Time to do something about poverty
Written By:
- Date published:
7:40 am, February 23rd, 2021 - 77 comments
Categories: debt / deficit, Economy, grant robertson, jacinda ardern, poverty -
Tags:
If the Government ever wanted to start burning political capital on addressing poverty now is the time.
The economy is in remarkably good shape, such good shape that Standard and Poors has just given us an improved credit rating of AA+.
From Radio New Zealand:
S&P Global Ratings has raised the rating to AA+ with a stable outlook from AA with a positive outlook.
The agency, one of the big three in the world, said New Zealand has recovered quicker than most advanced economies because it has contained Covid-19 better than most.
“We now believe that the government’s credit metrics can withstand potential damage from negative shocks to the economy, including a possible weakening of the real estate market, and its fiscal position at the ‘AA+’ rating level.”
S&P said the upgrade was the first for any economy since the outbreak of the pandemic.
It said the initial measures to contain the virus had resulted in a recession but the strength of the recovery and relatively low debt supported the ratings upgrade.
“New Zealand’s debt profiles compare well to those of its similarly rated peers and support its credit rating, even though its debt levels are higher than in the past,” the agency’s commentary said.
This was no doubt influenced by news in December that the Government’s books were $4.8 billion better than anticipated. From Thomas Coughlan at Stuff:
The New Zealand economy continues to defy gravity with Government accounts showing that its books are sitting $4.8 billion better than expected.
The Covid-19 economic carnage meant the Government was expecting to book a deficit of $8.6b as higher unemployment led to lower tax revenue and higher expenses.
Instead, the deficit for the four months to the end of October was just $3.8b.
Core Crown tax revenue was $29.9b – $2.9b more than forecast. GST was the big tax winner, as higher-than-expected spending meant the GST take of $8.3b for those four months was $1.6b above forecast.
Expenses are much lower too. The Government has spent $35.7b in the last four months, $1.6b less than it expected to.
This was almost all down to the cost of the wage subsidy coming in a full $1.4b below forecast.
Although it looks like not much political capital will be required. Because most kiwis support more being done to address poverty.
From Harry Lock at Radio New Zealand:
A survey has found seven out of 10 New Zealanders believe the government should increase income support for those on low wages or not in paid work.
The UMR poll was commissioned by a group of more than 40 organisations, including unions, social service providers, and kaupapa Māori groups.
It found approval for increasing income support was largely consistent across salary groups, age ranges, renters and owners; and across the political spectrum.
There was a majority of support by voters for the four major parties, led by Greens’ supporters at 89 percent in favour.
“This poll shows that ensuring liveable incomes for all would be a popular move for the government, across the board, as well as the right thing to do,” Janet McAllister from Child Poverty Action Group said.
“Even two-thirds (66 percent) of those with high household incomes – over $100,000 – agree the government should increase income support for those financially less fortunate than themselves.
“Our compassionate and inclusive approach to caring for the most vulnerable during Covid-19 outbreaks served us well. We must take the same common sense approach to ensure everyone, whether they are working, caring for children, living with a disability or illness, learning, or have lost their jobs before or because of Covid-19, has a liveable income.”
McAllister is right. The success of compassion during the Covid lockdown has shown us what the Government can achieve. All that I would say is let’s do this.
77 comments on “Time to do something about poverty ”
- Comments are now closed
- Comments are now closed
CommentsOpinions
Recent Comments
FeedsPartyGovtMedia
- Media Link: “AVFA” on the politics of desperation.
In this podcast Selwyn Manning and I talk about what appears to be a particular type of end-game in the long transition to systemic realignment in international affairs, in which the move to a new multipolar order with different characteristics … Continue reading ...10 hours ago - The cost of flying blind
Just over two years ago, when worries about immediate mass-death from covid had waned, and people started to talk about covid becoming "endemic", I asked various government agencies what work they'd done on the costs of that - and particularly, on the cost of Long Covid. The answer was that ...11 hours ago - Seymour vs The Clergy
For paid subscribers“Aotearoa is not as malleable as they think,” Lynette wrote last week on Homage to Simeon Brown:In my heart/mind, that phrase ricocheted over the next days, translating out to “We are not so malleable.”It gave me comfort. I always felt that we were given an advantage in New ...16 hours ago - Unstoppable Minister McKee
All smiles, I know what it takes to fool this townI'll do it 'til the sun goes downAnd all through the nighttimeOh, yeahOh, yeah, I'll tell you what you wanna hearLeave my sunglasses on while I shed a tearIt's never the right timeYeah, yeahSong by SiaLast night there was a ...18 hours ago - Could outdoor dining revitalise Queen Street?
This is a guest post by Ben van Bruggen of The Urban Room,.An earlier version of this post appeared on LinkedIn. All images are by Ben. Have you noticed that there’s almost nowhere on Queen Street that invites you to stop, sit outside and enjoy a coffee, let alone ...19 hours ago - Hipkins challenges long-held Labour view Government must stay below 30% of GDP
Hipkins says when considering tax settings and the size of government, the big question mark is over what happens with the balance between the size of the working-age population and the growing number of Kiwis over the age of 65. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s ...20 hours ago - Your invite to Webworm Chat (a bit like Reddit)
Hi,One of the things I love the most about Webworm is, well, you. The community that’s gathered around this lil’ newsletter isn’t something I ever expected when I started writing it four years ago — now the comments section is one of my favourite places on the internet. The comments ...21 hours ago - Seymour’s Treaty bill making Nats nervous
A delay in reappointing a top civil servant may indicate a growing nervousness within the National Party about the potential consequences of David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill. Dave Samuels is waiting for reappointment as the Chief Executive of Te Puni Kokiri, but POLITIK understands that what should have been a ...22 hours ago - 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #36
A listing of 34 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, September 1, 2024 thru Sat, September 7, 2024. Story of the week Our Story of the Week is about how peopele are not born stupid but can be fooled ...1 day ago - Time for a Change
You act as thoughYou are a blind manWho's crying, crying 'boutAll the virgins that are dyingIn your habitual dreams, you knowSeems you need more sleepBut like a parrot in a flaming treeI know it's pretty hard to seeI'm beginning to wonderIf it's time for a changeSong: Phil JuddThe next line ...2 days ago - Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Six.
The “double shocks” in post Cold War international affairs. The end of the Cold War fundamentally altered the global geostrategic context. In particular, the end of the nuclear “balance of terror” between the USA and USSR, coupled with the relaxation … Continue reading ...2 days ago
- Buried deep
Here's a bike on Manchester St, Feilding. I took this photo on Friday night after a very nice dinner at the very nice Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon, on Manchester Street.I thought to myself, Manchester Street? Bicycle? This could be the very spot.To recap from an earlier edition: on a February night ...2 days ago - Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies, Excerpt Five.
Military politics as a distinct “partial regime.” Notwithstanding their peripheral status, national defense offers the raison d’être of the combat function, which their relative vulnerability makes apparent, so military forces in small peripheral democracies must be very conscious of events … Continue reading ...3 days ago
- Leadership for Dummies
If you’re going somewhere, do you maybe take a bit of an interest in the place? Read up a bit on the history, current events, places to see - that sort of thing? Presumably, if you’re taking a trip somewhere, it’s for a reason. But what if you’re going somewhere ...3 days ago - Home again
3 days ago - Dead even tie for hottest August ever
Long stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:The month of August was 1.49˚C warmer than pre-industrial levels, tying with 2023 for the warmest August ever, according ...3 days ago
- The Hoon around the week to Sept 7
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts and talking about the week’s news with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on the latest climate science on rising temperatures and the debate about how to responde to climate disinformation; and special guest ...3 days ago
- Have We an Infrastructure Deficit?
An Infrastructure New Zealand report says we are keeping up with infrastructure better than we might have thought from the grumbling. But the challenge of providing for the future remains.I was astonished to learn that the quantity of our infrastructure has been keeping up with economic growth. Your paper almost ...3 days ago - Councils reject racism
Last month, National passed a racist law requiring local councils to remove their Māori wards, or hold a referendum on them at the 2025 local body election. The final councils voted today, and the verdict is in: an overwhelming rejection. Only two councils out of 45 supported National's racist agenda ...3 days ago
- Homage to Simeon Brown
4 days ago
- Government of deceit
When National cut health spending and imposed a commissioner on Te Whatu Ora, they claimed that it was necessary because the organisation was bloated and inefficient, with "14 layers of management between the CEO and the patient". But it turns out they were simply lying: Health Minister Shane Reti’s ...4 days ago
- The professionals actually think and act like our Government has no fiscal crisis at all
Treasury staff at work: The demand for a new 12-year Government bond was so strong, Treasury decided to double the amount of bonds it sold. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, September ...4 days ago - Weekly Roundup 6-September-2024
Welcome to another Friday and another roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. As always, this and every post is brought to you by the Greater Auckland crew. If you like our work and you’d like to see more of it, we invite you to join our regular ...4 days ago
- Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies; Excerpt Four.
Internal versus external security. Regardless of who rules, large countries can afford to separate external and internal security functions (even if internal control functions predominate under authoritarian regimes). In fact, given the logic of power concentration and institutional centralization of … Continue reading ...4 days ago
- A Hole In The River
There's a hole in the river where her memory liesFrom the land of the living to the air and skyShe was coming to see him, but something changed her mindDrove her down to the riverThere is no returnSongwriters: Neil Finn/Eddie RaynerThe king is dead; long live the queen!Yesterday was a ...4 days ago - Bright Blue His Jacket Ain’t But I Love This Fellow: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power E...
My conclusion last week was that The Rings of Power season two represented a major improvement in the series. The writing’s just so much better, and honestly, its major problems are less the result of the current episodes and more creatures arising from season one plot-holes. I found episode three ...4 days ago - Who should we thank for the defeat of the Nazis
As a child in the 1950s, I thought the British had won the Second World War because that’s what all our comics said. Later on, the films and comics told me that the Americans won the war. In my late teens, I found out that the Soviet Union ...4 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #36 2024
Open access notables Diurnal Temperature Range Trends Differ Below and Above the Melting Point, Pithan & Schatt, Geophysical Research Letters: The globally averaged diurnal temperature range (DTR) has shrunk since the mid-20th century, and climate models project further shrinking. Observations indicate a slowdown or reversal of this trend in recent decades. ...4 days ago
- Media Link: Discussing the NZSIS Security Threat Report.
I was interviewed by Mike Hosking at NewstalkZB and a few other media outlets about the NZSIS Security Threat Report released recently. I have long advocated for more transparency, accountability and oversight of the NZ Intelligence Community, and although the … Continue reading ...4 days ago
- How do I make this better for people who drive Ford Rangers?
Home, home again to a long warm embrace. Plenty of reasons to be glad to be back.But also, reasons for dejection.You, yes you, Simeon Brown, you odious little oik, you bible thumping petrol-pandering ratfucker weasel. You would be Reason Number One. Well, maybe first among equals with Seymour and Of-Seymour ...4 days ago - A missed opportunity
The government introduced a pretty big piece of constitutional legislation today: the Parliament Bill. But rather than the contentious constitutional change (four year terms) pushed by Labour, this merely consolidates the existing legislation covering Parliament - currently scattered across four different Acts - into one piece of legislation. While I ...4 days ago
- Nicola Willis Seeks New Sidekick To Help Fix NZ’s Economy
Synopsis:Nicola Willis is seeking a new Treasury Boss after Dr Caralee McLiesh’s tenure ends this month. She didn’t listen to McLiesh. Will she listen to the new one?And why is Atlas Network’s Taxpayers Union chiming in?Please consider subscribing or supporting my work. Thanks, Tui.About CaraleeAt the beginning of July, Newsroom ...5 days ago - Inflation alive and kicking in our land of the long white monopolies
The golden days of profit continue for the the Foodstuffs (Pak’n’Save and New World) and Woolworths supermarket duopoly. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, September 5:The Groceries Commissioner has ...5 days ago - The thermodynamics of electric vs. internal combustion cars
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler I love thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is like your mom: it may not tell you what you can do, but it damn well tells you what you can’t do. I’ve written a few previous posts that include thermodynamics, like one on air capture of ...5 days ago
- Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Three.
The notion of geopolitical “periphery.” The concept of periphery used here refers strictly to what can be called the geopolitical periphery. Being on the geopolitical periphery is an analytic virtue because it makes for more visible policy reform in response … Continue reading ...5 days ago
- Venus Hum
Fill me up with soundThe world sings with me a million smiles an hourI can see me dancing on my radioI can hear you singing in the blades of grassYellow dandelions on my way to schoolBig Beautiful Sky!Song: Venus Hum.Good morning, all you lovely people, and welcome to the 700th ...5 days ago - I Went to a Creed Concert
Note: The audio attached to this Webworm compliments today’s newsletter. I collected it as I met people attending a Creed concert. Their opinions may differ to mine. Read more ...5 days ago - Government migration policy backfires; thousands of unemployed nurses
The country has imported literally thousands of nurses over the past few months yet whether they are being employed as nurses is another matter. Just what is going on with HealthNZ and it nurses is, at best, opaque, in that it will not release anything but broad general statistics and ...5 days ago
- A Time For Unity.
Emotional Response: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addresses mourners at the tangi of King Tuheitia on Turangawaewae Marae on Saturday, 31 August 2024.THE DEATH OF KING TUHEITIA could hardly have come at a worse time for Maoridom. The power of the Kingitanga to unify te iwi Māori was demonstrated powerfully at January’s ...5 days ago - Climate Change: Failed again
National's tax cut policies relied on stealing revenue from the ETS (previously used to fund emissions reduction) to fund tax cuts to landlords. So how's that going? Badly. Today's auction failed again, with zero units (of a possible 7.6 million) sold. Which means they have a $456 million hole in ...6 days ago
- Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Two.
A question of size. Small size generally means large vulnerability. The perception of threat is broader and often more immediate for small countries. The feeling of comparative weakness, of exposure to risk, and of potential intimidation by larger powers often … Continue reading ...6 days ago
- Nicola Willis’s Very Unserious Bungling of the Kiwirail Interislander Cancellation
Open to all with kind thanks to all subscribers and supporters.Today, RNZ revealed that despite MFAT advice to Nicola Willis to be very “careful and deliberate” in her communications with the South Korean government, prior to any public announcement on cancelling Kiwirail’s i-Rex, Willis instead told South Korea 26 minutes ...6 days ago - Satisfying the Minister’s Speed Obsession
The Minister of Transport’s speed obsession has this week resulted in two new consultations for 110km/h speed limits, one in Auckland and one in Christchurch. There has also been final approval of the Kapiti Expressway to move to 110km/h following an earlier consultation. While the changes will almost certainly see ...6 days ago
- What if we freed up our streets, again?
This guest post is by Tommy de Silva, a local rangatahi and freelance writer who is passionate about making the urban fabric of Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland more people-focused and sustainable. New Zealand’s March-April 2020 Level 4 Covid response (aka “lockdown”) was somehow both the best and worst six weeks of ...6 days ago
- No Alarms And No Surprises
A heart that's full up like a landfillA job that slowly kills youBruises that won't healYou look so tired, unhappyBring down the governmentThey don't, they don't speak for usI'll take a quiet lifeA handshake of carbon monoxideAnd no alarms and no surprisesThe fabulous English comedian Stewart Lee once wrote a ...6 days ago - Five ingenious ways people could beat the heat without cranking the AC
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Daisy Simmons Every summer brings a new spate of headlines about record-breaking heat – for good reason: 2023 was the hottest year on record, in keeping with the upward trend scientists have been clocking for decades. With climate forecasts suggesting that heat waves ...6 days ago
- No new funding for cycling & walking
Studies show each $1 of spending on walking and cycling infrastructure produces $13 to $35 of economic benefits from higher productivity, lower healthcare costs, less congestion, lower emissions and lower fossil fuel import costs. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note ...6 days ago - 99
Dad turned 99 today.Hell of a lot of candles, eh?He won't be alone for his birthday. He will have the warm attention of my brother, and my sister, and everyone at the rest home, the most thoughtful attentive and considerate people you could ever know. On Saturday there will be ...6 days ago - Open Government: National reneges on beneficial ownership
One of the achievements of the New Zealand’s Open Government Partnership Fourth National Action Plan was a formal commitment from the government to establish a public beneficial ownership register. Such a register would allow the ultimate owners of companies to be identified - a vital measure in preventing corruption, money ...6 days ago
- Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt One.
This project analyzes security politics in three peripheral democracies (Chile, New Zealand, Portugal) during the 30 years after the end of the Cold War. It argues that changes in the geopolitical landscape and geo-strategic context are interpreted differently by small … Continue reading ...7 days ago
- Tea and Toast
When the skies are looking bad my dearAnd your heart's lost all its hopeAfter dawn there will be sunshineAnd all the dust will goThe skies will clear my darlingNow it's time for you to let goOur girl will wake you up in the mornin'With some tea and toastLyrics: Lucy Spraggan.Good ...7 days ago - NLTP 2024 released – destroying pipeline of shovel ready local projects
Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Waka Kotahi yesterday released the latest National Land Transport Plan (NLTP) for 2024-27. The NLTP sets out what transport projects will be funded for the next three years, including both central and local government projects. As expected given the government’s extremely ideological transport policy, it’s ...7 days ago
- Can Brown deliver his roads
The Government’s unveiling of its road-building programme yesterday was ambitious and, many would say, long overdue. But the question will be whether it is too ambitious, whether it is affordable, and, if not, what might be dropped. The big ticket items will be the 17 so-called Roads of National Significance. ...7 days ago
- New paper about detecting climate misinformation on Twitter/X
Together with Cristian Rojas, Frank Algra-Maschio, Mark Andrejevic, Travis Coan, and Yuan-Fang Li, I just published a paper in Nature Communications Earth & Environment where we use the Computer Assisted Recognition of Denial and Skepticism (CARDS) machine learning model to detect climate misinformation in 5 million climate tweets. We find over half ...1 week ago
- Excerpting “Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies.”
In the late 2000s-early 2010s I was researching and writing a book titled “Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Chile, New Zealand and Portugal.” The book was a cross-regional Small-N qualitative comparison of the security strategies and postures of three small … Continue reading ...1 week ago
- Hating for the Wrong Reasons: Of Rings of Power, Orcs and Evil
A few months ago, my fellow countryman, HelloFutureMe, put out a giant YouTube video, dissecting what went wrong with the first season of Rings of Power (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ6FRUO0ui0&t=8376s). It’s an exceptionally good video, and though it spans some two and a half hours, it is well worth your time. But ...1 week ago - Climate Change: “Least cost” to who?
On Friday the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment released their submission on National's second Emissions Reduction Plan, ripping the shit out of it as a massive gamble based on wishful thinking. One of the specific issues he focused on was National's idea of "least cost" emissions reduction, pointing out that ...1 week ago
- Israeli Lives Matter
There is no monopoly on common senseOn either side of the political fenceWe share the same biology, regardless of ideologyBelieve me when I say to youI hope the Russians love their children tooLyrics: Sting. Read more ...1 week ago - Luxon Cries
Over the weekend, I found myself rather irritably reading up about the Treaty of Waitangi. “Do I need to do this?” It’s not my jurisdiction. In any other world, would this be something I choose to do?My answer - no.The Waitangi Tribunal, headed by some of our best legal minds, ...1 week ago
- Just one Wellington home being consented for every 10 in Auckland
A decade of under-building is coming home to roost in Wellington. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday September 2:Wellington’s leaders are wringing their hands over an exodus of skilled ...1 week ago - Container trucks on local streets: why take the risk?
This is a guest post by Charmaine Vaughan, who came to transport advocacy via her local Residents Association and a comms role at Bike Auckland. Her enthusiasm to make local streets safer for all is shared by her son Dylan Vaughan, a budding “urban nerd” who provided much of the ...1 week ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #35
A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, August 25, 2024 thru Sat, August 31, 2024. Story of the week After another crammed week of climate news including updates on climate tipping points, increasing threats from rising ...1 week ago
- An Uncanny Valley of Improvement: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power, Episodes 1-3 (Season ...
And thus we come to the second instalment of Amazon’s Rings of Power. The first season, in 2022, was underwhelming, even for someone like myself, who is by nature inclined to approach Tolkien adaptations with charity. The writing was poor, the plot made no sense on its own terms, and ...1 week ago - Alcohol debris and Crocodile Tears
I write to you this morning from scenes of carnage. Around the floor lie young men who only hours earlier were full of life, and cocktails, and now lie silent. Read more ...1 week ago - When Do We Look Away?
Hi,The first time I saw something that made me recoil on the internet was a visit to Rotten.com. The clue was in the name — but the internet was a new thing to me in the 90s, and no-one really knew what the hell was going on. But somehow I ...1 week ago - The decades just fly by
You turn your back for a moment and a city can completely transform itself. It was, oh, just the other day I was tripping up to Kuala Lumpur every few months to teach workshops and luxuriate in the tropical warmth and fill my face with Char Kway Teow.It has to ...1 week ago - 2024 Reading Summary: August
Completed reads for August: Aesop’s Fables (collection), by Aesop Berserk: Volume XXV (manga), by Kentaro Miura Benighted, by J.B. Priestly Berserk: Volume XXVI (manga), by Kentaro Miura Berserk: Volume XXVII (manga), by Kentaro Miura Berserk: Volume XXVIII (manga), by Kentaro Miura Berserk: Volume XXIX (manga), by Kentaro Miura ...1 week ago - Is recent global warming part of a natural cycle?
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park from the Gigafact team in collaboration with John Mason. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is recent global warming part ...1 week ago
- White Noise
Now here we standWith our hearts in our handsSqueezing out the liesAll that I hearIs a message, unclearWhat else is there to decide?All that I'm hearing from youIs White NoiseLyrics: Christopher John CheneyIs the tide turning?Have we reached the high point of the racist hate and lies from Hobson’s Pledge, ...1 week ago - The Death Of “Big Norm” – Exactly 50 Years Ago Today.
1 week ago
- Claims and Counter-Claims.
Whose Foreshore? Whose Seabed? When the Marine and Coastal Area Act was originally passed back in 2011, fears about the coastline becoming off-limits to Pakeha were routinely allayed by National Party politicians pointing out that the tests imposed were so stringent that only a modest percentage of claims (the then treaty ...1 week ago
-
1 week ago
- The Principles of the Treaty
Hardly anyone says what are ‘the principles of the treaty’. The courts’ interpretation restrain the New Zealand Government. While they about protecting a particular community, those restraints apply equally to all community in a liberal democracy – including a single person.Treaty principles were introduced into the governance of New Zealand ...1 week ago - The Only Other Reliable Vehicle.
An Elite Leader Awaiting Rotation? Hipkins’ give-National-nothing-to-aim-at strategy will only succeed if the Coalition becomes as unpopular in three years as the British Tories became in fourteen.THE SHAPE OF CHRIS HIPKINS’ THINKING on Labour’s optimum pathway to re-election is emerging steadily. At the core of his strategy is Hipkins’ view ...1 week ago
- A Big F U to this Right Wing Government
Open to all - deep thanks to those who support and subscribe.One of the things that has got me interested recently is updates about Māori wards.In April, Stuff’s Karanama Ruru reported that ~ 2/3 of our 78 councils had adopted Māori wards in NZ.That meant that under the Coalition repeal ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...13 hours ago - Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...13 hours ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...17 hours ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...22 hours ago - Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...2 days ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...3 days ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...3 days ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...5 days ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...5 days ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...6 days ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...6 days ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...6 days ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...7 days ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...7 days ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...1 week ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...1 week ago
- Building consents data bad news for construction
News that the annual number of building consents granted for new homes fell by more than 20 percent for the year ended July 2024, is bad news for the construction industry. ...1 week ago
- Te Pāti Māori Pay Tribute to Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
Papā te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi, i whētuki i raro rā, rū ana te whenua e. Uea te pou o tōku whare kia tū tangata he kapua whakairi nāku nā runga o Taupiri. Ko taku kiri ka tōkia ki te anu mātao. E te iwi ...1 week ago
- Release: Gaps still to be addressed in callouts response
The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party pays respects to Kiingi Tuuheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII, after he passed away earlier this morning. ...2 weeks ago
- Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...2 weeks ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...13 hours ago - Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...13 hours ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...15 hours ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...3 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...4 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...4 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...5 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...5 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...5 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...5 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...5 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...5 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...5 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...5 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...6 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...6 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...6 days ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...6 days ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...6 days ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...6 days ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...7 days ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...7 days ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...7 days ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...7 days ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...7 days ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...1 week ago
- Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki
A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland
A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...1 week ago
- Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland
A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...1 week ago
- Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure
A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...1 week ago
- Government delivering reliable roads for Manawatū-Whanganui
A record $1.6 billion for transport investment in Manawatū-Whanganui through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s importance as a strategic freight hub that boosts economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. ...1 week ago
- Restoring connections in Hawke’s Bay
A record $657 million for transport investment in the Hawke’s Bay through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support recovery from cyclone damage and build greater resilience into the network to support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that ...1 week ago
- Transport resilience a priority for Gisborne
A record $255 million for transport investment in Gisborne through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and restore the cyclone-damaged network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With $255 million of investment over the next three years, we are committed to making sure that every transport ...1 week ago
- Prioritising growth and reduced travel times in Canterbury
A record $1.8 billion for transport investment Canterbury through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Christchurch is the economic powerhouse of the South Island, and transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and freight in the Bay of Plenty
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Bay of Plenty through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of ...1 week ago
- Getting transport back on track in Auckland
A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will deliver the infrastructure our rapidly growing region needs to support economic growth and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Aucklanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, phantoms projects, ...1 week ago
- Albanese promises to legislate minimum age for kids’ access to social media
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation this term to enforce a minimum age for children to access social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make the formal announcement on Tuesday. This follows a discussion at ...2 hours ago - Pro-Palestinian activists hold protests to disrupt defense expo in Australia
By Efe Özkan Pro-Palestinian anti-war activists in Australia have protested in Melbourne, disrupting a defence expo set to open on Wednesday. Protesters gathered yesterday in front of companies connected to weapons manufacturing across Melbourne as police were called to prevent an escalation of the events, according to 7News Melbourne. Many ...4 hours ago
- ‘Didn’t care enough’: here’s what the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide foun...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Wadham, Professor, Director, Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families, Flinders University After three years of investigations, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has delivered its final report with 122 recommendations. The commission has carried much ...6 hours ago
- What is 3-phase power? And how do I know if my house needs it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asma Aziz, Senior Lecturer in Power Engineering, Edith Cowan University If you’re building, renovating or planning to install a solar battery, your builder or installer might ask whether you’ve considered upgrading from single-phase to three-phase power. This upgrade often comes with a ...8 hours ago
- MSG is back. Is the idea it’s bad for us just a myth or food science?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Dr. Victor Wong/Shutterstock MSG is making a comeback. The internet’s favourite cucumber salad recipe includes fish sauce, cucumber, garlic and – as the video’s creator ...8 hours ago
- South Australia is proposing a law to ban kids under 14 from social media. How would it work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University Artie Medvedev/Shutterstock The South Australian government is moving ahead with plans to ban children under 14 from social media. Under the proposal, teens aged 14 ...8 hours ago
- Australia’s construction industry needs more hands on deck – so why is it ignoring skilled migra...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Loosemore, Professor of Construction Management, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Australia’s construction industry is facing a perfect storm: enormous targets for building – 1.2 million new homes and A$230 billion worth of infrastructure over the next five years – at ...9 hours ago
- At Melaka Art & Performance Festival I watched dancers overcome by a trance in the rain, and the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan W. Marshall, Associate Professor & Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University Feifei Liao performing in the village ruins. Photo by and courtesy of Teo Swee An. Melbourne-based Tony Yap is a leading figure in ...9 hours ago
- Google is facing another crucial court case in the US – and it could have major consequences for o...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbora Jedlickova, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, The University of Queensland One month after a US court ruled Google had illegally maintained its monopoly on internet search, the tech giant will this week face the start of yet another important antitrust case. ...10 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon refuses to speak about Treaty Principles Bill after it was handed to Cabinet
The Prime Minister says ACT leader David Seymour will have more to say on the Bill soon. ...10 hours ago - Jesus’s vision fulfilled: David Seymour restores unity to the church
The Christian church has had quite a few dust-ups with itself over the last 20 centuries. This week, the Act Party brought it together. Since Jesus prayed that his followers may all be one (John 17:20-21), Christians have barely stopped fighting. Yes, they’ve occasionally broken off to slaughter people in ...10 hours ago - PODCAST: The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
Podcast: A View from Afar with Paul G Buchanan and Selwyn Manning. Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning discuss The Politics of Desperation. This episode flows on from our discussions about long transitions and the moment ...11 hours ago
- Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste is powerful and symbolic, but also political
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Brincat, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of the Sunshine Coast Author provided, Author provided Timor-Leste has had much to celebrate recently. August 30 marked 25 years since the Popular Consultation – or “The Referendum”, as many call ...11 hours ago
- What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? One’s about plumbing, the other...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Todorovic, Associate Professor of Medicine, Bond University Explode/Shutterstock In July 2023, rising US basketball star Bronny James collapsed on the court during practice and was sent to hospital. The 18-year-old athlete, son of famous LA Lakers’ veteran LeBron James, had ...11 hours ago
- If we truly want our Paralympic athletes to shine, their coaches need more support
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Bennie, Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education/Sport Development, Western Sydney University The 2024 Paris Paralympics delivered heightened attention and awareness of a pinnacle sporting event for para athletes. Australia has often set the standard for para sport, consistently achieving top ...12 hours ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you love celebs out of their comfort zone: Celebrity Treasure Island (TVNZ+, starting September 9) We’re back on the beach for a new season of celebrity ...13 hours ago
- Harris’ lead dips in national US polls and it’s very close in the key states
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris ...14 hours ago
- Rewriting history: how the Treaty ‘principles’ evolved and why they don’t stand up to scrutiny
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images ACT Party leader David Seymour has said the goal of his Treaty Principles Bill is to stimulate an overdue conversation on te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi. ...14 hours ago
- Surge in non-disclosure agreements at Health NZ sparks Labour complaint
Nearly 70 staff at Te Whatu Ora have signed non-disclosure agreements since the end of November. ...14 hours ago
- ‘Numerous questions’, but Fiji govt sticks with new anti-corruption chief
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The Fiji government is backing the appointment of the country’s new anti-corruption chief who was under investigation by the office she now heads, which has left Fijians asking questions. Barbara Malimali — who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson — was revealed as the ...15 hours ago
- Pope Francis calls for end to tribal ‘spiral of violence’ in PNG visit
Inside PNG reports that Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a proclamation even Pope Francis acknowledges. But Papua New Guinea is also challenged with socio-economic developments that do not reach the rural majority despite the presence of numerous extractive industries. The Pontiff in his remarks ...15 hours ago
- Anne Salmond: A Cabinet of principles?
The effrontery of David Seymour’s riposte to Church leaders over his Treaty Principles Bill is breathtaking. He accuses them of being undemocratic. When the Act Party took the idea of a referendum on Te Tiriti to a general election in 2023, it won just 8.6 percent of the vote. The other ...15 hours ago - Public feedback sought on new tolls for lower North Island
Consultation on the proposed tolling schemes for the Manawatū Tararua Highway and the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway is now open. ...15 hours ago
- A new festival celebrates the art of the picture book
Picture Me is a brand new book festival happening in Wellington and Christchurch between 11–28 September. Here’s the inside scoop on the international headliners and what they’ll be doing while in Aotearoa. A good picture book has a timeless quality: a story you don’t mind reading over, and over and ...15 hours ago
- Minister tried to hide NZDF criticism of boot camp comments
The criticism was revealed to RNZ in an official information act response, but new documents show Judith Collins asked for them to be redacted. ...15 hours ago
- LIVE@12:45pm – The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm September 9, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:45pm (USEDT). Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning will discuss The Politics of Desperation. ...16 hours ago
- David Seymour hits out at church leaders over Treaty Principles Bill
The ACT leader says churches are abandoning their core beliefs, after 400 Christian leaders condemned his controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...16 hours ago
- Some home truths about gene technologies
In response to criticism of proposed changes to our GM settings, scientist Revel Drummond says we should discuss the issue of regulatory change from a position of educated debate, not fear-mongering. New technologies often get pushback from sectors of society. In the 19th century people feared the unknown effects on ...16 hours ago
- Dane and Stacey on making travel a business, owning half a dog, and finding balance
Earning money while you travel sounds like a dream to many of us – so how hard is it to make the dream a reality? Travel content creators Dane and Stacey joined Kiwibank’s This is Kiwi podcast to talk about documenting their adventures online, and remembering to sometimes put the ...16 hours ago
- Councils’ credit ratings downgraded over debt, rising costs
A reduced rating will mean higher borrowing costs for two major city councils. ...16 hours ago
- Is America ready to elect a Black woman president?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University It’s the big question that has loomed over Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign from the start: is the United States ready for a Black woman president? I get ...18 hours ago
- Murdoch to Musk: how global media power has shifted from the moguls to the big tech bros
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Ricketson, Professor of Communication, Deakin University Until recently, Elon Musk was just a wildly successful electric car tycoon and space pioneer. Sure, he was erratic and outspoken, but his global influence was contained and seemingly under control. But add the ...18 hours ago
- Africa desperately needs mpox vaccines. But donations from rich countries won’t fix this or the ne...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Lexchin, Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management, York University, Canada Africa says it needs an estimated ten million doses of mpox vaccine to control this public health emergency. The situation is particularly concerning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ...18 hours ago
- Plot twist: how giving old graveyards new life as parks can improve our cities
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Stokes, Industry Professor, Environment and Sustainability, Macquarie University Camperdown Cemetery in Newtown, Sydney Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock Old graveyards are a forgotten land asset that can find new life as urban parks in crowded cities. As the density of our cities increases, efficient ...18 hours ago
- 91% of Australian teens have a phone – but many are not keeping their identity and location secure
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yeslam Al-Saggaf, Professor in Computing, Charles Sturt University Halfpoint/ Shutterstock , CC BY Most Australian teenagers have their own smartphone. According to a 2023 survey, 91% of young people between 14 and 17 owned a phone. At the same time, ...18 hours ago
- Pay-by-weight airfares are an ethical minefield. We asked travellers what they actually think
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Tolkach, Senior Lecturer, James Cook University Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock Imagine checking in for a flight with your two teenage children. At the counter, you are told that your youngest teenager’s suitcase is two kilograms over the limit. You get slapped with ...18 hours ago
- Popes were once confined to Rome. Now they travel the world – and Francis’ current journey is pa...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University Pope Francis is continuing the tradition of papal journeys, having embarked on the longest trip of his papacy yet to Asia and the Pacific. In recent decades, apostolic journeys have emerged as a powerful ...18 hours ago
- Inside the cold war between Live Nation and the Powerstation
Auckland’s best live music venue is feuding with the world’s biggest promoter. Only one side is willing to speak about what happened that fateful night in April. The artist is dressed in black, with a DJ and live drummer, and the crowd bobbing in unison to sinewy R&B. Footage from ...18 hours ago
- How well are NZ companies reporting their climate impacts? Our new tracker shows very mixed results
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Walton, Professor of Sustainable Business, University of Otago Interpreting corporate reports on carbon emissions can be challenging. The current, adhoc approach to how businesses share this information makes it difficult to see whether they have set the right targets, have realistic ...19 hours ago
- Air New Zealand braces for turbulence
In today’s extract from The Bulletin, Stewart Sowman-Lund looks at the compounding pressures facing the national carrier. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. Diving profits A couple of months ago, we talked about the controversy over surging flight prices in New Zealand, with ...20 hours ago
Nope.
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz%E2%80%99s-credit-rating-lifted-economy-recovers
Its a yes from me Micky Sav–burn baby burn!–that political capital. It is a once in a generation opportunity.
All those years of pundits saying an MMP majority Govt. was most unlikely have been upended. The UMR poll reflects what scores of Labour “loyalists” that I know, some for decades, are now saying. Some of the switch voters also clearly expect something big from Labour too, possibly those whose kids are locked out of housing or being rent gouged.
Time for the Labour Caucus to listen to the NZ working class rather than focus groups. Time for Labour to move on from 36 years of Parliamentary neoliberal consensus with National.
How to encourage Labour? Unite the NGOs and Unions to form an extra Parliamentary opposition, community organise and take appropriate direct action until the impasse is resolved.
Everyone wants to do something about poverty ….until they realise it means they will have to change their way of life.
The solution to poverty is relatively simple, a fairer distribution of societies outputs and if those in poverty need more then others must accept less….thats the hard bit,
So, it is a zero-sum game with a finite amount of money going around to spend AKA you can spend a dollar only once? How does economic growth fit into this? You know, growing the pie, which is such a nice metaphor used by politicians. I believe we have been beholden to economic orthodoxy for way too long, firmly held in cheque by rating agencies such as S&P. But now is not the time to do anything ‘radical’ because, you know, Covid …
lol…in many ways it is zero sum (though not entirely, its complicated by the fact there are two economies, national and international)….consider this fact, we export around 40 billion USD a year which equates to around $11.000 NZD (current exchange rate) per man woman and child p.a. in NZ, that means we can strictly speaking afford to import goods to that value to be distributed amongst us all….best case.
Now obviously some use a larger share of that than others but thats pretty much what we have to use.
And yes we have the ability to create our own currency (for domestic consumption) but most of what we need isnt available in NZD (currently and for a considerable period) and certainly most of what we want isnt.
Thanks to our lovely credit rating, Government can borrow at rates cheap as shit.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/124325306/sp-global-ratings-upgrade-a-massive-boost-to-grant-robertson-and-labours-economic-management-credentials
I believe some countries (Europe?) can borrow at negative interest rates.
and we have been for 40 years, around an extra 2-3 billion a year, but to do so we have sold half of our national assets….not really sustainable is it.
And negative interest rates are simply a slow motion method to destroy excess money supply, they dont impact real assets, only their monetary value.
Right, mopping the floor while the tap is running. Poverty is not really sustainable either, is it? Oh, hang on, it is ok to the ‘centre vote’. She’ll be right, mate.
Think the point has been lost
Yes, sorry about that. Maybe another time.
No time like the present
The point (if you havnt realised , which I suspect you have on reflection) is that we have limitations BUT how we apply those limitations is crucial…we are applying them poorly. We need to decide how we want to spend that FX…do we wish to allow unlimited OE travel, or luxury vehicles etc or do we wish to apply that FX to the necessities to benefit the majority…that is the difficulty I allude to.
The reason the NZ government can borrow at low rates is down to the RBNZ, in other countries this is down to the relevant central bank. Credit ratings mean next to nothing here. Of course its worth highlighting in a lot of Europe the ECB can't simply be seen a subsidiary institution to the government but never the less since around 2010 they have been intervening to create low interest rates for these countries.
I didn’t write that piece. Take it up with the authors if you think it’s BS.
You kind of did write that, then linked to stuff to bolster the opinion. Its BS (pretty obviously if anyone looks at how the country responds to credit ratings and how politicised they are) but I don't really expect you must defend it. Also, reading the stuff comments section is not something I expect the authors do.
Politicised AKA BS is kinda the point I was trying to make. It doesn’t really matter whether the statement is correct and/or accurate or not. What matters how it is being used on us. I have no idea how international financing works; I just lap up the propaganda and manipulative spin (manufacturing consent) like most here and how Government ‘justifies’ certain actions and inactions.
Just whats gonna happen if we accidentally import $12,000 USD per man woman and child p.a this year then? (Asking for a friend).
the same thats been happening for the past 40odd years…we will allow our assets to be bought by offshore entities to provide the FX to pay for it…and as stated earlier thats not sustainable…when its all owned offshore what is left to sell?..what value the NZD then?
Oh sorry, its just when people write that something which has been happening for 40 years is not sustainable I tend to think even our longest term economic forecasts only go about 40 years out.
Just what time frame are we looking at here for not sustainable? 50 years? 80 years? 100 years? 200 years? 400 years?
And what is the failure more? Do we revert to running a BOP surplus? Does the exchange rate collapse? Does inflation spike? Do we come under economic sanctions?
Dont be a dick…40 years is no time at all.
And you assume that it will take another 40 years to divest ourselves of the remaining (less than) 50%…and the income generated from.
Well if think the prevailing trends in the economy can be predicted 40 years hence, have I got a product for you… How about getting your entire weather forecast up to a year in advance! Ken Rings annual weather forecast for all of 2021 is shipping right now. Your welcome!
You truely are lacking in substance
Aye. If one person's poverty enables another's luxury, the whole thing is irremediably evil.
Lets tie the wages of Government ministers to that of the welfare people receive in this country.
How long would you think that the luxury of MPs enables the poverty of others?
That assumes a number of things that are unlikely to be true. One of these is that people become Ministers because they want to make lots of money.
You are more charitable then me Gossman, i assume people become minister because a. they are not suited to private and free market society, b. because they want to make a lot of money for very little work, c. they are corrupt, but generally i assume they end up in politics becuase actually working for their min wage pennies plus is hard hard work, and they ain't suited for that. Btw, this applies to all parties.
How would that explain the likes of John Key, Steven Joyce, David Cunliffe and many others from both main parties that came to parliament very wealthy?
The stress, long hours and (for them) low pay would seem to suggest they became political leaders because they truly believed they could make a better NZ.
John Key, Steven Joyce and David Cunliffe, you could actually have not found a better sample of the three most useless men in politics. \
And 'rich' people have to work too, so government was the best fit for these guys. They got money for nothing and perks for free, meanwhile kids go hungry, family live in cars, and no one can afford even the most basic dental care.
thanks for making my point.
I am not saying they are either good or that I agree with their policies, just their motivations.
Cunliffe failed as leader of the Labour Party, but the separation of Telecom from Chorus and the fibre rollout were off the back of his work. Hard to say what the pandemic would have done without widespread working from home capability that fibre has provided.
more people would have been on the wage subsidy.
and what about all those that still in sit in areas that have no reception?
That's a lot of lost work and potential damage to the economy. More wage subsidy is fine, but if they actually lose jobs at the end of it because of the downturn in work, that's a poorer outcome.
The fibre rollout isn't completed yet but rural broadband is probably going to be via 4G and 5G, or satellite in really remote places. I was impressed to see fibre in small Canterbury towns on my last trip to Hanmer Springs (Culverden, Hanmer Springs itself, Amberley), so the reach is still being expanded.
There’s nothing quite like it for the ego as thinking you’re the only & best one to save the country from doom & despair.
Why do we have to pay Ministers at all? Cover their living expenses and travel + accommodation and maybe a clothing budget. And pay their legal bills. Is it to reward them for a job doing a great job, which really is a super-charged civic duty? Is it to minimise the risk of corruption? Just give them all a knighthood at the end of their three-year term and then let some fresh blood & ideas in. Paying them is not making them any better or worse. Do we really believe that the pay is to attract only ‘the best’? Sounds like corporate BS to me.
Pretty sure it's the corruption thing.
People have no moral backbone is what you’re saying.
Yep. I'm certainly curious how many of the people now supporting an increase in benefits did so before covid. And of those how many are willing to give up CG on their house that they think is for retirement but will use in the meantime to garner more wealth.
Also super curious what kind of change they would support. Green Party policy level change? WEAG level change? Or Labour tinkering and not actually solving the problem but people get to feel better because the poors are being helped?
Its hard for people to understand what they have never personally experienced (re benefit levels etc). I know I never did until I became ill and lost two years of earnings.
Most people like stability, so I doubt there would be much support for Green Party policy change. Fix the housing, as Gosman said, and that alone would be a significant change for the better for this term.
Housing can't be fixed in isolation, and there's nothing that will fix housing that will come from Gosman or current Labour. Gosman's approach is to adjust things without actually resolving poverty. Maybe we go back to something like in the 90s, I don't know what the intention is exactly. But it doesn't take a rocket science degree to see that benefits will *never keep up with the housing market and that the gap now is just far too wide for tinkering to do much.
Building more houses in the private sector for sale in the open market will throw petrol on the housing crisis fire. And even if in the long term there ends up more supply than demand and prices drop a bit, Gosman and Labour don't want prices to drop more than a bit, so the massive affordability gap remains.
Labour patently have no plan and not desire to actually fix poverty or housing, beyond the rhetoric and the adjustments within neoliberalism. People really need to stop voting in such governments if they actually want solutions. So like I said, most people will choose tinkering because it makes them feel like something is being done but will stop short of useful change that might affect them.
What covid showed is that we are all a lost paycheck or a few lost paychecks away from being poor. Well not those that are very rich or in jobs that will not be done away with a pandemic – see government for example.
See in Germany i grew up with the idea that we are a social welfare state not because we like charity per se, but because there is an understanding that if you let one third of our country to fester in poverty, unhealthy and unsantiary living conditions, with children not being fed, housed and educated as they should be that eventually that will lead to problems. So we pay taxes for unemployment, social welfare, health care, accident compensation, retirement, and we the amount is stipulated on the monthly pay checks of everyone who works.
Doing this has helped greatly to reduce the notion that poor people are poor because they deserve it. But rather we can all be unemployed, sick, have an accident, retire etc and then we would like to not fall into abject poverty.
Maye this is something that needs to come back to NZ, some way to show people that social welfare and unemployement are not 'benefits' but rather are pre paid entitlements. And that it can happen to all of us in the time it takes for a bad driver to cause a life changing accident.
" in Germany i grew up with the idea that we are a social welfare state not because we like charity per se, but because there is an understanding that if you let one third of our country to fester in poverty, unhealthy and unsantiary living conditions, with children not being fed, housed and educated as they should be that eventually that will lead to problems. "
If you'd grown up here, assuming you're the age I'm guessing you are this is exactly what you would have experienced in New Zealand.
Alas, as we all know, things changed in 1984.
Yes, and despite all the neo liberal bullshit that rained down in Germany at the exact same time these things never changed.
Mainly because the myth of the 'rugged individual' never really took hold in Germany. Also maybe it has something to do that most people in Germany rent rather then own, and that many people have welfare dependent family members, and that the Germans really believe that these benefits are paid for via the taxes extracted from the working public rather than something that he Government conjures out of thin air to then let it generously trickle down on the deserving few.
It's interesting that it didn't take hold in Germany.
Obviously Germans had a considerable influence on the government.
We didn't. By the 90s in New Zealand there were many marches against the neo liberal government, maybe by then it was too late. It wasn't till the end of that decade that the worst of the neo liberal, market lead philosophies were a little moderated.
Perhaps New Zealanders have never been really sure that they do have a right to demand the government governs for them as being a colony of Britain for so long they still don't trust that they are as capable as any of running the country.
We're a constitutional monarchy without a codified constitution ffs.
Still.
I think mainly it has to do with the fact that no one can tell germans they are getting 'handouts' as clearly their paychecks states that they pay or these services.
Germany had a few welfare reforms over the years, but the mindset that the government has a responsibility to look after the 'greater good of the country' has not yet been lost.
"…but the mindset that the government has a responsibility to look after the 'greater good of the country' has not yet been lost."
What needs to happen for NZ to adopt that mindset? How do we do it?
Yes, while the previous government helped hugely to pave the way, the changes at the beginning of the 1990s were introduced so quickly the effects were well and truly being felt before most of us realised what had happened. It wasn't too long after that things became culturally embedded. It's the task of this government to begin the difficult job of undoing that cultural damage. No government so far has even attempted the task. Until that's fixed we're going to remain susceptible to all things right-wing and neo-liberal.
Well said, the social contract needs rewriting in favour of a better minimum standard.
I can hear the wheels spinning.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018784740/child-poverty-statistics-to-be-released-today
Seriously?
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2011/S00154/new-zealand-government-rejects-calls-to-increase-welfare-payments.htm
Let me fix this for you.
The public shaming of the Government in the led up to Lockdown 4 that led to temporarily increased benefit rates for some – but not all, has shown us what the Government could achieve – if it wanted to and had the moral spine required to do so.
And the whole country (minus some ACTistas and Nationalistas and Austerity Freaks from Labour) and all the NGO's and every dog and pony have been telling this to the government for the longest time. And yet, they only did it because they were publicly shamed by stories of beneficiaries not having even enough food to last three days, let alone several weeks of lockdown
This is what happened really at the time.
This is what the government really offered, and for most it was a good bit of help during the lockdown and instead of just keeping it up there, they went back tot he starvation and begging levels that Carmel Sepuloni thinks is helpting to 'teach people the value of work'.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/covid-19/411951/coronavirus-government-unveils-12-point-1b-package-to-combat-covid-19-impact
then the NGOs
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2011/S00077/ngos-to-government-benefits-must-be-increased-by-christmas.htm
as per their own stats the Government spend a huge amount of money of hardship and special needs grant during December….might that have been alleviated by an increase in benefits? who would know, Grant Robertson does not need a hardship grant to get enough to eat, and neither does Carmel Sepuloni or the PM.
Absolutely every penny that Grant Robertson is saving is a penny that is not housing someone, is a penny that is not feeding a kid at home and in school, is a penny that is a dental visit not taken due to lack of fund.
Besides, if there is no poverty, what the heck would he Labour party to? Rebrand as the sane national party?
The response of this government in regards to the high needs of financial aid of the people of this country is pathetic and criminal imo. They have a duty to all people in this Country and they have imo done nothing more then wash their hands of it.
But i guess every now and then when the negative press of hungry kids with no homes and no school uniforms and no food before school, a helping of weetbix and milk in school and then nothing again till next day they will put on some gloves and scatter bread crumbs and gold coins. Go fight for it you little street urchins, entertain the well fed and well housed, after all government sanctioned charity is trickling down on you. Be grateful too.
+100 Mickey
The best thing that can be done to reduce poverty is to fix the housing crisis. The government seems to be incapable of sorting that out quickly.
I don't think any government is capable of fixing it quickly in a manner that will not get them voted out and the changes reversed. Compulsorily acquiring tens of thousands of empty houses and using them as state houses would do the trick, for example, but would probably be the end of the government.
Entirely appropriate to remember Sam Kuha.
Hearing Our Leader's mealy mouthed drivel on Natrad this morning just about made me spew up my coffee.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018784740
(she comes in about 3.00)
Did no one point out to her that 70% of us want benefits raised?
Rent freeze. Interest rate freeze. Price freeze. Raise benefits and minimum wage.
For nearly 30 years we have had a housing crisis in Auckland mainly in recent years it has spread right across NZ.
To fix the housing crisis 10's of billions of Dollars are required has Robertson got the balls to print $30 billion over a 6 year period to build or buy prefabricated houses to fix the problem of under supply.
Then with a 100,000 New Zealanders returning home compounding the problem ,shortage of skilled labour materials further compounded by less shipments because of covid.
No easy fix for any govt.
Only one bright spot is that building consents are at an equivalent of 60,000 house per year enough to fix the shortage of supply if this level of construction can be maintained for at least 5 years.
Gosman as usual trying to shift the blame from previous govt's complete denial and lack of action.
Not at all. I’ve no problem at all acknowledging National failed as much as the current government (if not more so) at addressing the root causes of the housing crisis during it’t time in power between 2008 and 2017.
Do you remember Jenny Shipley? Because i remember …. and housing was getting very expensive during her years, as did rents.
So you are saying its ok for National to do fuck all all the time , and then blame the Labour for not cleaning up the mess, when in fact the current crisis is borne of the inaction and mis-managment of both parties, whose Members i would like to point out suffer no hardship what so ever for their failures and whose children are not living in poverty.
This mess is not just National's. It is National's and Labour's to share.
It is always a good thing for governments to work to eliminate poverty.
il faut cultiver notre jardin
which of course doesn't work now that the garden belongs to a speculator/rentier/landlord.
Labour don't have a goal of eliminating poverty (that would be the Greens), but 'working towards' will be acceptable to many, especially those that own land.
There is something to be said for incremental change – in that rapid change causes damage in and of itself – half the reason Rogergnomics was such an unmitigated failure – NZ secured none of the gains of privatisations, and got bottom dollar for our assets. As I wrote to Bolger at the time "We have to hope that you're corrupt – because the other interpretation is that you're too stupid to live."
And if should Labour begin to step away from the dysfunctional "greed is good" neoliberal mantra, that too will be a major philosophical step.
Governance in my lifetime has been the human version of deus abscondita – politicians and civil servants abandoning their responsibilities to the mechanical cruelty and inefficiency of unregulated markets.
Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack.
I agree that paced change is useful (let's not use the term incremental because it's loaded now). The Greens' plan is that.
Rogernomics as a disaster because it was too fast and anti-democratic, but also the whole neoliberal thing, lol. This is partly why I say the required change has to come from the public, that's where the focus should be. But there's no good reason Labour can't be part of that shift, other than ideology. They don't have to cause an upheaval, but they could be leading. They're not because they don't appear to want to go in a post-neolib direction.
I'm prepared to bite my tongue and applaud even cautious steps in the right direction – however much I would prefer a wave of long overdue reform. Timorous second-guessing focus group dependent persons need encouragement on those rare occasions their random flailing about produces public goods.
this might be the most useful analysis I've seen of Labour in a long time. I agree that encouragement is important, and tbh I struggle with my largely negative view of Labour now because I don't believe that hard man, slap them all the time politics works.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hamilton-mum-forced-to-choose-between-living-in-a-car-with-kids-or-splitting-them-up/EFZSN74DO5SAW3B435FGXTZWMU/
surely the PM reads the news, and understand that this is what is happening on HER watch?
Surely?
surely the FM reads the news and understands that his is what is happening is on his watch?
surely?
Surely, someone with a brain and heart in the Labor Party reads the news and understand that this is their second term, and that they actually have no excuses what so ever for this shitshow that is happening daily in our country?
Surely?
btw, 'the worker' would be a Winz Case Manager or a Call Taker. Take your pick.
Seriously the Labor Party can start the war on Poverty any day now, as the war on Poor People is going swimmingly.
" Labour don't have a goal of eliminating poverty (that would be the Greens),"
Incredible a ( Labour ) party that has no plan of eliminating poverty and the Greens have no leverage in this majority government to have any influence at all.
Most agree there are some people really struggling and the cost of living always goes up, never down. And rental accommodation is expensive and hard to find.
But it is irritating to hear the whining and whinging from some who want money thrown around like a lolly scramble without understanding the processes that huge budgetary changes entail. It is not just the stroke of a pen. Should recipients of welfare have responsibilities to use that money wisely and where possible, to try and look for work? Most reasonable people have every sympathy for those who are genuinely needing assistance, but not for some who want an easy lifestyle. We sometimes read about people who have huge difficulties to overcome but with grit and determination they still achieve independence.
And it is horrible to see the venom directed at our PM and her ministers. Some here should be ashamed.
Really? Who made promises to the country, wanted the job, got it, and with a majority? Now show us what they’re made of, thanks.
Actually, she is admired widely as trying hard to keep people safe and stopping people falling through the cracks. Wealthy Landlords "not so much!!" Reality, you are right. Sadly many will blame her as anything else requires self examination.
I don’t blame her, I hold her responsible for her Government’s actions and inactions. A transparent and accountable Government is not beyond criticism.
Do you think that the government could break the promise of not taxing the capital gain on investment properties or introducing a similar sort of tax?
It could cause distrust and it might not cost them the next election.
No, I think this Government will stay well clear of breaking big promises like those.
I see CGT or Wealth Tax much more as instruments of fairness than as an effective tool to achieve else. So, while I’m all for it, those kinds of taxes won’t be sufficient by a long shot.
that is the issue tho is it not?
Please show how someone can have an easy lifestyle on a benefit?
Also what do you consider using money wisely where possible try and look for work?
Would you like to give them a list of groceries they are allowed to? No cake for birthdays tho, that is for rich people. Would you like to give them a list of the shops they are allowed to shop in? Would you like to give them a list of brands they are allowed to buy with their tens of dollars of disposable income a year?
And you do now that you have to show Winz you are looking for work while on a job seekers benefit, lest you lose your benefit?
And why should someone be ashamed of holding to account the politians that are very well compensated or their work, that have nice perks to fund houses and dinners, and that will never ever be poor. They should be ashamed as they are failing their constituents and their country.
It's obvious that everything in your statement that preceded 'but' is pure sophistry.
Sabine, the PM and her ministers have huge responsibilities and challenges, work horrendously long hours, face constant criticism and nastiness, and it is my choice to commend, not denigrate her. No PM can ever be all things to all people. I think we are pretty lucky to live in this country, in comparison to many places.
There will always be those who are better off than others, and those who have a positive outlook on life and those who have a negative outlook on life. I just know I prefer to associate with those with a positive outlook, even when they are facing difficulties.
If anyone does not want to be PM then they can choose not to run.
She wanted the job, the people around her want to be in that job, so seriously they can just get on with it and start working on behalf of those that no one seems to be working for in NZ, the one third of people on the begging level that we call Benefits.
This PM, like other one before her and the one before that, do not need to be anything for all people but they have responsibilities towards all people, heck an obligation to look out for all people and no just the nicely housed, nicely clothed and nicely fed polite society of their peers. If she does not like this aspect of her job, i am sure she is employable elsewhere. As were the others before her.
Non of my comments above have anything to do with your or my quality of life in this country vs others, i assume you do well, and fwiw so do I.
Yes, there will always be those who are better off then others, I am one of these, and thus it is my responsibility and obligation to be open and be vocal about it when we decide to leave some behind because it is just to hard work to fix the problems at hand.
Again, my out lock on life is neither negative nor optimistic, it is based in the reality of today. The government statistic about poverty are neither negative nor optimitistic, they are based on the reality of what was the last few month and is a projection of what might be tomorrow.
And you know what the sad thing really is? I levied the same accusations, the same word against the last national government. Metiria Turei admitted to cheating in order to survive in our welfare hellscape and i bet you a dollar people still do it. Because our government refuses to reform and get on with it. So yeah, i am salty when it comes to these people and i have no shame about it.
Mickey, there's no need for Jacinda to 'burn political capital' by tackling the Poverty issue. Introducing social justice, (eg. free tertiary education, affordable housing for boomers' grand children, etc.) is an issue that benefits all sections of society, including the wealthy. If she wants to, Jacinda has the communication skills to sell social justice to everyone, except the hard core minority who'll never vote Labour anyway.
What the May budget is going to look like, I do not even think that Robertson can predict the cost of Covid-19.