Under National crime is out of control
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- Date published:
9:07 am, September 17th, 2024 - 34 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, crime, making shit up, mark mitchell, Media, Social issues, spin, you couldn't make this shit up -
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National must be feeling the pressure.
Last year every time a crime was committed they blamed Labour. Alleged soft on crime policies, trying to address the fiscal and moral failure that is our penal system, and repealing stunts such as the three trikes law were campaign opportunities for National to blame the soft lefties.
Armed with dodgy statistics they railed against Labour and promised to restore law and order, back the police and tackle the gangs, combat youth offending, put 300 more officers on the beat and provide real consequences for crime. The phrase “soft on crime” was used that often you would be forgiven to think that National had a trademark on it.
How are they going in their efforts to restore law and order?
Not very well.
There has been a spate of recent homicides. There is a real feeling there has been a significant spike in crime caused by harsh economic conditions.
And there is a real feeling that National is more interested in the PR opportunities provided by crime than actually doing something about it.
The past 24 hours provides a good insight into how the Government works.
Yesterday morning National lauded a reduction of the crime rate in downtown Auckland. There was a Beehive Press release and a walkabout and a press conference from the Auckland Police Station.
From the Beehive Press Release:
“We’re backing Police with additional powers and resources to get offenders off our streets. We’re investing in frontline police with an additional 500 Officers to enable increased police visibility in our main centres and communities. For Auckland CBD this has seen an additional 21 beat staff deployed from July this year, bringing the total to 51,” says Mr Mitchell.
Police data shows that from 1 January to 31 July this year, there was a 22 per cent reduction in serious assaults within the Auckland CBD compared with the same period last year, and an 18 per cent reduction in serious assaults resulting in injury.
“This data shows that we are turning a corner, and that a whole of system co-ordinated approach is working to make Auckland a safe city and one we can be proud to showcase as a gateway to New Zealand for overseas visitors.
The probem with this is that it is doubtful that the reduction is related to the increase in police numbers. The additional police were put into place in July, which is at the end of the period mentioned.
Of even more concern is that crime rates in the city increased by 7% over the same period.
I get the strong feeling that the problem has been shifted, not addressed.
And how about this description of what is happening in the country which could let you justifiably claim that crime is getting out of control.
Today’s press conference followed the release of national retail crime data that showed there had been 8207 more theft and related offences such as shoplifting, 66 more cases of acts intended to cause injury like assaults and 17 more cases of sexual assaults and related offences in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year – a 17% increase.
Over the five months, shoplifting and theft spiked to 49,505 cases, up from 41,298 last year, and 1670 assault cases were attended by police, an increase from 1604.
There was also a total of 106 sexual assaults, up from 89, according to the data.
The data painted an unflattering picture of the Government’s key policy pledge to crack down on retail crime with the introduction of new police initiatives to curb violence and anti-social behaviour.
Then in the afternoon the reason for the walk about and the lauding of a limited change in statistics in one particular area became clear.
The Government’s public service target on crime figures were released and the target has clearly not been met.
The aim is to reduce the number of victims of violent crime by 20,000 people by 2030 but the number had increased by 30,000 since October last year.
Ouch.
Get the feeling the good news early event was designed to try and divert attention from the substantial increase in crime?
To further divert attention the Government announced that it would introduce legislation this week to make changes to the Sentencing Act.
From Radio New Zealand:
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced changes to the Sentencing Act after the weekly Cabinet meeting.
The reforms included a limit on how much and how frequently judges can discount sentences.
Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith said the changes meant criminals would “face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised”.
There had been a “concerning trend” in recent years where courts had imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences, he said.
“Public confidence in the ability of our sentencing system to deter and denounce offending has diminished.
“These changes will help ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029, alongside reducing serious repeat youth offending by 15 per cent.”
Changes will include capping maximum sentence discounts that a Judge can order, preventing repeat discounts for youth and remorse, introducting a new aggravating factor to address offences against sole charge workers, encouraging the use of cumulative sentences for offences commiteed while on bail, in custody or parole, introducing a sliding scame of discounts for guilty pleas depending on what stage the guilty plea was entered. They have been announced many times.
I wonder if Crown Counsel are working overtime getting the bill ready so that National can attempt to divert attention from the surge in number of victims of crimes.
And I wish they would just let Judges get on with their job. Judges are highly trained and compassionate professionals. They do not need to have layer upon layer of these tweaks being put on the exercise of their discretion. They just need to be able to get on with their job of dispensing Justice.
Jenna Lynch did not hold back.
Did you get that?
The measure that National uses showed victim numbers to be static under Labour’s reign despite National’s claim that crime was out of control under Labour’s watch. It also shows a recent increase in the numbers during the time that National is in control. And Labour somehow was the party that was soft on crime.
Christopher Luxon saying that he was not interested in “petty politics” really rankles. He has built his career out of misusing data, scratching itches and misleading us while at the same time having no vision for a better New Zealand.
This is deeply cynical politics. Celebrating a limited change in local crime statistics on the same day that a significant increase in the number of victims was being announced and then saying you are not interested in petty politics when your whole career is based on petty politics is as cynical as you can get.
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- Release: Lemauga Lydia Sosene to take medical leave
Labour’s Mangere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will shortly take medical leave. ...6 days ago
- Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated
Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this. ...7 days ago
- Release: Charter schools undermine our education system
The Government is taking a wrecking ball to our public education system by reinstating charter schools. ...7 days ago
- Youngest MP to travel to Canada to accept Politician of the Year Award
Aotearoa’s Youngest Member of Parliament, and Te Pāti Māori MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, will travel to Montreal to accept the One Young World Politician of the Year Award next week. The One Young World Politician of the Year Award was created in 2018 to recognise the most promising young politicians between ...1 week ago
- Greens celebrate huge step forward for ADHD community
The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine. ...1 week ago
- Release: Millions to be spent dividing NZ for no reason
The National Party is wasting millions of dollars allowing David Seymour’s Treaty Principals Bill to be drafted and go to Select Committee. ...1 week ago
- Release: New Zealanders departing our shores at a record rate
The Migration figures released by Stats NZ today show National is continuing to drive Kiwis away from New Zealand in record numbers. ...1 week ago
- Te Tai Tokerau MP Slams Govt Overreach in Scrapping Māori Wards
Mema Paremata for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, has reflected on the decisions made by the councils of the North amidst the government’s push to remove Māori Wards and weaken mana whenua representation. “Actions taken by the Kaipara District Council to remove Māori Wards are the embodiment of the eradication ...1 week ago
- Govt already seeking advice on Treaty referendum
On one hand, the Prime Minister has assured Aotearoa that his party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading, but on the other, his Government has already sought advice on holding a referendum on our founding document. ...1 week ago
- Release: Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed
New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt fails hundreds of workers as mills close
Labour is devastated at news hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs following the closure of Winstone Pulp mills. ...1 week ago
- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...1 week ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...1 week 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.” ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks ago
- Wānaka community to benefit from new overnight health service
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says an Overnight Acute Care Service opening in October will provide people in Wānaka and the surrounding area with the assurance of quality overnight care closer to home. “When I was in Wānaka earlier this year, I announced funding for an overnight health service – ...31 mins ago - Preventing potholes with data-driven technology
The Government is rolling out data collection vans across the country to better understand the condition of our road network to prevent potholes from forming in the first place, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for the Government and increasing ...1 hour ago
- GDP data shows effect of high interest rates
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for the quarter to June 2024 reinforces how an extended period of high interest rates has meant tough times for families, businesses, and communities, but recent indications show the economy is starting to bounce back, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ data released today ...2 hours ago
- NZ to host first Fiji, Australia trilateral trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua
Trade Minister Todd McClay will host Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for trilateral trade talks in Rotorua this weekend. “Fiji is one of the largest economies in the Pacific and is a respected partner for Australia and New Zealand,” Mr McClay says. Australia and New Zealand ...2 hours ago
- NZ hosts Annual CER Trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua
Trade Minister Todd McClay will meet with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua this weekend. “CER is our most comprehensive agreement covering trade, labour mobility, harmonisation of standards and political cooperation. It underpins an important trading relationship worth $32 ...2 hours ago
- Government proposing changes to jury trials
The Government is seeking the public’s feedback on two major changes to jury trials in order to improve court timeliness, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The first proposal would increase the offence threshold at which a defendant can decide to have their case heard by a jury. “The second is ...3 hours ago
- Business key to regional economic dialogue
Local businesses and industries need to be front and centre in conversations about how regions plan to grow their economies, Regional Development Shane Jones says. The nationwide series of summits aims to facilitate conversations about regional economic growth and opportunities to drive productivity, prosperity and resilience through the Coalition Government’s Regional ...4 hours ago
- More funding for Growing Up in New Zealand study
The Government is investing $16.8 million over the next four years to extend the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) Longitudinal Study. GUiNZ is New Zealand’s largest longitudinal study of child health and wellbeing and has followed the lives of more than 6000 children born in 2009 and 2010, and ...4 hours ago
- Tough targets for charter schools will raise achievement
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that Charter Schools will face a combination of minimum performance thresholds and stretch targets for achievement, attendance and financial sustainability. “Charter schools will be given greater freedom to respond to diverse student needs in innovative ways, but they will be held to a much ...5 hours ago
- NZ votes for Middle East resolution at UN
New Zealand has voted for a United Nations resolution on Israel’s presence in occupied Palestinian Territory with some caveats, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand’s yes vote is fundamentally a signal of our strong support for international law and the need for a two-state solution,” Mr Peters says. “The Israel-Palestine ...6 hours ago
- Honouring the legacy of New Zealand’s suffragists
Suffrage Day is an opportunity to reaffirm New Zealand’s commitment to ensuring we continue to be a world leader in gender equality, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. “On 19 September, 131 years ago, New Zealand became the first nation in the world where women gained the right to vote. ...7 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to travel to New York, French Polynesia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling to New York next week to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, followed by a visit to French Polynesia. “In the context of the myriad regional and global crises, our engagements in New York will demonstrate New Zealand’s strong support for ...22 hours ago
- Thanking social workers on their national day
“Today, on Aotearoa New Zealand Social Workers’ Day, I would like to recognise the tremendous effort social workers make not just today, but every day,” Children’s Minister and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says. “I thank all those working on the front line for ...1 day ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Laos for ASEAN meetings
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg will travel to Laos this week to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers’ Meetings in Vientiane. “The Government is committed to strengthening our relationship with ASEAN,” Ms Grigg says. “With next year marking 50 years since New Zealand became ...1 day ago
- Members appointed to retail crime MAG
The Government has appointed four members to the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “I am delighted to appoint Michael Hill’s national retail manager Michael Bell to the group, as well as Waikato community advocate and business ...1 day ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation AGM and Conference 2024
It’s my pleasure to be here to join the opening of the NZNO AGM and Conference for 2024. First, I’d like to thank NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku, NZNO President, Anne Daniels, and Chief Execuitve Paul Gaulter for inviting me to speak today. Thank you also to all the NZNO members ...1 day ago
- Improvements for New Zealand authors
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says changes to the Public Lending Right [PLR] scheme will help benefit both the National Library and authors who have books available in New Zealand libraries. “I am amending the regulations so that eligible authors will no longer have to reapply every year ...2 days ago
- Minister commends Police for gang operation
Police Minister Mark Mitchell congratulates Police for the outstanding result of their most recent operation, targeting the Comancheros. “That Police have been able to round up the majority of the Comancheros leadership, and many of their patched members and prospects, shows not only the capability of Police, but also shows ...2 days ago
- New appointments to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has announced a major refresh of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board with four new appointments and one reappointment. The new board members are Barry O’Neil, Jennifer Scoular, Alison Stewart and Nancy Tuaine, who have been appointed for a three-year term ending in August 2027. “I would ...2 days ago
- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawke’s Bay
Cabinet has approved an Order in Council to enable severe weather recovery works to continue in the Hawke’s Bay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell say. “Cyclone Gabrielle and the other severe weather events in early 2023 caused significant loss and damage to ...2 days ago
- FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...2 days ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...3 days ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...3 days ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...3 days ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...3 days ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...3 days ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...3 days ago
- Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD
Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...4 days ago
- Increased certainty for contractors coming
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...4 days ago
- Draft critical minerals list released for consultation
A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...4 days ago
- Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy
The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...4 days ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...5 days ago
- Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...6 days ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...6 days ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...7 days ago
- Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...7 days ago
- Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...7 days ago
- Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups
Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...7 days ago
- Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it
The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...1 week ago
- Targeted supports to accelerate reading
The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...1 week ago
- Wellington City Council Reversing Decision On Airport Sale
Instead of making a fiscally prudent decision that serves as a pathway for the future, the Council is now left thinking about squandering the opportunity. Between future ramifications and current short term costs, this would only further pinch the pockets ...12 mins ago - New Zealand Vote At UNGA Needs Follow-Through With Sanctions
However, this vote will only have practical meaning if New Zealand follows through on the resolution’s requirement that we ban imports from companies operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...17 mins ago
- Australians are flocking to play futsal, a sport that helped launch many elite soccer careers
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fabio Serpiello, Professor and Director of Sport Strategy, CQUniversity Australia Dziurek/Shutterstock It’s the next global sporting event on a busy 2024 calendar – the 10th FIFA Futsal World Cup is underway in Uzbekistan. While the indoor soccer variant might be ...26 mins ago - The Growing Up in New Zealand study gets funding lifeline
However, the project will also have to find more money elsewhere. ...1 hour ago - Government considers raising threshold for getting a jury trial
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says it could help speed up the court system. ...1 hour ago
- The ACC’s Game of 2 Halves reboot is a reminder quiz shows can be about the quiz
Duncan Greive reviews Sky’s reboot of the hit sports comedy quiz show. Blame 7 Days. It’s among the most successful shows in New Zealand television history, currently in its 16th season, still hauling in tens of thousands of viewers on linear TV with a format which features comedians cracking a ...1 hour ago - E-scooter riders flouting rules, blocking footpaths and causing accidents? We need to use smart solu...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Buning, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, UQ Business School, The University of Queensland Recent decisions by several Australian and New Zealand cities to discontinue shared e‑scooter services have again thrust misperceptions and moral panic into the limelight. Some city councils have ...2 hours ago
- Chief Ombudsman criticises Costello over withholding tobacco documents
The document the Associate Health Minister gave to health officials pushed for tobacco tax cuts, and promoted the idea that "nicotine is as harmful as caffeine". ...2 hours ago
- Astronomers just detected the biggest black hole jets ever seen – and named them Porphyrion
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Barnes, Lecturer in Physics, Western Sydney University An artist’s illustration of Porphyrion. E. Wernquist / D. Nelson (IllustrisTNG Collaboration) / M. Oei The largest known black hole jets, 23 million light years across, have been discovered in the distant universe. This ...2 hours ago
- New Zealand supports UN resolution demanding Israel leave Gaza
New Zealand was one of 124 countries to support the Palestinian-drafted resolution, despite concerns with some of the text. ...2 hours ago
- A day at the (home) nail salon
A trip to the nail salon can leave you feeling like a walking art piece, and totally at peace. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith sits in at Natalie Tan’s Savage Nails. Would you like it bow-themed, Brat or Bluey? Perhaps a set that looks like sushi? Natalie Tan’s Savage Nails isn’t your regular ...2 hours ago
- Charter schools face íntervention if students don’t get results – David Seymour
The Associate Minister of Education said the interventions could range from a "please explain" to cancellation of the school's contract. ...3 hours ago
- The genes tell a story: new research offers much-needed certainty for autistic New Zealanders
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessie Jacobsen, Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau A global rise in autism diagnoses is putting the spotlight on this relatively common neurodevelopmental difference. A recent study identified autism in 1.3% ...3 hours ago
- Are we treating te reo Māori as a sometimes food, or daily bread?
Bea Joblin (Ngāti Pākehā ki Airangi me Kōtirana), a registered translator and a teacher of te reo Māori to children and adults, examines the importance of making te reo a daily staple for future generations. Food is a rich source of figurative language in most cultures (“biting off more than ...4 hours ago
- Waka jumper, mahi and chilly bin added to Oxford English Dictionary
The political term is among a list of common Kiwi phrases being added. ...4 hours ago
- Instagram has announced it will be removing beauty filters – but the damage is done
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren A. Miller, PhD Student in AR filters and digital beauty cultures on social media, Swinburne University of Technology Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock Meta has announced third-party augmented reality (AR) filters will no longer be available on its apps as of January 2025. ...5 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: How can I stop being the most annoying person in every room?
I leave every social interaction cringing at my own behaviour. How do I stop being so insufferable? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera, I’m writing you this off the back of a meeting in which I was the most annoying person alive. I don’t know what it is about ...5 hours ago
- Even the heaviest particles experience the usual quantum weirdness, new experiment shows
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Yabsley, Associate Professor of Physics, University of Sydney The ATLAS detector under construction. CERN One of the most surprising predictions of physics is entanglement, a phenomenon where objects can be some distance apart but still linked together. The best-known examples of ...6 hours ago
- How we think about ‘obesity’ and body weight is changing. Here’s why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Gardiner, PhD Candidate in Public Health, The University of Queensland World Obesity Federation From doctors’ offices to family gatherings, larger-bodied people report being bombarded with unsolicited advice about their eating and exercise habits. The underlying message? They “just need to ...6 hours ago
- A looming crisis means New Zealand must rethink how it pays for aged care
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Dale, Research Fellow, the Pensions and Intergenerational Equity (PIE) research hub, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau The recent submissions to parliament’s Health Select Committee makes one thing clear: a crisis looms for the aged care sector in New Zealand. ...6 hours ago
- Climate change threatens Australian tourism more than is widely believed. Here’s why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Adjunct professor and adjunct senior lecturer in tourism management, University of South Australia idiz/Shutterstock Right now, Australia is one of the top five tourist destinations in the world, a distinction the World Economic Forum says it shares with only ...6 hours ago
- Recession or not, the short term economic outlook is murky
The state of the economy will be laid bare later this morning, and it might not be good news, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...7 hours ago
- New Zealand Must Sanction Israel Over Its Inflammatory Attempts To Widen The War In The Middle East
“With this latest attack our government must condemn Israel” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “Israel is an out-of-control rogue state which is an imminent danger to peace and security the world over” ...7 hours ago
- Free-to-air sports are suddenly back. Why – and what does it mean for NZ Rugby?
The Breakers are just the latest team to find a free-to-air home. What’s driving the reversal of a 30-year trend? For decades, New Zealand has been a global outlier when it comes to big time sports. With a few exceptions – the occasional America’s Cup, Olympics or Rugby World Cup, ...9 hours ago
- The snow is melting – so what are skiers and mountaineers doing about it?
Trampers, skiers and mountaineers are among the first to see the climate changing, but are they making their own changes in response? Tom Hadley and his partner Tōrea knew exactly where they wanted to go. They had pored over maps, called people for information about the incredibly remote area they ...9 hours ago
- Fast track, high costs: How short-term thinking could cost us everything
Opinion: It’s hard to overstate how much New Zealand’s economy depends on the environment. Our two largest sectors – agriculture and tourism – are directly dependent on factors like healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and clean water. In fact, the Sustainable Business Council notes that 13 of our top 20 export commodities, ...9 hours ago - Daily crossword, Thursday 19 September
The post Daily crossword, Thursday 19 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 19 September
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 19 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Govt urged to release list of fast-track projects and extend scrutiny deadline
After Forest & Bird’s petition to name the listed projects, one legal expert says current fast-track design ‘makes a mockery’ of due process The post Govt urged to release list of fast-track projects and extend scrutiny deadline appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- De-spear as Holly turns to her big shot
A Paris 2024 bronze medal hangs by Paralympian Holly Robinson’s bed. A reminder, as she wakes each morning, of more than a decade of work, culminating in both crushing disappointment and redemption.It’s the third medal Robinson has earned across four Paralympic Games, this year returning as the most experienced female ...9 hours ago
- Book of the Week: Airana, in light
The main concern I have with Airana Ngarewa, even though he has received good reviews and very good media for his bestselling debut novel The Bone Tree, published last year, and has already won more approval for his new book, the short story collection Pātea Boys, there is something patronising ...9 hours ago
- Luxon a long way from joining legion of strong leaders
Opinion: PM’s focus should be more about ensuring his own party’s agenda is implemented than worrying about the policies of coalition partners The post Luxon a long way from joining legion of strong leaders appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Trump-backing venture capitalist meets Luxon in NZ visit
Cryptocurrency advocate and US investor’s mystery trip comes as venture capitalists show growing interest in NZ The post Trump-backing venture capitalist meets Luxon in NZ visit appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Jones open to Govt signing decades-long gas deal
The Māui gas contract locked the government into 30 years of buying gas it didn’t need, but Shane Jones sees it as a model deal The post Jones open to Govt signing decades-long gas deal appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- How NZ is failing at HPV-related cancer prevention
An estimated 32,000 young people are missing from a vital vaccination programme after they didn’t get their shots during the Covid pandemic.They are the Year 7 and 8 cohort of children who were in lockdown instead of being at school.But in spite of the fact that this vaccine actually prevents ...9 hours ago
- France boosts Pacific security forces as symbolic ‘September 24’ date looms
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Fears of potential unrest on New Caledonia’s symbolic September 24 date have prompted stronger restrictions in New Caledonia and the deployment of large numbers of French security personnel. The date originally marked what France termed the “taking of possession” of New ...12 hours ago
- West Papuan fighters who kidnapped Kiwi pilot propose terms of release
RNZ Pacific Pro-independence fighters in the Indonesian-ruled West Papua region have proposed the terms of release for the New Zealand pilot taken hostage almost 18 months ago. The armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) kidnapped Phillip Merhtens, a 38-year-old pilot working for the Indonesian internal feeder ...15 hours ago
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The House - The government's maiden Budget is finally reaching the end of its long approval process, and it's going to be just in time. ...16 hours ago
- How do ecosystems collapse? Our study shows evolution plays a role – and can delay a disaster
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And they still are. This "government of responsibility" takes great care in taking no responsibility for their actions.
Indeed everything they touch turns to custard. Maybe they would be better off running a custard pie shop.
That probably explains the recent granny puff piece on minister mitchells policing days.
Build empathy…tick.
Excellent article.
Chur enjoyed yours too.
+100….great post Micky….needs to be repeated with updated stats the day after Luxon announces the next election (if his flaky coalition partners haven't already forced him to call it)
Very few Ram Raid now days under National, hardly hear about them these days, Luxon, Mitchell & Goldsmith have done a cracking job sorting this problem out.
Figures have been coming down for a while. Labour's wrap around policies were working.
Just because you are not hearing about ram raids dosen't mean they are not occuring.
Many more bollards and heavy security structures installed in front of vulnerable stores also slowing down ram raiding.
My theory is that it is a crime of choice for recruitment of young people into gangs, and orchestrated by higher-ups. It's a form of intimidation that softens a community for protection payments. If there's fewer ram raids, the trend is being driven by further up the pipeline.
I have wondered the same thing, ie whether doing a ram raid is a condition of being able to join a gang. But that may not be the case given the age of some offenders.
IMO large scale drug importation and sale has expanded irrespective of which political party was in power. The big profit from that illicit activity is too hard for some to resist.
Sarcasm presumably.
More they have grouped them into the "Burglary" category or similar and not a category on its own so they are hidden from the stats.
Prove me wrong.
No retail crime at all under national
Maybe Mitchell should resign. After all he promised …
https://twitter.com/rugbyintel/status/1835789183669137492
If I had ever been stupid enough to take Luxon at his word, I would have assumed that in a Luxon government, a failure to 'deliver' would be terminal for anyone's career.
I wasn't that stupid. It was totally clear during the election that National was so determined to get their far-right economic agenda in place, that they were prepared to lie outrageously about their ability to reduce crime. And that Mitchell would be in a world of pain and obfuscation within 12 months of them winning. How long till Sonny Kaushal, the guy they cynically rolled out at every opportunity, turns on them? What a disgusting bunch of opportunists National is – they deserve every ounce of this humiliation and more.
Sunny has been paid off.
$3.6million or something to chair a crime committee so he and his pals can talk about crime while being funded for it.
Sunny was "grateful" he told Newstalk ZB – when Goldsmith announced the hush job.
The judges need to start actually sentencing people properly and that could help the crime. Because of this bloke Singe, two people are dead. And he gets 12 months home detention.
Auckland CBD shooting: Man who helped supply gun used by Matu Reid in deadly rampage sentenced – NZ Herald
NZ's incarceration rate is one of the highest in the world 173 per 100,000 – higher than Australia, Canada and the UK.
Of course, it's nothing compared to the USA – which has the highest incarceration and some of the most violent and highest crime rates in the world.
People on the right and on NZME like to cherry pick anecdotes, but forget that the real solution is to address root causes.
Sir Peter Gluckman, John Key's Chief Science Advisor, wrote a detailed report explaining this – for example, he found boot camps will only increase crime and worsen outcomes. He noted incarcerating people would only lead to higher crime in the generations.
The real answers are harder and more complex – but they can be tackled with the right will and courage.
Let's face it, it's easy to let Honeywell and other multinational corporations make money off of NZ by helping Luxon and co build their mega prisons, but all experts agree – such moves will only worsen crime and harden it too.
Now – the statistics tell the story – significantly more crimes under National – including violent crime.
By the same measure, no real rise under Labour.
But of course many on the right will just pivot to – and try to emphasise – anecdotes while ignoring the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in justice.
Finally, incarceration costs a lot of money $200,000 per prisoner per year and that will only go up.
Absolutely. They cannot, and will not, ever see that the lack of care at the top of the cliff (help, listening, empathy,wellbeing,love) leads straight down to the bottom. Been proven so many times. Do most of these People really want to go to prison ? So often..their choices …and paths were made for them. IMO this link would be similar around the World, incl NZ
Ahh – it's our judges' fault. Maybe they're a bit 'soft', but who'd be a judge eh Jiminy.
Ngāti Goldsmith managed to squeeze in 'work' twice – he's a piece of work alright.
Our govt – a coalition of myth makers
Still, maybe there'll be fewer Category 1 driving offences thanks to the Hon Simeon 'I feel the need, the need for speed' Brown.
Goldsmith's served his time doing others bidding and now gets to dish it out from high office.
You could put an ACT badge on him and nothing changes like many others as theyre so interchangeable now.
Luxons managing to the strategy not leading a country.
As is the fact Luxon hasn't fronted up to Q&A for nearly a year.
When a National government wants a non-achiever non-entity for any particular ministerial post they always go for Paul Goldsmith.
And he never disappoints them.
Don't forget Simon Watts.
Yeah, let's leave it to the fevered reckons of Judge Jimmy, that respected jurist.
A snap poll on three news last night had about 80% believing crime has not lowered at all.
It is like their health policy (last government more hip and knee ops for their older voters, less focus on endometriosis etc). This time more cancer drugs (middle class people get cancer too) but it reduces capability in other areas less money for staffing of hospitals and making the health reform (IT and support capacity) work and primary health care – they presume their voters have health insurance to continue to access GP services.
Here they re-direct attention to an increased presence in the central city, and cite success, all while other areas are under-resourced.
And their real plan is to imprison more people, admitting they intend to manage the neglected underclass. So 1961 Hunn Report, assimilate a Maori working class and imprison those non compliant to the settler urban order.
https://teara.govt.nz/en/document/3570/the-hunn-report
The thing is, their immigration policy is going to create a much broader underclass to replace the Pakeha middle class and aspirational Maori working class moving over to Oz. By 2050 we will be the England once left behind – a class divide society.
This is an inevitable consequence of an under-funded public sector and a privileged class not paying any CG or estate taxation.
Mitch & Luxton are doing a cracking job sorting out Crime.
A certain "car crushing" Police Minister in a past National Government, was found to have fudged Police Statistics. Guess what? Said Lady is now the Attorney General, and that is how they roll. Fudging scapegoating and cuts to services and rewards for "face".
A 22% reduction in crime rate in Central Auckland may be good news for businesses in Central Auckland and National cheerleader Sonny Kaushal, but doesn't do much for people in other areas who are sick and tired of vandalism, shoplifting, drunken hooliganism, burglary, theft, speed idiots, drug dealers – the list goes on.
When you have done something about this Mr Luxon, THEN you can bang your drum as loud as you like and I will give you credit as well.
There is a lot more to NZ than the Central Auckland CBD.
They apparently imported more police there to get the numbers down. Crime – including violent crime – is up all over the country.
Wondered if the increase of foot policemen in Central Auckland must have been supplied from somewhere else, and that means that somewhere else is at higher risk. Something like robbing Peter to ……..
Mitch and Luxton are doing a great job cleaning up Crime in the CBD.