What does this Government have against Te Ao Māori?
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- Date published:
10:24 am, August 11th, 2024 - 28 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, karen chhour, Maori Issues, national, paul goldsmith, Politics, same old national, sport -
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Over in Paris Lisa Carrington is having an awestome time at the Olympics. She and her teammates won the K4 final and Caitlin Regal and her won the K2 500 final.
She has iwi afiliations to Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngāti Porou. She is New Zealand’s most successful Olympian, having won eight Olympic gold medals.
She has very Te Ao Māori inspired habits.
She pats her boat before and after every race to thank it.
She confided previously that connecting with her Māori heritage has helped her performance.
From One News:
“As I’ve got older and got more experienced, matured a bit. my ability to connect back to my heritage and my identity has been really important and helpful,” Carrington said.
“To know my ancestors and what they did and the challenges that they went through so I could be here now has been a really cool realisation.
“I am both Māori and pākehā – to acknowledge both sides is really important.”
Carrington’s parents Glynis and Pat said they were proud to watch her journey of self-discovery.
“She’s always had it in there, maybe she’s sharing it with everyone a little bit more,” her mum said.
“The whanaungatanga [kinship], manaakitanga [kindness] in the team – Lisa has been driving that, acting and bringing it all together, it’s been an important part of her development,” father Pat added.
While she’s reconnecting with her own culture, she’s enhancing the whakapapa of New Zealand sport not just by her record-breaking efforts – but her values too.
“It’s like the kumara – it never speaks of it’s sweetness,” Pat said.
Carrington named her boat Te Huia. She has acknowledged that she is on a journey in discovering her identity. I recommend you listen to this interview. She presents as a very thoughtful and intelligent person.
Watching the K4 team receive their medals brought a tear to my eye. I would swear that two of them were singing the te reo version of the national anthem.
There are generations in Aotearoa that have happily accepted and adopted Te Ao Māori as part of their culture. They realise that Te Ao Māori is something that is uniquely part of our country and defines and sets our contry apart from others.
And the number of us trying to learn even modest amounts of te reo continues to impress me. Last year it was estimated that 30% of us are able to speak more than a few words and phrases of te reo Māori and 8 percent speak it fairly well. 60 years ago there were concerns that te reo was dying.
Which is why the Government’s continued attack on Te Ao Māori is so upsetting to so many of us.
The attacks on Te Ao Māori have been relentless. It seems that every opportunity if there is an option which involves doing something racist then this Government will do it.
Just this week we have had news of Paul Goldsmith removing a greeting in Te Reo from a Matariki invitation sent to an Australian Minister.
Christopher Luxon’s ham fisted comment that it pays to be incredibly simple and clear when dealing with Australians made things even worse.
And the Government continues to smash through amendments to the Oranga Tamariki Act has met with spirited resistance from a diverse group of submitters who actually know what they are talking about. Chhour’s increasing isolation is because she is refusing to address those concerns. And Luxon’s lazy rhetoric around the issue has incensed many of us and make us wonder who is actually in control of the Government.
And to top things off it has been reported that the axe is hovering over the Office for Māori Crown Relations.
At one level I guess this is understandable. If you do not care about relations with Iwi then clearly there is no need to go to the expense of keeping the office open. Better to use the money on tax cuts for landlords instead.
Te Ao Māori forms an increasingly important part of our cultural identity. And most of us realise this and celebrate it. This Government’s stance is at odds with this strongly developing consensus.
And if this Government is thrown out at the next election its contempt for Te Ao Māori will be a significant reason. And it will be richly deserved.
28 comments on “What does this Government have against Te Ao Māori? ”
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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 ...1 week 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. ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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
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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
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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
- Labour’s misleading information is disappointing
Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them. ...1 hour ago - Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine
The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...4 hours ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...7 hours ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...8 hours ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...8 hours ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...8 hours ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...1 day ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...1 day ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...1 day ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...1 day ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...1 day ago
- Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review
The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...1 day ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...1 day ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...1 day 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 ...2 days 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 ...2 days 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 ...2 days 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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. ...1 week ago
- Trump and Harris trade insults and competing visions: our experts give their verdicts on the US pres...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University Emma Shortis is senior researcher in international and security affairs at The Australia Institute, an independent think tank. Matthew Ricketson does not work for, consult, own shares ...18 mins ago - ‘It’s okay to poo at work’: new health campaign highlights a common source of anxiety
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Robert Knowles, Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology Queensland Health/Instagram For most people, the daily or near-daily ritual of having a bowel motion is not something we give a great deal of thought to. But for some ...18 mins ago
- The Princess of Wales wants to stay cancer-free. What does this mean?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amali Cooray, PhD Candidate in Genetic Engineering and Cancer, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Pete Hancock/Shutterstock Catherine, Princess of Wales, has announced she has now completed a course of preventive chemotherapy. The news comes nine months after ...18 mins ago
- With a million home batteries, we could build far fewer power lines. We just need the right incentiv...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Hamilton, Adjunct associate professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University It’s no secret Australia has abundant and cheap renewable energy, especially wind and solar power. But yes, there are times when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t ...18 mins ago
- Should parents be worried about social media? We asked 5 experts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judith Ireland, Education Editor, The Conversation, Australia Trock.kc/Shutterstock , CC BY The Albanese government has announced it will introduce a social media ban for children. The government has not yet nominated a minimum age but is trialling age-assurance mechanisms for ...18 mins ago
- X account posing as an ‘MFAT insider’ likely a disgruntled former employee – minis...
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Winston Peters confirmed he had been briefed about it. ...1 hour ago - Buried treasures: how seeds help us learn about fire in the Australian landscape
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ella Plumanns Pouton, Researcher in Ecology, The University of Melbourne Fire is a natural part of Australian ecosystems. Many plants have developed ways to adapt and even thrive after fire. They may store their seeds in the soil, ready to sprout after ...2 hours ago
- Athletes’ bodies are supposedly temples. So why do so many consume ultra-processed foods?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Even the most casual sports fan would have seen athletes gulping down sports drinks after a contest or even snacking on something like a protein ball ...2 hours ago
- As cities axe shared e-scooters, the many more personally owned ones are in a blind spot
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ferdinand Balfoort, PhD Candidate in Law, Charles Darwin University Recent decisions by the Melbourne City and Sunshine Coast councils to end contracts with operators of shared e-scooters have reignited debate around this form of transport. It ticks many sustainability boxes, yet continues ...4 hours ago
- Labour is talking about a wealth tax again – what are its options and what might work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Barrett, Associate Professor in Commercial Law and Taxation, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins recently revealed the party is looking once again at it’s tax policy, including a possible wealth tax or a “capital ...4 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney chinasong/Shutterstock It’s now very likely Australia will be announced as the host of the COP31 global climate talks in 2026 alongside Pacific nations. This would be a very big ...4 hours ago
- Spark’s inaugural gaming festival was for the kids, and kids at heart
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With similar Israel divestment motions having been passed at City of Sydney and Canterbury/Bankstown Councils, many had expected the motion to pass in what is supposed to be one of the most progressive areas of Sydney. Wendy Bacon reports on what went wrong. INVESTIGATION: By Wendy Bacon Israel’s genocidal war ...5 hours ago
- ACC proposes rises in levies to fund future injury costs
It says the number of injuries has been rising, as has the cost of treating them and rehabilitation. ...5 hours ago
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The Ministry of Justice told the coalition the bill isn't "grounded in the Treaty" and isn't supported by evidence. ...5 hours ago
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In the midst of the most shocking news event of the 21st century, Shortland Street was trying out one of its most bizarre and ambitious storylines ever. There’s a psychological phenomenon around 9/11, where tonnes of people have misremembered where they were when they first heard that a plane hit ...6 hours ago
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Judith Collins says it will help people find information about government agencies. ...6 hours ago
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It comes as the coalition partners dig in on their opposing positions on whether or not to ramp-up regulation. ...7 hours ago
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By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk New Caledonia’s domestic carrier Air Calédonie is set to launch a biweekly international connection to neighbouring Vanuatu. The new link is set to start operating from October 3 with two return flights, one on Mondays and the other on Thursdays. The ...7 hours ago
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AI technology is an increasingly common part of many people’s working lives – but not everyone has the opportunity to benefit equally. Dr Jade Brooks tells Alice Webb Liddall about her research into how workplaces can bridge the digital divide. The vision “that all of us have what we need ...8 hours ago
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Sascha Stronach (Kāi Tahu), author of The Dawnhounds and The Sunforge, on fighting US editors on matters of New Zealand slang. I had two knockdown dragout fights with my US publisher: they wanted to call me “a bold and important voice in Māori fiction”; they thought “moggy” sounded like ...8 hours ago
- Fuel shortages and bare pharmacies: we need to talk about what a possible war with China could look ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William A. Stoltz, Lecturer and expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University Jenari/Shutterstock The intensifying great power competition between the People’s Republic of China and the United States has meant the possibility of future war in the Indo-Pacific region has ...9 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Williams, Paediatrician & Infectious Diseases Physician; Senior Lecturer & NHMRC Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock Three children in far north Queensland have recently become unwell with meningococcal disease, a life-threatening infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. ...9 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Lotz, Professor of Media Studies, Queensland University of Technology Stock-Asso/Shutterstock This is the third piece in a series on the Future of Australian media. You can read the first piece in the series here and the second piece here. ...9 hours ago
- One person working on short-term fixes to NZ’s disaster coordination system
The National Emergency Management Agency has just one person dedicated to working on a short-term fix of the disaster coordination system that let people down during Cyclone Gabrielle. ...9 hours ago
- Should we follow Australia’s efforts to ban children from social media?
Australia is proposing legislation to impose a minimum age and Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's open to the idea. ...9 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Tregear, Principal Fellow and Professor of Music, The University of Melbourne Regent Theatre, 1954. State Library Victoria The current Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, has said that if re-elected he would sell the City of Melbourne’s majority stake in ...9 hours ago
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ACC has signalled levies will need to take a significant jump to cover increasing costs. ...10 hours ago
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Here's how modern households compare to those of 30 years ago, and why you might have been better off in 1994. ...10 hours ago
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The closure of two mills near Ohakune will mean the loss of 230 jobs, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...11 hours ago
- Winstone Pulp closures: ‘It’s just a really bad day for those communities’ –...
National's local MP for the Ruapehu District says she is "absolutely gutted" for workers and families affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International's two mills in the region. ...11 hours ago
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Overseas tourists and students will be hit with a 'hidden tax' when they apply for visas and they risk being misled about the cost, according to an immigration adviser. ...11 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill to go through six-month select committee process
That will take the ACT-led debate past Rātana celebrations and Waitangi Day next year - when the government will likely be challenged again on the issue. ...12 hours ago
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It’s playing a key role in the growth of indigenous and minority businesses around the world. In Aotearoa, the journey is just beginning. Most New Zealanders are likely unfamiliar with the term “supplier diversity”. However, in the business world, ensuring a diverse supply chain is quickly becoming essential – and ...13 hours ago
- Sending money overseas can be expensive. Who does it hurt the most?
There are lots of services promising to make international money transfer more affordable, without adding on the fees that banks charge. But people in New Zealand regularly sending money to Pacific countries have limited options. Every day, people with New Zealand bank accounts transfer millions of dollars to other countries. ...13 hours ago
- Bees buzzing for worlds after late start to sailing
Not long after Sandra Bees took up competitive sailing at the age of 52, her doctor asked her a question that completely floored her.“At the end of my check-up, he said ‘Is everything okay at home?’” Bees recalls. “I was like, ‘Yeah, why do you ask?’“The doctor said, ‘Well, you ...13 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 11 September
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- Daily crossword, Wednesday 11 September
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IMHO I feel this is focus group driven and analysis has determined that these racist actions are electorally profitable – there are more people who will reward the RW with their votes because of these actions than there are people whose votes they will lose.
I agree with your observation and think this is very political and populist. They are driving this agenda as it appeals to their base. I don't think this Government’s stance is at odds with a developing consensus.
They came to to power on a wave of anti co-governance sentiment – mainly around 3 waters. They did very well in convincing people that Maori names for government departments was somehow a bad thing.
That doesn't make it right, but they know what won them the election and they are going to continue it.
I believe they don't hate Te Ao Maori as such – so long as it remains a private matter for those individuals who identify as Maori. Once it ceases being a private matter and enters the public domain and potentially influences public policy, they resist it strongly. And the reason is that it introduces a set of values that isn't based on the rational, self-maximising individual and the perfection of markets. It's best to see the CoC as neoliberals first, and race-baiting opportunists second, with those two things working in lockstep.
When I first came back to NZ at the turn of the millennium after having been overseas for most of my adult life, I was appalled at the casual racism towards Māori (and Asian people) that I encountered from some white people who assumed I thought the same as they did. I thought NZ would have moved on and indeed it had in some respects but racism, like misogyny, has very deep roots and unless you dig them right out, they will pop up again, possibly even more vigorous than before.
Or – another analogy, racism is like dry rot attacking the fabric of society. You can cut it right out and rebuild in materials resistant to it and ensure it doesn’t get a grip in the social infrastructure again, or you can try to disguise it with a thick layer of gloss paint, thus allowing the rot to carry on spreading.
If the primary focus of anti-racism has been on a fairly superficial level and relies too much on the creation of a class with a vested interest in the wider economic SQ, the chances of racism flaring again are much greater.
The ideologues who guide the hands of rightwing legislatures are very adept at the politics of divide in order to continue to rule. There’s a substantial layer of people who have done very nicely out of hyper-capitalism and are fearful of losing their relative privilege; and there are others who have been reduced to states of economic precarity and/or social marginalisation, or at at risk of it and can be persuaded that the causes are Māori or some other minority.
I've come to a conclusion that I would have thought ridiculous only a few months ago.
This country is more racists than South Africa or Australia.
We had a white NZ policy for much longer than Australia had theirs, only we just didn't call it that. Māori and Pacific islanders have been used in race baiting politics in this country at one election or another, for as long as I've been alive. We have a main national newspaper, who since settlement, have been openly racists with editorials and content pushing race based arguments.
We have had abuse in state care, which again have smashed Māori and Pacific islanders, yet we are constantly told we all equal. (can anyone else hear the crickets?)
Māori and Pacific islanders health is crap, their education outcomes are crap, and their wages are crap.
But go on kid yourself – your not a fubar racist who thinks Māori have some sort of privilege. That if only Māori shut up and did as they were told, their would be no race relation issues in this country.
Let me repeat
This country is more racists than South Africa or Australia.
Ha! Suggest you emigrate and find out!
What exactly?
I suspect Atlas network influence on ACT, basically, to enable predatory capitalists more access to NZ's natural resources. Te Tiriti rights tend to put a handbrake on such profiteering.
Yes indeed, even if you're a sovereign nation supposedly in control of your own destiny, the capitalist vultures are always circling. And all it takes is a few corrupt bastards at the top to let 'em in (thinking mainly Nigeria here, but there must be countless other examples).
They were elected on a platform of lies about Māori stealing water.
They are mates with Hobson's pledge and Julian Batchelor.
They keep talking about defining "treaty principles" without reference to decades of scholarship and legal opinions and respected work by the Waitangi Tribunal.
They are planning a racist referendum like The Voice to Australia hoping to nullify Te Tiriti in NZ law.
They have been going around wiping out Te Reo from government departments – in a certain snobbish part of Pakeha NZ, Te Reo Māori is the low-class language of "bottom feeders".
They have an army of bots on X/twitter who lie constantly about history and smear Māori culture.
They want to fast-track destructive projects and sell off the tāonga of all New Zealanders for thirty pieces of silver, but Māori claims under Te Tiriti get in the way of their plans to bulldoze our national parks.
Every week is another chance to spread hate and fear against Tangata Whenua – last week a massive lie about the Foreshore and Seabed was plastered on the front page of our biggest newspaper. What's next?
This looks like a long-running smear campaign to keep Kiwis divided and eventually sucker us in to a Brexit-type situation where people vote out of racism and spite, against their own long-term interest as the country becomes a playground for exploiting and polluting multinationals.
Why is CoC anti Māori?
• economically the Māori economy is strengthening, intellectual property regarding natural resources is a worry for neo liberal corporate cash flow and there is capacity building galore happening in Māori circles as evidenced during peak COVID
• socially it is about straight out racism and settler supremacy, so many remain in denial about sitting on stolen or dubiously acquired land or profiting from it
There is a fight coming and a number of us non Māori will be involved too.
Can you elaborate on the fight you are talking about? I don't think that kind of talk does anything to advance this.
Fighting is not the answer.
This country is still suffering from post colonial fall out if you look at the distribution of wealth and many other statistics, Māori local Govt. wards extended our democracy to people that largely did not participate but Winston and Incel Dave, and the likes of that fat bastard Kaipara Mayor want to eradicate them just as they were beginning to work.
As Micky Savage alludes to, there is an attack on most things Māori at the moment–that is what will be resisted, and it will come down to direct action, mark my words.
I’m not going to mince words. To me it sounds like you are advocating violence against your fellow citizens. This never ends well, it leads to death & destruction.
If the last 10 years should have taught the global left anything, it's that fighting absolutely is the answer. The right isn't concerned with maintaining norms. Or respecting the feelings and lived experience of the people whose lives they ruin with their policy prescription.
And what have we done? Sat back and counselled cautious incrementalism while those fuckers burn our economy, civil society, and environment to the ground and slide us every closer to majoritarianism.
Yeah, it may win us an election or two once every decade. But when we finally get power, we're too afraid of them to do anything about it.
Why should we pander to their tender feelings? Sometimes to protect the state its necessary to punch a Nazi or two in the face (both metaphorically and literally) to pour encourager les autres
Cool speech but what do you mean by fighting? Physical violence?
If the right starts deploying political violence in the way they have in the likes of the US then yes.
Otherwise entirely metaphorical. We spend so much time tying ourselves into knots about non-violence and worrying about preserving institutional norms the people we oppose don't care about.
For example, we should absolutely and mercilessly mock Karen Chhour for being a fragile crybaby. If the boot was on the other foot and it was. Green Party MP talking about working conditions in Parliament, she'd be the first person to accuse them of being a snowflake.
Being "respectful" or nice doesn't engender respect or further dialogue. It just cedes them more space and legitimises them and their ideas
So, you're advocating an all out attack against a woman of colour in parliament, because you disagree with her policies.
Way to go….. /sarc/
Attack the policies all you please, don't attack her.
Well, you can't then complain if they assault you back.
Legitimizing violence in protest is never going to end well.
NB: the most recent example of someone being punched in the face at a rally, was a young thug punching an elderly woman. I don’t find this meritorious in any way.
“Why should we pander to their tender feelings?”
Well I guess it goes both ways doesn’t it?
For the Billy Connolly fans…Glasgow football violence “Football violence will never end as long as they are shitting in our shoes, and we are pissing in their Bovril”
Just semantics: replace 'fight' with 'struggle'.
In the current environment it might be best to use words which are not open to interpretation.
Advocating violence is not acceptable. As for punching a Nazi in the face, who gets to determine that? As far as I know it can only be determined in court, which is where you will end up, should you punch people in the face.
But advocating racism is?
I think you will find most New Zealanders will not tolerate violence committed against their fellow citizens, by politically motivated wannabe authoritarian thugs, because that’s what you will be. In other words you become what you believe you are fighting against. You win arguments on election day
The day is rapidly approaching where Pakeha must stand alongside Maori.
Based on a pure numbers game, Maori will lose to these pillaging bastards, unless Pakeha resist too. This affects all of us.
Te Tiriti is a contract as far as I'm concerned, and the Crown has to honour it.
How this will all play out is anyone's guess.