The real reason for the secret ballot law

Written By: - Date published: 7:35 am, May 11th, 2012 - 54 comments
Categories: class war, Unions, workers' rights - Tags:

The tories are all puffed up about finally getting their secret ballot law passed. It’s about freedom they say, they’re on the side of the working man.

Thing is it’s not. And they most certainly aren’t. Most unions run secret ballots for strike action already simply because they know they have to be above board and be seen to be above board by their membership or face losing them (that’s the thing with voluntary unionism, it’s subject to market pressure which makes it even weirder these market-y types want to regulate unions so much).

What this is really about is offering employers a way to delay and defer strike action by getting the lawyers involved. Right now the process is simple – the members take a vote on industrial action and, if they decide to take action, their union rep informs the employer. Except in the case of essential industries. In an essential industry the employer must be given notice (usually two weeks) of industrial action. When it’s a strike, such as the action taken at POAL in response to the lock-out, it’s clear-cut.

But when it’s partial industrial action such as refusing to do paperwork, putting just one section of a factory on strike, or something as simple as wearing a union sticker in place of a name-badge, then things get complicated.

That’s because these actions often require strike notices to define coverage, or name members taking part in the action, or provide very specific definitions of the industrial action. In essential industries this almost inevitably means the employer will respond with a legal challenge to the strike notice. And that means temporary injunctions, Employment Relations Authority hearings and potentially appeals. All of which decrease the leverage the industrial action provides workers by draining union resources and dragging a dispute out which can undermine members’ resolve and giving the employer time to prepare to minimise the industrial action’s effects.

Big unions on well established sites can usually deal with this kind of thing. They keep their own lawyers and know how to deal with it. Smaller unions may find themselves so drained they settle on the employer’s terms. Fortunately the use of partial industrial action in an essential industry is very rare.

However the secret ballot rule will effectively put the same constraints on all industrial action. Any employer served notice of industrial action will be able to challenge the ballot, the coverage, and the terms of the notice (which I understand will also be required). Which means you’ll see employers using their superior resources to drag unions and their members through court (individual members are often added to legal actions by employers as an intimidatory tactic).

Under this law McDonalds could have tied Unite union up in the courts for months during the supersize campaign and I doubt any member would have seen a pay rise. Similarly the resthome workers who are taking action would probably still be in court.

That’s why this law change is so insidious. It’s not about personal freedom but about curtailing the freedom of workers to stand up for their rights.

What’s concerning is it’s just the first of a whole series of backhanded loopholes this government is planning to introduce into employment law. All of which are aimed at reducing Kiwi workers’ bargaining power and keeping their wages down.

54 comments on “The real reason for the secret ballot law ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. tc 1
    11 May 2012 at 7:44 am

    It’s the subtlety and Machiavellian methodology I admire, straight from the hollowmen play book.

  2. shreddakj 2
    11 May 2012 at 9:09 am

    Everything that the Nacts are doing just makes my stomach churn. A ton of Kiwis still seem to be eating out of their palm though, buying every piece of spin.

  3. tsmithfield 3
    11 May 2012 at 9:18 am

    Irish, if you are correct on the point you are making, then if the various unions are able to provide clear documentation to show that the correct processes have been followed, then surely the courts will jump down hard on employers that try to game the new rules to their advantage, do you think? Therefore, I suspect that any attempt by employers to use this situation to their advantage will die out fairly quickly.

    • Uturn 3.1
      11 May 2012 at 10:27 am

      Don’t just read, comprehend:

      “What this is really about is offering employers a way to delay and defer strike action …”

      “All of which decrease the leverage the industrial action provides workers by draining union resources and dragging a dispute out which can undermine members’ resolve and giving the employer time to prepare to minimise the industrial action’s effects.”

      “Big unions on well established sites can usually deal with this kind of thing. They keep their own lawyers and know how to deal with it. Smaller unions may find themselves so drained they settle on the employer’s terms.”

      “However the secret ballot rule will effectively put the same constraints on all industrial action. Any employer served notice of industrial action will be able to challenge the ballot, the coverage, and the terms of the notice (which I understand will also be required). Which means you’ll see employers using their superior resources to drag unions and their members through court (individual members are often added to legal actions by employers as an intimidatory tactic).”

      Just to remind some people:

      “It is a breach of subsection (1) for an employer to advise, or to do anything with the intention of inducing, an employee—

      (a) not to be involved in bargaining for a collective agreement; or

      (b) not to be covered by a collective agreement…”

      Theoretically, with this new amendment, advantage has been gained for employers. I say theoretically, not because it won’t happen, but because it will only exacerbate industrial disputes – illegal under current law. Employers who believe inflaming the events that precede strike actions is a route to controlled developments in their favour need to buy a history book. I would have thought that the recent POAL dispute would have driven home that point, but things can be and have been worse. Employers who think National have their interests at heart, should think again, also.

      This law has constructed the contradiction of – at face a value – a legal requirement, which in application, will contradict the intent of the larger act. If employers follow any strategy that relies on this amendment as justification, they could be breaking the law and will certainly be challenged on it in court. More costs. More time. More problems. National is dropping employers in it in their eagerness to attack unions. They don’t give a stuff.

      The duty of good faith in the Employment Relations Act includes:

      “…
      (g) communications or contacts between a union and an employer relating to any secret ballots held for the purposes of bargaining for a collective agreement.”

      This is the government undermining its own legislation of Good Faith Bargaining, by stealth. They have done it not by changing the law openly, but by enforcing what is a necessarily flexible dynamic of a union into a dis-empowering compulsion. It has interfered in the “communications and contacts”. In reality, the potential environment has been changed, the relationships of power, adjusted.

      “It is a breach of subsection (1) for an employer to advise, or to do anything with the intention of inducing, an employee—

      (a) not to be involved in bargaining for a collective agreement; or

      (b) not to be covered by a collective agreement…”

      Of course, because the words of the Employment Relations amendment bill apparently “change nothing” or change it in a subtle way i.e. “…if you adhere to your own procedures you have nothing to fear…” it can be argued it is “helping”. But the lie, as IrishBill points out, is they never were procedures: they are flexible guidelines reflecting the resources, environments and practicalities of unions in our industrial environments. Henare does not have the right to redefine the operations of every union in NZ while coyly saying he was “just helping”. Unions didn’t ask him to do it. Who is he helping again?

      The irony, or perhaps the freudian slip, is that Henare says it’s so union members can’t be intimidated by their representatives. What it allows employers to do, during the delay it enables and to their own disadvantage, is just what it accuses reps of doing, and good faith bargaining now distorted, even encourages it.

  4. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4
    11 May 2012 at 9:20 am

    Well done, Irish. I really would have thought it impossible to raise a credible defence of such an undemocratic process.

    Could you perhaps do a series? I look forward to your defence of eugenics and picking ones nose at the dinner table.

    • felix 4.1
      11 May 2012 at 9:27 am

      Which undemocratic process is that, Ole? I don’t see any defense of undemocratic processes.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.1.1
        11 May 2012 at 11:33 am

        I thought this was quite uncontroversial, but maybe I am wrong.

        My friend Wikipedia:

        “The secret ballot is a voting method in which a voter’s choices in an election or a referendum are anonymous. The key aim is to ensure the voter records a sincere choice by forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation or bribery.”

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_ballot

    • bbfloyd 4.2
      11 May 2012 at 10:34 am

      more bedside humor from the resident fool….. you can get pills for what ails you sonny….

  5. DavidW 5
    11 May 2012 at 9:51 am

    So Bill, atre you equally against large unions using their power against small employers by threatening ction that may drain the employer of his resources and thus leave him in the position of having to cave in to unreasonable demands and a long lingering decline in the viability of his business or being shut down by strike?

    Can’t have it both ways but I’m sure you will try.

    • Carol 5.1
      11 May 2012 at 9:54 am

      Examples , please?

    • millsy 5.2
      11 May 2012 at 10:03 am

      So we could just get rid of unions totally, and open sweatshops here. Like DavidW is proposing.

      Like most right wingers, his agenda is to strangle unions in red tape so:

      1) Minimum wage can be abolished
      2) Sick leave gone by lunchtime
      3) no more annual leave
      4) no overtime
      5) no breaks.

      • bbfloyd 5.2.1
        11 May 2012 at 10:43 am

        and when our economy has tanked, and our police are forced to patrol in armored vehicles, wearing body armor, and sporting heavy calibre ordinance as a matter of course, then we’ll have young david blaming the unions for inciting civil disobedience…

  6. The Baron 6
    11 May 2012 at 9:58 am

    There’s two risks being balanced here:

    1. Intimidation to join in strike action when public ballots take place. Plenty of anecdotal talk about that going on, but I’m sure nothing to see here from Irish.

    2. Employers getting another way of fucking with a Union’s right to take industrial action. But as TS says, that will be dealt with pretty quickly by well documented procedures, and um, actually sticking to them. That’s the way courts work.

    If I had to choose between something going before the courts and someone getting the bash behind the smoko room, then I know what way I’d go. But then again, I’m not a lefty fanboi.

    • bbfloyd 6.1
      11 May 2012 at 10:56 am

      quoting a sociopath who displays his mental impairment publicly as often as his illness allows him to is not going to strengthen anyones case…..

      especially as you seem to be relying on the same childish faith in the legal profession as you do in national party mp’s telling the truth every time they open their mouths….

      and relating the “stories” told around the table at cocktail parties by “knowledgeable” tories just exposes you complete ignorance of reality…

      i have been in unions, and around them all my life, and, like every single person i know in the same situation,, have NEVER at any stage, seen even a hint of coercion, or intimidation practiced by any union delegates, or shopfloor members….

      the only place that goes on is in the head offices…. and national party caucus meetings.

      • tsmithfield 6.1.1
        11 May 2012 at 12:29 pm

        “quoting a sociopath”

        Cool. I’ve never been called that before. 🙂

    • millsy 6.2
      11 May 2012 at 11:35 am

      “If I had to choose between something going before the courts and someone getting the bash behind the smoko room, then I know what way I’d go.”

      You’ve been watching too much gangster movies.

  7. Daveo 7
    11 May 2012 at 11:01 am

    I’ve heard of people being thrown down the stairs at National Party meetings but never at a union meeting.

    • Bob 7.1
      12 May 2012 at 4:18 am

      No, they prefer to urinate on BBQ’s, intimidate non-union workers trying to get to work, threaten to ‘bash’ non-union workers (both through the fence at work, and on social media) and lie about how ‘hard done-by’ they are by their employers (Cecil Walker anyone?). By the way, how many MUNZ workers finally left the Union to go back to work or find alternative employment? I wonder if this number would be different if they were given the choice of a secret ballot?

      • Colonial Viper 7.1.1
        12 May 2012 at 4:37 am

        I wonder if the number would have been different if the very very highly paid Board and CEO of POAL had the decency to treat their own port staff and workers with a modicum of respect and appreciation, instead of treating them like disposable serfs.

  8. Te Reo Putake 8
    11 May 2012 at 11:08 am

    Just to knock the ‘speedy resolution in court’ bollox on the head, the Chief of the Employment Authority has just written to the CTU explaining that there will be even worse delays than usual getting cases heard because of the changes bought by the Government into the way authority members are employed.
     
    He goes on to confirm that the numbers are currently down anyway and a third of those appointed are new members and have to learn the job. Therefore he advises that the current long delays are going to get worse over the next few months.
     
    The reality is that Irish Bill is dead right (as usual). This is an attack on democracy, not an enhancement of it.

  9. John72 9
    11 May 2012 at 12:36 pm

    As creeping Ivy clings to wood or stone and hides the ruin that it feeds upon.

  10. seeker 10
    11 May 2012 at 1:07 pm

    @ bbfloyd

    ” and relating the “stories” told around the table at cocktail parties by “knowledgeable” tories just exposes you complete ignorance of reality…?

    Aha! Was only pondering yesterday as to how tory./business shallow, stagnant, selfish, blinkered, dishonourable thinking, which strangles any form of creative and becoming progress of the human race, maintains it’s consistent low standard.

    Thankyou bb for the perfect description of how and where Nact etc.unites to justifiy to itself its nasty policies to rape, pillage and plunder New Zealand. In fact you describe a ‘union’ meeting of a rather Machiavellian sort; a nasty arrogant.self serving, bullying, amoral ‘union’ which has been going on in one guise or another since time immemorial.

    At least the ‘working man’s union’ arose out of vicarious suffering, empathy and thoughts for the safety, health and wellbeing of men women and children in their communities. These unions have integrity and have maintained this over the decades.

    However, the self absorbed, cruel ‘cocktail’ unions sold their integrity for a mess of pottage and gold long ago. What a wasted ‘union’ of human souls.

  11. Richard McGrath 11
    11 May 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Of course, the intention of this legislation wouldn’t be to address union thuggery and bullying, would it?

    That said, as a libertarian I oppose government interference in the workings of a voluntary organisation such as a trade union, and therefore oppose this legislation.

    The state has no business interfering in to the peaceful activities of private groups. Just as private groups have no business coercing people into becoming members. Which is why I have always supported voluntary membership of trade unions.

    • TheContrarian 11.1
      11 May 2012 at 2:09 pm

      “The state has no business interfering in to the peaceful activities of private groups. Just as private groups have no business coercing people into becoming members. Which is why I have always supported voluntary membership of trade unions.”

      Couldn’t agree more.  

      • Colonial Viper 11.1.1
        11 May 2012 at 2:36 pm

        Of course you would agree with increased corporate power over weakened and isolated individual workers.

        • TheContrarian 11.1.1.1
          11 May 2012 at 3:03 pm

          I agree with the freedom of association (or non-association) which is why Unions should always be voluntary. 

          • Kotahi Tane Huna 11.1.1.1.1
            11 May 2012 at 3:47 pm

            I look forward to your opposition to the law society and the real estate institute.

            • TheContrarian 11.1.1.1.1.1
              11 May 2012 at 3:52 pm

              Neither the law society or the real estate institute are compulsory. So what is your point?

              • Colonial Viper …
                11 May 2012 at 4:08 pm

                The point is that workers need to band together in an organised fashion to oppose reductions in their working terms and conditions.

                Workers who do not join those organisations should get no benefit from the work of those organisations.

          • Colonial Viper 11.1.1.1.2
            11 May 2012 at 4:10 pm

            I agree with the freedom of association (or non-association) which is why Unions should always be voluntary.

            I value workers having increased leverage against much larger much more well resourced corporate organisations.

            Which is why union membership must be increased, and more worker led commercial co-operatives formed.

            • Colonial Viper 11.1.1.1.2.1
              11 May 2012 at 4:11 pm

              Also, fuck you Contrarian for using the principles which are supposed to give freedoms to the people, to oppress the people instead.

              You’re a special kind of capitalist scum.

            • TheContrarian 11.1.1.1.2.2
              11 May 2012 at 4:13 pm

              “Which is why union membership must be increased”
              I have nothing against unions or union membership. But I firmly belief that it should be my own, independent decision to join the union.

              When I worked in public service I didn’t join the PSA  and when the negotiated for a 2% pay-rise I saw none of it as a non-union member (I think union members got it immediately with non-union members coming in to line over three years – I can’t remember exactly) but that was my choice and I lived with it.

              “fuck you Contrarian for using the principles which are supposed to give freedoms for the people, to oppress the people instead.”

              Excuse me, but what the fuck? Explain yourself. What have I done?
               

    • Kotahi Tane Huna 11.2
      11 May 2012 at 2:21 pm

      “That said, as a libertarian dribble flows freely from my mouth, the flow only stopping during the moments I have to pause to wipe it off my face….” FIFY.

  12. Te Reo Putake 12
    11 May 2012 at 1:56 pm

    “Of course, the intention of this legislation wouldn’t be to address union thuggery and bullying, would it?”
     
    No, that is just a fact free, right wing smear designed to influence the weak minded and the ignorant. Strange you fell for, it, Richard.

  13. captain hook 13
    11 May 2012 at 2:39 pm

    the plain facts are this government cant do anything honestly and openly.
    it is so used to doing deals that the notion of discussing something overtly is beyond them.

  14. Gosman 14
    11 May 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I look forward to the next left leaning Government reversing this law then. That should be good for a laugh.

  15. captain hook 15
    11 May 2012 at 3:44 pm

    they think they are going to lower wages so large “Asian” manufacturers will set up shop here.
    Just more piffle from the right but never underestimate the desire o f fat toady accountants to beat up on people just because they can.
    more pathological behaviour enabled because and only beacuse they have money.
    sik.

  16. Ed 16
    11 May 2012 at 5:17 pm

    In the interests of fairness, a shareholder vote, and appropriate notice, should be needed for a lock-out.

    • Colonial Viper 16.1
      11 May 2012 at 11:13 pm

      Yep 30 days notice.

      • OneTrack 16.1.1
        12 May 2012 at 12:14 am

        Yep 30 days notice of strike action, after a fair and democratic secret ballot, without coercion by the union or by union members. Job done 🙂

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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

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