The week Luxon lost his moral mandate to lead
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8:44 am, January 29th, 2024 - 30 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, david seymour, Politics, racism, Shane Jones, treaty settlements, winston peters -
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I have tried to write this post for a week now. But each day things have become worse or better depending on your point of view.
Ratana last Wednesday was very interesting. It is normally a happy peaceful event. But this time there was clearly a great deal of anger amongst local Iwi.
The various coalition parties’ approach to the day showed a variety of responses.
One of the coalition parties responded to the invitation by publicly insulting the hosts.
Why would you be there? My understanding is a guy came out as a prophet of his own religious movement in the 1870s. And politicians feel a strange obligation to be there every year. I've never felt that.https://t.co/WCVYAK3fSj
— David Seymour (@dbseymour) January 24, 2024
The other minor party engaged in some over the top male testosterone driven behaviour after being welcomed onto the paepae but criticised because of the attacks on te Tiriti. Shane Jones and Winston Peters feigned grave offence at the criticism directed their way and Jones invited those who criticised him to a mono a mono a Waitangi.
He then responded to criticism of NZ First by referring to NZ First’s coalition agreement National and its reference to amending the Waitangj Tribunal’s legislation to “refocus the scope, purpose and nature of its inquiries back to the original intent of that legislation”. He has not specified how but the original legislation did not have the power to investigate historical grievances. Is this what he is referring to?
His comments were very defensive. Clearly NZ First does not want to support Act’s bill, at least now but it does not want to upset its redneck base. They are difficult contradictory goals it is trying to reconcile.
And his concerns about the Waitangi Tribunal legislation is hard to understand. In terms of the treaty one side has breached the terms egregiously, systematically and repeatedly. It has entered into a number of settlement arrangements with the wronged parties that restore some mana but don’t go close to actually returning those parties to their former position. Now the representatives of the party in breach accuse the other side of engaging in over reach. Really?
Being the self proclaimed best speaker of Te Reo in the country and then accusing Tangata Whenua of overreach takes a great deal of nerve.
He has also spoken out against activist judges. This is a bit funny as the Lands case in 1987, described by Justice Cooke who presided as “perhaps as important for the future of our country as any that has come before a New Zealand Court”, was presided over not only by Cooke but also Justices Bisson, Somers, Richardson and Casey. These were all heavyweight and traditionalist Judges and this was the case which showed first signs of deep judicial respect for the Treaty. Calling them activist shows a complete misunderstanding of our judiciary.
At Ratana Luxon also spoke. He read from prepared speech notes and came out with the normal set of platitudes.
Part of it sounded ok. Politik reported him as making these comments:
I believe society is at its strongest when we do just that; businesses, iwi, community groups and the Government, working with you, the hapū, the whānau, the families and individuals, can together achieve so much more than any of us can by ourselves.
As Ngāi Tahu reminded me just last week, no one knows their communities better than iwi.
So why wouldn’t we use the most effective local providers – iwi, or Māori, or community – to reach the people who most need our help so they have a shot at a better future.”
This all sounds very reasonable. But it is hard to reconcile with National’s attacks on Te Reo and it allowing Act’s Treaty Principles Bill to go to select committee.
Because Act’s Treaty Principles Bill will create a circus.
National and NZ First have both said earlier on that they would only support the bill to select committee. More recently their language has become more muted where they confirm support to elect committee but then are evasive about what happens after that.
Attempts to get Luxon to confirm that National will vote against the second reading of the Bill has resulted in him replying that National’s position is clear and then giving a description that suggests its position is anything but.
I would prefer full throated confirmation that National and NZ First will oppose the bill at the second reading stage no matter what. Right now there is the possibility that some sort of watered down yet awful version may get through.
Matthew Hooton has written this complete annihilation of National’s position.
He has accused National of failing to act in good faith with its treaty partner. National’s walk back of its former reasonably clear position on the bill appears to be related to the requirement of the Coalition agreement for the parties to act in good faith. It is a shame that Luxon does not consider that the Government’s obligation of acting in good faith to its treaty partner is as important as keeping Act happy.
Hooton came up with this zinger describing how Luxon had earned the title Te Pirīmia Whakakotahi i Ngā Iwi, the great unifier of the people. Māori have never been this united.
And the Bill is dangerous. Gordon Campbell in this post has a succinct summary about how the Bill would completely undermine te Tiriti if it was passed.
From his post:
Article One: “The New Zealand Government has the right to govern all New Zealanders.” This sounds innocuous. Yet by underlining the primacy of the elected government of the day, it leaves no residual room for co-governance or for a partnership between equals. In asserting the dominance of the government of the day, it subjugates all competing rights, and removes any sense that the concessions made by Māori to the Crown in 1840 and since, were conditional. The tino rangatiratanga rights of sovereignty enshrined in Te Tiriti are at risk of being extinguished.
In doing so, Article One expands the powers of an uncheckable Executive branch. New Zealand is already a fragile unicameral social democracy. Not much is entrenched behind a parliamentary super-majority. The Bill of Rights provisions for instance, can be readily over-ridden by the will of a Parliamentary majority.
In fact, Article One makes Te Tiriti ō Waitangi as flimsy and vulnerable to legislative over-ride as the Bill of Rights. Henceforth, Te Tiriti would merely have a “nice to observe” status, and no longer a “need to observe” status.
Article Two: “The New Zealand government will honour all New Zealanders in the chieftainship of their land and all their property. “ Again, this sounds innocuous. Yet by putting the land and property rights of all New Zealanders on the same legal footing, it would risk denying Māori the ability to claim compensation for prior confiscations, since current land ownership and property rights would be all on the same level playing field, legally speaking. I’m not sure how this would play out in practice, but until we do know more, a “proceed with extreme caution” approach would seem advisable.
Article Three: “All New Zealanders are equal under the law, with the same rights and duties.” This enshrining of mono-cuturalism – we all have the same rights and duties – would erase all forms of Māori customary law. It would also mean that any affirmative action programme undertaken by any future government to address the socio-economic disadvantages confronting Māori (thanks to the legacies of colonialism) would be open to legal challenge.
Māori anger at the proposal is totally justified. Foisting potential changes on Māori via a bill seeking a referendum where Māori will be in the minority is as disrespectful as you can get.
National’s and NZ First’s passive opposition is deeply concerning. There is nothing stopping the select committee from changing the legislation into a slightly less damaging form in the interests of “compromise”. In the absence of a firm commitment to vote the legislation down this must be treated as a possibility.
And this shows how Luxon is completely out of his depth. A wiser leader who understood New Zealand history would realise the depth of opposition the bill would raise and would not have agreed to its being part of the coalition agreement.
And I cannot understand why he would have in a pre long weekend Friday afternoon news dump announce that he was making Seymour Associate Minister of Justice in charge of the Treaty Principles Bill. Appointing Seymour as the Government Spokesperson on this vile abomination of a Bill will heighten concern and opposition.
And the timing of his appointment is terrible. It was just in time for Seymour’s State of the Nation speech where he again had the chance to use his Ministerial amplifier to push the bill.
Act’s Bill should be contrasted to Act’s stance on the Foreshore and Seabed legislation. Back then it opposed the legislation and took the principled position that Māori property rights should be protected and that due process of law should be preserved. If this bill is passed both will be usurped. 2024 Act would have supported the Foreshore and Seabed legislation as long as it stripped out any recourse for Māori for loss of their customary rights.
This will get ugly. As was noted about the right wing attack on the Yes vote in Australia the attacks on the Treaty will be relentless, they will be very well funded and they will be dark.
And Māori and progressives oppose this. What else can us progressives do?
What is the motivation? How about this from an anonymous contributor on Reddit?
I mean I feel like this is exactly how Trump got in in the first place.
Makes a bunch of racist noise about building a wall. Half the population thinks it sounds great, the other thinks it’s an outrageously stupid grift and tells the other half how stupid and thoughtless and braindead you’d have to be to support it. Then they dig their heels in and stop listening to the people calling them idiots.
Add in support from Act’s sponsors and the motivation seems to be clear. Populist racist policy that will improve the standing of a small minor party and where is the downside?
For Luxon there is no upside.
It’s bizarre to grant a coalition partner with just 8% of the vote the ability to rewrite the country’s founding document (without bothering to ask the other signatories), and thus ignite a destructive and ultimately pointless debate. But, that aside, the real question is just how the hell Christopher Luxon got himself into this mess?
We will have 6 months of Springbok Tour type dissent. And unless insanity prevails the proposal will be voted down but the country will be in a worse and more divided state.
Luxon just failed his first big test as Prime Minister. Hopefully the country will not be too damaged from it.
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On November 5th, the Spinoff published a very interesting article on Stephen Rainbow, the Human Rights Commission’s latest recruitment, and how he came to get the controversial appointment. Naturally because of the excitement of the US election, it’s flown a little below the radar. https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-11-2024/i-didnt-get-the-hrc-job-stephen-rainbows-human-rights-commission-appointment-just-got-weirderThe article details evidence of the ...1 week ago - Injustice for torture
Between 1950 and 1993 the New Zealand government tortured and abused up to 250,000 children in residential care facilities. Yesterday, following formal findings from a royal commission, it finally apologised for that abuse. The next step is redress and restitution - compensating the surviving victims for the appalling harm they ...1 week ago
- Voices echo
1 week ago - Hīkoi over the Harbour
Kia mau ra, kia mau raKi te mana motuhakeMe te arohaHold fast, hold fastTo your sovereigntyAnd to love and compassionLyrics: Hīrini Melbourne. “Ngā Iwi E passionately calls for unity among the peoples of the Pacific, a cause deeply cherished by Melbourne himself.”I sat at my desk this morning and thought ...1 week ago
- NZ’s global climate rankings plummet as Govt removes agriculture from ETS
The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoa’s reputation on climate action plummets. ...11 hours ago - Failed boot camp experiment must end
As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi. ...12 hours ago
- Gender-affirming care must centre evidence and health needs, not political posturing
The Ministry of Health has today released an evidence brief regarding the use of puberty blockers in gender-affirming healthcare, amid moves by the government to limit access. ...12 hours ago
- Release: National doesn’t care about manufacturing
The National Government is walking away from our manufacturing sector with constant reports of closures and job losses. ...14 hours ago - Release: David Parker speech – Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change
David Parker's speech from the University of Auckland's forum on Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change in September 2024. ...14 hours ago
- Release: Youth mental wellbeing no longer a priority for Child Poverty Minister
Louise Upston has revealed her diminished vision for vulnerable youth against a backdrop of snubbed advice, scrapped priorities, shifted goal posts and thousands more children projected to fall into poverty. ...15 hours ago
- Release: National’s lack of climate action taking NZ backwards
National Government’s backward-looking climate policy has seen New Zealand fall seven places on the Climate Change Performance Index to 41 out of 63 countries measured. ...15 hours ago
- Release: Simple reason for drop in emergency housing
When the Government says it has reduced the number of people in emergency housing, what it means is it is stopping people from accessing it in the first place. ...18 hours ago
- Govt’s child wellbeing strategy ‘shallow and shameful’
The Government is turning its back on children by not only weakening child poverty reduction targets, but also removing child mental wellbeing as a priority focus in their Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy. ...19 hours ago
- Release: A historic win for Samoan communities
Labour warmly welcomes the Restoring Samoan Citizenship Bill as it passes its third reading, before becoming law. ...19 hours ago
- Government plan to reinstate live animal exports a “national disgrace”
The Government has taken a giant step backwards by reinstating live animal exports. ...1 day ago
- Pasifika justice as Member’s Bill passes final reading
Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, the Citizenship (Western Samoa Restoration) Amendment Bill, has passed its third reading and will become law. ...1 day ago
- Release: Minister of Education thinks New Zealand ends at the Bombay Hills
The Minister of Education has shown complete disregard for rural communities and their school bus routes in Question Time today. ...1 day ago
- Economists sound alarm on Government’s slash-and-burn approach
A group of prominent economists has released an open letter to the Government, raising grave concerns about the far-reaching consequences of its fiscal policy. ...1 day ago
- Release: Smoking numbers up under Costello’s watch
National’s repeal of Labour’s smokefree legislation has taken New Zealand further away from achieving a Smokefree 2025 and a smokefree generation. ...2 days ago
- Release: Call for Palestine recognition by NZ, Australian and Canadian MPs
Parliamentarians from Australia, Canada and New Zealand have written an open letter to their respective Prime Ministers calling on them to recognise Palestine. ...2 days ago
- Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions
Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Power of the people on full display as hīkoi approaches Parliament
Today, Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arrived in Wellington, with thousands gathering to march in unity against the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Hypocrisy as Te Whatu Ora contractor bill balloons
Te Whatu Ora’s bill for contracting and consulting staff has ballooned by nearly 20 percent under the National Government, breaking a promise they made during the election campaign to cut contractors. ...4 days ago
- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...4 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...12 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...12 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...13 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...13 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...14 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...15 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...16 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...16 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...17 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...18 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...21 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...2 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...2 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...4 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 days 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. ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...5 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...7 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...7 hours ago - The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...8 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
When the bill to restore NZ citizenship to some Samoans passed this week, Parliament's galleries were full to the brim with members of the community. ...9 hours ago
- More Delays In Action On Use Of Puberty Blockers With Children
Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...10 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...10 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...10 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...10 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
The government has always vowed to reinstate live exports by sea, which was banned by the previous Labour government. ...11 hours ago
- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...11 hours ago
- Phenergan for under 6s is now banned due to hallucination fears. Here’s what to use instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...11 hours ago
- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Campbell, Lecturer, Performing Arts, UniSA Creative, University of South Australia Matt Byrne/STCSA Jack Maggs is a delight and a homage to theatrical storytelling in Australia. Based on Peter Carey’s bestselling novel, Jack Maggs follows the ex-convict as he lands ...11 hours ago
- The government has introduced laws for its social media ban. But key details are still missing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication, Director of QUT Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology Ron Lach/Pexels The federal government today introduced into parliament legislation for its social media ban for people under 16 years. Communications Minister Michelle ...11 hours ago
- Archives NZ, National Library to cut 27 roles
The Department of Internal Affairs wants to bring the two organisations under the joint leadership of the Chief Archivist and National Librarian. ...12 hours ago
- Gang patch ban: Members warn of potential for violence to ‘erupt’ as new laws enforced
"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail which I think is absolutely stupid, really it's ludicrous," Ngavii Pekapo, who set up a Mongrel Mob chapter 54 years ago, says. ...12 hours ago
- ACT leader David Seymour raises doubts about Waikato medical school
Government documents show ACT leader David Seymour told the government he was "dissatisfied" with a cost-benefit analysis. ...12 hours ago
- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...12 hours ago
- Labour backs new Police Commissioner – but warns against routine arming
The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...13 hours ago
- Youth on boot camp pilot re-offended five weeks after release
Children's Minister Karen Chhour said while it was disappointing, it would naïve to think none of the participants would lapse. ...14 hours ago
- In photos: People of the hīkoi, and why they marched
Hikoi mō Te Tiriti has come to an end, going down in history as the largest march to Parliament in Aotearoa. ...14 hours ago
- ‘Everything is becoming a culture war’: Jon Ronson on conspiracies and cycleways
Ahead of his appearance in Aotearoa, the acclaimed British journalist, podcaster and documentarian talks to Stewart Sowman-Lund about why people are still fascinated by the fringes. The last place I would expect to find Jon Ronson is relaxing in the countryside. The iconic British journalist and writer is best known ...15 hours ago - Kia kaha Lebanon: NZ media only tell half your story of struggle
The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution — for the fourth time — in Israel’s war on Gaza, while Hezbollah demands a complete ceasefire and “protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty” in any deal with Israel. Amid the death and devastation, Joe Hendren reflects on his time in ...15 hours ago
- ‘Deserves a Bafta’: After the Party premieres in the UK to five-star reviews
The acclaimed New Zealand drama has just premiered on TV in the United Kingdom, and the five-star reviews are already flowing in. Six months after it was called a “blistering” “tour de force” by Australian critics, and nearly a year since The Spinoff declared it the best drama New Zealand ...15 hours ago
- Drugs are getting cheaper and easier to find in Aotearoa
New Zealanders are drinking and smoking less, but most other recreational drugs are becoming cheaper, more popular and more available, two new reports show. Two significant new surveys about drugs in Aotearoa were released this week, offering a rare insight into New Zealanders’ choice of substances, which ones are becoming ...15 hours ago
- COP29: ‘climate finance’ for the Pacific is mostly loans, saddling small island nations with mor...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Ratuva, Director, Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Canterbury Lenora Qereqeretabua, the deputy speaker of Fiji’s Parliament, at the COP29 climate summit. IISD/ENB/Mike Muzurakis, CC BY-SA As this year’s UN climate summit reaches its final stage of negotiations, Pacific ...16 hours ago
- Review: The magic of Wicked and the curse of corporate greed
The new movie musical is undoubtedly a fun watch, but it’s also proof that bigger isn’t always better, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund. Contains minor spoilers for Wicked. There’s no doubt that Wicked is going to be huge. No other pop culture event this year, save from maybe Charli XCX’s Brat, has ...17 hours ago
- Dame Jacinda Ardern to be given United Nations leadership award
She will get the champion for global change award from the United Nations Foundation at a ceremony in New York tomorrow. ...18 hours ago
- NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand
Analysis: NZ is lifting what was supposed to be a permanent ban on live animal exports. But it’s not the lucrative industry it once was. The post NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand appeared first on Newsroom. ...18 hours ago - Financial forms of family violence affect one in seven of us – but the law is lagging
There are calls for New Zealand’s Family Violence Act to name economic harm as a standalone type of violence, rather than a subcategory of psychological abuse, to bring it in line with the United Kingdom and Australia. Economic harm – restricting access to, sabotaging or exploiting another person’s financial resources, ...18 hours ago
- Downside Risks To Treasury’s Economic And Fiscal Forecasts
New Zealand is currently running a structural fiscal deficit, with expenditure exceeding revenue. Economic growth falling short of expectations has been making it harder for the Government to bring the books back into balance. ...19 hours ago
- Science continues to exclude Indigenous communities. Fixing this benefits everyone
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jordan Peter Anthony Pitt, Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Services (Faculty of Science), University of Sydney An enduring challenge facing science around the world is how to best include and engage Indigenous communities. In Australia, for example, 0.5% of Indigenous ...19 hours ago
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Great post Micky. Looks like a less than one term government.
Trump may get back in because of the divisions that he created. (Polls indicate this.)
Luxon may get back in because of the division that he helped create
If Luxon was to fall over in some way over the next few years. Would that put Peters or Seymour in the drivers seat? (As deputies ) Or would a new PM come out of National? Asking for a friend.
It is a National-led government who have 38.5% of the overall vote as opposed to 15% (NZF and ACT together) so the new PM would be chosen by National. It is unlikely they would choose someone from another political party.
Talking of percentages, the difference between the Nat/ACT vote (46.7%) and the Lab/Green vote (38.65) is only 8%. I leave out NZF because they chose pre-election to be unaligned.
That gives Labour and the Greens together leverage when it comes to fighting this referendum proposal and all the awful consequences that will flow from it.
From day one, Luxon showed he was, and never will be, prime ministerial material. To appoint an extreme right racist/fascist (take your pick) to be an Associate Justice minister in charge of Treaty negotiations says it all!
Btw mickysavage, you've done it again. A very important post.
"From day one, Luxon showed he was, and never will be, prime ministerial material"
Spot on Anne, couldn't agree more. Do you remember that dear old National supporter with the blue rinsed hair back in 2020 saying on the 6pm news "I just wish Jacinda was leader of the National party"…..the irony being that if she was, Jacinda would most likely still be PM.
Well done Micky.
We all knew deep down that this coalition government would be a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. Luxon would be the poster boy, doing nothing and signifying nothing other than what his two junior partners, each of whom thinks he is God's gift to New Zealand, order him.
One can only imagine what kind of shady dealing went on in the coalition talks, almost none of which has been made public and will never be made public because decent non-conspiracy theorist New Zealanders would be pretty sick if they knew.
The only hope for this country is that Seymour and Peters' natural antipathy will gradually reassert itself and make life hell for Luxon so much that the coalition disintegrates and a snap election is called.
Still waiting for Labour to declare its hand. Does it have more to lose by alienating tangata whenua or racist pakeha? Of course, a principled position would be nice, but we cannot expect anything of the sort from neoliberal Labour.
Labour's recent history (5th/6th Labour(-led) govts) includes principled progressive policy (Closing the Gaps; Co-governance), followed by politically pragmatic dialing back in response to a conservative (status quo) and/or racist public backlash.
I hope the Grahams in our parliament will prevail over the Brashs/Seymours.
It's astonishing, really. Seymour's made no secret that he thinks the law should recognise no obligations of the govt specifically to Māori, he's put forward legislation to effect that via treaty "principles" that make no mention of Māori, he didn't bother consulting with them as treaty partner before putting that legislation forward, and yet he has legions of fanboys peddling his bullshit that it's just "clarifying" the principles and it's a "debate."
Luxon knows all this as well as we do – he called it (overly diplomatically, in my opinion) "divisive and unhelpful." Now he's not ruling out supporting "divisive and unhelpful" legislation into law. Top leadership, chief.
He compares getting the bill through parliament to the euthanasia legislation – before the majority affirm it at a referendum.
He basically wants to enable a majority to diminish the Treaty partner to assimilated status and otherwise block UNDRIP indigenous people status – which will create an issue for us internationally.
A legal form of ethnic cleansing of an indigenous peoples rights and standing, without their consent.
"He basically wants to enable a majority to diminish the Treaty partner to assimilated status…"
I think this is it in a nutshell. His (my, for that matter) ethnic group is the overwhelming majority. Would he be so keen on a "debate" and a referendum if Māori were the overwhelming majority? Would he fuck.
I welcome the debate. Nothing wrong with that, and the nation want it. If it were put before the people today. Acts bill would pass. My view is that this shoud happen. The courts ‘interpretation’ of the treaty needs to be thrown out, and the meaning applied word for word. That is what ACT and a majority of people want. There is no way that a court should really have been able to determine or interpret what the people signing this were thinking at the time and somehow make rules and laws around an interpretation. Like any other contractual document, it is what it is, and it’s meaning should be what it says, not someone’s interpretation. My view is this will happen as a result of ACTs proposed bill, and if it does not, the a citizens initiated referendum will materialise. Either way, I believe a referendum will come to pass on this issue.
things like governance and a gradual shift over time toward more maori power and decision making is a threat to the political/economic structure ACT and their historical supporters, eg Brash. their halcyon days were premised on a market approach that locked in white older male power and privilege. Equality and all ACTs weasel words, once all is said and done, for them equates to a free market that privileges those with power and money.
"… and yet he has legions of fanboys peddling his bullshit that it's just "clarifying" the principles and it's a "debate.""
QFT – thanks, PM.
Seymour's argument is founded upon dishonesty and bad faith; he's following the playbook established by the NO vote in the Voice to Australia referendum. Backed by the Atlas Network and wealthy Australian elites to spread misinformation and fear.
The outcome of this discourse is a bitter and divided society that's distracted by race issues and law & order; making it easier for elites to pilfer natural resources and steal public assets.
There are some very disturbing racist fuckwits on social media who are agitating for civil war and can't wait to start killing
"Seymour's argument is founded upon dishonesty and bad faith; he's following the playbook established by the NO vote in the Voice to Australia referendum. Backed by the Atlas Network and wealthy Australian elites to spread misinformation and fear. "
Perfect summation, roblogic, imo.
Don’t like their chances Robologic, I believe a considerable number of young Māori have done their time in the Special Forces and know how to go about their business quietly and efficiently.
“Because Luxon is such a weak Prime Minister, he is being railroaded by a far smarter David Seymour and out played by a far more cunning Winston.”
Bomber sums up the situation quite nicely!
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2024/01/29/mediawatch-when-even-heather-du-plessis-allan-doesnt-buy-nationals-anti-maori-race-baiting/
"For the ACT leader, the campaigning last year did not end – it was but a prelude.
"Seymour understands that the stability of the current coalition government is only a veneer. Quietly simmering not far beneath the surface is an unresolved volatility as the leaders of ACT and NZ First struggle for pre-eminence as the Major Partner to National."
Frank has got the measure of the CoC! And he’s right, Seymour is still campaigning – hence the State of the Nation Speech!
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJvjrNGsjmMwhtNpZKFNtRRhW
Seymour is warming everyone up for a Brexit type roadshow to promote a republic…he wants to be El Presidente!
Wouldn't surprise me. He is after all a narcissistic sociopath who is following the Trump playbook.
We need a list of businesses which supported Act and National, and to some degree NZ First. We need to avoid business with them where we can. It will send a message.
Commercial Landlords are pressuring people to return to their buildings. Resist where you can, especially if they are supporters of the right.
Approach your local iwi, ask how you can make a difference in this fight. We can make a difference that David and mates may not expect… Oh and do what King Te Huetia suggested. Carry ourselves in a spirit of "Manaaki i te katoa."
Good idea Patricia, maybe John Campbell could do some investigative journalism and expose the rotten apples floating in the barrel…….or maybe they have sunk to the bottom and the barrel needs draining…..
Just realised how Trumpian that sounds
Do not ignore the NZF support for a review of the Waitangi Tribunal and more.
The Treaty principles bill might just become the diversion, to gather legitimacy for other moves by National and NZ First.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/waitangi-tribunal-review-changing-role-set-to-come-under-scrutiny-by-new-government/GJ3OXYYUOZGFLGXRBLQYFY4NUM/
The mandate of National and Act is especially questionable given their murky millionaire backers and servitude to big business ahead of democracy.
And they have the temerity to call co-governance undemocratic.
What is profoundly undemocratic is to spout misleading nonsense and do back room deals with tobacco companies that were nowhere published in the policies or ad campaigns. I expect it's just the start of a widespread campaign to gaslight the people of Aotearoa while slashing and burning and selling out.
Let's not kid ourselves, Luxton would love the race debate distraction, the perfect dead-cat strategy.
[Please don’t change user names and from now on stick to the other approved name here, thanks – Incognito]
Mod note
Simon Wilson's column in the Herald is paywalled (I've read the print version) but it's worth a read.
In short, he writes an alternative Luxon speech that a National PM could deliver.
In the end, it is the National party and its wiser heads that will need to rein Luxon in.