The Hospital Dunedin needs?
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10:19 am, September 28th, 2024 - 69 comments
Categories: chris bishop, health, making shit up, Media, Shane Reti, spin, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up -
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National is getting lots and lots of flack about its announcement that the plans for Dunedin Hospital are going to be scaled back.
And it deserves every piece of opprobrium that is being thrown at it.
Because on the scale of cynical breaches of pre election promises this is right up there with the worst.
The Dunedin Hospital rebuild has some history.
National had promised the hospital for years but never committed any money to it.
Then Labour actually committed to the project and set aside budget for it.
There were cost pressures and at one stage Labour proposed reducing the number of beds, cutting back two operating theatres and reducing MRI scanners from three to two.
This was still a significant improvement on what is currently there. Bed numbers would have increased from 367 to 398 and the number of operating theatres would have increased from 17 to 26.
But after strong opposition Labour found extra money and promised that the hospital as originally envisaged would be built. Bed numbers would be 410 and operating theatres would be 28.
It also used the fast track legislation to push the consent through. And construction of the Outpatients’ Building has started and the building is scheduled to be operational in 2026.
National however saw the opportunity of an attack. The details are set out in this piece by Mike Houlahan in the Otago Daily Times:
The main event of Mr Luxon’s visit was earlier in the day, when National finally came off the fence and gave a definitive answer about what it would do with the new Dunedin hospital.
For months now its Dunedin list MP, Michael Woodhouse, has been decrying cuts and clawbacks to the project, but has not responded when asked the natural follow-up: “So what would your party do about it?” The answer, as of yesterday, is reverse them.
The reluctance to commit to that course of action has been somewhat understandable: the project’s costs continue to soar and National’s prospective finance minister, Nicola Willis, will have baulked at signing a blank and potentially very much more expensive cheque. That policy void has proven a handicap for Mr Woodhouse though, who has not been able to mount as fierce an attack as he might have liked to so far on the Government on the issue .
In the scheme of things the $30 million National estimates it would take to reverse the cutbacks from the project’s detailed business case is not large, although it feels a somewhat heroic assumption given the ever-increasing cost to build the new hospital and never decreasing impact delays and inflation are having on that cost.
The commitment to fund the extra beds was set out in crystal clear terms in National’s policy document:
A National government will build the hospital Dunedin needs, delivering all the beds, operating theatres and radiology services that Labour removed.
The cost of this commitment is $29.5 million and will be fully funded as part of the next National government’s programme of capital investment.
This will cover 23 inpatient beds, two operating theatres, and a PET scanner at Dunedin Hospital.
It has been six long years with almost no progress in Dunedin and meanwhile, the health of patients suffers. The South deserves a hospital that will be fit for purpose for generations, not a patch up job.
The previous National Government committed to delivering the hospital that people in the South needed, and we will follow through with that promise.
National knows how to get things done, and it is past time to accelerate this painfully slow-moving project.
This statement is so cynical. Labour had already agreed to reinstate the extra beds and operating tables and the MRI scanner. Labour had set aside the funding and fast tracked the consent application and had started construction of one of the new buildings.
And National had not done a thing during its last term to advance the hospital.
The problem for National and the main reason for the budget increase is that construction costs have soared. This Checkpoint article suggests that they have increased by 49% since 2017.
Anyone who thought about the issue would realise that the costs would increase and more budget would be needed.
National needed cover however and commissioned the Rust Report which is somewhat ironic because National regularly accused Labour of being out of control because of the number of reviews that it commissioned.
The difference however is that Labour commissioned reports to do things, National commissions them to stop things.
The report does not quite say what Chris Bishop suggests that it says. You could conclude that Ayesha Verrall was right when she determined that Bishop was pulling figures out of part of his gastroenterological system.
This graph suggests that total costs could be in the vicinity of $2.6 billion.
And strangely this includes additional workforce costs. With a growing and ageing population workforce requirements will increase. This is why health budgets need to be increased every year without fail and why this year’s increase, which was below the rate of inflation, is essentially a cut. It should not be part of a construction budget.
The recommendations in the report contradict National’s assertions:
The report concluded that the delivery of the project as currently scoped and planned is probably not achievable within the approved budget. But it had these extra line items incuding staff costs and refurbishment of the existing building and the pathology lab which should be funded elsewhere.
Radio New Zealand has posted this article asking if National checked its numbers before it made its Dunedin Hospital promises.
The answer would appear to be a resounding NO.
Meanwhile Dunedin needs a new hospital.
And the construction industry is crying out for contracts and projects.
This is deeply, deeply cynical politics by National and it will hurt them big time.
And the question has to be asked, can we trust National to do anything that it has promised?
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The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...1 week ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...1 week ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...1 week ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...1 week ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government continues to fail small business
The Government is leaving small businesses high and dry in difficult economic times, by letting big business get away with not paying their bills. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Unemployment rising under National
Nicola Willis’ policies continue to slow the economy with more Kiwis out of work as a result. ...2 weeks ago
- Near four-year high unemployment reveals dire need for new direction
Today, Statistics New Zealand’s latest labour market report revealed that unemployment has reached 4.8 per cent, the highest rate since late 2020, during the COVID pandemic. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Shovels in the ground this term unlikely
National looks set to break another election promise, this time by not beginning construction on a second Mt Victoria tunnel this term, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Not too late to abandon the Bill, Christopher
The Green Party is urgently calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill following reports it will be introduced on Thursday. ...2 weeks ago
- Coalition Govt’s expensive tunnel vision for Wellington comes at the expense of the regions
A second Mount Victoria tunnel, a duplicate Terrace tunnel alongside highway widening will dump more traffic in the centre of Wellington and result in more pollution. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government’s disgrace for Christchurch homeowners
The Government is backtracking on existing commitments to do the right thing by homeowners let down by EQC (now the Natural Hazards Commission). ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s FamilyBoost a colossal flop
Nicola Willis continues to over promise and under deliver, with most families receiving only $30 a week from National’s flagship FamilyBoost flop. ...2 weeks ago
- Ngarewa-Packer Demands Support for Palestine Ceasefire from New Plymouth Mayor
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is calling on the Mayor for New Plymouth, Neil Holdom, to do the right thing. “I am shocked at his decision to disregard the petition presented by Palestine Solidarity Taranaki calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire”, said ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Trade deal with Gulf states welcomed
Labour welcomes the conclusion of a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that was restarted under a Labour government after languishing for many years. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes OAG fast track inquiry
The Government should consider the outcome of an Auditor-General report into conflicts of interest before progressing the Fast track Approvals Bill through Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens reignite call for free dental
A new report detailing the enormous social and economic costs of our dental system has reignited the Greens' call for free dental care. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for bottom trawling ban and call out Minister for lacklustre response
The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling, following news a New Zealand bottom trawler caught 37kg of coral in international waters, prompting the suspension of all fishing in the area until 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...2 weeks ago - Release: Funding for Gumboot Friday should pause
The National Government should review its support for Gumboot Friday after unacceptable comments by its leader and champion Mike King. ...2 weeks ago
- Louise Upston cherry-picks data to punch down on the poor
The Government has very conveniently cherry-picked data from the latest MSD projections to justify its cruel agenda and punch-down policy when it comes to people living in poverty. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon needs to address the cow in the room
The Green Party was appalled to hear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claim we are “doing everything we can” on climate change, while his government does nothing to address emissions in our most polluting sector. ...3 weeks ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...1 day ago - NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...1 day ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...2 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...2 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...2 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...2 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...2 days ago
- Treaty Principles Bill passes first reading
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says all New Zealanders will now be able to have their say on the Treaty Principles Bill after it passed its first reading and was sent to the Justice Committee to be considered. “I look forward to seeing what Kiwis have to say on the ...3 days ago
- Antarctic cooperation at centre of Scott Base visit
Finance Minister and Associate Climate Change Minister Nicola Willis will travel to Antarctica next week to engage with international partners and scientists and to assess latest steps in the redevelopment of Scott Base. “New Zealand has important interests in Antarctica and our longstanding presence at Scott Base is a key ...3 days ago
- Contactless payments launching on public transport in Auckland
The Government and Auckland Council are delivering contactless payments on Auckland’s public transport network later this month which will enable commuters to tag on and off public buses, trains, and ferries travelling across the region, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says.The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and ...3 days ago
- RIF funding supports aquaculture development
The Coalition Government is backing the development of an aquaculture centre of excellence in Southland with an investment of $2.2 million, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. South Island Industrial Fund Ltd will use the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan towards its $6.3m project to upgrade infrastructure at the Ocean ...3 days ago
- Safeguarding Kiwis with modern insurance law
Modernised insurance law will provide Kiwis with confidence that they will be treated fairly by insurance providers, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “A secure insurance market is integral to New Zealand’s economic success. It enables consumers and businesses to access finance and gives them the assurance to ...3 days ago
- When the going gets tough ‘Get Through’ with Farmstrong
An online hub with mental wellbeing tools and resources designed to help farmers and growers deal with the stress of adverse weather events has been officially launched by Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey. “Adverse weather events are an increasingly common reality for our farmers and growers. It’s vital that ...3 days ago
- Government exploring new energy source
Up to $60 million will be ring-fenced from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to invest in exploring the potential of supercritical geothermal technology which could help secure New Zealand’s future energy needs, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins say. Having a secure and resilient energy supply ...3 days ago
- Pay Gap Calculator toolkit launched
New Zealand businesses can now take meaningful action to drive down the gender pay gap with the launch of an online calculator today, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. “Women are paid, on average, 8.2 per cent less than men and this gap has barely moved since 2017 - which ...4 days ago
- Government launches refreshed Public Private Partnership framework
The Government has released a refreshed Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework that provides a blueprint to the market outlining how the government will approach future PPP transactions, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. “Refreshing New Zealand’s PPP model is an important part of our plan to ...4 days ago
- Further decisions taken on regulating online casino gambling
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to further details of a new system to regulate online casino gambling. “A new Online Gambling Bill will be drafted with the purpose to regulate online casino gambling to facilitate a safer and compliant regulated online gambling market. More importantly, ...4 days ago
- Tailored support for people in emergency housing
Ka mate kāinga tahi, ka ora kāinga rua. An innovative Government trial will tailor support to people with a diverse range of complex needs to move out of emergency housing and into more permanent housing, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “The Government has set a target of reducing the ...4 days ago
- Getting ready for bird flu
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard is encouraging New Zealanders to take steps to be ready for the possible arrival of bird flu.“While high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) is still some distance from New Zealand and we’ve never had a case here, it’s important that we take a cautious approach. “If you’re one ...4 days ago
- Harbour closure supports mussel reseeding
A two-year ban on the take of kuku/mussels from Ōhiwa Harbour in eastern Bay of Plenty will support local efforts to restore mussel beds in the area, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa requested the closure, Te rāhui kuku ki tua o Kanawa, to ...4 days ago
- Government awards primary sector scholarships to tertiary students
The coalition Government has awarded scholarships to six tertiary students as part of efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “We are reducing the regulatory burden on farmers and growers and providing support to adapt and innovate, ...4 days ago
- Tax work programme focused on rebuilding the economy
Rebuilding the economy and improving fiscal sustainability is the key focus of the Government’s new Tax and Social Policy Work Programme for Inland Revenue, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “New Zealand has been grappling with significant economic challenges over the last few years with many businesses and households feeling the ...4 days ago
- Omnibus Bill First Reading for Royal Commission of Inquiry National Apology
Mr Speaker, as the Minister for Children, it is my priority to ensure that children and young people in the care system are safe. The thousands of survivors who shared their experiences with the Royal Commission have been clear that the system must improve its protections against abuse and neglect. ...5 days ago
- Clarifying the protection of disabled people in care
The Government is amending the Crimes Act to ensure the protection of disabled people in care is made more explicit, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As part of the Government’s response to the recommendations of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission, the word ‘disability’ is being added to the definition ...5 days ago
- Oranga Tamariki Act changes a step in the right direction
Changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 included in an Omnibus Bill are long overdue and a positive step in the right direction, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. As part of the National Apology today, the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill had its first reading. “I am ...5 days ago
- Improvements to Government record-keeping in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is making changes to the Public Records Act, to improve the record-keeping practices of government agencies. “These changes will allow the Chief Archivist to audit an agency more frequently where required and will also allow the Chief Archivist to work ...5 days ago
- Minister Peters completes successful visit to Chile
New Zealand and Chile have reaffirmed their strong partnership, including on security, trade, Antarctic issues, and people-to-people links, says Foreign Minister Winston Peters. “Chile is one of New Zealand’s closest and most like-minded partners in Latin America, and it is the gateway to the region for many New Zealanders,” Mr ...5 days ago
- ‘Foreign policy views from an Indo-Pacific neighbour’ – Speech on New Zealand fore...
Kia ora. Tēnā koutou katoa. And greetings from New Zealand. Thank you to Rector Devés and the University of Chile for hosting us today, and to Undersecretary de la Fuente and Professor López for the warm welcome and introductions. When a much younger person, walking on a bridge ...5 days ago
- Prime Minister apologises for abuse in care
Ngā kura mōrehu, Treasured survivors, kua ngaro, haere atu rā. those that have passed, farewell. Ngā kura mōrehu, Treasured survivors E whakawhaiti nei that have gathered here. Kei ngā rangatira To the esteemed leaders Tēnā koutou katoa. Greetings. I’d like to welcome you ...5 days ago
- Government apologises for abuse in care
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has apologised to all New Zealanders who were abused in the care of state and faith-based institutions. “This is a significant and sorrowful day in New Zealand,” Mr Luxon says. “Today, I am apologising on behalf of the Government to everyone who suffered abuse, harm and ...5 days ago
- Climate Change Minister to attend COP29 in Baku
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will attend the 29th annual United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, this week. “New Zealand is fully committed to meeting our climate targets and reducing the impacts of climate change. Every country has a role to play, and New Zealand will continue ...6 days ago
- Crown Observer appointed to Wellington City Council
Experienced local government practitioner Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Wellington City Council is facing significant challenges in delivering services to its community, while balancing its debt and insurance obligations,” Mr Brown says.“The decision to appoint a Crown ...6 days ago
- Govt strengthens protection for people in state care
The Government is introducing several law changes to better protect people in state care, in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. “The magnitude of the abuse detailed by the Royal Commission of Inquiry was heartbreaking, and as a Government we will do everything in our ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister to attend APEC Leaders’ Meeting
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon departs for Peru this week to attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from 15-16 November. “The APEC Summit is a key moment in the regional calendar. It’s an opportunity to meet with counterparts who are also grappling with cost-of-living challenges and choices about driving more ...6 days ago
- First kina barren special permit approved
New rules allowing local communities to take direct action against kina barrens are starting to bear fruit, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “I’ve made kina barrens a priority, which is why I introduced a new special permit purpose this year to allow the removal and translocation of kina ...6 days ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti from 13 November
The new 110km/h speed limit on the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) will come into effect on 13 November 2024, more than two weeks earlier than expected, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Boosting economic growth and productivity is a priority for the Government. The new 110km/h speed limit will ...6 days ago
- Largest ever number of graduate vets to boost rural productivity and support farmers
Thirty-five graduate vets will join rural communities this year through the Voluntary Bonding Scheme (VBS) for Veterinarians, marking the largest intake in the scheme’s history, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, announced today. “The Government is committed to enhancing primary sector productivity and delivering direct benefits ...6 days ago
- Stalking to become illegal and jailable offence
The Government has agreed to introduce legislation this year that will make stalking illegal with a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe in their community and this Government is committed to making sure victims are ...7 days ago
- Nationally significant sites to be upgraded
Me mihi ngakaunui ki a Tā Robert Gillies e ngaro nei ki tōna nui o Te Rua Tekau Mā Waru. Farewell to Sir Robert Gillies of the 28th (Māori) Battalion. The Government will provide $20.3 million in funding to improve two sites that have a special place in the hearts ...7 days ago
- Unions shouldn’t get in the way of student learning
The Government is urging the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put the education of their students first. “Between 9am and 3pm, parents expect their children to be at school to learn. Our Government is relentlessly focused on ensuring the value of achievement and attendance are at the centre of ...1 week ago
- Countries clash over emissions cuts at COP29
A week of late nights, tense exchanges and dozens of pages of draft negotiating texts have failed to make significant progress on the big issues up for discussion at COP29.On key agenda items – finance, carbon trading and how to implement last year’s commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, ...31 minutes ago - China’s potential response to NZ joining AUKUS ‘not a consideration’ – Luxon
China has raised its concerns about New Zealand being potentially involved in the intelligence and security pact AUKUS directly with the prime minister. ...2 hours ago - Abuse in care: Journalist barred from accountability event for holding people accountable
Mediawatch - An award-winning journalist dedicated to reporting abuse in state care was briefly banned from the official apology. Why? And what did he make of it? ...2 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill: The speeches
The House - Much coverage has focussed on the protest that followed the speeches - but they themselves were enthusiastic, outraged, angry, even despairing. ...3 hours ago
- An Ode to .. Hana
Home alone“OK,” says Chris Luxon, CEO of Bottom Feed Enterprises.“I’m going out now to an important work event.Can I trust you to behave?”“Sure, Dad,” says Seymour. “I’m thirteen now.”“All right,” says Dad.“Call me if you need to – and remember,Whatever you do, don’t hit the Box with the Stick.”“Sure, Dad,” ...4 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi: Thousands to set out for Porirua on day seven of march
There are only about 150km in total to go for those who have joined the hīkoi against the Treaty Principles Bill. ...5 hours ago
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to speak from APEC
The Prime Minister is in Peru at the APEC Summit. ...5 hours ago
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks from APEC
The Prime Minister is in Peru at the APEC Summit. ...5 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill: Seymour’s allegations around students taking part in hīkoi ‘inf...
The associate education minister says some schools are formally endorsing the hīkoi against his bill, flouting rules on political neutrality. ...6 hours ago
- Western media ‘parrots Israeli propaganda’ over Gaza, says analyst
Pacific Media Watch A media studies professor at Qatar’s Doha Institute for Graduate Studies has completed empirical studies examining Western media coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza — and his findings have been highly critical. Professor Mohamad Elmasry found that Western media have failed to do much more than “parrot ...13 hours ago - Bill to stop foreign interference ‘undermining core New Zealand interests’ introduced to...
The bill introduces new offences to criminalise covert, deceptive, corruptive or coercive activities on behalf of a foreign power to intentionally or recklessly harm the country. ...14 hours ago
- Plea to bar Prabowo from UK as Indonesian security forces crack down on Papuan rally
Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan advocacy group for self-determination for the colonised Melanesians has appealed to the United Kingdom government to cancel its planned reception for new Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. “Prabowo is a blood-stained war criminal who is complicit in genocide in East Timor and West Papua,” claimed an ...15 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill haka: MPs must uphold standards of Parliament, Luxon says
Treaty issues are "emotional and difficult", but New Zealanders expect a certain level of behaviour in Parliament, the PM says. ...17 hours ago
- China plays for power as Luxon manages differences
China is not generally known for its understated approach to diplomacy, but even by its usual standards, the country’s presence at this year’s Apec summit has been unavoidable.Large groups of supporters bearing miniature flags and banners of support have taken up residence outside the hotel accommodating Chinese president Xi Jinping ...17 hours ago
- New Zealand inks ‘sustainable’ trade deal with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Iceland
The signed agreement will remove tariffs on hundreds of sustainable goods and services. ...20 hours ago
- In photos: Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti so far, as the march gains momentum
From the mist-covered peaks of Te Rerenga Wairua to the plumes of geothermal steam in Rotorua, here are the key moments to date. ...23 hours ago
- Meeting with Seymour ‘pointless’, say protest hīkoi organisers
RNZ News Thousands of people have joined the national hīkoi opposing the Treaty Principles Bill as it progresses south, with supporters lining State Highway 10 as it passes through Kerikeri en route to Kawakawa. Leaders of a hīkoi against David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill have rejected the ACT party leader’s ...23 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon meets with China’s Xi Jinping
The Prime Minister has met China's leader on the sidelines of the APEC Summit. ...23 hours ago
- Will Trump renew ‘maximum pressure’ against Iran – or could there be an opening for dialogue?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University With Donald Trump returning to the White House, the relationship between the US and Iran could change significantly. Trump’s unconventional foreign policy led to a period of heightened confrontation with Iran during ...24 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon meets with China’s Xi Jinping
The Prime Minister has met China's leader on the sidelines of the APEC Summit. ...24 hours ago
- NZ’s Treaty Principles Bill ‘inviting civil war’, says former PM Shipley
RNZ News A former New Zealand prime minister, Dame Jenny Shipley, has warned the ACT Party is “inviting civil war” with its attempt to define the principles of the 1840 Te Tiriti o Waitangi in law. The party’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill passed its first reading in Parliament on Thursday, ...1 day ago
- Brian Tamaki convoy causes traffic woes in Auckland
There are long traffic delays on SH1 in Auckland as a convoy led by the Destiny Church leader makes its way from Mercer to the Domain. ...1 day ago
- Counter-protesters set up as Brian Tamaki convoy looks set to cause traffic woes
Traffic disruptions are expected for motorists heading into Auckland on the Southern Motorway ...1 day ago
- Thousands gather as Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi passes through Hastings in rain
As the march gets closer to Parliament, organisers are encouraging participants to make sure they are enrolled to vote. ...1 day ago
- Christopher Luxon meets with China’s Xi Jinping
The Prime Minister has been warmly welcomed by China's leader. ...1 day ago
- Crowd builds as Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi passes through Hastings in rain
As the march gets closer to Parliament, organisers are encouraging participants to make sure they are enrolled to vote. ...1 day ago
- Christopher Luxon set for first face-to-face with China’s Xi Jinping
The prime minister will sit down for his first face-to-face chat with China's president on Saturday (NZT). Christopher Luxon arrived at the APEC Summit in Peru overnight. On arrival in ...1 day ago
- Treaty Principles Bill ‘inviting civil war’, Jenny Shipley says
"I would fight against it. Māori have every reason to fight against it," the former prime minister says. ...1 day ago
- Toitū te Tiriti hīkoi fits: Savage style for seasoned steezers
Māori don’t just hīkoi for change – we dress for it, too. One thing we don’t get enough credit for as Māori (aside a very long list of many other things) is our ability to dress for an occasion, be it a reunion, hui, tangi or hīkoi. You can trust ...1 day ago - Congestion warning as Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi reaches Hastings
As the march gets closer to Parliament, police are telling drivers to expect delays. ...1 day ago
- Dog of the month: Georgie, who would like The Spinoff to rank peanut butters
Get to know Georgie, our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Georgie’s human, Peter, for his support. Dog name: Georgie Age: 2 years, 10 months Breed: An absolute mutt. We think some Staffy, some ...1 day ago
- Crown apology: Three voices from NZ’s shameful recent past
Abuse survivor: It is time to deliver, Prime MinisterKeith Wiffin says the Government needs to commit to concrete timelines for redressWe’ve heard those words from the state before, and they are meaningless because they have not resulted in change or progress.We are called survivors, but firstly I would like to ...1 day ago
- Of Treaties, Cabbages and Kings
During his speech to introduce the Treaty Principles Bill, David Seymour made a number of statements that are either disingenuous or ignorant. Early in his speech, he asked: ‘Where in the world is it a good idea to give different rights based on ancestry? Where in the world has that approach ...1 day ago
- The great lunch debate
Would you call fried chicken and chips at 10am ‘lunch’?“I try and keep as regular a schedule as I can, but that will translate a bit weirdly when I’m on shift work,” says reporter Finn Blackwell, who’s often found in RNZ’s breakroom well before noon, feasting on anything from a ...1 day ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Sheriff Seymour
Monday Sheriff Seymour rode his white horse through the beautiful tree-lined streets of the wealthiest suburb in Dodge, and arrived at the mansion of one of the richest men in the whole state.He rang the doorbell. A servant led him to an oak-panelled room, and gestured for him to sit.He ...1 day ago
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Every day this week, COP29 has managed to spark international headlines for all the wrong reasons.First, the eight hour agenda fight over what, actually, diplomats will spend time negotiating this year.Then on Tuesday the President of Azerbaijan, which is hosting COP29 in the capital Baku, called oil and gas a ...1 day ago
- The Weekend: In defence of Auckland’s ‘incredibly’ expensive Christmas tree
Anna Rawhiti-Connell reflects on the week that was. This week I hosted The Spinoff’s Year In Review live event In Wellington. Everything went remarkably well, and you can attend the same (but maybe more refined) event in Auckland on December 11. The welcoming crowd in Wellington even wanted more of ...1 day ago
- ‘Really worried’: What Now’s Chris Kirk on smuggling gunge out of New Zealand
The What Now and Brain Busters presenter takes us on a trip down TV memory lane. Growing up, Chris Kirk was a huge fan of What Now. Every Sunday morning, he would wake up early to watch Carolyn Taylor and Jason Fa’afoi entertain the nation, delighting in every chaotic, gunge-filled ...1 day ago
- The case of the cursed bread: An excerpt from Una Cruickshank’s The Chthonic Cycle
The Chthonic Cycle by Una Cruickshank is a compelling series of essays that explore a wide range of fascinating and unexpected subjects. This excerpt, from an essay called ‘Les Tigres’, tells the story of a massed hallucination event in 1951, France. On a hot August day in 1951, 280 people ...1 day ago
- The slowest city in the world is on the brink of change
New Zealander Tasha Black relays what it’s like in post-revolution Bangladesh from an eight-hour traffic jam in Dhaka. It’s Friday night on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the traffic is stuck. Trucks, auto-rickshaws, private cars, buses, all stuck. A stationary ambulance futilely spins its red and blue lights. It’s ...1 day ago
The server will be getting hardware changes this evening starting at 10pm NZDT.
The site will be off line for some hours.
On Q & A in March 2023 there was a discussion between Jack Tame and the Infrastructure Commission’s Ross Copland why infrastructure budgets always blow out. Think hospitals, ferries. Only 10 minutes long and well worth it.
On similar lines quite recently, City Rail Link CEO Sean Sweeney speaks about why New Zealand seems to struggle to complete large infrastructure projects on time and on budget.
geez its NOT the teachers that need help with maths.
They are punishing Dunedin for not voting for them.
Since Michael Woodhouse left, they don't even have any Nat list MPs here any more. Mark Patterson (NZ First) is the closest government MP we have, and he's Balclutha.
From the pedants corner… It is flak, not flack. A flack is a PR stooge. Flak is a borrowed acronym from the German Flieger Abwehr Kanonen, literally "anti-flyer cannon" which replaced "Ack Ack" during WW2 as the term to describe anti aircraft gunfire….
Anyway, the southerners will go bananas over this – I am sure Ad will update us on the reaction! It is a straight up reneging on a clear election promise which in retrospect was clearly always a lie given Luxon's and Willis's commitment to austerity.
Politically they may calculate it as doing little damage, since Dunedin is solid red/Green anyway and the rest of Otago would – and arguably frequently has – elected blue rosette hominids who strayed away from the main evolutionary tree some time ago.
But ah, but once you've safely got you rather dopey dairy farmer as local MP, wither might go the party votes…?
Was amusing seeing our RW mayor genuinely surprised the Nats reneged on this after they had promised him they wouldn't (face eating leopard etc). & thank goodness we have a genuine local news paper, thank you Sir Julian! I am at work today but I've been sent pictures from packed busses on their way down to the march to the packed march itself, & it's a nice day outside too.
It's genuinely hilarious watching the mayor (who is incredibly loyal to the Nats) having to suddenly act like an actual mayor.
300+ out in Wanaka.
Silver-haired bourgeois earthquake.
Never been on a march this slow or with such expensive glasses.
So good to be on a march again – I've missed them!
What did your banner say Ad?
Luxon lies
I liked the ones that said
This govt puts the 'N' in CUTS
and
ITS SO BAD, even introverts are here!
I liked "Even Southern Men get sick (sometimes)".
Interesting approach by the government. Not surprising, really, given that they were elected on a clear anti-public sector platform and lower taxes.
Put aside the impact on peoples health – I don't think people vote on the basis of their public health system or they wouldn't elect center right governments that promise to cut funding.
The economics is what is fascinating – what is the governments aim in cancelling or downsizing multiple infrastructure and maintenance projects across transport, schools and hospitals? I believe the intention is to deliberately weaken the construction sector by withdrawing public sector work and forcing the industry to be more competitive – less available work should result in lower costs from labor, business and supply chains.
In theory this under utilization of the building and construction sector should help the private sector by providing lower cost productive capacity.
It will not be used to build up public infrastructure – I think those days are over for NZ voters and it appears to be a choice that they are on board with.
The good people of Dunedin and the lower South Island can use their tax cuts to support the private health insurance and medical sectors. Which I think is part of the governments growth agenda – more clients and thus investment in private health as the public system is gradually degraded over time.
Tax cut? I got $2.25 a week – that will go a long way towards medical insurance /sarc.
I think I got $15.00 per week/$780.00 per annum I must be in a higher Tax Bracket. Baldrick the PM got $18k extra per annum/$346.00 per week I think I read in the newspapers. They are definitely looking after the upper socio economic groups. Health Care being set up for Privatisation by Levy/Luxon & SEymore.
Not surprising, really, given that they were elected on a clear anti-public sector platform and lower taxes.
They were elected on the promises they made.
No need to over-think it. Luxon made a promise, in Dunedin. Crystal clear, and unambiguous. No possible misunderstanding.
He has broken the promise.
(everything else is "whatabout" and irrelevant).
He made a promise to landlords as well – electorally the government has calculated no significant risk in shafting the lower South Island on health infrastructure. Those accessing health care, like the disabled, are a minority whose needs can can be largely ignored with little electoral consequence.
Upsetting landlords or failing to deliver a $5 tax cut to the average worker was deemed the higher priority and more likely to return the electoral rewards needed in 2026.
The same way they broke their promise about cancer drugs funding. Arrogantly thought they could get away with it but in the end were shamed into carrying out their promise. I expect that the NACTs will eventually grudgingly swallow the extra costs but will prune a bit here and there when the project is built – using David Seymour or Shane Jones to create a diversion so hopefully no-one will notice what they are doing.
The Dunedin City Council estimates that the protest turnout was about 35,000. In a city of 120,000 (including students).
Very little below the Waitaki River is of any consequence to Parliament – Not much below Cook Straight seems of interest. The BIG voting block is in the Auckland region and most of the rest North of the Straight. All of which is of major consideration in deciding which voters to shaft.
Then there is the consideration of sticking it to those who did not vote for them ….
The South Island as a whole is still a quarter of the country's population (versus the third in Auckland).
The real problem is that nineteen out of twenty cabinet ministers are North Islanders (the one South Islander is Cantabrian). This is a government by Auckland for Auckland… which rather implies that a Labour Party with brains would be targeting the provinces.
It will be interesting to see if that comes to pass. So far, little sign that Labour is re-thinking their electioneering.
,
Well today was a turn out. We know Ad was there and I think he’s Labour!
Top down there’s no money. Fewer resources than when they were in government, not a lot of donations and they’re still having a think about their plans.
But it seems bottom up the opposition to these latest lies and cuts have done a good job here and there’s plenty of good Labour people amongst them. I believe Pete Hodgson also spoke out against what was going on.
People turned out in Nelson before to protest cuts to services supporting mothers.
There’s certainly energy in the Labour movement and Labour people, including MPs past and present putting their case to a provincial audience. That’s the way to win votes.
Chippie flying in with a promise might help, but local people protesting local effects of this cynical government and people they know seeing that will be more likely to move the dial.
How do you see a resurgence of grass-roots Labour (or to be fair, Greens or other opposition party membership), changing the entrenched political leadership?
Well power is where the votes are.
At the moment the spotlight is on Dunedin.
It’s a chance for the provinces to grab Labour, rather than the other way around. It’s clear that the trade off for tax cuts is town killers. Closures of the main employers. And in Wellington the government is doing that voluntarily. And then trying to blame other things.
And not just that. Tax ccut, no jobs and broken healthcare promises. No mental health call outs by the police.
The government has failed the provinces and simply doesn’t care.
Labour had funded the hospital. What other promises can be extracted? What would a responsible Labour government be doing, shorn of nice to haves, given the very real harms being dealt to the country?
The voters will have forgotten by next Election especially if there is a bribe out there for More Tax Cuts.
So what you are saying is that money allocated for "Dunedin Hospital under Labour has been diverted to Tax Cuts for Landlords ???".
This is a pretty disingenuous argument. Labour had already cut a lot off the initial hospital design, and the remainder had financially blown out (and was certainly not fully funded).
I'm not arguing that National was 'right' to further cut back the build. But Labour had certainly not fully funded the hospital.
What I'd like to see is some analysis over why it's so expensive to build not just hospitals, but anything in NZ.
https://talkwellington.org.nz/2024/why-does-it-cost-so-much-to-build-stuff-in-new-zealand/
Sometimes you've just gotta build (expensive) new stuff, as opposed to patching up the old stuff, although Kiwis can be proficient patchers.
Maybe if cost estimates for lengthy essential infrastructure projects, e.g. projects that span more than 3 or even 6 years from planning to completion, were more realistic, then voters wouldn't have to put up with the delivery of ferries, hospitals and the like being re-jigged from govt to CoC govt. Start-stop / boom-bust cycles are wasteful, and unsettling.
I'd certainly agree that we need better political consensus across major infrastructure projects in NZ – to enable long term planning, and effective development.
I don't have any confidence that any political party is willing to sign on for this.
Consensus is possible – Labour and National agreed on a response to our housing emergency, and Shaw brought National into the fold on greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Might be wishful thinking, but perhaps our CoC govt has expressed an interest in doing something similar?
I agree that obtaining a lasting political consensus on how to address medium-to-long-term existential threats could be very difficult, but if it's impossible then we are all well and truly poked.
https://www.climatechangepost.com/news/methane-emissions-are-increasing-fueling-global-warming/
stupidity, fear, and greed = FOMO [not at all related to HOMO and LUMO; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HOMO_and_LUMO ]
If you have confidence that National has remained in the fold over greenhouse gas emissions targets, you have a greater level of confidence in them, than I do.
Not my contention.
I agree that obtaining a lasting political consensus on how to address medium-to-long-term existential threats could be very difficult, but if it’s impossible then we are all well and truly poked – no?
From our expert on disingenuous arguments I would normally give in, however I think Labour can be dicks, but not assholes.
In addition…over the past few years, successive governments have recognised that inflation (and the soaring construction costs post Covid) were pushing up the cost of the original project. That’s why the Labour government approved capital funding to $1.59 billion, and this year’s Budget topped that up by a further $290 million, which brings us to the government’s current ‘line in the sand’ figure of $1.88 billion for the entire build.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2410/S00001/on-the-dunedin-hospital-fiasco.htm
Save your disbelief for the ‘doctors’ who are defunding the health service, while backing tobacco companies. Politicians first, never doctors perhaps. First, do…?
Good comment. Chippie should have been there with bells on. It is called leadership.
Get to the place of high ginger density and speak to the people of Otago and Southland! Surf the wave, don’t arrive at low tide..
Okay, Mickey and Bella you’ve convinced me. Better get head office involved too.
Better save the provinces while we can. No point building roads to where the mills used to be.
Plenty of Ginga's in Otago & Southland with Scottish Roots.
Better let Sir Simeon know we are shutting down the Provinces, waste of Tax Payers money building $30 Billion Highways to nowhere IMHO.
It must be galling for the conservative National South Island voters to see Auckland neo-liberal yuppie David Seymour the real power in the government and most of the planned new infrastructure going north.
National's message to their South Island supporters: Thanks for all the fish. We'll come back when we are hungry again in three years time.
Seymore is the defacto PM Luxon MIA
RNZ has a good coverage and lots of photos of the Dunedin and West Coast Health protests here.
Meanwhile more weasel words from the "Minister"
Yeah Right! Why can't they just come out and admit that they are more interested in cutting taxes for their mates than the welfare of the general public.
This is what the voters in NZ voted for and wanted, this Government is tightening the country's belt and delivering handsomely for it's support base ie Landlord's and the Upper Socio Economic Groups meanwhile slamming those pesky Maaori's and the Bottom Feeders.
Yes the country got the govt that they deserve and voted for. But like the Chump supporters in the US a significant number are sheepish* enough to believe the myriad of lies they are fed on a daily basis. I have never voted for them and never will, even if they did offer an election bribe to me of $1m, (wink wink nudge nudge say no more say no more) because I know at what cost that would be to others.
* Actually that is a bit unkind to sheep 🙁 and I won't call them Goats because that would be unkind to goats. No good calling them bird brains even tho Birds of a feather flock together – but birds can navigate their way from the Arctic to Miranda so they're not stupid either.
I agree. NZ voters made this choice consciously and they don't seem to mind the consequences. There is a cruel streak in democratic politics that this government has tapped into very effectively.
Do you like sociopaths? CS.
We love being beaten with a Big Stick, we as a Nation have learned nothing since Lange & Roger the Rat beat the living daylight's out of us in the 1980's. Ruthless Ruth Richardson, Muldoon's love child dealt to us in the 1990's and we loved it. Key played us for a bunch of moron's which we all thoroughly enjoyed, now Baldrick, Seymore and Uncle Winston are kicking us low life's, from pillar to post which we all love.
They don't need to. Those of us who give a damn already know that. Those who voted for them just to get a few extra $$ a week and/or vote out Labour might eventually realise they've been had, and not vote for them next time, and that could amount to quite a lot of votes. So much easier to deny, deflect, and anything except admit.
And Reti should be struck off the medical register for bringing the profession into disrepute.
Would have just the slightest bit of credibility if they said what they were going to do to deliver the region's health infrastructure needs at the same time they put the axe through a project that was going to deliver some new health infrastructure.
But no, they cancel then run away.
Totally agree with Kay regarding Reti. He’s an insult to all the doctors that have the Dr title. No way would I call him a doctor now. He’s a bought and paid for corrupt politician.
Levy and Reti….birds of a feather, vultures.
Reti is doing what he is told otherwise he will be down the road.
Which shows true colours from the both of them.
All about the money, so much for those oaths they took.
And of course in all of this – neither Health NZ, Reti nor any of the perhaps criminally insane coalition homebodies have committed one cent of $45M needed for the very necessary pathology laboratory for the Austin 10 hospital that they are setting out their vision for.
I understand that the doffuses have planned for $5M for a pneumatic tube from the Austin 10 to the well past use-by date Clinical Services Block. The CSB which magically can in the future somehow be refurbished at some ridiculous and unfunded cost.
Perhaps instead of being honest about the necessity of laboratory medicine (in a new up to date facility) to medical decision making – with some 70% of those decisions relying on those laboratory results – the lie-making machine at the heart of this government will tell us those critical tests are a nice-to-have that our health system which is allegedly awash with dollars does not need.
Perhaps Seymore will allocate more money for the Euthanasia Clinic's ???
Lets face it this is the Christchurch hospital rebuild version 2.
Remember that debacle from 2014 -17.
National under John Key tried to downgrade that rebuild that is still ongoing fixing the earthquake damage 14 years later,
So this bullshit is par for the course by a national led govt.
It is why our hospital bed numbers in private hospitals and public hospitals have reduced by 50% over the last 44 years along with the number of public and private hospitals.
1000 locals marched in Westport; Where was Maureen Pugh who is now the local MP?
Hoping lightning doesnt strike again? Might be Voter lightning soon!
When the regional hospitals are threatened with closure or downgrading( and we all know that is going to happen under this CoC don't we?) , it will be interesting to see whether the local National constituent MPs do what they promised – to work for their electorate or follow their leader and leave the people to their fate and a 9-5 office hours health clinic instead of a proper hospital.
Health..and Hospital is a major in everyones life. Will indeed be interesting to see how the local NACT1 mp's roll. Some may see a career in private Health ?
dr Jonathon Colman ..was he readying our NZ Health system for privatisation? IMO yes! Then..left.
Oh and I forgot this ! Nothing changes to the present crew aye?
I can see the Privatization of the NZ Health System on the Horizon as NACT1st will argue we don't have the funds to build new hospitals and resources to run our Health Department.
Off being [blankety] useless somewhere, as usual.
Onya Westport!
Don’t accept their lies.
Just a shambles. But sadly it is no better than Labour. Jacinda promised this in the lead up to the 2017 election and that construction would start pre 2020 (ie before Covid). It is time to leave the old parties of Labour and National in the dust as the lameduck parties that they are.
Ardern raises stakes over Dunedin hospital | RNZ News
8 National Party health policy statements
7. Dunedin Hospital
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/nationalparty/pages/18436/attachments/original/1696286925/Better_Health_Outcomes.pdf?1696286925