a worse production-consumption ratio now then the 80s. Even if we somehow become a massive oil exporter, it’s not the economic panacea you might think.
Saudis invade Bahrain
Written By: - Date published: 10:22 am, March 15th, 2011 - 7 comments
For the second time in 14 years, the Saudi monarchy has sent troops into Bahrain to crush protests by the Shi’ite majority against the Sunni monarchy. Having intimidated their own people into silence on Friday, the Saudis now want to bring the Bahraini Shi’ites to heel, lest they inspire more unrest from Saudi Shi’ites. The US is not unhappy.
West leaves Libyan rebels to swing in the wind
Written By: - Date published: 10:14 am, March 12th, 2011 - 40 comments
Faced with the choice between short-term stability offered by a military strong-man or the long-term stability that would emerge from a democratic revolution, the West has long backed dictators in key resource supplying third-world nations. As the West backs away from saving the Libyan rebellion, it appears that little has changed.
No-fly zone for Libya
Written By: - Date published: 1:00 pm, March 1st, 2011 - 43 comments
NATO leaders are discussing a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent the crumbling Gaddafi regime bombing and strafing protesters. Gaddafi’s loyalists are tied up keeping Tripoli under control, and the opposition is preparing to send in troops. Meanwhile, the big question elsewhere in the Arab world is what will happen on Saudi Arabia’s March 11, ‘Day of Rage’?
Nats’ economic plan: more oil, more cows
Written By: - Date published: 12:14 pm, November 8th, 2010 - 70 comments
We’ve been critical of this do nothing government’s economic record, but now I/S at No Right Turn has received documents that lay out the Nats’ economic plan. They rejected the notion of government, business, and workers pulling together to create a better economy and went with: 1) find lots of oil 2) lots of GM cows.
Brownlee makes Nats more enemies
Written By: - Date published: 12:16 pm, June 30th, 2010 - 18 comments
Every night before they go to sleep, good little Labour and Green spin doctors pray for another headline involving Gerry Brownlee. The guy has an amazing tin ear for public opinion. He’s had 50,000 people march against his mining plans and, now, he’s made a Treaty breach over the one area of foreshore and seabed that was settled. Gerry, you’re a godsend.
Let’s not rush things
Written By: - Date published: 11:01 am, June 18th, 2010 - 7 comments
President Obama has just come out and said the US and the world needs to get off its oil addiction. But, just as we’ve been talking about climate change for nearly two centuries, before it was even a problem, and done nothing about it, Presidents have been declaring its time to end the oil age for 40 years and nothing has changed. Why can’t we get serious about saving ourselves?
The rock and the hard place
Written By: - Date published: 10:53 am, May 7th, 2010 - 17 comments
To avoid cascading sovereign debt crises, countries need economic growth that will boost their tax so they can start getting their books in order. But good economic news sends oil prices up due to the tight supply situation and we’re close to the point where the price of oil tips economies into recession. Is this the limit to growth?
Up in smoke
Written By: - Date published: 6:01 am, October 6th, 2009 - 19 comments
When the Tui oil-field was opened last year, the operators (AWE New Zealand, 87.5% foreign-owned, ironically) were given permission to burn off 10 billion cubic feet of natural gas retrieved incidentally to the oil over the life of the oil-field. That’s actually a hell of a lot of gas, about 6% of what New Zealand […]
Whither the PIF?
Written By: - Date published: 6:10 am, January 30th, 2009 - 1 comment
I attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji back in 2006. The shadow of Bainimarama’s approaching coup hung over the forum but it wasn’t enough to quell the heat as we sat in our ridiculously ill-suited suits through endless, pointless meetings. Nothing was achieved and everyone clapped each other on the back for a job […]
Matt McCarten from the Herald on Sunday
Written By: - Date published: 12:23 pm, June 16th, 2008 - 15 comments
Worth a read: Remember when George Bush’s administration promised the world that the invasion of Iraq would be over in a few weeks? We were assured that the Iraqis would throw flowers at their liberators, the war would make a tidy profit and petrol prices would plummet. Next time you fill up your car think […]
Getting blood from a stone
Written By: - Date published: 2:20 pm, May 27th, 2008 - 5 comments
A reader has just written in as a followup to IrishBill’s post earlier today on National’s plans to line the pockets of oil tycoons with a four land highway stretching the length of the North Island. Our reader notes that it’s not just us who think getting policy out of the Nats is like getting […]
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- Woman of the Hour
2023, directed by Anna Kendrick Woman of the Hour is… such a weird movie. It’s based on the real life story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, but it’s not a documentary – it’s described as a crime thriller. It’s been criticised by one of his surviving victims as taking liberties ...2 hours ago - Is the Isthmus becoming a retirement village?
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This morning, in a desperate effort to distract attention from the suppurating sore of contempt that is Andrew Bayly, National announced that it would be bringing back its "three strikes" regime. The policy never worked and had no significant quantifiable benefits; but National doesn't care, despite a commitment in both ...20 hours ago
- What’s driving the exodus of workers to Australia
21 hours ago - Safer, Smarter, Sooner: about these concrete tim tams…
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- Money’s Just Cash
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- Gordon Campbell on the Three Strikes cycle of failure
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In today’s press conference, Christopher Luxon re-affirmed his government’s commitment to bringing back the live animal export ban: claiming that National will do it to a “gold standard”.Heard of that term before?Well lobbyists spent $1m to help with the National-ACT-NZF reversal of Labour’s ban and the marketing term “gold standard” ...2 days ago - Going West
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In union news, the Postal Workers Union is worried a scam that has conned New Zealanders out of millions of dollars is circulating for a fourth time, while FIRST are working with Woolworths to redeploy staff following the announced closure of a store in Tauranga. Latest SEEK data shows that ...2 days ago - DTIs set to restrain housing-debt-led economic rebound
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- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #42
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- Why should Andrew Bayly get a pass?
Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedCome in with the Big L sign plastered on your voice.Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedMake fun of the worker doing his pace.Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedWho am I?Text ...4 days ago - Take This Bottle, Loser.
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4 days ago - Still giving it a go
4 days ago - The Major Conspiracy Theories of This Election Cycle
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- Give New Zealand a go!
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- Train in Vain
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- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #42 2024
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- The usual suspect
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- Your Thursday Politics Roundup
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Inflation has fallen to its lowest point in the last 3.5 years, but many costs remain high, and unemployment is expected to get worse. An OIA response received by the Green Party has revealed that Brooke van Velden’s contractor proposals are almost word for word from an Uber proposal. TEU ...6 days ago
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- Why are economists giving this government the benefit of the doubt?
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- The battle over Tikanga in the courts, a contemporary challenge
As Parliament girds itself for the introduction next month of David Seymour’s Treaty Principles’ Bill, a Select Committee yesterday grappled with another collision between Te Ao Maori and our British-based legal system. This time, it was ostensibly about whether University law schools should compel students to study Tikanga Maori. But ...6 days ago
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- The Why ACC’s $7.2 billion deficit is not what it seems
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- We fixed it for youse
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- Palestine and Anti-colonialism in the Global South A conversation with Indian Historian and Journali...
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- We need more judicial power, not less
The Herald is reporting on yet another reporting from the ATLAS-network-linked "New Zealand" Initiative, this one complaining of a creep towards judicial supremacy, and calling for the powers of judges to interpret the law to be reined in. It seems that the billionaires who fund ATLAS and its local collaborators ...7 days ago
- Rwanda’s Kagame: from Saviour to Tyrant?
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- Au Revoir, PM Luxon
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- Wednesday 16 October
E tū are raising concerns with proposals to privatise airport security, saying that staff are “extremely concerned” about risks to safety for those who use airports. 1News has published an investigative piece on international nurses struggling to find a job in NZ. In political news, the fallout from the Govt’s ...7 days ago
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- The Bare Necessities
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What is the difference between Jewish and Zionist? Marilyn Garson is the co-founder of Alternative Jewish Voices, an observant Jew who has lived and worked in Gaza. Her first book, Still Lives, told the story of her Gazan team through four years and two wars. Her second book, Jewish, not ...1 week ago
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- Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Scandals contributed to Labour’s election defeat
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On Friday I blogged a news story about Paul Goldsmith's appointment of terf and genocide supporter Stephen Rainbow as Chief Human Rights Commissioner, and how it appeared that he had ignored the recommendations of the appointments panel to shoulder-tap a preferred and unqualified candidate. The Spinoff was on the story ...1 week ago
- Tuesday 15 October 2024
A new poll shows there is strong public support for rail-enabled ferries, which MUNZ have said shows New Zealanders know what a huge mistake it was to cancel the order for new ferries. In other poll-related news, a 1News-Verian poll shows both major parties and their leaders losing support, and ...1 week ago
- First judicial review for the Minister of Transport
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- Why have hurricanes gone crazy?
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- Gordon Campbell on Conservative ghosts, Holly Arrowsmith and Fazerdaze
Clearly, Israel is intent on de-populating Gaza for Israeli re-settlement, and is using military force as a form of state terrorism to depopulate swathes of southern Lebanon. To similar ends, it is also indiscriminately bombing Lebanese rural villages and civilian neighbourhoods in Beirut. Israel’s ultimate aim appears to be to ...1 week ago - Civil War and the new Captain America
With new trailers for Thunderbolts and Captain America 4 out over the last couple of months there’s been a resurgence of “Bucky should have been Cap instead of Sam” opining, with one of the main reasons given being “Bucky was Cap first in the comics!” Sure, he was, it’s true ...1 week ago - Is It Getting Better?
Is it getting better?Or do you feel the same?Will it make it easier on you now?You got someone to blameSongwriters: Paul David Hewson / Adam Clayton / Larry Mullen / Dave EvansIt's polling day from TVNZ. We don’t get many polls these days. Of course, they don’t mean a lot ...1 week ago - If you say so, Bishop
Is it a surprise to learn that the government is happy to see some commercial fishing in a marine reserve?It is not. This is, after all, a government that is happily giving more latitude to the tobacco industry, the gun lobby and ute drivers to put us all in greater ...1 week ago - Men, the Left, and the “Women’s Vote”.
On Calvary Street are trellisesWhere bright as blood the roses bloom,And gnomes like pagan fetishesHang their hats on an empty tombWhere two old souls go slowly mad,National Mum and Labour Dad.James K. BaxterBallad of Calvary Street1969 JAMES K. BAXTER’S stereotypes, “National Mum” and “Labour Dad”, strike a discordant note in ...1 week ago - Media Link: AVFA on Israel going rogue.
In this episode of the “A view from Afar” podcast Selwyn Manning and I discuss Israel’s expansion of its war in Lebanon as part of a “six front” strategy that it thinks it can win, focusing on the decision-making process … Continue reading ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt cuts school lunches even further
The Government has gone back on its word and cut the full school lunch programme in primary schools after saying it wouldn’t. ...18 hours ago - Time to shut down failed Youth Justice Residences
The Green Party is calling for Youth Justice Residences to close, following a protest in which a group of young people spent the night on the roof of an Oranga Tamariki justice facility. ...20 hours ago - Release: Appalling process on three strikes law
The Government is subverting parliamentary process on laws the evidence already shows don’t work. ...1 day ago
- Release: Labour calls for investigation into tobacco tax cut
The Government’s decision to award a $216 million tax break for Philip Morris’ heated tobacco products reeks of tobacco industry interference and needs to be thoroughly investigated. ...1 day ago
- Release: Delay to retirement village review won’t help residents
The National Government is treading water on a much-needed review of the Retirement Villages Act, kicking any amendments down the road till the next parliamentary term in 2027. ...2 days ago
- Release: Serious concerns ignored in Govt’s fast track bill
National’s fast track bill enables the most radical and unbalanced consenting regime in living memory. ...5 days ago
- Fast-Track, off the rails: Submitters show strong opposition to Bill
Despite resounding public opposition, the fast-track legislation is being pushed through Parliament with provisions that could have real consequences for people and planet. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour supports continuing fight for dairy access
Labour welcomes the National Government’s decision to further pursue our access to the Canadian dairy market under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) ...5 days ago
- Release: Job losses devastating for Timaru
Confirmed news that the Smithfield meatworks will close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...5 days ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to Improve Access to Palliative Care
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill which aims to improve access to palliative care for all New Zealanders, ensuring kiwis have better access to the compassionate palliative support they may need. The ‘Improving Access to Palliative Care Bill’ seeks to guarantee that every New Zealander has the right ...5 days ago - Release: Further uncertainty for Kiwirail as jobs set to go
KiwiRail offering voluntary redundancy to all its staff is hugely concerning given the future of New Zealand’s rail system is under threat. ...6 days ago
- ASA Declares Hobson’s Pledge Advertising Misleading and Socially Irresponsible
Te Pāti Māori Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer welcome today’s ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which found that a Hobson's Pledge advertisement regarding customary marine titles was misleading and socially irresponsible. The two-page wraparound ad, published in The New Zealand Herald, suggested that nearly the entire coastline ...6 days ago
- Release: Benefit numbers continue to soar under National
National’s all pain approach to beneficiaries has yielded no gain as benefit numbers continue to surge past projected figures. ...6 days ago
- Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty
Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty. ...6 days ago
- International Energy Agency issues wake-up call on climate action
Today’s report from the International Energy Agency highlights how far this Government’s actions are dragging us backwards in the fight against climate change. ...6 days ago
- Release: Lack of funding puts pressure on frontline Police
News that 173 roles are being cut at Police will only put more pressure on the frontline. ...6 days ago
- Release: Bipartisan agreement on outdated marriage law
Changes to outdated relationships legislation has passed its third reading giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages. ...6 days ago
- Release: Cuts to Apprenticeship Boost will fail future NZ
The Government’s cuts to the Apprenticeship Boost programme will leave New Zealand without the workforce it needs to build homes, schools and hospitals. ...7 days ago
- Release: Sluggish economy means struggles ahead for Kiwis
While today’s inflation numbers are good news for Kiwis, there are still struggles ahead with rising rents, rates, insurance and high unemployment. ...7 days ago
- CPI figures show rents continuing to soar
Stats NZ has confirmed that higher rent prices were the biggest contributor to the annual inflation rate. Almost a fifth of the 2.2 per cent annual increase in the CPI was due to rent prices. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt changes threaten depleted Hauraki Gulf
The National Government has sneakily reneged on protecting the Hauraki Gulf, reducing the protected area of the marine park and inviting commercial fishing in the depleted seascape. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation
The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf. ...1 week ago
- Release: No time to slow-down on disaster response
Labour welcomes the release of the Government’s response to the report into the North Island weather events but urges it to push forward with legislative change this term. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Where are the 100,000 families?
Nicola Willis has once again shown her promises are based on ghost families, with less than half registering for the FamilyBoost payments. ...2 weeks ago
- Significant step forward for Pasifika justice in Aotearoa
The Green Party has welcomed news that MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill has moved forward with unanimous support from the select committee. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Bill restoring Samoan Citizenship progresses
Labour is pleased the Samoan Citizenship Bill has unanimous support as it enters second reading. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National bent the rules to keep coalition commitment
The National Government bent all sorts of rules to give $24 million to Gumboot Friday just to fulfil a coalition agreement. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens support call for divestment from illegal Israeli settlements
The Green Party echoes a call for banks to divest from entities linked to Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, and says Crown Financial Institutions should follow suit. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s deficit stories don’t hold up
Te Whatu Ora’s finances have deteriorated under the National Government, turning a surplus into a deficit, and breaking promises made to New Zealanders to pay for it. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Politics over police safety puts shame on PM
The Prime Minister’s decision to back his firearms minister on gun law changes despite multiple warnings shows his political judgement has failed him yet again. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt Gambling Safety of our Moana
Yesterday the government announced the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking across Aotearoa. Trans-Tasman Resources’ plan to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki was one of these projects. “We are disgusted but not surprised with the government’s decision to fast-track the decimation of our seabed,” said Te ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets
At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system. ...2 weeks ago
- Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment
The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Fast track list reveals Govt’s backroom deals
The coalition Government’s backroom deals with coal and ironsands mining companies have finally been revealed – and it’s not pretty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicole McKee unfit for firearms portfolio
Fresh questions have been raised about the conduct of the Firearms Minister after revelations she misled New Zealanders about her role in stopping gun reforms prior to the mosque shootings. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: The question remains… will schools get their classrooms?
Education Minister Erica Stanford still can’t confirm when the Government will deliver the $2 billion worth school upgrades she cut earlier this year. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Govt failing NZ’s manufacturing sector
Labour acknowledges the hundreds of workers today losing their jobs as the Winstone Pulp mill closes and what it will mean for their families and community. ...3 weeks ago
- Tell National what their $216m tobacco tax cut could have funded instead
In Budget '24, the National Government put aside $216 million to pay for a tax cut which mainly benefitted one company: global tobacco giant Philip Morris. Instead of giving hundreds of millions to big tobacco, National could have spent the money sensibly, on New Zealand. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Govt has made up a cost crisis to justify cuts
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. ...3 weeks ago
- Government reduces Forestry ETS annual charge by 50 per cent
The Government has today started consultation on a 50 per cent reduction to the annual charge for forest owners participating in the Forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry, Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Following an independent review released last week we are proposing to lower the per-hectare annual charge to ...49 mins ago - Open work rights return for partners of high skilled migrants
The Government is ensuring New Zealand attracts and retains the workers and skills it needs by returning open work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants. “We are committed to growing the economy and our immigration system is critical to that. From 2 December, open work rights will be available to ...58 mins ago
- Funding boost for Hato Hone St John
Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello and Minister for ACC Matt Doocey have announced today that the Government has invested over $21 million in additional funding into Hato Hone St John. “Hato Hone St John provides an essential service by ensuring people receive timely treatment in an emergency. This is ...1 hour ago
- Police deliver clear message to gangs
Today, Police dealt a significant blow to the Mongrel Mob Barbarians in Opotiki with the execution of over thirty search warrants across the North Island, and sent a clear message that the misery and violence that they cause will not be tolerated, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “I want to ...18 hours ago
- Rooftop youth will face consequences
“The young offenders involved in the rooftop incident at an Oranga Tamariki youth justice residence in Auckland need to know there will be consequences for their actions, Children’s Minister Karen Chhour says. “Last night, 13 young people gained access to the roof of the Korowai Manaaki residence at about 6.30pm. ...20 hours ago
- Government to appoint Crown Observer to Wellington City Council
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has today announced his intention to appoint a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council, following news that the Council will now be required to rewrite its 2024-34 Long Term Plan. “I have been concerned about the Council’s ability to manage their Long Term Plan amendment ...21 hours ago
- Government provides clarity to farmers and councils on freshwater plans
The Government will move to add an amendment to the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament, which will restrict councils’ ability to notify freshwater plans before the gazettal of the replacement National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Environment ...21 hours ago
- Smarter healthy school lunches programme serves up $130m in savings
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the government has worked with businesses to transform the school lunch programme, delivering for children and saving for taxpayers. “We have embraced commercial expertise, used government buying power, and generated supply chain efficiencies to realise over $130m of annual cost ...22 hours ago
- Govt confirms details of abuse in care national apology
The Government has confirmed further details about the national apology to survivors of abuse in care. “On November 12 Parliament will apologise on behalf of the nation for the failures of the State across many governments. Following a mihi whakatau, proceedings will begin mid-morning with survivor voices and apologies from ...23 hours ago
- Improvements to protect children in schools
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Department of Internal Affairs [the Department] is taking action to better protect children and young people from harmful child offenders working in schools. “The Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Zealand Teaching Council to improve information sharing ...1 day ago
- Government to toughen Three Strikes Bill
The Government is listening to New Zealanders and Cabinet has agreed to recommend modifications to the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “This Government is committed to restoring law and order. The Bill to reinstate the Three Strikes law makes it clear that ...1 day ago
- Breaking ground on the first new Road of National Significance
Work has kicked off on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) as the Government continues to move at pace to deliver infrastructure that enables Kiwis and freight to get to where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Government is keeping its ...2 days ago
- NZ heads to Samoa for Commonwealth talks
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will be among world leaders travelling to Apia this week for a meeting of the 56-nation Commonwealth. This is the first time the two-yearly Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is hosted by Samoa, representing a great opportunity to profile the ...2 days ago
- Government to Clarify s70 Discharge Consent to Provide Certainty for Councils and Primary Sector
The Government has announced its intention to provide certainty on discharge rules under section 70 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) for primary producers, and councils – enabling permitted discharge activities to be managed in a practical way, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay confirmed today. “The clarification will be introduced via ...2 days ago
- New Zealand celebrates epic sporting weekend
New Zealanders have a huge amount to be proud about after five national sporting teams celebrated historic wins over the weekend, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says. “In New Zealand’s history there haven’t been too many sporting weekends like the one we’ve just seen, with epic wins from Team ...2 days ago
- Foreign Minister represents NZ at Indonesian Presidential inauguration
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a visit to Indonesia, where he attended the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto. “It was a pleasure meeting President Prabowo in Jakarta for the second time this year,” Mr Peters says. “Indonesia is a key partner for New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific, ...2 days ago
- Removing roadblocks to building infrastructure
New Zealand has a widely acknowledged infrastructure deficit, which is holding us back socially, economically and environmentally, Land Information Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to improve our productivity and lift our standard of living, we need to fix our pipes, increase the capacity of our schools and hospitals and build more houses, roads ...3 days ago
- Anniversary of Equal Pay Act shows we have more to do
The anniversary of the Equal Pay Act is a reminder that we still have work to do to achieve equality for women across this country, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. “Today marks the anniversary of the Equal Pay Act that was introduced in 1972. Over the past few decades, ...3 days ago
- Attracting investment on agenda for Singapore trip
Seeking investment to support the delivery of large regional projects is on the agenda for Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones as he heads to Singapore to meet potential investors, business leaders and policymakers. “Attracting more overseas investment is a vital part of the Coalition Government’s economic strategy. ...3 days ago
- Foreign Minister completes successful visit to Thailand
Foreign Minister Winston Peters wrapped up a successful programme of engagements in Bangkok today, where he met with Thai political and business leaders. “Thailand is an important economic and security partner for New Zealand. We are seriously focused on achieving our joint ambition of lifting our relationship to a ‘Strategic ...4 days ago
- West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training
In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost ...5 days ago
- Government praises important progress on East Coast clean-up
Important progress is being made on cleaning-up and strengthening resilience in the Tairāwhiti region, 18 months on from the devastating weather events in 2023, Forestry Minister Todd McClay said today. To date the Government has committed $110 million resulting in approximately 440,000 tonnes of slash and debris being removed from ...5 days ago
- New members appointed to NZ On Air Board
Brett Banner and Philip Crump have been appointed to the NZ On Air Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint two members who bring such fantastic media skills and experience. “Mr Banner has a strong commercial and accounting background which will be a great ...5 days ago
- Health Minister to attend international meetings in the Philippines and Singapore
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti will travel to Manila this weekend, leading New Zealand’s delegation to the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Committee Meeting. “Significant health challenges remain in our diverse Western Pacific region, which is also prone to the impacts of climate change,” says Dr Reti. “Being represented ...5 days ago
- Residence portion of the Military-Style Academies complete
The residence portion of the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North is wrapping up, with the young people now transitioning back into the community with support, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. Ten young people have spent three months ...5 days ago
- New Zealand takes next step in dairy dispute with Canada
New Zealand has today notified the Canadian Government and other Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) members that it has triggered mandatory negotiations in a dairy dispute with Canada, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. In September last year, a Panel of Arbitrators ruled in favour of New Zealand, finding that Canada had breached its obligations under the CPTPP by ...5 days ago
- Instrumental change for NZSO Board
Three new members are being appointed to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Board to help ensure it’s focused on bringing value to New Zealanders, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The trio of new members, James Christmas, Karyn Rachtman and Susannah Robinson, have expertise across fundraising, philanthropy, Crown governance, sector experience ...6 days ago
- New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Boards Appointment
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the appointment of Fletcher Tabuteau as Chair of the Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) Board. Mr Tabuteau (Ngāti Ngāraranui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue) was a teacher at Rotorua Boys' High School, a lecturer in Economics, and head of ...6 days ago
- Government investing in Auckland and Wellington rail reliability
The Government has announced how $101.7 million in Budget 2024 funding for metro rail networks will be split between Auckland and Wellington to address the maintenance backlog and deliver more reliable services for commuters in our main cities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Auckland metro rail network will receive $48.8 ...6 days ago
- Changes to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
The Government is continuing to stabilise the immigration system by tightening the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV). “Despite New Zealand being internationally regarded as a safe, fair and highly attractive place to work, we are not immune to migrant exploitation. This is unacceptable,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. “The ...6 days ago
- Construction to start on Nelson Hospital ED expansion
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says construction on a significant expansion to Nelson Hospital’s emergency department marks a major milestone in work to improve services for the local community. “Next week, Health New Zealand will be breaking ground on a $10.6 million expansion to the existing ED, which will increase ...6 days ago
- Government releases targeted actions to improve road safety
The Government has today released targeted actions to improve road safety that are focused on increasing road policing and enforcement, targeting the highest contributing factors to fatal crashes, and delivering new and safe roading infrastructure, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Increased alcohol breath testing and introducing roadside drug testing Reviewing ...6 days ago
- More benefit exits into work as sanctions increase
The Government’s relentless focus on welfare that works and holding job seekers accountable through sanctions saw a year-on-year increase in the number of people moving from benefits into work in the September quarter, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Despite the economic gloom the Government inherited, 16,071 people ...6 days ago
- Priorities set for Retirement Villages Act review
E te huru mā, haramai e noho. E tu te huru pango, hanatu e haere.The coalition Government is progressing mahi in the Retirement Villages Act 2003 review and focusing it on the areas of highest importance, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka and Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced today. “It’s ...7 days ago
- Anzac Day commemorations will honour more veterans
The Government is making changes so that more veterans who have served New Zealand will be formally recognised as part of official Anzac Day commemorations, Veterans Minister Chris Penk and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith say. “Veterans often tell me that recognition is the most meaningful form of ...7 days ago
- Trade Minister to attend G20 meeting in Brazil
Trade Minister Todd McClay will attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Brasilia next week. “As an exporting nation reliant on trade, this is a significant opportunity to boost our interests with some of the world’s largest economies and many of our most important trading partners,” ...7 days ago
- More good news for Kiwis
Today’s inflation figures are more good news for New Zealanders, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today that the inflation rate had dropped from 3.3 per cent in the year to June to 2.2 per cent in the year to September. That is down from 5.6 per cent just ...7 days ago
- Welfare traffic light system off to good start
Data from the first full calendar month of the Government’s welfare traffic light system shows more beneficiaries are doing what is required of them, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. A total of 331,530 people were in the system at the end of September due to having work-related ...1 week ago
- Dairy export quota Bill passes first reading
The Government’s work to boost export value has hit another milestone, with a new dairy Bill passing its first reading in Parliament today, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “The Dairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill will modernise New Zealand’s dairy export quota system to grow export and farmgate ...1 week ago
- Government extends fight against cybercrime
Legislation that will help protect New Zealanders from cybercrime has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “11% of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2023, causing significant financial harm and emotional distress. “The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe ...1 week ago
- Andrew Bayly shows the government thinks workers are ‘losers’ says Chris Hipkins
And Bayly would be gone if he were a Labour MP, the opposition leader says. ...53 mins ago - What’s the difference between fusion and fission? A nuclear physicist explains
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Hole, Professor, Mathematical Sciences Institute and School of Computing, Australian National University Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock Globally, nuclear power accounts for roughly 10% of electricity generation. In some countries, such as France, this figure is nearly 70%. Big tech companies ...1 hour ago - Labor looks set for a resounding defeat in Queensland. But the state’s elections have long thrown ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pandanus Petter, Research Fellow School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University On Saturday October 26, Queensland Premier Steven Miles’ Labor is vying for a fourth consecutive term in government, up against David Crisafulli’s Liberal National Party (LNP). Although Labor ...1 hour ago
- Are cats good for our health?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Yerlin Matu/Unsplash Cats have lived with humans for thousands of years. And long before cat memes and viral TikToks took over the internet, they’ve been comforting us with ...1 hour ago
- No home left behind: a postcode approach to electrification
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gill Armstrong, Researcher in architecture and urban planning, Climateworks Centre EndeavourEnergy In Australia and overseas, it’s clear that homes without gas – running on clean energy – are healthier, have cheaper power bills, and produce lower greenhouse emissions. The emissions part ...1 hour ago
- Rebuilding homes after a disaster is an opportunity to build back better – why isn’t the insuran...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Antonia Settle, Lecturer, Monash University For many Australians, 2022 was a dark and devastating year. Major floods wreaked havoc on hundreds of communities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. But for some, the floods themselves were only half the disaster. ...1 hour ago
- Maranga Ake: Why FIRST Union Is Joining The Fight
"We’re joining the movement today because our country’s sovereignty and working freedoms are being compromised by politicians selling out our lawmaking to overseas companies like Uber," said Mr Maga. ...2 hours ago - The top 100 NZ TV shows of the 21st Century (60-41)
Every morning this week we’re counting down the top 100 New Zealand TV shows of the 21st century so far. Today, numbers 60-41. My watchlistWatched: 0To watch: 0go to list Welcome to The Top 100, a week-long celebration of the most significant local television of the last quarter ...2 hours ago - Principal gives thumbs down to David Seymour’s revised school lunches
At least one principal is unhappy with the changes to the school lunch programme. ...2 hours ago
- Wellington not the only council facing water cost woes
Lower Hutt's mayor says most metropolitan councils will soon face the same problem Wellington does on funding water infrastructure. ...2 hours ago
- New Māori monarch steps onto the national stage
Nga wai Hono i te Po has made her first appearance on the national stage for the national hui for Māori unity in Christchurch. ...2 hours ago
- ‘They do not respect our land. They do not respect our people’. Brazil’s traditional people ta...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ebony Birchall, Lecturer, Law School, Macquarie University Australian mining giant BHP is at the centre of one of the world’s largest class actions, the trial for which started this week in London. The Fundão Dam in Mariana, Brazil, co-owned by BHP, collapsed ...3 hours ago
- Card or cash? The hidden cost of currency
As Mastercard and Visa argue against credit card surcharges, research finds high and rising costs in paying the old way, with cash The post Card or cash? The hidden cost of currency appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago - Are there really ‘secrets banks don’t want you to know’?
You've probably seen the ads - but can you really 'pay off your mortgage in seven to 10 years'? ...3 hours ago
- ‘It’s a broken promise’: Research centre on white supremacy loses funding
The government has pulled funding from the country's flagship research centre into white supremacy and violent extremism. ...3 hours ago
- Wellington mayor ‘not fighting’ decision to bring in an observer
Tory Whanau says she wasn’t overly surprised the government followed through with its threat to intervene at Wellington City Council, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...4 hours ago
- The best government money can buy? How New Zealanders feel about political party funding
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mona Krewel, Senior Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Companies and shareholders associated with the government’s fast-track projects gave more than $500,000 in donations to National, ACT and New Zealand First, according to ...4 hours ago
- Will the Wellington City Council intervention set a precedent?
The appointment of a Crown observer at the council has sparked concerns others could be in the firing line. ...4 hours ago
- Survivors call for removal of Solicitor-General
State abuse survivors are calling on the Attorney-General to remove Solicitor-General Una Jagose from her position, as the Government moves forward with its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.Survivors, who have been re-traumatised by the state’s decades-long effort to cover up the abuse and torture ...6 hours ago
- Is there room for conservatives in culture? NZ On Air is about to find out
A new member of NZ On Air’s board has sent a ripple of fear through the media. Duncan Greive explains why Philip Crump has them spooked. In May of 2020, a new Twitter account debuted, under the pseudonym Thomas Cranmer, a prominent figure in 16th century English religious politics. Over ...6 hours ago
- The toughening of the ‘too soft’ three strikes bill, explained
When introduced to parliament earlier this year, the new three strikes sentencing bill had been toned down from its earlier iteration. Now, while still at select committee stage, it’s getting a tough-on-crime revamp. What’s going on? Three strikes, three strikes… This is the one that imposes harsher penalties for repeat ...6 hours ago
- The future of carbon-conscious design
Opinion: Sustainability is an overused and often misused term. It means different things to different people in different contexts and has increasingly been co-opted by those engaging in greenwashing. Nowhere is this more evident than in residential architecture.However, a dedicated group of architects is focused on creating homes that meet ...6 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 23 October
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 23 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- A chief science adviser is vital – why the delay?
Opinion: The chief science adviser role has been vacant for four months and despite the Govt committing to decisions being based on data and evidence, there hasn’t been too much evidence of that The post A chief science adviser is vital – why the delay? appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- A voyage around my mother
I am stumped. As a former journalist, writer and now psychologist, I wonder why my book I Only Know Happy People: A Psychologist’s Memoir appears to have made some people unhappy.When the book was released nationally in June I was visiting my daughter in Brisbane. It was there I noticed ...6 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 23 October
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 23 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Sky wins as Three hits dire ratings
Comment: Warner Bros Discovery, the owners of Three, have decided there is more money to be made by putting its premium content on Sky than setting up its own streaming service in New Zealand or showing it on Three Now.This is good news for Sky whose entertainment offering has looked ...6 hours ago
- Black Ferns leader finds safe space in her struggles
Every September, Maia Roos and her high school rugby team-mates come together to celebrate the birthday of a player they lost too soon.Roos was in Year 11 at Auckland’s Tāmaki College when one of her team-mates and friends committed suicide. She makes no secret of the fact she struggled with ...6 hours ago
- Come together, right now, over change
Opinion: There’s a popular saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Within the context of sustainability transformation, I’d suggest a minor, somewhat less punchy, iteration: “If you want change that fades, go alone. If you want change that endures, go ...6 hours ago
- Farm-to-forest conversion policy sent back to drawing board
Ministers were preparing to consult on the policy to limit conversions in June but are still working through the details The post Farm-to-forest conversion policy sent back to drawing board appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- A corporate agenda by any other name
Opinion: Imagine a political party that runs on a campaign of defunding public health and education, cutting taxes and regulations for corporations, rolling back laws that protect workers and tenants from exploitation, and implementing policies that produce racial discrimination.Such a platform would not likely garner much voter support.Now imagine another ...6 hours ago
- Taking the economy’s pulse – in nine charts
Opinion: Interest rates of various stripes and terms continue to fall steadily. We take the pulse of the economy, inflation, and housing market to get a sense of whether the trend will continue.Our view remains that the Reserve Bank’s (RBNZ) official cash rate (OCR) still has a long way to ...6 hours ago
- View from The Hill: We have bigger issues around freedom of speech than Lidia Thorpe’s noisy prote...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra King Charles – as the old-fashioned saying goes – didn’t come down in the last shower. He’s unlikely to have been fazed by the outburst from independent senator Lidia Thorpe, who disrupted Monday’s Parliament House ...12 hours ago
- Watch: David Seymour introduces MPs, NZ media to new free school lunches
David Seymour says the beef rissoles dish is "one of the best meals that you're going to have". ...15 hours ago
- Huge volumes of whey go to waste. We could do much more with this nutrient rich liquid
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Hetherington, Phd Candidate in circular business models, University of Adelaide Cheesemaking leaves large volumes of whey Lysenko Andrii/Shutterstock Every year, 7.6 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted in Australia. When we think about this, we might picture mouldy fruit, ...16 hours ago
- What to watch this week at Parliament
This week, Parliament's key action is happening both in the House and in select committees, and includes the RMA, mental health, and a request to expand the Treaty of Waitangi. ...16 hours ago
- PSA Members Ready To Support Nationwide Hui Opposing Government’s Anti-worker Agenda
"PSA members have been on the receiving end of attacks from the coalition Government, which have led to mass layoffs, cuts to services we all rely on, and relentless attacks on Te Tiriti and Māori rights," Leo says. ...17 hours ago
- As it happened: Crown Observer appointed for Wellington City Council, Darleen Tana removed from Parl...
Everything you need to know about today's political events. ...17 hours ago
- Wellington council intervention: Mayor Tory Whanau accepts appointment of Crown observer
Tory Whanau says her council will work collaboratively with the government, after its decision to appoint a Crown Observer. ...18 hours ago
- David Seymour’s new school lunches, reviewed
The future deputy prime minister revealed the new $3 school lunch options today. But which meal is the best, and which do Act MPs think is too woke? Parliament’s banquet hall isn’t actually used for banquets very often. But today, there was a rare banquet on offer, consisting of meals ...18 hours ago
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