What is at stake this election – housing
Written By:
- Date published:
8:59 am, August 16th, 2023 - 87 comments
Categories: act, housing, labour, national, phil twyford, Social issues -
Tags:
There is a lot at stake at this election. A change in Government could see a radical change in direction for the country for the worse.
For housing it pays to recall what Labour inherited in 2017 which was basically a full blown housing crisis. National always denied there was one, but the briefing for incoming minister Twyford suggested otherwise.
From Henry Cooke at Stuff:
Official figures prepared for the new housing minister estimate a shortfall of 45,000 houses in Auckland, with supply of new homes well behind increased demand.
They also show serious shortfalls in Hamilton and Wellington leading to a nationwide shortage of 71,000, with new minister Phil Twyford saying his government have “inherited a disaster.”
The estimates, never publicly released, were included in a briefing for Twyford from his new ministry partially released to Stuff. It compares population increase with new houses actually built – not just consented.
In Auckland as of 1 June 2017 the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) put the shortfall at 44,738 homes, following a huge growth in demand through 2013 to 2015 which a more gradual increase in completed new homes did not keep pace with.
Since then a lot has happened.
There has been a surge in new dwellings constructed to levels not seen before.
Over 12,000 new Kainga Ora units have been completed by the Government. This compares to a net reduction of 1,500 under the last National Government compounded by the fact that numbers of state houses were declining at a time when the population was growing quickly.
And house prices have stabilised and reduced from Covid money printing highs.
There are a number of reasons for this. Greater housing numbers is important, and the ten year bright line test, effectively a capital gains tax for some land transactions, has played its part. As has removing interest deductibility for rentals, changed to zoning rules allowing greater intensification and Government grants to Councils for infrastructure.
And preventing foreign nationals from buying houses.
The cumulative effect of this made Kiwibank predict that this year the housing crisis may be over. Time will tell.
For some there is still a housing crisis. The remedy is to keep building both public and private housing.
What happens if there is a change of Government?
It is clear that a National Act Government would:
- Reverse the bright line test changes to make it much less effective.
- Restore interest deductibility. Landlords would flood back into the market and prices will then increase.
- Kneecap Kainga Ora so that its impressive development plans are stymied, like they did last time.
- Open up immigration. Last term Immigration was its most important economic growth policy and this will no doubt be repeated.
And it appears National will also reverse the ban on foreign nationals from buying houses.
Ok, the cats out of the bag & yes, we're going to allow foreigners to outbid New Zealanders AGAIN & buy up all the houses built under this useless Labour government. But you don't have to worry about that. pic.twitter.com/avfkIvdy1F
— Christopher Luxon NatGPT (@rugbyintel) August 15, 2023
This all makes sense when you recall that Luxon himself owns eight properties. And National MPs are also multi property owners including Police spokesperson Mark Mitchell who forgot that he owned a property in Coromandel and had to issue an amendment to his Register of Pecuniary Interests.
It makes even more sense when you recall that Bayleys Corporation and Garth Barfoot of Barfoot and Thompson are regular donors.
Some on the left have criticised Labour for not solving the housing crisis quickly enough. Given the depth of the problem and the complexity of the solutions I am not sure this criticism is warranted.
Perhaps they could have resolved this more quickly. With the benefit of hindsight they used too much fiscal stimulation during Covid. But if you think that changing the Government will improve things I have a bridge I want to sell you.
87 comments on “What is at stake this election – housing ”
- Comments are now closed
- Comments are now closed
Recent Comments
- Rebuttal Update Project – Summer break and relaxed publication schedule
Regular readers might be surprised to not see another "At a glance" highlight for an updated rebuttal given that it's Tuesday when this blog post gets published and that we've done just that "regularly as clockwork" since February 2023. Please read on to find out why we are going on ...7 hours ago - A licence for tyranny
That's the only way to describe today's US Supreme Court ruling that the US president is above the law. Oh, it officially applies only to "official acts", but reading the fine-print, that basically means everything - even apparently inciting a mob to storm Congress in an effort to disrupt the ...10 hours ago - Gordon Campbell on Macron’s gamble, and Biden’s last stand
Emmanuel Macron’s plan B involves a risky, rope-a-dope strategy. Deliberately, he has opened a corridor to power for the far right, in the belief they will fail to win a large enough parliamentary presence in the 577-seat National Assembly to pursue their policy agenda. Supposedly, this failure will have blunted ...16 hours ago - Water Streets: transport infrastructure that makes space for water
This is a guest post by Ed Clayton and Stu Farrant. It’s based on a talk delivered at the recent Transportation Group Conference in Nelson. The water street renders are by Tom Greer. Ed notes: “Tom is a freelance landscape architect with a background in ecology and environmental science. Hit him up ...17 hours ago - A Man with a Quarterly Plan
They choose the path where no-one goesThey hold no quarterThey hold no quarter“The Government I lead is one of action and we are already making meaningful changes that will keep Kiwis safe in their homes, workplaces and communities," said the Prime Minister yesterday, telling us he’d be “making Kiwis safer” ...18 hours ago - Outwitting the rural climate change deniersThe Government may have attracted criticism from Greenpeace over its inquiry into farm methane emissions, but its proposal may have outwitted the Groundswell farmer protest movement. The inquiry panel includes some of the more high-profile critics of the blanket reduction approach to farming greenhouse gas emissions. But those critics are ...20 hours ago
- What Key started, Luxon’s Government is determined to achieve – resisting EVERY step is critical...
Around the world we see political blocs crumbling in the face of the Right. You’ll notice the word “Left” is absent there. That’s because, by and large, the Left hasn’t necessarily crumbled. Many who adopt the moniker have. Ostensibly “Left” movements in the political sphere have been caught on ...1 day ago - Hoist by their own petardWhen Fiji finally began its most recent transition to democracy in 2013, the coup regime stacked the deck in their favour, with a draconian political parties decree intended to outlaw the opposition. Dictator Voreqe Bainimarama then founded his own political party, FijiFirst, which subsequently held power until 2022. So its ...1 day ago
- The Law Commission recommends outlawing anti-trans discriminationBack in 2021, as part of its discussion document on hate speech, the Ministry of Justice proposed finally amending the prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Human Rights Act to include gender including gender expression and gender identity. Labour famously chickened out on hate speech, referring the issue to the ...1 day ago
- Fairness and generosity
My travelling companion Dick is a craftsman. In his spare time he has made water-going craft. Canoes, mostly, but he can also do you a dinghy or a boat. Also hot tubs. All with beautifully hand-crafted timber.As we've rolled through the villages and towns of Europe, he has looked at ...1 day ago - Climate Adam: How deadly heatwaves are blown up by climate changeThis video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Across the world people are sweltering under the extreme heat of heat waves - whether under the heat dome in North ...1 day ago
- A Triumvirate Quest.
As you might recall from my last newsletter yesterday was a family celebration in the Rockel household, with our youngest lad Matty turning 16. He’s an enthusiastic cook, especially of steak, with plenty of garlic, rosemary, and far too much butter. So when asked what he’d like to do he ...2 days ago - Matariki on K’ Road: the proof is in the peopleAnybody who went to Karangahape Road for Matariki last Thursday evening (27 June), would have seen it absolutely packed with people.
From Queen Street ... 2 days ago - 2024 Reading Summary: June (+ Writing Update)
Completed reads for June: Aecerbot, a Field Blessing (poem) Against a Dwarf [remedy XCIIIb] (poem) Against a Wen (poem) The Nine Herbs Charm (poem) For a Sudden Stitch (poem) For the Loss of Cattle I (poem) For the Loss of Cattle II (poem) For the Loss of Cattle III ...2 days ago - 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #26A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, June 23, 2024 thru Sat, June 29, 2024. Story of the week Our Story of the Week is extreme weather juiced by our climate fumble creating an extreme start ...2 days ago
- Frodo’s Failure: A Roman Philosophical TwistYouTuber Jess of the Shire has put out a video, looking at Frodo’s failure to destroy the Ring: The Lord of the Rings would be a substantially weaker book had Frodo not failed, of course. We are dealing with the core of Tolkien’s themes ...2 days ago
- The Buggers Who Complain.
Problem Solved? When all other options are exhausted, the firing squad remains. As Joseph Stalin is said to have declared: “Eliminate the person, eliminate the problem.”THE BEST GUESS I can offer as to the author of the line is William Brandt. He wrote scripts for the 1990s New Zealand television crime ...2 days ago - The State of Debate.
Good morning all, I hope you’re continuing to have a lovely long weekend without too many worries about the things we usually talk about. First things first, today is a special day in our family, the youngest member, our Matty, my Mister Man, turns 16.Public transport in Bangkok, 2016.I’ve mentioned ...3 days ago - Fact Brief – Does temperature have to rise before CO2 does?Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by John Mason in collaboration with members from the Gigafact team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Does temperature have to rise before CO2 ...3 days ago
- Our State of The Kākā Nation 2024
TL;DR: Mānawatia a Matariki! It’s that time of the year for reflection and renewal so here’s our annual State of The Kākā Nation Report for 2024. Total subscribers grew 46% to 20,600 and paying subscribers grew 29% to 2,520 over the last year. Subscriber comments, ‘views’ and likes’ increased more ...4 days ago - Isn't It Great?
Can't stop believin' I'm the greatestHearts breaking 'til I know I made itI'll never know what second place isNo pain, no doubt'Til the lights go outMatariki feels like such a positive event. People around the country enjoying time with whānau and friends, trying new things or just relaxing and reflecting. ...4 days ago - Mānawatia a Matariki
4 days ago - A Disservice to Alley Cats
Hi,When I started Webworm four years ago (four years! thanks for being here!) it was motivated by a world slowly falling into conspiratorial madness.Reality felt like it was slipping, and I wanted to document the chaos. That has never stopped, be it examining how huge chunks of society have retreated ...4 days ago - What is Social Investment Analysis?
Evaluating the impact of social policies will be very difficult but the government does not seem to be doing much real evaluation. A couple of terms that have recently become fashionable are ‘cost-benefit analysis’ (CBA) and ‘social-investment analysis’ (SIA), typically proposed by people who have never done either. They sound ...4 days ago - Translation #20 of The Conspiracy Theory Handbook published!Conspiracy theories attempt to explain events as the secretive plots of powerful people. While conspiracy theories are not typically supported by evidence, this doesn’t stop them from blossoming. Conspiracy theories damage society in a number of ways. To help minimise these harmful effects, The Conspiracy Theory Handbook, by Stephan Lewandowsky ...4 days ago
- A debate to make the world tremble
Worst. Presidential. Debate Ever. President Joe Biden and former President have just squared off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign and the rest of the world has watched in slack-jawed horror as democracy’s once “shining city on the hill” hit a new low.The hyperbole in that introduction ...4 days ago - Justice served?
Sun is up, I'm a messGotta get out now, gotta run from thisHere comes the shame, here comes the shameYesterday Golriz Ghahraman’s fall from grace was complete. Convicted and sentenced, more harshly that I’d anticipated. In my view Golriz had suffered quite disproportionally already, considering the nature of her crime. ...5 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #26 2024Open access notables Tipping point in ice-sheet grounding-zone melting due to ocean water intrusion, Bradley & Hewitt, Nature Geoscience: Here we develop a model to capture the feedback between intruded ocean water, the melting it induces and the resulting changes in ice geometry. We reveal a sensitive dependence of the ...5 days ago
- At the start of 2020, no-one was in a position to say where that virus was taking us
Some of the wilder things that have crossed our paths in the last couple of weeks:Wilder thing #1: A snake sunning itself on the hot asphalt as we came riding towards itDick was in front and was slowing down to take a picture, thinking it to be another carcass.But this ...5 days ago - Climate Change: A strapped chicken “review”As part of its coalition agreement, the climate-change denier National government promised its climate-change denier coalition partners a review of our agricultural methane reduction target. Today they announced the members of their "independent" review, and released its terms of reference. I'm not familiar with the academic records of the panel, ...5 days ago
- In Praise of National.
And you can see it in the way they look at youFeel it in the way they treat youAlways the last to knowAlways the first to leaveJust let them walk all over youLaugh through the punches and the painLet the life-blood drain away from youThey're right, you're wrongOK, first things ...6 days ago - Six incredibly popular climate policiesThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Karin Kirk Astrong majority of registered voters support certain policies aimed at tackling climate change, according to recent research by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (the publisher of this site) and the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason ...6 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on the freeing of Julian AssangeFinally, Julian Assange is free after 12 years of confinement, much of it spent while under the threat of rendition to the US to face charges carrying a term of 175 years in prison. Yet ultimately, Assange has not been set free because the charges (of espionage and conspiracy to ...6 days ago
- Was the 2024 Auckland RLTP Competition Rigged?A note to readers This satirical post is based on this document. Received from Auckland Transport under a LGOIMA request. the document reveals the ranking process used by the working group for the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP). It shows how the RLTP working group (Auckland Transport, KiwiRail, NZTA/Waka Kotahi, and ...6 days ago
- Bernard’s mid-winter pick ‘n’ mix for Thursday, June 27
TL;DR: Six things from Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy I think are worth noting on the morning of Thursday, June 27:The NZIER has estimated almost a third of new spending in Budget 2024 will have worsened the Government’s Paris agreement climate liability, which Treasury has already estimated at up to $23.7 billion. ...6 days ago - The Strange Split Reality of Brooke Fraser
Hi,Four days ago New Zealand pop royalty Brooke Fraser broke yet another record — largest attendance for a Kiwi solo artist at her Spark Arena gig.She was joined on stage by the Auckland Philharmonia orchestra, Radio New Zealand gushing that it was “hard to pick a singular high point of ...6 days ago - Tax the rich!Whenever people make the perfectly sensible suggestion that the world could solve its problems by taxing billionaires, the latter's stooges flood the zone with claims it would never work. Apparently billionaires are so inherently criminal that they would evade such taxes, laundering their money and hiding it in criminal jurisdictions ...6 days ago
- Climate Change: Beaten by the DanesThis week the National government introduced legislation to remove agriculture from the ETS, ensuring our largest polluters continue to get a free ride for as long as they hold power. But while National is dragging us backwards, Denmark is moving forwards, and is making its farmers pay for their pollution: ...6 days ago
- King of the Cookers
Breathe.Inhale deeply through your nose, and hold it.Open your mouth slightly. Exhale slowly, feel the breath passing over your lips.Hear it. You’re alive.Statistically, if the last government hadn’t taken the actions it did, about twenty of you, even in my small audience, would be dead now. If I do a ...7 days ago - Growing affordability concerns over power and housing
TL;DR: Electricity affordability is a growing concern for households and small businesses, despite falling generation costs for solar and wind, a survey has found.Meanwhile, Stats NZ is forecasting more than a third of 19-29 year olds will stay living at home within the next two decades, no doubt because of ...7 days ago - Some fine ideas for making Aotearoa saferThis is a guest post by Darren Davis, reposted with his kind permission. It originally appeared on his excellent blog Adventures in Transitland, which we warmly encourage you to check out. Aotearoa has one of the worst road safety records in the developed world. Australia is doing quite a bit ...7 days ago
- Saying Goodbye To a Friend
The audio in today’s newsletter contains a conversation I had last year with journalist Elizabeth Williamson, author of an incredibly moving book on Sandy Hook. We talked America, conspiracies, and Alex Jones. It’s been gathering dust for reasons we’ll get to, but I wanted to share our conversation today. ...7 days ago - The real reasons why Councils opposed Three WatersThe anti Three Waters campaign which seemed so simple during the election campaign is now bogged down in a Select Committee as submitter after submitter raises issues with the replacement legislation. The so-called “Local Water Done Well” has now morphed into the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill, which ...7 days ago
- At a glance – What caused early 20th Century warming?On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...1 week ago
- A privilege
1 week ago - Unbridled power againThere's a couple of pieces about architect-of-our-constitution Geoffrey palmer's views on the current government doing the rounds today. The first, on Newsroom is an excerpt from a speech he gave to a Young Labour meeting last weekend, in which he says NZ an executive paradise, not democratic paradise. The Spinoff ...1 week ago
- National’s secret schoolsThe government just introduced its Education and Training Amendment Bill to the House. The name is deliberately obfuscatory, because what the bill actually does is reintroduce charter schools - effectively allowing National to privatise the education system. That's corrupt and it stinks, but to add insult to injury, National's new ...1 week ago
- Bernard's mid-winter pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, June 25
Confidence about future job availability collapsed after Budget 2024 to lows last seen during the the Global Financial Crisis of 2008/09. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Employee confidence in more jobs being available in a year’s time collapsed in the first two weeks of June after the Budget, falling ...1 week ago - “I Don't Care”
Walking through the rooms in my headI came across your image,You looked at me with that sweet smile and saidSomething they won't let me repeatWe hurt the ones we love the mostIts a subtle form of complimentAfter you’ve watched Christopher Luxon for a while you think to yourself - that ...1 week ago - Gordon Campbell on cancer drugs, and the Great Ferries Cancellation Disaster of ’23The decision taken last December to cancel the contract for the two purpose-built Cook Strait ferries – without having a Plan B in mind, let alone in place – has been a calamity that’s going to haunt New Zealand for decades to come, long after the Luxon government has been ...1 week ago
- June-24 AT Board MeetingToday the Auckland Transport board meets again,so I’ve taken a look through the items on their public agenda to see what’s interesting. Musical Chairs The first item of note is another change to the make-up of the AT Board. The legislation that established Auckland Transport allows for Waka Kotahi to ...1 week ago
- Colonial oppression in KanakyHow does France deal with opponents of its colonisation of the Pacific? Arrest them and deport them to France to face prosecution in a foreign court: A group of pro-independence leaders charged with allegedly organising protests that turned into violent unrest in New Caledonia last month was indicted on ...1 week ago
- Media Link: Post-pandemic economics and the rise of national populism” on “A View from Afar.”
On this edition of AVFA Selwyn Manning and I discuss post-pandemic economics and the rise of national populism. It seems that a post-pandemic turn to more nationalist economic policies may have encouraged the rise of populists who use xenophobia and … Continue reading ...1 week ago - Climate Change: National’s vice-signallingTwo weeks ago the climate denier government announced they would be giving farmers what they want and removing agriculture from the ETS. On Friday they introduced the bill for it to the House. Due to past efforts and backdowns, the Climate Change Response Act has a lot of inactive clauses ...1 week ago
- The Left’s Joyous Cherub: Keith Locke, 1944 – 2024.The Struggle Continues: Keith Locke belonged to a generation that still believed in a world that could be, through struggle, relieved of its chains. That struggle constituted the core of a life lived with purpose, courage and determination. MANY NEW ZEALANDERS would, no doubt, have been surprised to discover that Keith Locke was ...1 week ago
- The Night Before Yule: A Reprint
A couple of my stories – A Breath Through Silver, and The Last Libation – have previously earned themselves reprints. Well, I am pleased to report that the nice people at Heroic Fantasy Quarterly (https://www.heroicfantasyquarterly.com/) have included my narrative horror-poem, The Night Before Yule, in their newly-compiled Best Of anthology. ...1 week ago - Bernard’s mid-winter pick ‘n’ mix for Monday, June 24
TL;DR: Responding to the grounding of the Aratere over the weekend, the Government has signalled it will buy new replacement ferries, but only enough to replace existing freight capacity.That would effectively limit Aotearoa-NZ’s ability to handle any growth in population or the need to reduce emissions by shifting freight from ...1 week ago - Greater Auckland 2.0 – we need your help!Hi, we’re Greater Auckland. We’ve been a part of the landscape for over 15 years now. Over that time, we’ve provided informed commentary, evidence-based analysis, and inspiring visions for the future of Tāmaki Makaurau. You might know us from such hits as: The Congestion-Free Network 2013 (and its 2017 ...1 week ago
- Distractions and Inaction.
Fancy, a fast carA bag full of lootI can nearly guaranteeYou'll end up with the bootThe Prime Minister arrived home, perhaps a bit surprised, maybe even secretly a little pleased at the diversion, to find the country falling apart. Things going more badly that even his c-list, self back-slapping, trip ...1 week ago - KiwiRail aground while Government obfuscatesThe problems at KiwiRail go further and deeper than the maintenance issue, which caused the inter-island ferry Aratere to run aground on Saturday. The company is also the subject of a damning report published last week about the way it runs its rail operations from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission. ...1 week ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #25A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, June 16, 2024 thru Sat, June 22, 2024. Stories we promoted this week, by publication date: Before June 16 ‘Unprecedented mass coral bleaching’ expected in 2024, says expert, ...1 week ago
- The Realm Of The Possible.1 week ago
- Public Service Day
Good morn or evening friendsHere's your friendly announcerI have serious news to pass on to everybodyWhat I'm about to sayCould mean the world's disasterCould change your joy and laughter to tears and painIt's thatLove's in need of love todayDon't delaySend yours in right awayHate's goin' 'roundBreaking many heartsStop it pleaseBefore ...1 week ago - When is a road of National significance not a road of National significance?
I loved everything about my first Cook Strait ferry crossing: a day parked in the car in howling Wellington wind and driving Wellington rain, waiting to hear if they were going to sail or not; watching the huge black ministerial limousines come and go; listening to the adventures of Chicken ...1 week ago - Fact Brief – Was the Medieval Warm Period a global event?Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by John Mason in collaboration with members from the Gigafact team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Was the Medieval Warm Period a global ...1 week ago
- Aotearoa Runs Aground
Your face has fallen sad nowFor you know the time is nighWhen I must remove your wingsAnd you, you must try to flyCome sail your ships around meAnd burn your bridges downWe make a little history, babyEvery time you come aroundWhen I went to bed last night I thought the ...2 weeks ago - Wagon keeps movin'2 weeks ago
- Mainstreaming Māori
Mainstreaming need not be inherently anti-Māori. It will be if it is done badly because it will be anti-those-in need, and proportionally more of them are Māori.That the Coalition Government says it will deliver public services on the basis of need rather than, say, race deserves consideration, even though many ...2 weeks ago - National says “fuck you”The Justice Committee has reported back on the government's racist bill to eliminate Māori representation in local government. The report duly notes the Waitangi Tribunal's finding that the bill breaches te Tiriti, and the bill's inconsistency with our international human rights obligations - and then proceeds to ignore both. Instead, ...2 weeks ago
- Christopher Luxon is – Big in Japan
This week our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon… mmm, let’s take a moment to consider just how good that sounds. Hope you weren’t eating.Anyway that guy. Better? That bloke from the telly, he said - what I would say to you is… I’m big in Japan. My kind of people, hard ...2 weeks ago - Weekly Roundup 21-June-2024Tis the winter solstice! The shortest day and longest night of the year. The good news: we’re on our way back to summertime. Here’s another roundup of stories to brighten up your Friday. Our header image is from CRL and shows Waihorotiu Station lit up for Matariki 2024. The ...2 weeks ago
- Bernard’s mid-winter pick ‘n’ mix for Friday, June 21
2 weeks ago - The Futility of Punishment
Hi,I was in Texas recently and couldn’t stop thinking about how in some parts of America they really like to kill their prisoners. As a society we tend to agree murder is wrong, but somewhere along the way Texas figured it’s fine if it’s after 6pm and the killing is ...2 weeks ago - The new Beehive approach to the environmentA persistent theme has been weaving between the Committee rooms at Parliament all this so-called “Scrutiny” week as MPs have probed Ministers and agencies about their work and plans. The question has been simply what the environmental price might be if the country begins to accelerate its infrastructure building to ...2 weeks ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #25 2024Open access notables Climate Change Is Leading to a Convergence of Global Climate Distribution, Li et al., Geophysical Research Letters: The impact of changes in global temperatures and precipitation on climate distribution remains unclear. Taking the annual global average temperatures and precipitation as the origin, this study determined the climate distribution with the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government making it more expensive to get on the road
National has come up with yet another way to make driving a car more expensive – this time adding more costs to sit a driver licence, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...9 hours ago - Release: Fast track bill must have environment at its centreThe National Government must completely overhaul the Fast Track Approvals Bill to put protection of the environment at the centre of its purpose. ...13 hours ago
- Release: Govt ignores damage of boot campsCorrespondence released under the Official Information Act reveals the Government’s boot camp concept is not backed by the military that is expected to run it. ...2 days ago
- Release: Minister for Auckland asleep at the wheelFalse promises and political spin won’t save National today, as the much-touted July 1 changes will hit Aucklanders’ pockets for the first time. ...2 days ago
- Release: Govt puts vulnerable children at further riskThe Government is risking the wellbeing of vulnerable children across Aotearoa who benefit from services like counselling, intensive family support, parent programmes and early intervention, as they claw back funding. ...2 days ago
- Staff switcheroo to turn on lights at surgical unitThe Government has not committed to doing any additional operations in a newly opened surgical hospital on the North Shore of Auckland. ...2 days ago
- Tell National to stop its destructive and undemocratic Fast Track Approvals BillThousands of people have taken to the streets and voiced their concerns about National’s destructive and undemocratic Fast Track Approvals Bill. Add your voice and tell National why this legislation needs to be stopped in its tracks. ...4 days ago
- Matariki: A chance to reflect and celebrateCelebrating Matariki as a public holiday over the past two years has made sure everyone gets to spend some extra time with friends and family, as well as the chance to learn more about what makes this time of year meaningful. ...5 days ago
- Govt takes transport system further down dead end road
The Government’s Land Transport GPS is another example of short-term thinking that will hurt our climate and communities. ...5 days ago - Release: Labour remembers Lady Glen RowlingLady Glen Rowling, wife of the late Prime Minister Bill Rowling, will be remembered as loyal, kind, clever and supportive. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt quietly downgrading hospital buildsThe Government needs to be transparent about the cuts they are making to hospital infrastructure, so that cities are clear on the health resources they will have into the future. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt must release the fast track projects listThe National Government is keeping the public in the dark about projects that have applied for approval under the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...7 days ago
- Tell the Govt you value students' wellbeingOur students deserve access to fresh, healthy food to fuel their busy school days and lives. That’s why Labour introduced the Ka Ora, Ka Ako healthy school lunch programme. Teachers, parents, principals and health experts all saw the benefits of it. ...1 week ago
- The new Covid-19 Inquiry we campaigned and fought for will start in November
The new Covid-19 Inquiry we campaigned and fought for will start in November. The current Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response will be divided into two phases. ‘Phase Two’ of the inquiry will start from November 2024 and will be the independent, full scale, and public inquiry we ...1 week ago - Release: Live exports not in New Zealand’s futureLabour will reinstate a ban on live exports of cattle by sea when re-elected. ...1 week ago
- Statement from Willow-Jean Prime“Today’s announcement is simply a repeat of the Government rejecting decades of evidence and expert advice, as they forcibly try to turn marketing slogans into policy,” said children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...1 week ago
- Statement from Labour Leader Chris Hipkins“I am relieved Pharmac will be funded more to buy medicines for Kiwis. It is important that decisions on which drugs get funded remain independent from politics,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...1 week ago
- A step forward on cancer drug funding but more to doThe Green Party welcomes the announcement of more funding for cancer treatments and medicines, however, calls for more to be done to address the severe health inequities that come with cancer. ...1 week ago
- Government prioritises punishing beneficiaries againFrivolous check-ins with beneficiaries are the Government’s latest plan to find excuses to punish those on the Job Seeker allowance and add to the stigma they face. ...1 week ago
- Labelling kids serious offenders sets rangatahi up to failThe Government’s archaic ‘tough on crime’ approach is weak on evidence and will do little to nothing to keep our communities safe. ...1 week ago
- Aratere grounding highlights urgent need for replacement shipsThe grounding of the Aratere Interislander Ferry is a wake-up call to the Coalition Government; they need to front up with a realistic long term solution to moving people and freight between our islands. ...2 weeks ago
- National is choosing to put our health at riskNew Zealanders need and deserve a strong public health system. Throughout the country, we need to ensure hospitals, clinics and community providers have the resources needed to provide the best level of care. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party pays tribute to former MP Keith LockeThe Green Party pays tribute to former MP and prominent activist Keith Locke who died yesterday, peacefully in hospital. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt choosing cost savings over victims of family violenceVictims of family violence could fall through the gaps in New Zealand, as Police stop responding to some call outs and the Government chooses to prioritise other things. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government used ghost families in its glossy tax cut brochuresIt’s been revealed the tax cut pamphlet released with the Budget was based on made-up people. ...2 weeks ago
- Failure of climate auction highlights government inactionThe lack of bids at today’s ETS auction is a sad indictment on this Government's staggering indifference to the climate crisis and their lack of a plan. ...2 weeks ago
- Your top concerns about the Budget“I am deeply disappointed in the National Party's budget. Their broken promises and cuts to essential services, including health, education, and support for vulnerable groups, will have long-lasting negative impacts” – Raymor, Auckland ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Birds of a feather perish together under NationalThe kākāpo, kea and kiwi alongside our other iconic and threatened national species are at risk under this Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Budget cuts chances of liveable futureScrutiny of Budget 24 and advice to the Minister of Finance shows the Government is knowingly increasing emissions and shredding climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Pride in schools more important than everToday marks the beginning of Schools Pride Week in New Zealand, an important calendar event largely run by rainbow rangitahi to advocate for safer, more inclusive school environments. ...2 weeks ago
- Statement: Labour wishes Marama Davidson well in recoveryThe Labour Party is sad to hear of Marama Davidson’s breast cancer diagnosis and is wishing her well. ...2 weeks ago
- Statement: Safer workplaces must be the goal of Minister's health and safety reviewThe Labour Party has always advocated for strong effective health and safety measures in New Zealand workplaces. ...2 weeks ago
- Government sets out to undermine workplace safetyThe Government’s announcement of a roadshow consultation on work health and safety is a smokescreen for its plan to throw out regulations which keep workers safe. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Women don’t need a voluntary calculator to know there’s a pay gapThe Government has reportedly scrapped a policy that would have gone far to fix gender and ethnic pay gaps and instead is implementing a watered-down voluntary system. ...3 weeks ago
- Risks far outweigh rewards in speed limit increasesThe coalition’s careless approach to speed limits will come at the cost of community safety and see our road toll continue to climb. ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand, Solomon Islands boost partnership
New Zealand and Solomon Islands are boosting their partnership in areas aimed at enhancing security and prosperity, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “Solomon Islands is a very important Pacific partner for New Zealand, and we are pleased to be findings ways to do more together for mutual benefit,” Mr ...8 hours ago - NZ wood and wool to benefit through new trade dealNew Zealand today concluded a groundbreaking trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland, to remove tariffs on hundreds of products that benefit sustainability and the environment, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) opens up commercial opportunities for New Zealand businesses ...8 hours ago
- Handover of airfield in SolomonsNew Zealand and Australia have highlighted their strong commitment to Solomon Islands aviation and economic development through the handover of the upgraded Seghe Airfield today. “The upgrade of the Seghe Airfield runway in Western Province will enable flights to operate under all weather conditions, making operations safer and more ...9 hours ago
- Government to tackle driver licence wait timesThe Government is rolling out changes to the driver licencing system to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing New Zealanders trying to sit their driver licence tests across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Since the previous government’s decision last year to remove re-sit fees for theory and practical ...12 hours ago
- World Choir Games to boost Auckland economyAround 11,000 singers from 40 countries will be taking to the stage in Auckland next week for the 13th World Choir Games, generating important economic and cultural benefits for the supercity, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “It’s the biggest choral competition and festival in the world, so I’m absolutely ...15 hours ago
- Kermadec Arc mineral reservation extendedA reservation over the Kermadec Arc preventing the granting or extending of minerals prospecting, exploration, and mining permits will be extended for 18 months from 5 July, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones’ declaration, enabled under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, will extend consecutive existing reservations, the latest of ...15 hours ago
- Government taking action to support media sectorThe Government is taking immediate action to support New Zealand’s media and content production sectors, while it develops a long-term reform programme, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Firstly, the Government will progress the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill with amendments, to support our local media companies to earn ...16 hours ago
- Congratulations to Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Puku o te Ika a MāuiTākina Puanga, mānawatia a Matariki, mānawatia te huinga whetū! Congratulations to Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Puku o te Ika a Māui on winning this year’s national secondary schools kapa haka competition Te Huinga Whetū, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. “It was great to hear the stage rumbling ...16 hours ago
- Keeping Kiwis safe is Govt priority in Q3 planThe coalition Government's latest Action Plan will have a strong focus on making Kiwis safer and restoring law and order, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced. “The Government I lead is one of action and we are already making meaningful changes that will keep Kiwis safe in their homes, workplaces ...1 day ago
- Government Q2 Action Plan delivers for KiwisA successful second quarter Action Plan shows the coalition Government has continued to build on the momentum of its first 100 days, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government Action Plan was laser-focused on rebuilding the economy and reducing the cost of living, restoring law and order, and delivering better ...1 day ago
- Protecting homeowners’ rights in natural disastersAssociate Finance Minister David Seymour is glad to see the Natural Hazards Insurance Act come into force today, further protecting homeowners’ rights after a natural hazard event and seeing the Earthquake Commission (EQC) become the Natural Hazards Commission. “The Government is committed to ensuring Kiwis continue to get reliable insurance ...2 days ago
- Budgeting pressure relief for rentersRestoring the brightline test to two years will help increase the supply of residential property putting downward pressure on rent, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “From 1 July, the brightline test will replace the five and ten-year periods with a more balanced two-year period. “Every day, New Zealanders are struggling ...2 days ago
- Regional Infrastructure Fund opens to applicationsCouncils, iwi, businesses and community organisations with infrastructure projects that support regional priorities are invited to apply for funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, which opened today. “The Coalition Government is focused on growing the economy. We are doing everything we can to enable an export-led recovery, regional prosperity and ...2 days ago
- New hospital building, new health policy, new health targets to benefit New ZealandersKia ora koutou katoa – it’s a pleasure to join you here at Tōtara Haumaru on Auckland’s North Shore I would like to begin by acknowledging the many hands, over many years, that have been involved in the creation of this wonderful new facility Tōtara Haumaru, particularly those who are ...2 days ago
- Defence partnership with Tonga celebratedDefence Minister Judith Collins will visit the Kingdom of Tonga to take part in the opening of a New Zealand-funded His Majesty’s Armed Forces Leadership Centre and to meet with counterparts. “New Zealand has a long, shared military history with Tonga and the development of this leadership centre is an ...2 days ago
- Wairarapa lakes return to iwi ownershipToday the Crown joined Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu at Papawai Marae to mark the return of Wairarapa Moana to iwi, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. “The legal transfer of the ownership of Wairarapa Moana is the final chapter in a fraught dispute between ...3 days ago
- Government passes Clean Car Importer Standard BillChanges to the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Standard) Act will enable changes to the emissions targets more easily with a review of the Clean Vehicle Standard currently underway, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Large changes in technology, fuel efficiency, and consumer trends and preferences means that the Clean Car Importer Standard ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand board reappointmentsInternal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has today announced that four members have been reappointed to the Fire and Emergency New Zealand [FENZ] board. “I am pleased to announce that Rebecca Keoghan has been reappointed as chair for a two-year term of office,” says Ms van Velden. Rebecca was appointed ...5 days ago
- Therapeutic Products Act repeal bill gets 1st readingThe Government has taken further steps to providing better regulation for medicines, medical devices, and natural health products with the first reading of a bill to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act 2023. Repealing the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) shows the Government is listening to the concerns of industry and consumers, says Associate ...5 days ago
- $343.5 million allocated by Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants BoardMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says $343.5 million in lottery profits have been allocated to New Zealand communities across the country – an increase of around $29.8 million from previous years. “The distribution of lottery profits can have a significant and enduring impact on the lives of New ...5 days ago
- Emergency support for East Coast floodingCivil Defence payments are now available for people affected by the severe weather in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti to help cover some emergency costs, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston has announced. “We want to make sure those communities that are doing it tough because of the latest severe ...5 days ago
- Government progressing commitment to reinstate livestock exports by seaThe coalition Government is progressing its commitment to reinstate livestock exports by sea, with public consultation set to start before September, Associate Minister of Agriculture Hon Andrew Hoggard says. Reinstating livestock exports by sea will require an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and strengthened welfare standards will be ...5 days ago
- Minister releases Tauranga District Plan decisionsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today released his decisions on elements of Tauranga City Council’s Intensification Planning Instrument. Two recommendations were referred to the Minister after the Council rejected two of those made by the Independent Hearings Panel. “I was asked by the Tauranga City Council to reject two ...5 days ago
- High-level political delegation to visit PacificDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a high-level political delegation to Solomon Islands, Nauru and Niue next week. "New Zealand's relationships in the Pacific are fundamental to our foreign policy, and we are determined to continue strengthening them,” says Mr Peters. “We look forward to engaging with ...5 days ago
- Wānaka’s first primary birthing unit openedPrime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Health Minister Dr Shane Reti to officially open a new primary birthing unit in Wānaka today. Dr Reti says the event demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving health infrastructure and is particularly special as it will support many families before birth and in the first ...5 days ago
- GPS 2024: Record transport investment to drive economic growthThe final Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 (GPS 2024) outlines the Government’s ambitious $22 billion transport plan to boost productivity and support economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Upon being elected, the Government was clear that we wanted to make good on our transport promises to New Zealanders ...6 days ago
- King’s Counsel appointments 2024Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointments of 19 King’s Counsel. Also known as a silk, in reference to a gown traditionally worn as part of their robes, the rank of King’s Counsel is awarded to barristers sole who have demonstrated excellence in their careers or, from time to time, ...6 days ago
- Crime data underpins need for law & order actionNew crime data highlights how critical the Government’s plan is to restore law and order, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey data is shameful, with New Zealanders experiencing 1.88 million incidents of crime between November 2022 and October 2023. “There were 185,000 New ...6 days ago
- Independent panel to review methane science and targets appointedThe Government is delivering on its promise to commence an independent review of the methane science and targets for consistency with no additional warming from agriculture emissions, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay say. “An independent panel announced today, will report back to the Government by ...6 days ago
- Government repeals costly log trade legislationThe Government today repealed legislation requiring the compulsory registration of log traders and forestry advisers. “The existing legislation fails to deliver outcomes and places unnecessary costs on forest businesses,” Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. “I am confident that voluntary registration through the New Zealand Institute of Forestry is a better ...6 days ago
- Build To Rent Bill passes first readingThe Overseas Investment (Build To Rent and Similar Rental Developments) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading this evening, Housing and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop says.“We need to take every option available to increase the supply of housing in New Zealand, and Build to Rent is one of those ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes opening of BrynderwynsTransport Minister Simeon Brown welcomes the opening of State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyn Hills from midnight tonight, following four months of closure to complete critical recovery and maintenance works. “Northlanders, local businesses, drivers, and freight operators will be relieved to have this important lifeline open. The Government thanks them ...6 days ago
- Secondary legislation drafting toolkit launchedAttorney-General Judith Collins today welcomed the release of the Parliamentary Counsel Office’s (PCO) Secondary Legislation Drafting Toolkit. "Both businesses and people tell us they find it hard to understand their obligations under secondary legislation,” Ms Collins says. “This toolkit, with its focus on design and content, will help with both ...6 days ago
- Tougher sentences coming for criminalsThe Government is reforming sentencing to ensure criminals face serious 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 despite a 33 per cent increase in violent crime. ...7 days ago
- Improving educational choice for families and studentsThe Education and Training Amendment Bill, which will set up charter schools, encourage more early learning centres to open, and provide increased transparency on school attendance, has been introduced for its first reading in Parliament, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. “Every child deserves an education that enables them to ...7 days ago
- Government receives final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in CareThe coalition Government welcomes the presentation of the final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care to the Governor-General. “This marks the end of the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden ...7 days ago
- Scope of the Northland transmission tower failure review announcedEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has today released the terms of reference for the Electricity Authority’s investigation into the Northland transmission tower failure that occurred on 20 June 2024, causing significant power outages in the region.“What happened in Northland last week was unacceptable, with tens of thousands of consumers left without ...7 days ago
- Minister celebrates students’ space successSpace Minister Judith Collins is applauding students from Canterbury University’s Aerospace Club on their success at the world’s largest inter-collegiate rocket engineering competition, the Spaceport America Cup. “More than 120 teams from 20 countries participated in Spaceport America Cup, with the team from Canterbury University winning in their ‘30,000 Foot’ ...1 week ago
- Address – Commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of the Commencement of the Korean WarTena koutou.Ki nga kaumatua,Ki nga whanau,Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou. Greetings.To the elders,To the families,We will remember them. Firstly, a special welcome to all the veterans here this morning and their families. I want to acknowledge the veterans who are marking this day but cannot be with us ...1 week ago
- New WorkSafe board appointments to address a history of poor financial managementWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says three appointments to the WorkSafe board have been made to strengthen the organisation, ensuring it has the skills and expertise it needs to carry out its functions. “WorkSafe has faced a number of recent challenges, including accumulating an almost $18 million ...1 week ago
- When it comes to power, solar is about to leave nuclear and everything else in the shade
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University bombermoon/Shuttterstock Opposition leader Peter Dutton might have been hoping for an endorsement from economists for his plan to take Australian nuclear. He shouldn’t expect one from The Economist. ...1 hour ago - The Traitors NZ power rankings: A hard act to swallow
Tara Ward ranks a murderously good first week on The Traitors NZ. Welcome, my murderous little cherubs, to what promises to be a humdinger season of The Traitors NZ. Last year’s season looks like child’s play compared to season two, with its spookier setting, complex challenges and absolute cracker of ...5 hours ago - New study shows mysterious solar particle blasts can devastate the ozone layer, bathing Earth in rad...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Cooper, Distinguished Professor, Charles Sturt University Aurora over green hills near Thun, Switzerland. Julien Anet The remarkable aurora in early May this year demonstrated the power that solar storms can emit as radiation, but occasionally the Sun does something far more ...5 hours ago
- Will digital currencies become the norm as the world moves towards a cashless society?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra TierneyMJ/Shutterstock More than 90% of the world’s central banks are looking at introducing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), to complement existing banknotes. What is a central ...6 hours ago
- If Meta bans news in Australia, what will happen? Canada’s experience is tellingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Axel Bruns, Professor, Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology Thx4Stock team/Shutterstock At a parliamentary hearing late last week, Meta once again suggested it could ban links to news on Facebook and Instagram in Australia. This would repeat the ban ...7 hours ago
- Just 15 centimetres of water can float a car – but we are failing to educate drivers about the dan...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Peden, NHMRC Research Fellow, School of Population Health & co-founder UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, UNSW Sydney Scherbinator, Shutterstock Every year in Australia, people driving into floodwaters drown and many more are rescued. Do you know what to do when ...7 hours ago
- First an autism diagnosis then a clinician’s office – how the evidence supports a different appr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Whitehouse, Bennett Chair of Autism, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Orson Elitok/Shutterstock Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Bill Shorten, has proposed a number of policy changes to the scheme. It is hoped these will ...7 hours ago
- The government's methane review: Nine questions with Climate Minister Simon Watts
Simon Watts says the methane review will "timebox" the contentious issue and help farmers move on with lowering their climate impact. ...7 hours ago - ‘Not just as we are, but as we have been and as we will be’: the time-warping brilliance of Aust...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cherine Fahd, Associate Professor Visual Communication, University of Technology Sydney Julie Rrap, Disclosures: A Photographic Construct (detail), 1982, installation view. Julie Rrap: Past Continuous, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2024, black and white archival prints, colour cibachrome prints, Museum of Contemporary Art, ...9 hours ago
- Children's Minister Karen Chhour says Oranga Tamariki's legal difficulties an 'operat...The children's minister's office says the inability of social workers to handle their statutory legal duties is an "operational matter". ...9 hours ago
- Government scales back free driver's licence re-sits over wait timesThe government is cracking down on waitlists for driver's licences by scaling back the eligibility for free re-sits. ...10 hours ago
- With its nuclear energy policy, Peter Dutton seems to have forgotten the Liberal Party’s core beli...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judith Brett, Emeritus Professor of Politics, La Trobe University When Robert Menzies was out of office in 1943, in between prime ministerships, he was thinking about the future of non-Labor politics in wartime Australia. He read Edmund Burke’s book Thought on the ...10 hours ago
- Ministers will shake the Facebook and Google money tree for NZ media
A year ago, a law to eke money out of global platforms to prop up local media firms was viewed as a “shakedown” by National, but now it is “something worth doing”. Political changes of heart don’t come much starker than the party’s new stance over the Labour-introduced Fair Digital ...10 hours ago - Give way: 5 reasons why the government should slow down on raising speed limitsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Kingham, Professor of Human Geography, University of Canterbury georgeclerk/Getty Images Only last year, all the talk was about lowering speed limits to save lives as part of the previous Labour government’s Road to Zero policy. Even motoring advocacy group ...10 hours ago
- The Government Is Systematically Destroying Rail
TRAC believes that the Government’s decisions regarding non-rail enabled ferries is a direct attack on the New Zealand railway system and is similar to the previous attack on the Gisborne and Taranaki regions. ...11 hours ago - Can you drink your fruit and vegetables? How does juice compare to the whole food?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Beckett, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Innovation – School of Health Sciences, UNSW Sydney Darina Belonogova/Pexels Do you struggle to eat your fruits and vegetables? You are not alone. Less than 5% of Australians eat the recommended serves ...11 hours ago
- Urgency Needed In Replacing RMAFederated Farmers strongly believes replacing the RMA is the most meaningful long-term economic reform this Government could deliver. ...11 hours ago
- Samoa Citizenship Bill: 'Hell' Easier To Reach Than NZ, Says Ex-Samoan PM At Public Hearin...Samoa's former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi says it is easier for his people to get to "hell" than to come to New Zealand. ...11 hours ago
- If this bill passes as is, your landlord could evict you for the following reasonsSubmissions on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which would reinstate no-cause evictions, close tomorrow. While the housing minister says it’s a ‘pro-tenant’ move, renters’ advocates disagree. If passed, the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill would allow landlords to give tenants 90-day termination-of-lease notices for periodic tenancies if: They didn’t like ...11 hours ago
- Fewer term-time holidays as parents heed warning in truancy crackdownParents of school-aged children are choosing not to take their children out of school to travel, new data shows. ...11 hours ago
- Which one of you told Lorde she walked like a bitch? Alex Casey goes down the rabbit hole in an attempt to find the local bully who uttered one of the defining pop culture phrases of 2024. There’s an Instagram reel I cannot stop watching of Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan stomping around the suburbs to Charli XCX’s ‘girl, so confusing’ ...12 hours ago
- Watch live: Coalition to press ahead with Fair Digital News Bargaining BillThe coalition is pushing on with a law to make tech giants pay for news, but not all its member parties are happy. ...12 hours ago
- Government reveals updated $55m contestable research fundJudith Collins says the fund is crucial for rebuilding the economy. ...13 hours ago
- Appeal Dismissed In Fraud Conviction For Charity BossThe Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has welcomed a decision by the High Court to dismiss an appeal by the former head of a government funded charity found guilty of stealing funds from the charity she helped establish. ...13 hours ago
- Polling Highlights Govt Swimming Against Current Of Public Opinion On Fresh WaterGreenpeace Aotearoa is challenging the Government’s mandate to remove freshwater protections, as independent polling reveals the vast majority of National Party voters are concerned about freshwater quality. ...14 hours ago
- Why Section 7AA works just as intendedOpinion: Debates about the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act, focused on Treaty of Waitangi partnerships and disparity reduction in the child protection system, continue unabated. Smoke and mirrors claims about the effect of the repeal are being used to propel a narrative of child harm, but ...14 hours ago
- Digital news Bill backing a big shift by governmentAnalysis: The coalition government has spent much of its first months in power reversing initiatives put in place by the former regime. But not this time. ...15 hours ago
- Second Sentencing For Involvement In Brazilian Migrant Sex SchemeMaristela De Souza, a Brazilian woman, has been sentenced to 10 months home detention after being charged, along with co-defendant Michael James Sloan, with aiding and abetting individuals to breach conditions of their visas. ...15 hours ago
- Rainbow communities need protecting – and police are failing themAfter a spate of rainbow event cancellations, Jennifer Shields asks for a little more security for her communities. It’s been a rough few years for rainbow communities across Aotearoa – we’re now 10 years on from the “transgender tipping point” of May 2014, when Time magazine, with Laverne Cox on ...15 hours ago
- What to know about US Supreme Court immunity ruling in Trump's 2020 election interference caseAnalysis: The ruling makes it all but certain that the Republican will not face trial in Washington ahead of the November election. ...15 hours ago
- Coalition to press ahead with Fair Digital News Bargaining BillThe coalition is pushing on with a law to make tech giants pay for news, but not everyone in government is happy. ...15 hours ago
- New Government Locks In Labour’s Digital Shakedown“If mainstream media can’t stand on it’s own two feet, it is because they are out of touch with New Zealanders. Study after study shows people just don’t trust them anymore, and the answer to that isn’t bailing out the same old tired outfits. ...15 hours ago
- New Zealand Struggles With Human Trafficking: 2024 Report Keeps Country At Tier 2 For Fourth YearAotearoa New Zealand has just been ranked at Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report by the U.S. Department of State, marking the fourth consecutive year the country has not fully met the minimum standards to eliminate human trafficking. ...16 hours ago
- Record labels are suing tech companies for copying classic songs – and the results could shape the...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wellett Potter, Lecturer in Law, University of New England Yurchanka Siarhei / Shutterstock Last week, several major record labels filed copyright infringement lawsuits in US courts against the makers of two generative AI music apps, Suno and Udio. The labels allege ...16 hours ago
- More than half of Australian young people are using strangulation during sex: new researchSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Douglas, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock We recently surveyed thousands of young Australians about their experiences of strangulation (or choking) during sex and found more than half (57%) reported being strangled by a partner during sex. About ...16 hours ago
- Fatima Payman breached ‘caucus solidarity’. What does this mean and why is it so significant?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily Foley, Associate Lecturer & PhD Candidate, La Trobe University, La Trobe University The machinations of the Australian Labor Party machine are back in the spotlight this week, with Western Australian Senator Fatima Payman crossing the floor to support a Greens-backed motion ...16 hours ago
- ‘I don’t really wanna consume his content’: what do young Australian men think of Andrew Tate?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Keddie, Professor, Education, Deakin University Eren Li/Pexels , CC BY Public debates at the moment are awash with concerns about young men’s sexist and unsafe behaviour online. This includes reports of school students making AI deep fake pornography of their ...16 hours ago
- The cost of being: A cheese-loving chicken owner in her early 30sAs part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a cheese-loving chicken owner in her 30 shares how she and her husband are getting by. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female Age: 31 Ethnicity: NZ ...16 hours ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sven Teske, Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney The Coalition’s pledge to build seven nuclear reactors, if elected, would represent a huge shift in energy policy for Australia. It also poses serious questions about whether this nation can ...17 hours ago
- Increasing annual leave to five weeks would cost employers less than you might thinkSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeff Borland, Professor of Economics, The University of Melbourne Pro-stock Studio/Shutterstock Five weeks annual leave is an idea whose time may have come. A decade ago, a Productivity Commission inquiry into Australia’s industrial relations system, recommended governments periodically “examine whether there ...17 hours ago
- Oldest living culture: our new research shows an Indigenous ritual passed down for 500 generationsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Russell Mullett, Traditional Custodian — Kurnai, Indigenous Knowledge GunaiKurnai Elder Uncle Russell Mullett at entrance to Cloggs Cave, East Gippsland. Jess Shapiro, courtesy GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation We often hear that Aboriginal peoples have been in Australia for 65,000 years, ...17 hours ago
- Kāinga Ora chief's exit: New chair at odds with Christopher Luxon over performanceIts boss has made "an enormous difference" despite the prime minister's claim the agency is underperforming, the new chair says. ...17 hours ago
- Defence Force gives advice on new boot campsBut the prime minister says Oranga Tamariki will be leading them. ...17 hours ago
- If the NZ government wants to improve student outcomes, it needs to invest more in school-based heal...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Williams, Senior Lecturer (Nursing), School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology New Zealand’s school achievement is currently front and centre with the government’s plans to invest NZ$67 million into structured literacy. But what has been largely missing from the discussion ...17 hours ago
- What’s new in the new quarterly action plan?Law and order is the focus of the government’s next 100 days, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. New action plan, but ...18 hours ago
- Auckland Council opens up after Ombudsman concernsConfidential deliberations that take place out of the public eye are forced into the open The post Auckland Council opens up after Ombudsman concerns appeared first on Newsroom. ...18 hours ago
- The Dilworth/Auckland Grammar saga proves we take rugby way too seriouslyAfter Dilworth beat arch-rivals Auckland Grammar, sore losers immediately got to work undoing the historical result. There are only 10 minutes left in the game. The Dilworth first XV is leading Auckland Grammar by just three points, fighting desperately to hold on for the school’s first ever Auckland 1A first ...20 hours ago
- The government has discovered Pharmac. What should it find next?Having found an answer to their cancer drug-funding predicament, Luxon and co may be happy to learn of some other useful tools hiding in plain sight. Nicola Willis had hardly finished saying “fiscally responsible” when the criticism started flowing. Somehow her 2024 budget had neglected to fund 13 cancer drugs ...20 hours ago
- $3b a small price to pay for future of Interislander ferriesComment: The Cook Strait ferries debacle has focused on the cost blow-outs for the respective port upgrades but there has been little attention given to what is needed to ensure adequate connectivity between our two main islands. It is obvious that a country split into two main islands needs reliable, efficient, ...20 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 2 JulyLoading…(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, Tuesday 2 July appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- US liquidation threatens Vector’s solar schemeThe now-troubled pilot programme looked at the viability of building a network of miniature solar power plants across Auckland The post US liquidation threatens Vector’s solar scheme appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Adams’ Health NZ departure a ‘big loss’Former National MP leaves board of healthcare organisation, saying: “I was not able to advance the changes that I believe need to be made” The post Adams’ Health NZ departure a ‘big loss’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Govt drops the name ‘fast-track’Changes to the fast-track were confirmed in Government’s latest Action Plan, but the controversial Bill was not mentioned by name The post Govt drops the name ‘fast-track’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- The US subsidising our drug-buying agency won’t last for everOpinion: Americans contribute disproportionately toward the pharmaceutical innovation from which we all benefit The post The US subsidising our drug-buying agency won’t last for ever appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Workplace Relations Minister hasn’t met with unions fox six monthsBrooke van Velden is confident she’s hearing from the right people despite not meeting with any worker union groups since January The post Workplace Relations Minister hasn’t met with unions fox six months appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Author sweats inside a shed for no paySome of the greatest poets I’ve met have never written a single line of verse in their lives, yet every phrase they utter rings with prescience and irrefutable poetic truth. The same goes for the twin doctrines of philosophy and psychology. Often the smartest, most insightful, compassionate and wise readings ...20 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Tuesday 2 JulyThe post Daily crossword, Tuesday 2 July appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- New Zealand’s failing government infrastructureA Defence Force plane stranding a delegation, the Aratere run aground and a downed pylon causing widespread power outages across Northland are all part of a theme: key pieces of New Zealand infrastructure are constantly breaking down. Today’s episode of The Detail takes a closer look at what led to ...20 hours ago
- As student visa fees jump to $1,600, Australia is refusing more applications than everSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Hoang, Research Officer, Centre for International Research on Education Systems, Victoria University On Monday, the federal government more than doubled the application fee for international student visas. The move is effective immediately and sees the non-refundable fee jump from A$710 to ...1 day ago
- View from The Hill: Fatima Payman alleges attempts to ‘intimidate’ her into quitting the SenateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Rebel Senator Fatima Payman has escalated her confrontation with the Labor Party by claiming “some members” are trying to intimidate her into quitting the Senate. The government is uncertain whether the Greens will exploit ...1 day ago
- Government Transport Policy Reveals NZ Has No Operative Emissions Reduction Plan“We strongly encourage the Government to revisit the GPS in light of the first emissions reduction plan. If it wants to change the approach, then it has to follow the right process - not just ignore the requirements laid out under the Climate Change ...1 day ago
- ‘A nightmare waiting to happen’: Our roundtable review of The Traitors NZThe Spinoff faithfuls deliver their verdict on episode one of The Traitors NZ. Still don’t know who’s who this season? Get to know the full cast here. Lieblings, traitors, faithfuls and nudists, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: The Traitors NZ has returned and there is ...1 day ago
- Government’s Q3 Action Plan Making Big Promises“The coalition is talking big on delivering its election-time promises to get New Zealand moving again. Kiwis look forward to seeing them putting those words into action.” ...1 day ago
- Granny flat rule changes: The gritty detail, explainedWhat exactly is being proposed, and how easy will it actually be to build a self-contained dwelling in the backyard? Auckland University's Bill McKay has the answers. ...1 day ago
- The far-right has surged to the lead in France’s elections. But forming a government remains a tal...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Romain Fathi, Senior Lecturer, School of History, ANU / Chercheur Associé at the Centre d’Histoire de Sciences Po, Australian National University Exit polls after the first round of the French legislative elections indicate the far-right National Rally party leading with about 34% ...1 day ago
- Plastic Free July is a waste of time if the onus is only on consumersSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bhavna Middha, ARC DECRA and Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Arctic ice, Shutterstock Every year, the Plastic Free July campaign asks us to refuse single-use plastic. The idea is that making a small change in our daily ...1 day ago
- “A Demand For Justice” – Hundreds Rally For Pay Equity For Care And Support Worker...Hundreds of people came together across the country today (Monday 1 July) at rallies calling on the Government to fully fund a pay equity settlement for care and support workers. ...1 day ago
- Did people in Ancient Rome and Greece love the same way we do? Perhaps even more hopelesslySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Melbourne Venus and Adonis depicted in a work by Simon Vouet. British Museum, CC BY-NC Sometime around 100 AD, the Roman lawyer and aristocrat Pliny sent a letter to his third wife, Calpurnia – ...1 day ago
- Not just earthquakes: EQC gets a new name – the Natural Hazards CommissionExplainer - The Natural Hazards Commission has taken over from the Earthquake Commission (EQC) with the goal of simplifying the process for claimants. ...1 day ago
- Gaps in reporting of nitrogen fertiliser use on farms leave an incomplete picture of impacts on wate...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mike Joy, Morgan Foundation Senior Research Fellow in Freshwater Ecology and Environmental Science, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington William West/AFP via Getty Images New Zealand’s rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater reservoirs are under pressure. Some lakes are ...1 day ago
- French elections: First round of Pacific results show polarisationBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French Pacific results for the first round of French national snap elections yesterday showed a firm radicalisation, especially in the case of New Caledonia. In both of New Caledonia’s constituencies, the second round will look like a showdown between pro-independence and ...1 day ago
- What are financial years – and why are they different from calendar years?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michaela Rankin, Professor and Head, Department of Accounting, Monash University Smart Calendar/Shutterstock This article is part of The Conversation’s “Business Basics” series where we ask experts to discuss key concepts in business, economics and finance. Today is July 1, the ...1 day ago
- Watch: Government unveils action plan for the next three monthsThe PM is unveiling the government's plan for the next three months - and it gives itself a mark of 35 out of 36 for its recent efforts. ...1 day ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carolyn Hogg, Deputy Director, Sydney Environment Institute; Co-Lead Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group, University of Sydney Bradley Dennien/Shutterstock Commonly known as Australia’s “Easter bunny” due to its large ears and hopping movement, the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is the last of its ...1 day ago
- Kāinga Ora CEO Andrew McKenzie quits over government changesThe social housing boss is stepping down because an overhaul of the organisation is not what he signed up for. ...1 day ago
Labour have already 'opened' up ..immigration.
Labour has to live with their 100,000 new homes debacle.
Labour have introduced some good measures to dampen the ludicrous housing ponzi,but need to do more.
National reversing the brightline,interest deductibility and defunding K.O will be catastrophic.
What amazes me is that you would think aspiring home owners ,parents who want their children and grandchildren to own their own homes and voters in general who are not property investors would far outnumber vested interests when….it came to casting a ballot.
The social ramifications are there to see,people in motels,cars ,on the streets..etc.
This is one vote Natz are guaranteed.
Banker who earns $2.3m from HNZ wins most lucrative contracts – NZ Herald
Those sales of State homes took place in 2015 and 2016.
John Key was PM then. Yes that Banker will support National as he benefited.
Why can't you let go of Twyford's error?
Megan Woods work in housing has been game changing. All graphs show that. Yet she is seldom mentioned on the Standard.
I think there would be problems with a change of Government, as they need money for tax cuts, not state houses.
They will find ways to trim any programmes, make them unworkable so they fail. Put their own ticket clipping operators in
and voters in general who are not property investors would far outnumber vested interests when….it came to casting a ballot.
Probably a large number of property owners now own their homes freehold, having benefited from decades of capital gains.
Very good…point.
Your final summation is valid except….
In this area there is no difference between National and Labour as the figures demonstrate. Sadly as well noted by Bernard Hickey's linked piece yesterday, this is ,and has been for some time, NZ's economic model, irrespective of administration
I don't think Labour can ever accuse National of using immigration as a tool for economic growth again.
The floodgates are well and truly open right now. In the middle of a Labour majority administration.
For me, the key difference is that National opened the floodgates to imported labour when we didn't need it, but it helped keep wage rises down so they encouraged it.
With Labour we actually need the extra workers because of the ageing population increasing demand for associated health services, plus a rebound after COVID but we can't get enough.
One could argue that immigration has been opened.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/08/record-number-of-migrants-arrive-in-nz-as-kiwis-leave-in-droves-stats-nz.html#:~:text=There%20was%20a%20provisional%20net,in%20the%20March%202020%20year.
Different immigrants and different goals.
"A change in Government could see a radical change in direction for the country for the worse."
But it might not?
Based on nats slogan it will Chris.
You can trust them on that if elected as those backers will want a return on their investment
It will see a change for the worse. It could be radical which is terrifying. I don't sense any John Key incrementalism.
I was being cheeky. Yes, it definitely will see a radical change for the worse – not a matter of could!
that has been at stake since 2007 at the very least.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_property_bubble#:~:text=Nationwide%2C%20property%20prices%20increased%2080,than%20the%20pre%2Dcrisis%20peak.
please don't use a lot of bold, we need it for moderation.
ok.
"While house prices increased almost-continuously from the early 1990s, it was not until 2007 that the media started reporting an affordability crisis."
Unless you're wealthy, in which case the affordability crisis represents a "strong market".
This research paper was published only a few days ago and is topical.
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2023/08/what-drives-rents-in-new-zealand
"Over 12,000 new Kainga Ora units have been completed by the Government. This compares to a net reduction of 1,500 under the last National Government compounded by the fact that numbers of state houses were declining at a time when the population was growing quickly."'
Can you provide a link to this data?
I became discouraged from reading the Kaianga Ora reports when I found the new builds reporting separated from the demolition of units reporting, making the actual delivery of usable units much less impressive.
If you have a table that shows all this information in one place, it'd be much appreciated.
"Labour delivers 12,000 more public homes"
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/labour-delivers-12000-more-public-homes
The Government's monthly housing dashboard.
https://www.hud.govt.nz/stats-and-insights/the-government-housing-dashboard/housing-dashboard-at-a-glance/#tabset
https://www.hud.govt.nz/
or OIA Kāinga Ora
Thank you!
Bookmarked…
The latest stats show an increase of a bit over 7000 in public housing (to the end of march2023)…the june quarter figures should be released any day and the annual report indicated an expected increase to 71,000 units of public and supported housing portfolio…an additional 350 units from march.
https://kaingaora.govt.nz/assets/Publications/Managed-stock/Managed-Stock-National-Summary-March-2023.pdf
You are right to be sceptical.
Why? The Beehive press release would have gone through dozens of eyeballs to make sure it was accurate. There is a footnote:
"Since October 2017, there has been a net increase of 12,017 public homes, with 9,917 of these being new builds (as at April 2023)."
And there is this weird dynamic where X increase is good but Y increase which is less is bad. It is an increase. If the net increase was 1 I would still celebrate it.
Yes an increase is better than not, however there is a significant discrepancy between the Gov claims and the data provided by Kainga Ora.
Heaven forbid that politicians would gild the lily
OIA Kāinga Ora. The Kāinga Ora dashboard linked @ 6.1 disagrees with your opinion.
No need to OIA…the information is freely available to anyone who cares to read it, including archived data from before Labour were the Government..
https://kaingaora.govt.nz/publications/oia-and-proactive-releases/housing-statistics/housing-statistics-archive/
Just trying to be helpful since you are having difficulty in accepting the facts.
The facts
Managed stock Sept 2017 63,209
Managed stock March 2023 70,649
Increase 7,440
The Kāinga Ora dashboard linked @ 6.1 disagrees with you.
There is no KO dashboard @ 6.1….there is however a HUD dashboard.
I think KO may know what stock they are managing as they are required by statute to report that information.
The dashboard consists of Kāinga Ora stats. Was it you that I had a discussion with last year over the government's announcement of adding 10,000 public homes? if memory serves there was doubt about that number then too. I sent an OIA to Kāinga Ora and they confirmed it with a link to the government's announcement which was https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/10000-more-permanent-public-homes-added-under-labour-government and suggested for more information about the housing stock would be found on the Government Housing Dashboard, managed by Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
https://www.hud.govt.nz/stats-and-insight/the-government-housingdashboard/public-homes/.
Your memory serves you well: https://thestandard.org.nz/labour-poised-to-resolve-housing-supply-crisis/#comment-1907878.
It’s rather depressing to observe how fixed some people’s minds are 🙁
What is more depressing is the willingness of tribalist's to unquestionably accept anything 'their team' claims.
I will happily accept an increase of the claimed public housing since Labour took office WHEN a credible explanation is provided as to why KO's own records show otherwise.
Lois stated she OIA'd KO regarding the the discrepancy and was provided a link to the HUD site …or in other words no explanation…either the OIA request was poorly worded or the obligations under the Act were ignored.
As stated earlier KO are required by statute to provide the information in their stock level statistics so one could expect a suitable level of care and accuracy from that reporting.
Thank you for the link Incognito and I agree with you that it is depressing and tedious how fixed some people's minds are. Sheer denialism of the facts.
@Pat. You have been provided with the facts, yet you continue to deny it. As mentioned previously, the dashboard consists of Kāinga Ora stats.
'Lois'? The name is Louis. Your response is loaded with put downs and false assumptions.
'the OIA request was poorly worded or the obligations under the Act were ignored' Neither of your assumptions is true.
I have tried to post a screenshot of some of the relevant correspondence received from Kāinga Ora, but it didn't take and although I cannot provide a link to my personal correspondence with Kāinga Ora, the following is a direct quote: 'More information about our housing stock can be found on the Government Housing Dashboard, managed by Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development here: https://www.hud.govt.nz/stats-and-insight/the-government-housingdashboard/public-homes/.'
Suggest you contact Kāinga Ora through https://kaingaora.govt.nz/contact-us/ or email Kāinga Ora at enquiries1@kaingaora.govt.nz for the 'explanation' you seek.
Louis…my apologies for incorrectly typing your name.
Re your OIA…you do not need to post copies of your OIA response(s), all that is needed is a clear explanation as to why KO's reporting states a stock level of public housing of 70,649 (as at 31 march 2023) whereas HUD claim (using you say KO data) a public housing stock of 78,064 (as at the same date)
If that was the purpose of your OIA then a referral to HUD dashboard is no explanation.
Demolitions/sales do not explain any difference as HUD claim a net figure
@Pat, again you are making assumptions. Just contact Kāinga Ora through https://kaingaora.govt.nz/contact-us/ or email Kāinga Ora at enquiries1@kaingaora.govt.nz to clear up your confusion and it will be explained to you.
It is obvious that you (nor anyone else here) can explain the discrepancy….and I suspect, nor can Labour (without looking dishonest)
@Pat once again with the baseless assumptions. What is bizarre is your refusal to contact Kāinga Ora to clear it up for you, because it doesn't matter what facts people post, you will still ignore and deny it anyway. I checked the OIA request I made last year and it included your links where you thought there had been a discrepancy. I received a fulsome response in 12 days, that backed the government's numbers.
The figure of 7440 may be a net figure after disposing of some units.
Refer to link @6.1
Thanks, pat. Another bookmark.
" If the net increase was 1 I would still celebrate it."
Really?
Given the resources expended, that would deserve criticism not celebration.
[the new builds reporting separated from the demolition of units reporting, making the actual delivery of usable units much less impressive.]
The 12,000 figure will still be valid if the demolished units were in fact unusable.
That's could be true but not necessarily true for all. Better detail allows for better analysis.
eg. Why unusable?:
– was maintenance not kept up appropriately,
– was there weather damage,
– was there tenant damage,
– is demand in that area low or non-existent etc?
It is interesting that the image used for this post is about the human right to housing.
Labour have made some progress, yes, but housing as a right has not been taken seriously by this government.
The UN provided a 27 point plan, number one being recognising housing is a human right:
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2107/S00018/un-declares-new-zealands-housing-crisis-a-breach-of-human-rights.htm
The Human Rights Commissioner earlier this year:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300921655/govt-must-recognise-housing-as-human-right-commissioner-says
They have found, of the seven measures the HRC uses, only one has had any improvement:
https://housing.hrc.co.nz/measuring-progress
We need bolder action, underlined by a commitment to housing as a human right. This will only happen through increased pressure from the left, it certainly won’t happen under NACT+NZF.
Well, all that can be said to that is this:
Should Labour do better. Hell yeah.
Should people vote Labour/Green or National/Act/NZ First if they want to improve housing then the response is very simple.
[Labour have made some progress, yes, but housing as a right has not been taken seriously by this government.]
We don't know that, because since all new houses, both public and private sector builds, would have to be seen as contributing to meeting need for the human right to housing.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/chloe-swarbrick-un-enshrined-human-right-to-housing-eclipsed-by-investor-greed/DXNIFZJJ7NBRVBG7CY74O27JCM/ my italics
The concerns and reports of the UN and HRC let us know that builds are not all that is necessary to treat housing as a human right. Labour's continued refusal to make any tax changes to disincentivise property speculation is more evidence of their lack of seriousness.
Also infuriating that National is just chucking away the joint signed agreement they made with Labour on housing development and density.
Stupid shallow political tactics that leaves Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch in a major future mess.
Now show us the social housing waiting list figures from 2017 to now…
Labour have failed our most vulnerable when it comes to housing. To suggest otherwise, doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
Do you think there is any validity to the claim often made, that under national homeless couldn't get on the list , which changed when labour got elected, which I'd what in part has driven the explosion in numbers.
Yes, the numbers now reflect the true need that was denied under the previous National government.
Hi Louis. I have linked this before…but in case you hadnt seen.
It was on Liz Craig Mp's facebook. She is great. Bit of a shame she's down on the list tho…
Keep up the Fight !
Excellent, thanks for that. I hadn't seen it.
Liz is good, but unfortunately for her Penny Simmonds is outstanding.
Yay Penny…and our new insect overlords : )
You keep your white flag flying.
I..for one, will keep fighting them.
National fudged the numbers on the housing wait list by removing people from it and making it harder for people to get on it.
2011: "Thousands to come off housing list"
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/thousands-to-come-off-housing-list/MI2RAMFK4VC2YX4M5VVFFDDLIY/
2013: "All Housing New Zealand tenancies will be reviewed to ensure state housing is focused on people with the highest housing need, Housing Minister Nick Smith says"
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/reforms-focus-state-housing-highest-need
As a result of administrative changes to the way housing assessments have been carried out, a decrease in the size of the waiting list does not necessarily mean that housing need has decreased or vice versa. Changes in the size of the waiting list may also be the result of how user-friendly the application process is, the perceived likelihood of success in finding a social house and the willingness of applicants to seek help.
In 1998 there were 8,691 applicants on the State Housing Waiting List. After the exclusion of lower priority applicants in 2011, the waiting list did not return to this level until June 2018 (8,704). Housing New Zealand identified in 2011 that: “As at 30 September 2008 there were 3,166 applicants (excluding transfers) on the waiting list with a priority (‘A’ or ‘B’) housing need. By 30 September 2011 this had fallen to 1,971.
The decline in the waiting list appears to be linked to the introduction of the Corporation’s Options and Advice service, which was implemented nationally in June 2010. In the 12 months before implementation, around 56 percent of customers seeking housing assistance from the Corporation had a housing needs assessment. In the 12 months following implementation, this had decreased to 32 percent”
https://planning.org.nz/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=5492
"Reforms last year saw Housing NZ stripped of its responsibilities in terms of placing people in their homes and managing eligibility wait lists"
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/10584635/Government-to-shift-away-from-state-houses
+1.
2014: "Prime Minister John Key has signalled a major shift away from government-run state houses"
"The Government was not in the best position to delve into tenancy management, property management and maintenance, and property development"
"Reforms last year saw Housing NZ stripped of its responsibilities in terms of placing people in their homes and managing eligibility wait lists"
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/10584635/Government-to-shift-away-from-state-houses
2016: “Axing Housing Minister title a way of ‘denying crisis”
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/320747/axing-housing-minister-title-a-way-of-'denying-crisis'-labour
2017: National left a nationwide housing shortage of 71,000 MBIE figures show.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/mbie-figures-show-nationwide-housing-shortage-of-71000/55NUUYNFWZA3OJTTDCHF7W3T4I/
2023: "207,000 additional homes in 6 years. 18,000 of them through the government build programme (1,200 last month alone). 10% of homes in the country were built since Labour came to power. the biggest housing boom in NZ history"
https://twitter.com/ClintVSmith/status/1684839547073675264
Housing is like a horror movie under Labour.
If National win, it will be like an disaster or apocalypse movie, choir and all.
Labour is awful, National is horrific.
Consents are not built houses. Repairs are not new builds.
It is truly ghastly out there trying to find a home to live in whether you're renting or trying to buy.
On top of existing pressure, We only build about 27 K homes a year in NZ and are letting in over a hundred K immigrants.
National will build less houses, allow foreign ownership, double immigration rates, rollback tenancy rights and any legislation on landlords or investment properties.
It will be an apocalypse.
I genuinely think, as angry as kiwis are ATM, there's only so much more that kiwis can be expected to take before shit gets ugly.
We're either going to see a furious collective public movement on the left or a far right populist Swedish democrat/ German AFD style party emerge in the next ten years, as has happened in nearly every European country with proportional representation.
'Housing is like a horror movie under' National that left a housing crisis that they denied existed.
Doesn't look like National intends to build any houses at all, like wanting China to build its rons, National wants to fund councils to do it, and we all know how that will turn out.
Straight after bagging Joe Biden, Heather Stupidity-Allen interviewed her
grandfather,father, husband about National reinstating foreigners' rights to buy Kiwi homes from under our feet.The old timer claimed it was Andrew Little who coined the phrase, "Chinese sounding surnames"…
I thought it was John Key when he attacked Labour over using leaked real estate data.
Could be right. The direct source of the quote would be interesting because perhaps now it is attributed to no-one, as is the way of the media.
BTW, I am a sometimes contributor to media and the number of times they have no idea who did what and simply do not care is depressing. Steven Joyce levels of don’t give a fuck.
It was Phil Twyford. A barely disguised hint as to which foreign nationals were buying up the homes. The Nats accused him of racism. The Chinese were buying up the homes in droves. There was some sort of deal going down where Chinese citizens were getting State money to make the purchases.
That was roughly what happened anyway.
Yes, Anne. I thought it was Twyford, and that seems to be where the attribution now lies (not that Soper would know that).
But Louis' comment has made me doubt, who actually said those three words, "Chinese sounding surnames", if indeed they were said by anyone.
I can't find a quote where Twyford actually said 'Chinese sounding names' but there are many examples of media using it.
Twyford did say that 'People of Chinese descent bought 39.5% of houses'
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regional/278528/labour-property-claims-'shonky'
"He said he regrets the episode made Chinese New Zealanders feel "unfairly targeted", but he was trying raise the issue of Chinese money flowing into the housing market"
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/366730/twyford-regrets-chinese-nzers-felt-unfairly-targeted-by-2015-survey
I've found a quote from Susan Devoy (then Race Relations Commissioner) on the 15/7/15
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/chinese-buyers-deserve-better-than-being-blamed-for-aucklands-high-house-prices-devoy/LD6NXFKFR5DB2PDSJ2WR53TENA/?c_id=1&objectid=11480147
This is 5 days after the Twyford announcement – so there may well be earlier instances.
On the 11/7/15 (I think, the day after Twyford reased his analysis) Shamubeel Eaqub used a similar (but not exactly identical phrase) buyers with Chinese and Indian surnames"
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/70155168/labours-half-baked-property-data-turns-chinese-buyers-into-scapegoats
And just found a piece from NBR by journalist Kevin Ng on 11/7/15, which uses the phrase "people with Chinese-sounding names" in relation to the Twyford issue.
https://www.nbr.co.nz/twyfords-offshore-buyer-claims-made-up/
From memory he used the expression "Chinese sounding surnames" during a stand up about foreign nationals buying up houses in Auckland. This situation had become a major discussion point because so many people were witness to it occurring in their immediate neighbourhood. A home next door to me was one of them and several others around me were purchased by off-shore Chinese buyers. What was upsetting people, including me, is that many of them were left empty andstarted to fall into disrepair. Then a few years later they were hogging them off at the new grosslyinflated prices.
The Nats and ACT pretended to be unaware of what was happening and accused him of racism. Iirc he was told to apologise for using the expression which was ridiculous because it was true and most Aucklanders knew it.
I
Oops… think I got a wrong word there. Hawking would have been better.
I'm pretty sure it was Phil Twyford.
I'll still deliver flyers for them, and try help reelect our local MP, but this will be the first time in my adult life I won't be voting Labour.
It was painful seeing JA squander the opportunity to take something substantial into the 2020 election, when polling leading up to it had Labour around 60% at one stage. But nothing has ever made me more ashamed than the GST policy.
Robertson, Parker, and Russell knew it was a dog and had called it such openly. Chippy knows the best case scenario is maybe a dollar being passed through in savings. Fruit and veges have such price elasticity of supply there is no way anyone, including a grocery commissioner, could ever accurately judge if the savings were passed on. Seasonality, weather impacts, bad harvests. The only people who will gain from this is the supply chain.
The galling part is they know this, and yet Chippy was clearly allowed to make his captains call. A call that knowingly misleads our most desperate into thinking they will benefit from this policy when they won't see any material difference. He's selling false hope to desperate people and costing us billions in doing it.
Meanwhile, the people I know tat are struggling barely buy fruit and vege. They can't afford it. I can't support Chippy now. I don't want him as Labour leader or Prime Minister. This election sucks.
Indeed
It’s interesting Mr Nolan, the pattern of your answer follows one given before.
Apparently a Labour stalwart of 60s years, this lady said as you did, the GST policy was it for her. Which is strange given all the upheavals of the past 60 years.
It’s an odd thing to be so committed to a cause as to campaign for it, but not to vote for it. And there are many many things to be ashamed of in Labour. It’s climate response. It’s shielding of army et al, even after the atrocities by our Australian counterparts. The insistence a wealth tax won’t work at this time. The continuation of oil drilling permits. The slow speed of action on modern slavery legislation.
Your story could be a true one. But it does also follow a pattern on concern trolls trying to suppress the Labour vote.
Particularly on this thread which is talking about how National are blatantly just inflating their own property values again. Which makes your point a derail.
Get your scepticism, but I have been a member of Rangitata Labour since 2011. MickySavage is friends with me on FB, he could verify I've been a staunch Labour supporter and promoter for that time.
Yes, all good; you’re legit.
[The only people who will gain from this is the supply chain.]
You know this do you? Let's just wait and see, shall we. Of course we may need to take steps in the early stages after its introduction to ensure this doesn't happen, but once the market has adjusted to the change there shouldn't be any more profiteering, from this source, than goes on at present anyway.
Of course the purists will put up any old argument, valid or not, that they can muster to ensure that this measure will never see the light of day. Another argument we see, for example, is that the wealthy will gain more than the poor from such a policy; but, so what? The wealthy will scarcely notice the difference, but not so the poor. And this is in addition to the argument that overseas countries are envious of or GST system, but when has that ever been a valid argument? Why should we bother with what other countries think?
And, let's face it, The regressiveness of GST is well recognised anyway. I would tend to advocate scrapping GST altogether.
It does indeed. Maybe a strong Green and TPM vote and some luck that NZF doesn't make it into parliament, and then Labour replaces Hipkins after the election (given the Greens' position of keeping the cross benches as an option and Hipkins having ruled out a wealth tax despite the GP policy including an income tax cut for most people).
Today’s economist bullshitting us:
Apparently the foreign buyers had no impact on the housing market, so time to throw it open and can-can! 22% of the central Auckland market is insignificant. Don’t worry about that voters.
More experts on top of experts being rolled out in support of National party policy. More reasons to absolutely distrust them.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132752842/national-party-under-pressure-to-reveal-foreign-buyer-policy