Posts Tagged ‘recession’
Sugar rush
Written By: - Date published: 6:37 am, February 13th, 2009 - 24 comments
John Key and Tracey Watkins have both (completely by coincidence) said we must avoid responding to the recession with a ‘sugar rush’ of spending. They’re just making excuses for National’s hopelessly inadequate policies for dealing with the recession but they are right about the need to avoid a sugar rush we don’t want to just […]
What we should be doing
Written By: - Date published: 4:25 pm, February 11th, 2009 - 17 comments
As IrishBill has said, National’s so-called ‘kick-start’ is pretty underwhelming – bringing forward a few more roads and a bigger bridge so that a couple of times a year those Aucklanders that can afford to holiday in the Coromandel won’t create such a big traffic jam, 69 new State houses in six months (= bugger […]
Es ist mein teil
Written By: - Date published: 12:46 pm, February 9th, 2009 - 28 comments
This year, the economy will shrink (at least) 1%. At the same time, the population will grow 1% (at least, growth may be stronger due to expats fleeing the UK). So, there’s going to be at least 2% less to go around (on top of a 2% reduction in GDP per capita last year). Now, […]
Better than nothing
Written By: - Date published: 2:37 pm, February 4th, 2009 - 28 comments
I’ve just had a read of John Key’s speech today announcing measures to help small and medium businesses through the recession. And my first reaction is ‘that’s it?’ 5% less provisional tax, whoopie. At the end of the year you get back any excess you’ve paid or have to pay any underpayment. At the end […]
Does that make sense?
Written By: - Date published: 1:44 pm, February 4th, 2009 - 10 comments
I know when I write a post that if two statements in the post seem to disagree someone will quickly point out the apparent logical inconsistency to me and I’ll either have to explain it or fix it. Which is all well and good. So, I thought I would do the same for Vernon Small […]
- Farewell Anchor, Fresh’n Fruity and Mainland: what’s behind Fonterra’s decision to sell its co...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Renwick, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Lincoln University, New Zealand Fonterra caught the business world by surprise last week with plans to sell off its consumer brands and businesses – including supermarket mainstays such as Anchor, Fresh’n Fruity and Mainland. The move ...7 days ago - Working with iwi and hapū a core capability for councils’ freshwater management, says Auditor-gen...
Regional councils must focus on building meaningful and enduring relationships with iwi and hapū to support better freshwater management, says the Auditor-General in a new report. ...7 days ago - Ngā Wharerau O Aotearoa acknowledges the Government’s response to the Independent review of Kāin...Chris Glaudel, Deputy Chief Executive of Community Housing Aotearoa, sees the announcement as a step towards addressing New Zealand’s high and rising levels of homelessness by improving our approach and system to delivering affordable homes. ...7 days ago
- Scrapping free flu vaccines has put vulnerable kids at risk
The end of universal flu shot funding for under-12s is a step backwards for New Zealand child health, say experts from the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. New Zealand’s decision to no longer offer free influenza vaccines for all children under 12 will likely wipe out recent ...7 days ago - Education Ministry must try harder to redeploy as many laid off workers as possibleThe PSA is taking action to force the Ministry of Education to comply with its legal obligations to do everything it can to find other roles for staff it is laying off because of the Government’s spending cuts. ...7 days ago
- National MP David MacLeod may face police probe over undeclared donations – law professor
New Plymouth's David MacLeod says he made an inadvertent error in his failure to declare $178,000 of donations. ...7 days ago - Five reasons I wrote a ‘quiet’ children’s novelPoet, editor and former bookseller Jane Arthur’s debut children’s novel Brown Bird is the story of a shy, self-conscious 11-year-old – partly based on her childhood self – venturing out of her quiet comfort zone. Children’s books are close to my heart because mostly I believe that adults are rings ...7 days ago
- Plane heading for New Caledonia to bring Kiwis homeWinston Peters has confirmed it is the first in a series of proposed flights. ...7 days ago
- Is a return to LOTR the best or worst thing for Wellington? An argument with myselfPeter Jackson is bringing Lord of the Rings back to Wellington, producing two new Gollum films in Wellington. Madeleine Chapman (Gollum) argues with Madeleine Chapman (Smeagol) about it. First of all, I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation. Of course it’s great news! I don’t know, it gives me ...7 days ago
- Government to continue with Aukus talks despite China's warningThe Prime Minister says New Zealand's relationship with China is mature enough to withstand differences of opinion. ...7 days ago
- Politics live: National MP David MacLeod stood down after failing to declare donationsNew Plymouth's David MacLeod says he's "extremely disappointed" after failing to declare $178,000 of donations. ...7 days ago
- The cost of being: A SuperGold Card holder on solar powerAs part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a part-time media librarian and superannuitant explains how he spends and saves. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Male Age: 65 Ethnicity: European Role: Media librarian ...7 days ago
- Statistics New Zealand to leave central Auckland office after safety concerns"At times it does feel uncomfortable just heading out for sushi at lunch," a Stats NZ executive told staff. ...7 days ago
- Ngati Ruanui On Fast Track BallotThe Government’s Environmental Select Committee is refusing to engage meaningfully when it matters the most over new fast tracking environmental legislation, says Ngāti Ruanui. ...7 days ago
- Household costs the main priority for Labour's finance spokespersonThe Labour Party's finance spokesperson has set out her portfolio priorities, with household costs at the top of her list. ...7 days ago
- What the future holds for Kāinga OraThe agency was found to be underperforming and ‘not financially viable’, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A damning report A government-ordered ...7 days ago
- Politics live: Kāinga Ora in for shake-up, Labour's Barbara Edmonds makes pre-Budget speechFollow the latest in politics as Labour looks to the Budget and National shakes up Kāinga Ora. ...7 days ago
- What will it take for NZ to be a 'rockstar' economy again?Consumers have been hit with all the pain of getting economy on even footing again, economist says. ...7 days ago
- NZ First toilet bill: Not enough unisex loos, planning expert saysDespite Winston Peter's suggestion that anyone who wants to use one can, an academic says there aren't enough unisex toilets in the country. ...7 days ago
- The scariest driver of school non-attendance: more parents who just don’t careParents in a UK study knew attendance rates had gone down. The problem was, they didn't care. Could the same be true here? ...1 week ago
- Private jet use is increasing in New Zealand, climate crisis be damnedYou’ll never set foot in one. But its emissions still effect you. Shanti Mathias reports on a campaign to make private jet owners pay for their emissions in some way. The private jet passengers saunter down the red carpet, wearing sunglasses and heels; paparazzi cameras flash. The sky is blue, ...1 week ago
- There’s a silver lining to the Ministry of Education job cutsQuality teachers back on the front line can only be a good thing. One of the difficult things we teach in senior English classes at secondary school is the development of an idea. This involves deepening your argument, without instead “going sideways” and merely adding examples while repeating the same ...1 week ago
- How to lessen stigma and gaslighting in the health sector
Opinion: People with certain types of health conditions are more likely than others to have their symptoms dismissed, minimised or disbelieved. These conditions are diagnosed based on the patient self-report of symptoms, where there is no definitive diagnostic test that can prove the existence of disease or demonstrate structural or ...1 week ago - Restoring fiscal discipline – and trustOpinion: Without an appropriate focus on value for public spending, trust in government is likely to erode The post Restoring fiscal discipline – and trust appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Hit by a digital guillotineThe intensity of it, ironically, can feel like bullying. Social media activism is reaching something of a peak with the war in Gaza, using the hashtag Blockout2024. It started at this year’s MetGala when influencer and model Haley Kalil was caught on video muttering ‘let them eat cake’ – suddenly ...1 week ago
- ‘I will never give birth to a child’It’s 2011 and I am 43 years old. My partner, Christine, and I got together when I was 36. We had been friends for about 10 years before that. One of the first things I asked Christine was whether she wanted to have kids. I had just come out of ...1 week ago
- Phase out mid point: Govt commits to low-energy user charges reviewThe Consumer Advocacy Council is pleased the Government will review the phase out of fixed low-user energy plans The post Phase out mid point: Govt commits to low-energy user charges review appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Problems persist even in environment ministry’s alternative fast-track billAnalysis: The Ministry for the Environment still couldn’t shake concerns about local voices, legal risks and environmental degradation The post Problems persist even in environment ministry’s alternative fast-track bill appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 21 MayLoading…(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, Tuesday 21 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Daily crossword, Tuesday 21 MayThe post Daily crossword, Tuesday 21 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Luxon’s ‘clear-eyed’ stance on China security issuesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon balanced promotion of ‘critical’ trade ties with ‘clear-eyed’ security talk at a China summit The post Luxon’s ‘clear-eyed’ stance on China security issues appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Mega prison would cost mega bucks, so follow the moneyOpinion: As an indication of the eye-watering sums involved for the mega-prison plans announced two weeks ago by Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell, consider that $932 million has already been spent on a separate facility due to open at Waikeria next year – that’s about $1.5 million for each of the ...1 week ago
- Stalking legislation review potentially next year – but could take longerThe government has a full slate of "justice commitments" already this year, the Justice Minister says. ...1 week ago
- Fast-track laws, parliamentary urgency, Treaty tension, media retreat: warning signs for NZ's &...Analysis - Power is not being abused, but it is not being well managed either. New Zealand democracy, unique and currently brittle, should be handled with greater care, Alexander Gillespie writes. ...1 week ago
- Forcing a government rethink on Gaza 'a cause worth dying for' – Will AlexanderA former Shortland Street actor says he doesn't want to die but changing the government's policy matters hugely to him. ...1 week ago
- Watch: PM, Housing Minister discuss Kāinga Ora reviewHousing Minister Chris Bishop has ruled out a mass sell-off of state houses. ...1 week ago
- Kāinga Ora underperforming, not financially viable – Sir Bill EnglishThe agency paid limited attention to value for money and had opaque transparency around internal costs and revenue, the review found. ...1 week ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to media following CabinetPM Christopher Luxon and Housing Minister Chris Bishop are discussing a review of Kainga Ora led by Sir Bill English. ...1 week ago
- On the pain and pleasure of cookingA conversation with artist and home cook Prairie Hatchard-McGill, aka @cacioeprairie. This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. A few weeks ago, I spotted Prairie strolling down Ponsonby Road at sunset, a bunch of celery tucked under her arm. She was too far away for me ...1 week ago
- Three Kiwis Launch Haka Challenge To Free Assange In LondonThe Haka Challenge invites anyone to learn and record the Ka Mate haka as performed by the All Blacks, to show their support for "the South Pacific's greatest truth teller". ...1 week ago
- Former Shortland Street Actor Will Alexander Goes On Hunger Strike Over NZ Government’s Complicity...At the Christchurch rally in support of Palestine, he started his hunger strike and vowed to continue until the government stops supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza. ...1 week ago
- In stories of unrest in New Caledonia, Kanak voices should not be an afterthoughtWith Nouméa reeling as mainly young, politically active Kanak people take to the streets and protest, a spirit that has been dormant since the 1980s has awoken. Tāmaki Makaurau-based Kanak Joseph Xulué provides some context. As reports continue to emphasise the fires burning through the streets of Nouméa (the capital ...1 week ago
- Oranga Tamariki proposal to cut critical records unit 'incredibly disrespectful' – a..."For a system that desperately needs help, any budget cuts to me are outrageous but especially in record-keeping," Lisa McLaren says. ...1 week ago
- Passport delays cause applicants to pay an extra $1.2m for urgent serviceAn unintended consequence of the backlog could have the DIA making hundreds of thousands of dollars in expedited passport applications. ...1 week ago
- Joining AUKUS could be seen as 'taking sides' – Chinese ambassadorWang Xiaolong told an audience New Zealand joining the military pact could look like "taking sides". ...1 week ago
- Green MP Darleen Tana investigation costs $43,000 so farDarleen Tana was suspended nine weeks ago amid allegations of migrant exploitation relating to her husband's company . ...1 week ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekWe round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you love feral robots: Atlas (Netflix, May 24) Look, if you thought This is Me…Now: A Love Story was Jennifer Lopez at her most intense, then ...1 week ago
- Scams are surging – this team blocked 1.3 million in a monthAfter falling victim to a scam over the phone, Russell Brown spent the day with One NZ’s cyber defence and fraud prevention teams to see the work they do to stop millions of scam attempts every year. The only windows in the Cyber Defence Centre at One NZ’s Auckland headquarters ...1 week ago
- Thousands sign petition to make stalking illegalThe proposal has gained steam since 2022, when Auckland woman Farzana Yaqubi was murdered by a stalker she had previously reported to police. ...1 week ago
- Treasury Advice Show Flaws In Fast Track Approvals BillTreasury officials have outlined many ways in which the Fast Track Approvals Bill is deeply flawed, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking says. ...1 week ago
- Chloe Swarbrick on Green MPs Darleen Tana and Julie Anne GenterDarleen Tana has been suspended amid allegations of migrant exploitation. while Julie Anne Genter is before Parliament's Privileges Committee. ...1 week ago
- Has cutting 'corporate welfare' left a hole in government climate plans?National scrapped a fund for companies to switch from coal. Now NZ might not meet emissions targets, officials say. ...1 week ago
- How are the stocks of the fish on the iconic poster going? ‘Munted’, says one expertAnother technical answer: ‘no one really knows.’ It smells like hot fat and fish. You hug the warm bundle of newspaper, translucent with grease, swaddling it like a newborn babe. Behind the counter is a small child doing her homework, and the grumpiest Chinese lady in the world. Above you, ...1 week ago
- Mahé Drysdale on mayoralty bid: 'I'm running to make Tauranga NZ's best small city&#...The two-time Olympic gold medalist will have to beat out a number of people - and his own uncle - for the top job in Tauranga. ...1 week ago
- Fears Queenstown's homeless problem is about to snowballThe town may see an influx of hundreds of people sleeping in tents this winter, advocates warn. ...1 week ago
- Kiwis Urged To Give Shane Jones ‘The Finger’New Zealanders are being called on to give Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones “the finger” in a cheeky new campaign that aims to dramatically boost marine protection in Aotearoa. ...1 week ago
- The left gears up for 2026 – and beyondLeaders from three of the biggest political parties addressed party faithful over the weekend, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A weekend ...1 week ago
- Ministry for the Environment warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’Environment Ministry says the fast-track bill poses “significant risks”, despite being neither cheaper nor faster than other options The post Ministry for the Environment warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Treasury warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’Treasury has said the fast-track bill poses “significant risks”, despite being neither cheaper nor faster than other options The post Treasury warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Half-term report card: Tory Whanau’s wins, losses and re-election chancesKia ora, welcome to Windbag, The Spinoff’s new Wellington issues column, written by me, Joel MacManus. In this first edition, I take a closer look at the first half of Tory Whanau’s term as mayor. If you want to understand Wellington’s local political landscape, you need to start in 2013 ...1 week ago
- The murky past – and unknown future – of a huia feather set to sell to the highest bidderA taonga going under the hammer at an Auckland auction house tonight is expected to fetch thousands. But concerns have been raised about its unclear provenance – and about the law that’s meant to protect it. Eda Tang reports. When Tamatea* received the huia feather they bought from a licensed ...1 week ago
- New report seeks to measure the value of a corporate crisisCompanies responsible for an environmental crisis are more likely to take a hit to their share price and take longer to recover The post New report seeks to measure the value of a corporate crisis appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- After three decades, Aleh realises Cup dreamIt’s the 38th birthday present Jo Aleh never expected to receive. Last Monday, Aleh and her sailing partner, Molly Meech, flew home to Auckland from Marseille, where they’d been training for their Paris Olympics campaign in the 49erFX. Within a couple of hours of touching down, they were out on ...1 week ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 20 MayThe post Daily crossword, Monday 20 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Who has the monopoly on compassion? Labour, Nats and Greens can’t all be right“It might feel like the country is slogging it up the hill at the moment,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells party faithful in Palmerston North on Sunday, “But we’re gonna get to the top of the hill, and it’s downhill on the other side. And the reason it’s downhill is ...1 week ago
- Pacific leaders concerned over seasonal worker exodusOne issue that all the leaders of the coalition Government have agreed on is the expansion of the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. Established in 2007, the scheme allows workers from participating Pacific countries to come to New Zealand to take up roles on a short-term basis. For the government, it’s ...1 week ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 20 MayLoading…(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, Monday 20 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- The mocking of LuxonThe last person anyone expected to see at last week’s Ockham national book awards was Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He was made to feel as welcome as a plague. He was mocked, and challenged. But good on him for coming. His presence gave the awards an edge, a tension, which ...1 week ago
- A fast track to environmental degradationSir Geoffrey Palmer, author of the seminal book Unbridled Power challenging Muldoon-era decision-making,says the Fast-Track Approvals Bill is a bigger threat to constitutional government The post A fast track to environmental degradation appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- LGNZ launches city and regional deals planLGNZ hopes city and regional deals will help reset the relationship between central and local government. The post LGNZ launches city and regional deals plan appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Seabed miners: What we know and what we don’tUncertainty is an overwhelming theme for two seabed mining projects aiming to use the Government’s controversial fast-track regime The post Seabed miners: What we know and what we don’t appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 week ago
- Taiwanese Community in Christchurch Rallies for Taiwan's WHO ParticipationOn May 18, the Taiwanese community in Christchurch came together for the "Health for All, Taiwan Can Help" march, urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to grant Taiwan participation. ...1 week ago
- What Is Behind The Turmoil In The New Zealand Green Party?The instability comes as the party tries to refresh its brand after six years of being part of a right-wing, pro-imperialist government with both the Labour Party and, from 2017-2020, the far-right NZ First Party. ...1 week ago
- Wake Up Call: Government Debt Hits $90,000 Per Household Today – “$90k Debt Day”Based on the latest Treasury forecasts, New Zealand Government debt will tick above $90,000 per household for the first time ever at 10pm today, Sunday 19 May 2024. The Taxpayers’ Union is calling it “$90k Debt Day”. Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ ...1 week ago
- Government IT Systems Need A $800 Million OverhaulThe government is facing a bill of more than $800 million to overhaul back-office IT systems, and attempts to lessen its impact have hit delays. ...1 week ago
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