Posts Tagged ‘sst’
Postcard from the future
Written By: - Date published: 8:08 am, May 19th, 2011 - 25 comments
An anonymous Sunday Star Times editorial last weekend (not on line) reads like a postcard from the future…
How bad’s the poll?
Written By: - Date published: 9:12 pm, January 8th, 2011 - 59 comments
Farrar and Slater are trying to knee-cap a poll in the SST tomorrow. They know the numbers because Key’s office told them. Obviously jittered. Slater says it has NZF at 8.9%. Movement of ipredict stocks suggest its bad news for Nats and Labour. If Nats are in mid-40s then they’re in danger territory. Very hard for them to find a majority.
The long goodbye
Written By: - Date published: 11:45 pm, July 8th, 2010 - 63 comments
Newspaper and magazine readerships continue to plummet despite the end of the recession. The biggest falls are the major newspapers. The Herald has shed 92,000 readers since 2005. The Sunday-Star Times lost 90,000 readers (15%!) last year alone. It’s got to the point where they literally can’t give the SST away.
Beneficiary bashing – an inglorious National sport
Written By: - Date published: 11:45 am, March 30th, 2010 - 30 comments
Lifted from comments for wider reading by commentator acclaim.. Beneficiary bashing in this country is definitely becoming uglier by the day. It seems that Paula Bennett’s attacks on beneficiaries seemingly condoned by the Prime Minister has given prejudice free reign in the country. It is now permissible to demonize a vulnerable group in society based […]
Abolishing equity
Written By: - Date published: 11:04 am, May 26th, 2009 - 12 comments
National has belatedly woken up to the fact that not all Kiwis are middle aged white males, and has been trying to make much of its new found diversity. It showcased supposed star Melissa Lee in the high profile Mt Albert by-election, and has trumpeted that “The Party has 17 women in the top 60”. […]
Nats spending your money to build “Brand Key”?
Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, July 7th, 2008 - 72 comments
Looks like John Key might be a little less “self-made” and a little more “taxpayer-made” than he’d have us believe… click the image for a larger version.
Democracy under attack
Written By: - Date published: 3:02 pm, July 6th, 2008 - 27 comments
Ruth Laugesen’s got a piece in the SST today entitled “How National’s spin doctors operate“. She points out that Crosby/Textor’s methods, contrary to the opinion of many other journalists here, do differ from what are considered standard focus group and polling methodologies. Auckland University political studies senior lecturer Jennifer Lees-Marshment suggests that C/T are different […]
- “The Paying Guests”; a love story with class
by Don Franks Someone left a copy of “The Paying Guests” in the bus stop at the end of our street and made my day. What you get in these 564 pages is a beautifully touching love story, memorable characters, suspense and a healthy dose of class education. In early ...9 hours ago - Unequal To The Task?
10 hours ago - The Numbers That Matter.10 hours ago
- BRYCE EDWARDS: A disappointing pick-and-mix approach to electoral reform
Bryce Edwards writes – Democracy in New Zealand could and should be improved in so many ways. So it’s a pity that the Government has yet again produced a review of elections that has delivered a disparate and incomplete package of recommendations. Few of the recommendations will ...15 hours ago - Brown's Band-Aid Budget.
What a saga it has been, the passing of Wayne Brown’s budget. A soap opera of leaked emails, bullying words, uninvited journalists, airport shares, and, no doubt, late night txts and phone calls.Yesterday I watched some of the budget meeting live, not all of it, it was as long as ...18 hours ago - There are some things you just have to to hear more than once
Hello! This is the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the week.Here’s what you may have missed.Wednesday was about 30k speed limits. It also has a clip of Christopher Luxon on his Instagram actually sayingI'm incredibly proud that over the last few weeks we've announced ...19 hours ago - Accountability and Archives New Zealand
Was another IT debacle inevitable given the management arrangements?In February 20022, Archives New Zealand (ANZ) switched its electronic access to the nation’s public records from ‘Archway’ to the new Collections system, also known as ‘AIMS’ (Archives Integrated Management System). There was immediate outrage by users. As Archives New Zealand politely ...1 day ago - I'm absolutely done with all this, I want to help turn it around
1. Who got indicted today?a. Hillary but her emails Clintonb. Hillary lock her up Clintonc. Sleepy Joe Biden d. Treasonous former President Donald Trump 2. What does this graph show?a. Share trading by Michael Woodb. Rental investment properties bought and sold by MPsc. Volume of falsehoods peddled by National Party MPs in ...1 day ago - Climate Change: The status quo will kill us
Canada is burning down and American cities are choking on the smoke. The arctic ice-cap is now beyond the point of no return. There have been record heat-waves in Asia, getting us close to Ministry for the Future territory. Phoenix, Arizona has banned new construction because it is running out ...1 day ago - Mahuta brings Māori values into foreign policy while two colleagues bring Aussies into the assault ...
Buzz from the Beehive A press statement from Finance Minister Grant Robertson (headed NZ well placed as economy affects Govt books) has not been posted on the government’s official website, but it says “the Government books are reflecting a further moderation in economic activity…” A speech from the Foreign Affairs Minister ...1 day ago - Bryce Edwards: A Disappointing pick-and-mix approach to electoral reform
Democracy in New Zealand could and should be improved in so many ways. So it’s a pity that the Government has yet again produced a review of elections that has delivered a disparate and incomplete package of recommendations. Few of the recommendations will ever see the light of day and, ...2 days ago - THOMAS CRANMER: From comrade to Dame in a New York minute
Thomas Cranmer writes – They say that a week is a long time in politics and indeed that seems to be truer now than ever. But consider, for a moment, the ... 2 days ago - The State of The Kākā nation in 2023
TL;DR: We’ve more than doubled The Kākā’s community of paying and free subscribers to almost 14,000 over the last year or so since our last State of The Kākā Nation report. Revenue growth hasn’t been quite so fast, partly because we’ve opened up more of our journalism to everyone in ...2 days ago - BRYCE EDWARDS: Does Michael Wood have enough integrity to be a Minister?Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealanders are supposed to be able to trust that there are adequate systems in place to ensure our politicians aren’t corrupt. There are mandatory systems of transparency requiring MPs and ministers to disclose all possible conflicts of interest, and yet we have ...2 days ago
- The Dog-Whistle
There are moments when one despairs – and those moments have come with increasing frequency over recent weeks. They have arisen as Christopher Luxon – with the apparent support of the Herald – has ventured into “dog-whistle” politics, and has sought to play “the race card” in his efforts to ...2 days ago - Dawn Chorus: Finally, the rainy day option appears
Brown has accused his fellow councillors of being ‘financially illiterate.’ His own literacy needs improving. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: Finally, the Auckland City Council is fumbling its way towards understanding how to use its own balance sheet properly, as a buffer for its ‘rainy day,’ rather than as a ‘sinking ...2 days ago - NZ Politics Daily: 9 June 2023MICHAEL WOOD AIRPORT SHARES CONFLICT OF INTEREST Matthew Hooton (Herald): End of the line for lethally arrogant Labour — and Auckland light rail plans (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): National MPs correct interest register, as investigation into Michael Wood launched Jamie Ensor (Newshub): Michael Wood shares shambles: Jacinda Ardern previously aware of ...2 days ago
- Weekly Roundup 9-June-2023
It’s Friday again so here’s our latest roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. The Week in Greater Auckland On Tuesday we ran a post from our friends at Bike Auckland on Liberating a lane on the Harbour Bridge. On Wednesday Cameron Pitches took a look ...2 days ago - Jacqui Van Der Kaay: The privilege of powerYesterday’s hour-long inquiry by Parliament’s Privileges Committee into whether Education Minister Jan Tinetti misled the House or not must have felt a lot longer than that for her. Tinetti was called before the committee by Parliament’s speaker for telling the House that she didn’t have a role in releasing the ...2 days ago
- Making waves
A great write-up of my campaign launch event appeared on Stuff today: Pole-dancing is not often used to launch political campaigns, but it seemed like a natural fit to Stephanie Rodgers – public servant, part-time pole dancing teacher, and Green candidate for the Wellington electorate of Ōhāriu. “I don’t think ...2 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #23 2023
Open access notables Back in April of 2020 Chi Xu et al. captivated some public attention with their paper Future of the human climate niche, which explained a reasonable case for its startling conclusion about routine habitability of large parts of our planet now supporting dense populations. Now come the same ...2 days ago - EwwwNational's fundamentalist christian leader is telling kiwis to breed for New Zealand: National Party leader Christopher Luxon has encouraged people at an infrastructure conference to have more babies in an effort to reverse the nation’s declining birthrate. In a question and answer session after the announcement, Luxon encouraged more ...2 days ago
- Shutdown the clown show Mayor Brown
Pippa Coom was, until last October, an Auckland councillor, and a very good one indeed. I hope she will be again. She’s written this week on her site about the absolute state of things in Auckland civic governance. It’s clear and good. With her kind permission I’m running it here.It ...2 days ago - The “Anti-Woke” HeraldThese days, I make a point of reading the Herald for a particular reason – not, in order to get an accurate account of the day’s news, but to gain some insight into the mentality of those whose guiding principle is not accuracy or rationality but, rather, visceral hatred of ...2 days ago
- Price trends at first GDT auction of new season will keep dairy farmers, as well as the co-op, on ...
While there was no sign of an upswing in the wholemilk powder price at Fonterra’s latest Global Dairy Trade auction — the first of the new season — cheddar prices rose 7.4% to $US4,668/t . This confirmed the trend which Fonterra was exploiting last season.It told farmers in May ...2 days ago - 2002 civil defence law had no Treaty clause – but Labour will provide one, along with some guarant...Buzz from the Beehive The weight being given to “Treaty of Waitangi” provisions in legislation drafted by the Labour government can be measured by a quick reading of the Emergency Management Bill. The bill has a Treaty clause. The legislation which it will replace – the Civil Defence Emergency Management ...2 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on Saudi sports-washing
Since sport is our global religion, it isn’t surprising that the theocratic kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken the redemptive power of sportswashing very seriously indeed. To the point where the massive Saudi investment in all kinds of professional sport may be hoodwinking the West into overlooking the kingdom’s terrible ...2 days ago - The holes (still) in National's (not so) new infrastructure policyWalking down an Auckland street: the results of 30 years of magical thinking is far from magical in the housing, climate and poverty crises now threatening to overwhelm our hospital, justice and education systems. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: National has released its infrastructure policy for the election, opting ...3 days ago
- DrawnA ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Employment Relations (Protection for Kiwisaver Members) Amendment Bill (Tracey McLellan) The bill is a nice little minor amendment which would prevent employers from discriminating against Kiwisaver members, restoring a protection repealed ...3 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Does Michael Wood have enough integrity to be a Minister?New Zealanders are supposed to be able to trust that there are adequate systems in place to ensure our politicians aren’t corrupt. There are mandatory systems of transparency requiring MPs and ministers to disclose all possible conflicts of interest, and yet we have learnt that this integrity system has fallen ...3 days ago
- Wood You Believe It!
How many of you think Michael Wood is corrupt? I don’t mean whether he broke the rules, he did, but whether he’s acted in a way that could see him personally gain?Probably not a lot. I don’t think even the MPs and media people demanding his immediate crucifixion think that. ...3 days ago - NZ Politics Daily: 8 June 2023MICHAEL WOOD AIRPORT SHARES CONFLICT OF INTEREST Peter Dunne: Taint of incompetent ministers dragging Hipkins down Herald Editorial: Suspended Transport Minister Michael Wood’s egregious error of judgment (paywalled) Barry Soper (Newstalk ZB): Transport Minister Michael Wood, Auckland Airport shares saga – There should be no coming back for minister Thomas Coughlan ...3 days ago
- The little-known, massive advantage that renewables hold over coalThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Karin Kirk There are many good reasons to burn less coal: It’s polluting, expensive, damaging to human health, and emits more carbon pollution than any other form of electricity. But an oft-overlooked factor is that burning fuel to generate electricity is astonishingly ...3 days ago
- A Hobsonville Rd CyclewayAuckland Transport have just launched consultation on a cycleway for a route fairly close to my heart as it’s part of my regular ride to work – Hobsonville Rd. The corridor has seen a lot of growth in the last decade or so with all the development at Hobsonville Point, ...3 days ago
- The Aliens Have Landed And We Don't Even Care
Hi,I was an obsessive kid. If I liked something, I really liked it. Nothing came in halves with me. It was all or nothing. And throughout the 90s — and into some of the 00s — The X-Files was my obsession. It was one of the first shows on network ...3 days ago - The General is backFor those with long memories, the declaration in Wellington yesterday by the Prime Minister of Fiji that economic development in Pacific Island states depended on democracy might have seemed, at best, ironic. The PM is, after all, Major General the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka CF, OBE, MSD and leader of ...3 days ago
- An Expanded Tolkien Letters!
A truly lovely bit of news. A new Tolkien book, of sorts, is coming out in November, and not one that will be scraping the bottom of the barrel. Specifically, we’re getting an expanded version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s published letters, with some 150 reinserted: https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/harpercollins-to-publish-revised-and-expanded-edition-of-tolkiens-letters-as-originally-intended The current edition of ...3 days ago - Is the Hipkins outfit afflicted by creeping incompetence or crisis-ridden? Is anyone feeling sorry for the Prime Minister? Here, confronted once more by an errant minister, he has had to use his disciplinary powers, but not to the satisfaction of Opposition parties. Michael Wood may have been one of the more effective ministers in the current administration, though that ...3 days ago
- Finding space in govt policy for indigenous astronomers while mixing in appropriate mythology (and a...News of the indigenization of New Zealand’s Space Policy (here) has reached Jerry Coyne, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago, whose analysis of it has been posted on Why Evolution is True (here). The National Space Policy (as Point of Order noted) ...3 days ago
- Welcome to Devonport have a nice drive
The numeral 30 comes from Latin, written as triginta. In our seaside village there are many aspirational people going forward in their utes and Audis but not all that many who had time for a classics education.So when the useless council put up this new sign, it seems most people ...3 days ago - Deliberate non-complianceYesterday Transport Minister Michael Wood was stood down after failing to properly declare a conflict of interest - namely his continued ownership of Auckland Airport shares while transport minister. Chris Hipkins and his Labour cronies tried to pass this off as Wood simply being forgetful, but this was somewhat undercut ...3 days ago
- Geopolitical balancing in the W/SW Pacific.
Last year the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security agreement that includes police training and port visits by Chinese security advisors and naval vessels. This includes training in “crowd control” and protection of … Continue reading ...4 days ago - Member’s DayToday is a Member's Day. First up is the committee stage of a local bill, the New Plymouth District Council (Perpetual Investment Fund) Bill. This will be followed by the third readings of Marja Lubeck's Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill and Ian McKelvie's ...4 days ago
- Simon says pragmatism should come before principles – thus taxpayers will stump up $354m to lift...Buzz from the Beehive The announcement from the Beehive somewhat blandly declared: New law passes on child support to sole parents. Social policy commentator Lindsay Mitchell more pertinently headed her article on the new law: Taxpayer to stump up another $354 million to lift beneficiary sole parent incomes. The ministerial ...4 days ago
- Dawn Chorus: Conflicting airport interestsYesterday’s revelation yesterday that Michael Wood’s ‘life admin’ got away on him and he didn't sell his Auckland Airport shares despite six warnings from the Cabinet Office was messy and 'unacceptable' enough for Hipkins to stand Wood down as Transport Minister until it was 'resolved'. Now it’s got even messier. ...4 days ago
- NZ Politics Daily: 7 June 2023MICHAEL WOOD AUCKLAND AIRPORT SHARES CONFLICT OF INTEREST Luke Malpass (Stuff): Michael Wood, the shares, and the taint of incompetence Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Transport Minister Michael Wood on thin ice, but safe for now (paywalled) Jo Moir (Newsroom): PM stung by his own team falling short Jenna Lynch (Newshub): Prime Minister ...4 days ago
- The Cost of CarsThis is a guest post from Cameron Pitches is the former Convenor for the Campaign for Better Transport. These days he’s the Technology Manager at PortConnect It should be a surprise to nobody that cars are expensive to own and operate. Obviously they are an inherent part of the ...4 days ago
- Electioneering Rules.
You might’ve seen reports of the draft recommendations of the Electoral System review, released following a long public consultation. In this newsletter I’d like to offer some thoughts on those proposals, who they benefit, and a couple of other changes I think we need.It’s worth bearing in mind that these ...4 days ago - Hipkins’ words come back to haunt himChris Hipkins must be starting to wonder whether any more Cabinet Ministers might embarrass him. The procession of Ministers this year making the headlines for the wrong reasons recalls the same sort of saga in the Key Government. Then, in 2014, Labour’s Chief Whip, Chris Hipkins said Key had ...4 days ago
- Totally Normal 17: Just Checking In
Hi,Thanks for the outpouring of advice and love over the weekend’s Wolves on the Roof piece. I’m gonna throw some of your comments into a future newsletter, as I think there’s genuinely great advice in there for anyone suffering any kind of chronic pain, or battling the dark nighttime thoughts ...4 days ago - Preview the ‘Free Speech and the Left’ Conference
...4 days ago - At a glance – Can animals and plants adapt to global warming?On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...4 days ago
- Corrupted Generations.Socrates Takes The Rap: “Corrupting the youth”, the Athenian philosopher Socrates was convicted and executed for this offence more than 2,400 years ago. It is a sure sign of generational desperation: of the old order’s fear of the values and aspirations of its younger citizens; and of a generation no ...4 days ago
- Labour’s electoral reviewLabour's "independent" review of the electoral system reported back today. You can read the full thing here, but most of it was basicly a rehash of the 2012 Electoral Commission review, and in response to the same questions, produced mostly the same answers: a lower threshold and removing the one-seat ...4 days ago
- Politics as Super Rugby
ACT preens as party in waiting ahead of Election 2023, read an RNZ headline this morning. Foregone conclusions are totally the new black in election reporting this season. The article that followed was not quite so breathless, and concluded with the reminder that in the end it’s all up to the ...4 days ago - Politics as Super RugbyACT preens as party in waiting ahead of Election 2023, read an RNZ headline this morning. Foregone conclusions are totally the new black in election reporting this season. The article that followed was not quite so breathless, and concluded with the reminder that in the end it’s all up to the ...4 days ago
- Another trust problemToday transport Minister Michael Wood was stood down after failing to properly declare a conflict of interest. He'd bought shares in Auckland airport "as a teenager", hidden them in a trust when he became an MP, and failed to declare them for seven years, for three of which he was ...4 days ago
- We are told (but not officially) that airport shares have landed Michael Wood in a bit of bother
Buzz from the Beehive At least one headline-grabbing ministerial announcement had not been posted on the government’s official website, when Point of Order checked early this afternoon. We learned from other sources that Michael Wood has been stood down as Transport Minister over over failing to properly disclose shares owned ...4 days ago - Record dairy output ending the dairy season may help ease higher cost pressures on NZ’s key expo...Battered by storms, and soaring costs, New Zealand dairy farmers have countered by extracting higher production. As one commentator put it, end-of-season production “has been through the roof” . Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny notes in a report in the NZ Herald that we are probably looking at two ...5 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on red tape and Nicky Hager’s regal rewardNot for the first time, David Seymour looks like an answer to a non-existent problem. Reportedly, ACT is promising to establish a Ministry of Regulations to cut through all that bureaucracy and red tape. Yep. To cut down on bureaucracy. Seymour is promising to create a whole new bureaucracy, presumably ...5 days ago
- What ‘The Simpsons’ taught ’90s kids about climate changeThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sara Peach In 1989, cartoonist Matt Groening told a reporter that his new television show, “The Simpsons,” would tackle the serious subjects in life. “It always amazes me how few cartoonists in print or animation go after the bigger issues, the kinds ...5 days ago
- NZ Politics Daily: 6 June 2023ELECTION, PARLIAMENT Matthew Hooton (Patreon): Labour will regret hatchet job on contraception Tracy Watkins (Stuff): How low will this election campaign go? Fran O’Sullivan: (Herald): National must make it clear – women’s work is leading, not cleaning up (paywalled) Claire Trevett (Herald): No more Mr Nice Guy – backtracks on housing and ...5 days ago
- Liberate the Lane on the Auckland Harbour Bridge!This is a cross post from our friends at Bike Auckland. You can see the original post here. An Auckland for Everybody It’s 2024, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge is finally open and available to all modes of everyday transport. Using a dedicated lane protected from traffic, people walk, ...5 days ago
- Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Why Parliament’s rules matterIt could be easy to shrug away Education Minister Jan Tinetti’s referral to the Privileges Committee as just another example of a Minister not following the rules of Parliament. But its significance should be recognised in the fact it is only the second time since 2008 that a Member of ...5 days ago
- Geoffrey Miller: How fake AI images could stoke tensions in the Indo-PacificSeeing is no longer believing. Surprisingly realistic – yet fake – images created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are here. To date, most have seemed more like curiosities than genuine deception attempts. Last month, it was revealed that New Zealand’s National Party had used the AI image generation app Midjourney to ...5 days ago
- Dawn Chorus: Call to lower voting age renewedYoung climate activists watch a livestream of Jacinda Ardern declaring a climate emergency in December 2020. File photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: There’s another call this morning to lower the voting age and to lower the threshold for parties to get into Parliament under MMP.Elsewhere, there’s news:most social homes ...5 days ago
- Will we say goodbye to free speech?
Interesting speech by Rowan Atkinson where he defends free speech. Timely too, as several countries are now facing the introduction of legislation which will be used to attack freedom of speech. New Zealand/Aotearoa is no exception. And this comes on top of actions of censorship, de-platforming and social pressure ...5 days ago - Free Speech and the left conferenceThe left has really been silent and allowed the traditional leftist commitment to free speech to erode and even fall out of favor. This has had an effect on a whole range of leftist issues, from journalism to environmental activism, worker’s rights, animal rights, etc. From June 17 to June ...5 days ago
- Beehive brays about King’s Birthday gongs and a deal with Japan – but it is bashful about rebuff...Buzz from the Beehive The government’s official website – dominated today by announcements of who has been awarded King’s Birthday gongs – also carries news of a development in New Zealand’s relationship with Japan. This sits alongside the speech which Defence Minister Andrew Little delivered to the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue ...6 days ago
- Turning a new page[s]
The world is full of climate dashboards (and dashboards of dashboards), and so you might imagine that all datasets and comparisons are instantly available in whatever graphical form you like. Unfortunately, we often want graphics to emphasize a particular point or comparison, and generic graphs from the producers of ...6 days ago - The Extinction Of Rebellion.Not Even Close, Comrades! Occupy made it all the way to New Zealand, but its fate here did not differ substantially from its fate everywhere else around the world. The political praxis of identity politics, its extraordinary disintegrative power, made the organisation of any kind of credible threat to the ...6 days ago
- 134 Days Out.6 days ago
- BRIAN EASTON: What do economists do?Steven Levitt, famous for his Freakanomics, shows that being an economist is not just mouthing supply and demand. Brian Easton writes – Anyone can call themselves an ‘economist’. Many do, despite having no qualifications in economics and hardly any formal training; they often make elementary errors. That is the ...6 days ago
- King’s Birthday Grumpiness: ‘Dame’ Jacinda Ardern
Today is New Zealand’s first King’s Birthday since 1951. It’s not Charlie’s actual birthday, any more than Queen’s Birthday was Liz’s, but it’s a public holiday nonetheless. Until the creation of Matariki, the monarch’s observed birthday marked the start of a black hole in New Zealand’s holiday calendar, stretching ...6 days ago - Changing Seasons.
All things change. Nations, sporting teams, individuals. All have a time of ascent, and, in time, of decline. Their time on the stage, in the spotlight - however brightly they shone, gone. A new generation in their place.We see it on this day, in what still sounds strange, King’s Birthday. ...6 days ago
- 2023 New Zealand's Inflection Point
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for your invitation to speak with you today. Many of you will remember acutely the New Zealand that used to be in comparison to what we have become today. For reasons best known to themselves, some critics consider any reference to the past ...1 day ago - Greens welcome Government joining the party to deal with disposable vapes
The Green Party are welcoming the Government’s announcement of regulations to curb youth vaping. ...4 days ago - Latest Electoral Review: More Dangerous Woke NonsenseThe Independent Electoral Review out today has included a recommendation to ‘affect the Treaty of Waitangi and its Principles’ and make it one of the Act’s ‘explicit objectives’. What ‘principles’ are they talking about exactly? Our Electoral Act is the foundation of unwavering equality for every New Zealander ...5 days ago
- Greens launch rental stories campaignThe Green Party are today launching a campaign asking for people to submit their stories of subpar, substandard and downright awful experiences of renting in Aotearoa. ...5 days ago
- Greens call for cross-party support on electoral reformThe Green Party is welcoming the draft report of the Independent Electoral Review and challenging all political parties to commit to implementing its final recommendations after the 2023 general election. ...5 days ago
- Tākuta Ferris to stand in Te Tai TongaToday, Te Pāti Māori announce Takuta Ferris will contest the Te Tai Tonga seat at this year’s General Election. “Takura ran for the Te Tai Tonga seat for Te Pāti Māori in 2020. It takes tremendous courage and commitment to put your hand up for another round in the ring ...6 days ago
- Repeating Mass Immigration Mistakes For Same ResultFocussed immigration has always been essential to our future, but New Zealanders need to be aware of the immediate dire situation our government is putting us in with a predicted record of one hundred thousand new immigrants moving to New Zealand in this year alone. That means we will have ...1 week ago
- Heather Te-Au Skipworth to stand in the General Seat in TukitukiToday, President of Te Pāti Māori, John Tamihere has confirmed that Heather Te-Au Skipworth will stand for Te Pāti Māori in the Tukituki electorate this election. ...1 week ago
- New Zealand First Secure 1800 New Frontline Police – Not LabourDuring New Zealand First coalition negotiations our policy was to train and resource 1800 new frontline police. We secured this coalition policy win to ensure our streets had a police force that could tackle crime - after years of neglect. Remember those previous nine years of neglect saw a ‘tag ...1 week ago
- STUFF's 'Fact Checking' Is StuffedKatie Kenny from Stuff published an article today with a lazy attempt at so-called ‘fact checking’ my recent comments on the World Health Organisation’s concerning new regulations being developed. What is most surprising is that throughout this entire ‘fact checking’ process, Kenny never once rang me asking for my side ...1 week ago
- Greens back striking secondary teachersThe Green Party backs secondary teachers resuming strike action. ...2 weeks ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023
Chris Hipkins addressed the Labour Party Congress in Wellington. Read the Labour Leader’s speech here. ...2 weeks ago - New Zealand First Announces Kaikoura CandidateNew Zealand First is pleased to announce Jamie Arbuckle, Marlborough District Councillor, to stand as a candidate for the Kaikoura electorate at this year’s General Election. Jamie Arbuckle is an outstanding contributor to New Zealand First and his local community. Arbuckle, a local councillor for over 13 years, has represented ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand’s Version of ‘Know Nothingism’Good afternoon and thank you for taking the time to be here. Blenheim is at the heart of the Marlborough region and an important contributor to New Zealand’s wealth. We salute you for it. Today we launch the NZ First candidate Jamie Arbuckle, the highest polling local councilor, in whom ...2 weeks ago
- National’s backtrack forces another visionless, shambolic policyThe National Party has released another confused and rushed policy that will only further worsen the inequality that is driven by unaffordable housing. ...2 weeks ago
- Grant Robertson: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023Welcome to sunny and calm Wellington, which I know those of you who are visiting would of course expect to be the case. It’s been a busy week since we put forward the 2023 Budget. Labour MPs have been out across the motu giving the good oil on the Budget. ...2 weeks ago
- Carmel Sepuloni: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023Kia orana, Talofa lava, Mālo e lelei, Taloha ni, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Noa’ia e mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia ora, Tena Koutou Katoa. Labour Party President Jill Day, Prime Minister Hipkins, Party faithful, delegates and comrades, whānau and friends, it’s a privilege to be here today. I begin my ...2 weeks ago
- Kelvin Davis: Speech to the Labour Party Congress 2023One of my kaumātua up North stood before the Waitangi Tribunal and said: ‘He aha kē ahau, te tangata kore hara i mua i te Atua, e tu nei kia whakawaatia e koe, te tangata tāhae, te tangata hara, te tangata kore tikanga? Ko koe kē te tika, kia tū ...2 weeks ago
- W.H.O. Director General Seeking Powers To Override Sovereign StatesNew Zealanders will be highly concerned that the World Health Organisation proposes to effectively take control of independent decision making away from sovereign countries and place control with the Director General. W.H.O International Health Regulations on future outbreaks of disease aim to give the Director General extraordinary and wide-sweeping powers. ...2 weeks ago
- We don’t need to engineer a recession, Government can tax wealthThe Green Party is calling on the Government to take responsibility for reducing inflation by taxing wealth instead of leaving RBNZ to continue hiking the Official Cash Rate. ...2 weeks ago
- Enough posturing, let’s get on and build enough public housingThe Green Party is urging the Government to take its own advice and come up with a long-term plan to build thousands more public homes. ...3 weeks ago
- Government announces significant expansion of Wellington Regional Hospital ED
The Government is backing a significant expansion of Wellington Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department, Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced. “Government funding to expand Wellington ED will enable Te Whatu Ora to progress plans for a new, larger, fit-for-purpose facility, featuring an additional 35 spaces. Enabling works are due to ...16 hours ago - New Zealander elected to chair influential international wine organisationTrade and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is welcoming the election of New Zealand’s candidate, Dr John Barker, as Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) at a meeting this evening in Spain. “This is a very good day for our wine industry. Dr Barker’s election marks ...1 day ago
- Peke Waihanga chair reappointedAssociate Minister for Social Development and Employment, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, has announced the reappointment of George Reedy as chair of Peke Waihanga – Artificial Limb Service. Mr Reedy has been appointed as chair until the end of 2024. “Mr Reedy is an experienced Chair, and I am confident that he will ...2 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedTania June Warburton, Tania Margaret Sharkey and Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae have been appointed as District Court Judges, Attorney-General David Parker said today. The appointees will take up their roles in July, August and September respectively, replacing judges who are about to retire. Tania June Warburton, solicitor of Wellington, has ...2 days ago
- New Commerce Commission appointmentCommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Duncan Webb has today announced the appointment of Anne Callinan as the new Deputy Chair at the Commerce Commission. “Anne Callinan is a senior commercial litigation partner and the Chair of Simpson Grierson. She has over 30 years’ experience in commercial litigation, acting as ...2 days ago
- Aotearoa New Zealand's Place in a Troubled World: Partnership and Partnering to deliver interna...Introduction – mihi whakatau “Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki, Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi, Mānawa maiea re Mātahi o te Tau” "Celebrate the rising of Matariki, Celebrate the rising of the Ariki of the sky, Celebrate the rising of the New Year." This invitation to join you ...2 days ago
- Public feedback wanted on improvements of building consent systemThe next step in improvements to the building consent system gets underway with the sector and public encouraged to have their say on how it could be improved, Minister for Building and Construction Dr Megan Woods says. “Following last year’s consultation, we have developed options to get a more efficient ...2 days ago
- Inaugural Australia–New Zealand Climate & Finance SummitFinance Minister Grant Robertson and Climate Minister James Shaw have met in Wellington with their Australian counterparts, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, for the inaugural Australia–New Zealand Climate and Finance Ministers’ meeting. The Ministers discussed areas of enhanced cooperation, supporting accelerated climate action and once-in-a-generation ...3 days ago
- Government investing in more sustainable, lower impact forestry industryThe Government is making a start on a more sustainable forestry industry with investments into a bioenergy plant, research into biomass and better forestry practices, Forestry Minister Peeni Henare announced today. “The Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use recognised current forest harvest practices are not sustainable. In some parts of the ...3 days ago
- Freshwater farm plans being phased inFreshwater farm plans to help farmers improve local waterways will be progressively phased in across the country, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Environment Minister David Parker said today. Cabinet has confirmed the freshwater farm plan regulations, which are part of the Government’s Essential Freshwater package, to improve freshwater health and ...3 days ago
- Govt wishes Special Olympics team wellSport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Disability Issues Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan have wished the 39-strong New Zealand Special Olympics squad heading to Berlin the best of luck. The New Zealand athletes departed for Germany today and will begin competing from next week. “The athletes heading to the Special Olympics ...3 days ago
- Proposed temporary change to allow mixed waste burning on East Coast rural landA proposed temporary law change would enable rural Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti landowners dealing with masses of cyclone and flood debris to burn mixed waste so they can replant and return their land to productivity, Environment Minister David Parker said today. The proposed short-term law change would ensure that any ...4 days ago
- Emergency Management Bill introducedLegislation introduced in Parliament today will ensure New Zealand’s emergency management system learns the lessons of recent and previous responses to natural disasters, including severe weather events and other emergencies. The Emergency Management Bill replaces the two decades old Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. “The strength of our emergency ...4 days ago
- New Zealand Fiji reaffirm close relationshipPrime Minister Chris Hipkins and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met in Wellington this morning, reaffirming the strength and spirit of New Zealand and Fiji’s relationship, as outlined in the Duavata Relationship Statement of Partnership. “New Zealand and Fiji are connected by a kinship forged in Pacific culture, identity and interests, ...4 days ago
- Primary teachers' top base salary step to rise to $100,000Primary teachers have agreed to the Government’s pay offer which will see the top base salary step rise to $100,000 by December next year. The settlement will also see a number of improvements to primary teachers’ conditions, including more than double the classroom release time they currently have to ...4 days ago
- SH25A Bridge construction to get underway in next fortnightAssociate Transport Minister Kiri Allan has announced the construction plan for the bridge on State Highway 25A that will reconnect the Coromandel peninsula, bringing more certainty to the region’s recovery efforts. “The Government is committed to reconnecting Coromandel communities quickly, and this plan to repair the damage along the highway ...4 days ago
- Speech to the Seafood Sustainability Awards 2023Tena koutou katoa and welcome to Parliament. It is a great pleasure for me to host you here today, for the second New Zealand Seafood Sustainability Awards. The awards started in 2020 and officially, are to be held every two years. But as with so many things, COVID got in the ...4 days ago
- Equal gender representation on public sector boards for third year in a rowRepresentation for women on public sector boards and committees is the highest it’s ever been with wāhine now making up 53.1 percent of public board and committee members,” Minister for Women Jan Tinetti said. Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women’s 2022 stocktake of public sector boards and committees shows for the ...4 days ago
- New law passes on child support to sole parentsA new law enabling sole parents on a benefit to receive child support payments for their tamariki was passed in Parliament today. “This change is estimated to lift as many as 14,000 children out of poverty and give families a median of $20 extra a week,” said Social Development and ...4 days ago
- New moves to curb youth vapingCrack down on disposable vapes No new vape shops near schools or marae Restricted descriptions for product flavours The Government is taking action to reduce the number of young people taking up vaping, Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced. “Too many young people are vaping, which is why we’re ...4 days ago
- Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka to visit New ZealandFiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will visit New Zealand this week, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. “Prime Minister Rabuka officially visited New Zealand in 1998, over 25 years ago, and we look forward to welcoming him here once again,” Chris Hipkins said. “New Zealand and Fiji have a long ...5 days ago
- Sports stars and administrators honouredThe King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours List 2023 includes sporting stars and administrators who reflect the best of New Zealand’s sporting community. Sir Wayne Smith has been knighted for services to rugby. Sir Wayne was Assistant Coach of the All Blacks at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and ...6 days ago
- Kapa Haka rangatira amongst those honoured on King’s BirthdayEhara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa taki tini ‘My success is not mine alone, but that of the people” The King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list 2023 celebrates Māori from all walks of life, reflecting the achievements of those who have made a significant contribution to ...6 days ago
- King’s Birthday Honours recognise strength of service to NZThe strength and diversity of service in New Zealand is a standout feature of today’s King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said. “Each of today’s 182 recipients has contributed individually to our country. Viewed collectively, their efforts reflect an overwhelming commitment to service.” Chris Hipkins said. ...6 days ago
- Closer defence cooperation between New Zealand and JapanThe Defence Ministers of New Zealand and Japan have signed a statement of intent for closer defence cooperation between the two Pacific regional partners. Andrew Little and H. E. Yasukazu Hamada met to sign the ‘Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation in Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and ...6 days ago
- SPEECH: To the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 by the Honourable Andrew Little MP, New Zealand Ministe...New Zealand’s most recent defence assessment identified climate change and geostrategic competition as the two greatest security challenges to our place in the South Pacific. To the first issue, partners engaging and re-engaging with Pacific Island Countries are finding that climate change is a security and existential threat in our ...1 week ago
- Govt supporting more rangatahi into training and employment opportunitiesThe government is continuing to support rangatahi in providing more funding into Maori Trades training and new He Poutama Rangatahi programmes across Aotearoa. “We’re backing 30 new by Māori for Māori Kaupapa employment and training programmes, which will help iwi into sustainable employment or progress within their chosen careers” says ...1 week ago
- Energy self-sufficient marae reopens with support of Government investmentMurihiku Marae was officially reopened today, setting a gold standard in sustainable building practices as well as social outcomes for the people of Waihōpai Invercargill, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “The marae has been a central hub for this community since the 1980’s. With the support of $9.65 million ...1 week ago
- First major Whangārei public housing project in a generation completeThe first major public housing development in Whangārei for decades has reached completion, with 37 new homes opened in the suburb of Maunu today. The project on Tapatahi Crescent and Puriri Park Road, consists of 15 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom, 8 four-bedroom and 3 five-bedroom homes, as well as ...1 week ago
- Trade Minister to represent New Zealand trade interests abroadTrade and Export Growth Minister Damen O’Connor will depart tomorrow for London to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting and then to Paris to vice-chair the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. “My travel to the United Kingdom is well-timed, with the United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (UK FTA) ...1 week ago
- Bill to boost national fuel resiliency introducedThe Fuel Industry (Improving Fuel Resilience) Amendment Bill would: boost New Zealand’s fuel supply resilience and economic security enable the minimum stockholding obligation regulations to be adapted as the energy and transport environment evolves. “Last November, I announced a six-point plan to improve the resiliency of our fuel supply from ...1 week ago
- Faster ACC payment top-ups and fairer systemThe Government is making sure those on low incomes will no longer have to wait five weeks to get the minimum weekly rate of ACC, and improving the data collected to make the system fairer, Minister for ACC Peeni Henare said today. The Accident Compensation (Access Reporting and Other Matters) ...1 week ago
- Compulsory code of conduct for school boards introducedA compulsory code of conduct will ensure school board members are crystal clear on their responsibilities and expected standard of behaviour, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti said. It’s the first time a compulsory code of conduct has been published for state and state-integrated school boards and comes into effect on ...1 week ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen annual conference.Tena koutou katoa and thank you, Mayor Nadine Taylor, for your welcome to Marlborough. Thanks also Doug Saunders-Loder and all of you for inviting me to your annual conference. As you might know, I’m quite new to this job – and I’m particularly pleased that the first organisation I’m giving a ...1 week ago
- Govt to support councils with buyout and better protection of cyclone and flood affected propertiesThe Government will enter into a funding arrangement with councils in cyclone and flood affected regions to support them to offer a voluntary buyout for owners of Category 3 designated residential properties. It will also co-fund work needed to protect Category 2 designated properties. “From the beginning of this process ...1 week ago
- Government delivers changes to reduce pokies harmThe Government has announced changes to strengthen requirements in venues with pokie (gambling) machines will come into effect from 15 June. “Pokies are one of the most harmful forms of gambling. They can have a detrimental impact on individuals, their friends, whānau and communities,” Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds said. ...1 week ago
- Government delivers 1800 additional frontline PoliceThe total Police workforce is now the largest it has ever been. Police constabulary stands at 10,700 officers – an increase of 21% since 2017 Māori officers have increased 40%, Pasifika 83%, Asian 157%, Women 61% Every district has got more Police under this Government The Government has delivered on ...1 week ago
- Minister Mahuta talks Pacific ambitions at the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ summitMinister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta met with Korea President Yoon, as well as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, during her recent visit to Korea. “It was an honour to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the first Korea – Pacific Leaders’ Summit. We discussed Pacific ambitions under the ...1 week ago
- Government drives $2 billion of business research and developmentThe Government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive has supported more than $2 billion of New Zealand business innovation – an increase of around $1 billion in less than nine months. "Research and innovation are essential in helping us meet the biggest challenges and seize opportunities facing New Zealand. It’s fantastic ...1 week ago
- Achieving lift off: National Space Policy launchedThe next ‘giant leap’ in New Zealand’s space journey has been taken today with the launch of the National Space Policy, Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds announced. “Our space sector is growing rapidly. Each year New Zealand is becoming a more and more attractive place for launches, manufacturing space-related technology ...2 weeks ago
- RNZ pledges external review as more Kremlin-friendly story changes are detected
As it works through the archive identifying further examples of syndicated stories published with “inappropriate editing” on its website, RNZ is now promising an external review of editing processes, and that its findings will be made public. At the latest count, the public broadcaster’s audit had turned up 15 examples ...8 hours ago - New poll shows National, ACT keeping edge ahead of Labour
The latest political opinion poll shows National and ACT could form the next government. ...10 hours ago - Papuan students accused of ‘treason’ over raising Morning Star flags
Jubi News The trial of three Papuan “free speech” students accused of treason has resumed at the Jayapura District Court this week. The defendants — Yoseph Ernesto Matuan, Devio Tekege, and Ambrosius Fransiskus Elopere — have been charged with treason for organising a free speech rally where they were accused ...11 hours ago - Centre Right Would Form Government While Greens See Bump In Support
SATURDAY 10 JUNE 2023 NEW POLL: Centre Right would form Government while Greens see bump in support National increases 0.1 points on last month to 35.7% while Labour drops 0.9 points to 32.9%. ACT is unchanged on 12.7% while the Greens are up 2.7 ...12 hours ago - Waka Kotahi gives big bonuses to well-paid staffThe Transport Agency has given out a quarter of a million dollars in bonuses, with much more of it going to its better-paid staff than to lower earners. ...13 hours ago
- New poll points to National-Act government despite bump for GreensA new poll by Curia for the Taxpayers’ Union shows levels of support bedding in for the parties, with the exception of the Greens, who jump by 2.3 percentage points from a dismal showing last month to 9.7%. The combined support for National, up 0.1 points to 35.7% and Act, ...14 hours ago
- Shakespeare is anything but cancelled in Auckland right nowThe bard’s work is well and truly alive in Tāmaki Makaurau, with two very different new productions set to open next week. Shakespeare might be long dead, but his work is still well and truly alive. Just last week, the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival played in Wellington, to little media ...15 hours ago
- Sport, culture or cult? The World Circle Drawing Champs are bound for AotearoaAs arcane as it is engrossing, competitive circle drawing has built a global fandom that borders on obsessive. And its global showpiece is about to be staged in Wellington. Le cercle, ça tourne. Almost everyone has heard the aphorism, but few could immediately pinpoint its origin. The words were ...17 hours ago
- The magic of mushies: an excerpt from Fungi of Aotearoa by Liv SissonFungi of Aotearoa: A curious forager’s field guide stormed the bestseller charts upon its release, clearly serving a local interest in the mushrooms around us. The following is an edited excerpt, along with some of the eye-poppingly beautiful photos you’ll find throughout the book. Fungi are medicine for us Fungi ...17 hours ago
- Short story: I don't have time if you're in a hurry, by Miro Bilbrough
"A client in unmatching bra and knickers": God is always watching The front door is open, the impression of interior, dim. Along the right-hand wall the eye picks out the one solid fact, the fact of Connie, hunched over an industrial sewing machine, peering from garment to passing ...20 hours ago - The Week in Detail: Bilingual signs, starving universities, and vulnerable men
Every weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at the magic numbers used to justify luring big, expensive events to a city, the places where bilingual signs are the norm, the great gaping holes in university funding, and men living on the fringes – how do ...20 hours ago - Advocating for climate justice
As part of a weekly showcase of future leaders and inspirational young New Zealanders from the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme, Isla Day wants to develop better connections between industry and academia in the field of drug development – and fight for climate justice | Content Partnership Although she calls herself a “science nerd”, ...20 hours ago - The mysterious closure of one of Auckland’s most expensive restaurantsThe doors to Pasture, a regular on local best restaurant lists, quietly closed last month, leaving many questions – and phone calls – unanswered. Visit Pasture’s Parnell Road site during opening hours this week and you’ll find the lights out and no sign of activity. A smattering of rubbish lies ...21 hours ago
- Long Read: How Mike Wahrlich became 'the juggler'
This is The Detail's Long Read – one in-depth story read by us every weekend. This week, it's How Mike Wahrlich Became 'The Juggler', And The Lessons It Leaves Us, written by David Cohen and published on RNZ. Cohen has written extensively about the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry, and ...21 hours ago - Auckland city budget finally approved: Councillor likens debate to ‘eating rats’By Finn Blackwell, RNZ News reporter and Jordan Dunn, RNZ intern Auckland councillors crossed swords, singling out one another and raising impassioned concerns on debt borrowing, rates and selling council’s shares in Auckland Airport before deciding on their annual budget. Elected members ended yesterday’s meeting undecided but council reconvened this ...1 day ago
- PNG police ‘lack accountability, governance’, warns commissionerBy Marjorie Finkeo in Port Moresby The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary “has a gap” in its accountability and governance in the organisation, warns Police Commissioner David Manning. And the missing gap needs to be filled. Manning said that during the launch of a workshop for Governance and Accountability when ...1 day ago
- Pro-Kremlin edits to wire stories on RNZ demand more than an endnoteLove or hate the national broadcaster, we deserve to know how it happened. “This story was edited inappropriately and has been corrected. RNZ is concerned and takes this matter extremely seriously. We are investigating and have taken appropriate action.” The heart of any editor sinks in appending such words to ...1 day ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: A Disappointing pick-and-mix approach to electoral reformAnalysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Democracy in New Zealand could and should be improved in so many ways. So it’s a pity that the Government has yet again produced a review of elections that has delivered a disparate and incomplete package of recommendations. Few ...1 day ago
- Week in Politics: Chris Hipkins' worst weekAnalysis - For a competent minister - and he has shown himself to be that - Michael Wood has got himself into a real muddle, writes Peter Wilson. ...1 day ago
- ‘Arduous and gruelling’: tempers flare at council decision
The ‘dead rat’ Auckland Council budget of 2023 showed how sometimes politics is just like pulling teeth “It’s easy to forget just how long and tortuous this process has been,” Brown said this week opening up a two-day governing body meeting that resulted in a decision that passed 14 to six ...1 day ago - Airport for sale: councillors pass budget after two days of debate
14 councillors voted through the new yearly budget in the culmination of a lengthy process that green-lights a compromise on the Mayor’s original vision Seven percent of Auckland Airport is up for grabs, as Auckland’s councillors voted Mayor Wayne Brown’s budget proposal through today with an amendment for only a partial sale ...1 day ago - RNZ ‘investigating’ how it published pro-Russian contentRNZ is “investigating” after a story purporting to be from world news agency Reuters was subtly edited with a pro-Russian slant. The story – headlined “Increasing talk of ‘war’ in Russia worrying sign of escalation” – has since been amended and a tag at the bottom said the broadcaster was ...1 day ago
- Law and order now number two issue for voters, but most still concerned about the cost of livingFear about rising crime has hit a record high in the latest political survey, now featuring as the number two issue for voters in New Zealand. ...1 day ago
- The Apple Vision Pro hasn’t really impressed consumers, but that isn’t the goal – for nowSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martie-Louise Verreynne, Professor in Innovation and Associate Dean (Research), The University of Queensland Jeff Chiu/AP Apple’s new Vision Pro mixed reality headset has generated a significant amount of buzz. Announcing it at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, chief executive Tim ...1 day ago
- MNZ Says NO To The Abolishment Of Population-based MinistriesMulticultural New Zealand (MNZ), the oldest pan-ethnic organisation, with 25 regional multicultural councils around the country, strongly condemns the recent calls made for the abolition of demographic ministries. MNZ does not support the existence of ...1 day ago
- Mayor Wayne Brown’s budget passed by Auckland CouncilAfter a two-day meeting of the governing council, a budget for Auckland Council has been agreed, with councillors voting to support Wayne Brown’s “compromise” proposal, which the mayor described as “the most challenging and contentious annual budget in the history of Auckland Council”. The final vote for the plan, which ...1 day ago
- Pacific unity crucial in ‘crowded geopolitical landscape’, says FiameRNZ Pacific Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has urged her fellow Pacific leaders to stop paying lip service to regionalism and walk the talk when making collective decisions. Fiame made the remarks last night as she welcomed the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, to Apia. Fiame ...1 day ago
- I was involved in talks to free a kidnapped Kiwi pilot in West Papua. With negotiations stalled, wha...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Damien Kingsbury, Emeritus Professor, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has now been held hostage in West Papua for four months. Stalled attempts to negotiate his release, and an unsuccessful Indonesian military rescue attempt, suggest ...1 day ago
- Rt Hon Winston Peters: “2023 New Zealand’s Inflection Point”Many of you will remember acutely the New Zealand that used to be in comparison to what we have become today. For reasons best known to themselves, some critics consider any reference to the past and a better yesteryear, as pandering to nostalgia. ...1 day ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mary’s hands’ by Hana BuchananA new poem by Te Aro Pā poet Hana Buchanan. Mary’s hands Mary’s hands were strong hands Worker’s hands Hands that had soothed and stroked Hands that had held and carried Hands that had prepared, planted, nourished, and harvested Kneaded, cut, sliced, mixed, served, and garnished Laid out, straightened out, cut ...1 day ago
- Gore District Council boss: Bullying claims 'hurtful'
Beleaguered Gore District Council chief executive finally responds to bullying and toxic culture claims made by multiple ex-employees Gore District Council staff have been subjected to “a barrage of allegations and criticism” over recent weeks that has been “extremely hurtful and stressful”, under fire chief executive Stephen Parry said in a ...2 days ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending June 9The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin (Canongate, $50) This review makes ...2 days ago
- What to watch this weekend: The Crowded Room, Framed, Bluey and Pearl* This is an excerpt from The Spinoff’s pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up for regular Friday dispatches here. Tom Holland is a bonafide movie star, a box office crowdpleaser who’s played Spider-Man in seven films now. He doesn’t have much time for television, but The Crowded Room (Apple ...2 days ago
- Why are First Nations children still not coming home from out-of-home care?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By BJ Newton, Senior Research Fellow in Social Policy and Social Work, UNSW Sydney GettyImages Reducing the number of First Nations children in out-of-home care is a priority of the national Closing the Gap targets. However, child protection authorities have been ...2 days ago
- Why are First Nations children still not coming home from out-of-home care?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By BJ Newton, Senior Research Fellow in Social Policy and Social Work, UNSW Sydney GettyImages Reducing the number of First Nations children in out-of-home care is a priority of the national Closing the Gap targets. However, child protection authorities have been ...2 days ago
- ‘No, I still want that!’ How to help kids let go of old toys and stuff they no longer needSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shane Rogers, Lecturer in Psychology, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock In any household with children there is an inevitable accumulation of possessions. Birthdays, Christmas, the celebration events like sporting victories and random impulse buys bring in a stream of toys, clothes ...2 days ago
- ‘No, I still want that!’ How to help kids let go of old toys and stuff they no longer needSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shane Rogers, Lecturer in Psychology, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock In any household with children there is an inevitable accumulation of possessions. Birthdays, Christmas, the celebration events like sporting victories and random impulse buys bring in a stream of toys, clothes ...2 days ago
- Help, bees have colonised the walls of my house! Why are they there and what should I do?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tanya Latty, Associate professor, University of Sydney Shutterstock Have you spotted a swarm of flying insects emerging from a wall? Or noticed a buzzing noise coming from inside the house? If this sounds familiar, a colony of European honeybees (Apis ...2 days ago
- Help, bees have colonised the walls of my house! Why are they there and what should I do?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tanya Latty, Associate professor, University of Sydney Shutterstock Have you spotted a swarm of flying insects emerging from a wall? Or noticed a buzzing noise coming from inside the house? If this sounds familiar, a colony of European honeybees (Apis ...2 days ago
- Auckland councillors vote down motion to halt sale of airport sharesAn amendment to Wayne Brown’s budget proposal that would have halted any sale of Auckand airport shares has been voted down by 13-8. Put by Manukau councillor Lotu Fuli, the amendment would have kicked consideration of any sale into the longterm plan process, with rates kept to an increase of ...2 days ago
- How you can finally watch Pearl, the film NZ funded but couldn’t seeWhy’d it take nearly a year for the critically-acclaimed slasher to make it here? This is an excerpt from The Spinoff’s pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up for regular Friday dispatches here. A few weeks ago, a friend sent me a breathless late night message. Standing outside Auckland’s Capitol ...2 days ago
- Gross Domestic Product And Balance Of Payments – March 2023 Quarter Changes And Data UpdatesThis page summarises the impacts of non-typical events during the quarter, including tropical cyclone Gabrielle, torrential rain and flooding, and teachers’ strikes on the Gross domestic product: March 2023 quarter and Balance of payments and international ...2 days ago
- Greyhounds At Risk Of Injury, Death And Doping This Sunday At Auckland Council’s Manukau Sports Bo...Animal advocacy organisation Direct Animal Action is appalled that the Silver Collar Greyhound Race is going ahead this Sunday at Auckland Council’s Manukau Sports Bowl despite a damning report released last month which revealed the industry in ...2 days ago
- Former Today FM staff annoyed by slow progress on compensation claims – reportIt’s Friday which means a new edition of Shayne Currie’s excellent Media Insider column for the Herald (possibly only exciting if you’re inside the media, I’m unsure). And today’s wrap has interesting insight into the efforts by former Today FM staff to get some compensation for the unceremonious way in ...2 days ago
- ‘Increasingly frustrated’: Secondary teachers reject latest offerIn the same week primary school teachers accepted a new pay deal, secondary school teachers have voted “overwhelmingly” to reject the latest government offer. The PPTA said members had given those on the negotiating teams a “clear mandate” to seek a better offer. “When negotiations began more than a year ...2 days ago
- Local Authority Financial Statistics: Year Ended June 2022Local authority financial statistics provide information on the annual performance of core non-trading activities of all New Zealand's territorial and regional councils. Data quality and suppression The Local Authority Census for the June 2022 year did ...2 days ago
- Auckland Council budget: Second day of debate on airport share sale, rate hikes and funding cutsWatch as Auckland councillors engage in a second day of debate over the city's next budget. ...2 days ago
- Secondary Teachers Reject Collective Agreement OffersPPTA Te Wehengarua members have voted overwhelmingly to reject the Government’s recent offers for settlement of the secondary and area school teachers’ collective agreements. “Members have given national executive and the negotiating teams a ...2 days ago
- TOP Party: Shaking Up Politics In A Good Way – Vote For A New Zealand That Embraces Fairness, ...By Natalia Albert – TOP candidate for Wellington Central And hey, let’s address the elephant in the room—some of you might be thinking “Is voting for TOP just throwing my vote away?” Well, I’m here to tell you, absolutely not! In fact, ...2 days ago
- No 'adequate explanation' for Michael Wood failing to disclose, dispose of shares – ...The National Party says it is not tenable that senior Labour MP Michael Wood stays on as a minister of anything, after this week's airport shares debacle. ...2 days ago
- The New Zealand travel card game being adopted by stoned American teensGetting Lost is being played all over the world – and not always in the way its creator envisioned. Cat Macnaughtan is used to hearing from her fans. They write her messages, send her ideas and share photos of themselves. Often, those snaps are taken in far-flung places. “The photo ...2 days ago
- Watch live: Second day of Auckland Council budget debateWayne Brown will have a second chance to push through his amended budget proposal as councillors meet in central Auckland again this morning. Yesterday, after failing to reach consensus, Brown returned to the table with a new budget that would see the council retain about half of its current shareholding ...2 days ago
- Newsletter: June 09 2023 – Items of interest and importance todayNew Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. Today’s content MICHAEL WOOD AIRPORT SHARES CONFLICT OF INTEREST Matthew Hooton (Herald): End of the line for lethally arrogant Labour — and Auckland light ...2 days ago
- New Report Shows How Regional Plans Could Transform Freshwater QualityA report laying out weaknesses in planning that have seen the deterioration of our high-country lakes should be compulsory reading for all regional councils as they develop their new regional plans according to academics. In the latest Public Health ...2 days ago
- Listen: Is AI enhancing efficiency or encroaching on humanity?AI is gearing to be as much of a cultural revolution as the birth of the iPhone, but it’s still yet to be seen how its implementation in the workplace will impact everything from efficiency to recruitment. In this week’s episode of When the Facts Change, Bernard Hickey talks to CK ...2 days ago
- A night at New Zealand’s worst bowling alleyNewmarket Tenpin is a one-star bowling alley and a five-star experience. “Just disgusting place. I didn’t want to even think what the bathroom would look like. Expensive. And yuck. Don’t go there!!! I just wanted to cry.” “The worst bowling experience ever. The lanes were not well maintained. It was ...2 days ago
- The Bulletin: A warning over hidden costs of plastic bag banDid you remember that single-use plastic bags for fresh produce and other loose items will be banned from July 1? I’d totally forgotten, so thank you Stuff for this article on why the end of the ubiquitous roll of bags could end up costing you more at the supermarket checkout. Countdown says ...2 days ago
- What is the ‘splinternet’? Here’s why the internet is less whole than you might thinkSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robbie Fordyce, Lecturer, Communications and Media Studies, Monash University Shutterstock “Splinternet” refers to the way the internet is being splintered – broken up, divided, separated, locked down, boxed up, or otherwise segmented. Whether for nation states or corporations, there’s money ...2 days ago
- Voice, treaty, truth: compared to other settler nations, Australia is the exception, not the ruleSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Nettelbeck, Professor of History, Australian Catholic University National Archives of Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and/or images of deceased people. For many non-Indigenous Australians, it might seem the Voice to Parliament ...2 days ago
- Long COVID could be caused by the virus lingering in the body. Here’s what the science saysSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Kent, Professor and Laboratory Head, The University of Melbourne Alexander Grey/Unsplash While most people survive and recover from COVID, for some people symptoms can persist for months or years. When symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, the condition is ...2 days ago
- An El Niño looms over Australia’s stressed electricity system – and we must plan for the worstSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dylan McConnell, Senior Research Associate, Renewable Energy & Energy Systems Analyst, UNSW Sydney The Bureau of Meteorology this week declared a 70% chance of an El Niño developing this year. It’s bad timing for the electricity sector, and means Australians may face ...2 days ago
- A Russian ‘spy’ whale? Killer whales biting boats? Here’s how to understand these close encoun...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanessa Pirotta, Postdoctoral Researcher and Wildlife Scientist, Macquarie University Anton Berking, Shutterstock Off the coast of Spain and Portugal, killer whales have been biting boats. And the famous beluga whale nicknamed “Hvaldimir” has popped up again – this time in ...2 days ago
- Pierre Bonnard: the master of shimmering luminosity, who painted difficult paintings and yet made th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University Pierre Bonnard, French, 1867-1947, Coffee, 1915. Oil on canvas, 73.0 x 106.5 cm. Tate, London. Presented by Sir Michael Sadler through the NACF 1941. Photo © Tate Pierre Bonnard, unlike his ...2 days ago
- Bullying allegations ‘extremely hurtful and stressful’, says Gore Council CEOThe chief executive of Gore District Council has finally broken his silence, weeks after allegations of sustained bullying were raised in two major news stories. In early May, Newsroom reported that bullying claims dated back to the early 2000s, while an excellent Sunday investigation on TVNZ1 raised similar concerns. The ...2 days ago
- All roads lead to Auckland AirportA sudden spate of controversies have thrust the airport into the media spotlight, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Michael Wood divests at last After 25 years and 12 reminders to ...2 days ago
- No full airport sale but councillors 'going to have to swallow a dead rat or two’
After a day of debate and questions, Auckland’s councillors have put off their budget votes until Friday A decision on Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s budget will have to wait another day as councillors adjourned their big budget meeting without having come to a decision - aside from it becoming clear ...2 days ago - Law change empowers a new consumer advocacy agency for water
The new Water Services Consumers Agency would protect vulnerable consumers ...2 days ago - TVNZ is getting back into live sport. Is it just for a season, or are they in for the long haul?A new free-to-access sports hub is coming to TVNZ+ on July 1st. Duncan Greive analyses what that means for the network – and for Sky. What just happened? Last month marked 33 years since Sky TV arrived in New Zealand, and began the process of erecting the original paywall, one ...2 days ago
- A new poll plots the crunchy terrain for the election aheadWhat are the issues judged most important by New Zealanders – and which parties do we think are best equipped to deal with them? Across political debate, headlines and anecdata, crime has moved to the foreground over the last 18 months. That is reflected in a new Ipsos New Zealand ...2 days ago
- Football Fern's unique double allegiance
Indiah-Paige Riley can lay claim to having played for both host nations at the FIFA Women's World Cup - but it's the black jersey she wants to wear come July, she tells Merryn Anderson. Indiah-Paige Riley is quick to stress she’s not Australian - even if the accent suggests it. One of ...2 days ago - Men without a safe place to call home
The fire at Loafers Lodge put the spotlight on where we house some of our most vulnerable people. The Detail looks at why men, in particular, fall into homelessness. The list of fatalities from the Loafers Lodge fire paints a grim picture. All men aged between 50 and 67, all vulnerable ...2 days ago - Ruapehu bidder backs out before big vote
Turoa Alpine is supporting the Ruapehu Stakeholders Association bid in lieu of making its own. ...2 days ago - Hoping for an effective COP28? Bonn chance!
Bonn climate meeting planning for Dubai COP in December starts with clashing agendas ...2 days ago - Three Waters select committee slates officials usurping democratic process
'Combative' bureaucrats blocked stormwaters regulation and consumer protections – MP ...2 days ago - Raw Politics: Labour's free range ministers
This week on the Raw Politics podcast: Whatever did Chris Hipkins do to deserve the absent-minded, busy, superior minister Michael Wood, and which electoral reforms deserve to be adopted. The Raw Politics team shakes its collective head at Transport Minister Michael Wood and wonders what he could possibly have been ...2 days ago
Recent Comments