What will 2018 hold for Labour?
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8:00 am, January 10th, 2018 - 201 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, Carmel Sepuloni, david parker, helen clark, Iain Lees-Galloway, jacinda ardern, labour, phil twyford, uncategorized -
Tags: aupito william sio
I wrote a week ago about this year’s prospects for National. The post was remarkably popular for this time of year and attracted 178 comments. And I thought I should do the same for Labour to give Standardnistas the ability to discuss this year’s prospects for Labour.
This was a more difficult post for me to write.
My impressions of the Labour Party up until July of last year was that it was really struggling. The Parliamentary wing was not getting cut through. The same good, decent dedicated activists were working really hard and doing what they could. The lovely magnificent Pasifeka wing of the party continued to perform their miracles, the Trade Union movement continued to play its part although some of the older ones were holding us back, and things were getting done. But there was no spark. And no resources to speak of, certainly not the resources to run a proper campaign.
Then the Metiria Turei speech hit. I will offend a few by saying this but I thought and still think the speech was ill advised and reckless. If you are going to go out on a limb with this sort of disclosure then you have to be absolutely sure that your back story is not only water tight but also cannot be spun out of shape.
I saw the effect. Left younger voters peeled off to support a party that was prepared to publicly champion beneficiaries. Centrist older voters peeled off to support a party that publicly demonised beneficiaries other than superannuants.
Labour’s support sagged and the Greens and NZ First surged. But National was rubbing its hands as the chances of a change of Government ebbed.
Andrew Little then did the utterly decent thing and stood down because he saw that the party needed a circuit breaker and that Jacinda may get the cut through that he was not getting.
Then Jacindamania hit. The rest is history. Labour surged in the election result compared to the previous election.
And unlike last time Winston Peters decided to live up to his promise to effect change although looking back on things the treatment that he had been given by National over the past few years played a huge part.
So Labour is now in power for the fourth time in 45 years. How does it handle the very important first year?
There are two aspects it needs to focus on, its Parliamentary and Governmental performance, and its relationship with the party as a whole.
As to the first the performance of some has already been outstanding. Jacinda has not put a foot wrong. Her public appearances are sharp and focussed and her grasp of the detail of Government reminds me of Helen Clark in her heyday. And she has laid out a plan for New Zealand which, at least amongst progressives, receives universal acclaim.
Who are the well performing Ministers?
Andrew Little is one. He has gone on the front foot and promised justice for the Pike River families, reversed the utterly inexcusable and miserly offer of compensation for Teina Pora made by the previous government, and announced that the ridiculous three strikes law is to go. As well as that he has fronted efforts to get the Ngāpuhi treaty settlement back on track and received praise for fronting up to meetings.
Phil Twyford is another. He has a number of important and complex portfolios to handle but has been making all the right moves. Areas such as halting the hounding of housing corporation tenants where traces of methamphetamine were found in their flats, cancelling the ridiculous east West link, starting work on light rail in the Auckland Istmus, rejigging National Land Transport Fund priorities, and the start of planning for Kiwibuild has shown that he is not going to wait around. And his destruction of the ludicrous notion that New Zealand does not have a housing crisis and his proposals for change are the most uplifting that I have seen.
Honourable mentions for Iain Lees Galloway who has moved quickly to increase the minimum wage, and Carmel Sepuloni who is overseeing the introduction of the Government’s Families Package. And the heavy workload of David Parker, who is one of the best brains in the Government should be noted.
The not so good?
The leader of the House who displayed a concerning inability to count, the Minister of Revenue who said that GST would go onto online purchases then almost immediately said it would not and the Minister in charge of Open Government who does not seem to appreciate that there is an urgent need to change the Official Information Act to stop past abuses from continuing.
With regards to the relationship with the party this is the area I think this is a critical area for work.
The rush of support that Labour enjoyed during the last couple of months of the election was palpable. But now all these new volunteers need to be wedded into the party, made to feel welcome, educated and trained in political activism. To not do so will invite a quick reversal of the good will that has been recently built up.
I have not seen any realisation of this and as a priority the party needs to work on improving activist relations. It is not easy. New Ministers suddenly find they do not have nearly as much free time as they used to. And long term relationships take time. But the work is necessary and important.
There are some MPs, such as Aupito William Sio, whose community outreach is first class. His understand of and networks into the seat of Mangere are legendary. He is someone whose quality of local work is something all other MPs should aspire to. And you just have to witness the strength and solidarity of his LEC to realise that their approach is one that should be replicated across the country.
The Trade Union movement still has an important role to play within the party in fact it is even more important than it used to be. This is why National spent the past 27 years chipping away at Union rights such as site access and making it more difficult for Unions to organise and recruit. They want to kill it off. They believe that an organized and united workforce is bad for profits and control not to mention their self declared right to rule.
And the gradual trend has been for union powers to be compromised. National attacks them mercilessly (think Employment Contracts Act) and on the last two occasions when Labour regained power it only partially repaired the damage that had been caused.
There is overwhelming evidence to show that over the past three decades the flow of wealth from most to the rich has accelerated. There is also overwhelming evidence that Trade Union power has been attacked and weakened during the same period. These two trends are linked and the second is one of the causes of the first. They are not random unrelated developments.
And I am convinced it is also an attack by the right on the left’s political strength. Throughout the world the right complain about Trade Unions backing progressive political parties. The sense of irony is palpable, after all the right relies on a small number of wealthy individuals, mostly businessmen, to fun their activities. This recent UK example shows how small the group of conservative supporters are, and how large their resource base is.
So as a priority this Labour Government needs to review and strengthen the Trade Union movement.
Other areas that the Government need to concentrate on are environmental issues, particularly climate change. This is the Nuclear Free issue of our generation. Every nation need to play their part. And I cannot think of a better issue to drive activist loyalty.
There is a thing called the golden weekend which is the weekend following an election. The theory is that the plans and decisions made during that time will determine how good the political term will be. I personally think it is a longer period but not too much longer. So far so good in terms of the politics. But it would be great for the Parliamentary Party to reach out to the membership and activist base to make sure that Labour’s new found organisational health is maintained.
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The Government is turning its back on children by not only weakening child poverty reduction targets, but also removing child mental wellbeing as a priority focus in their Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy. ...17 hours ago
- Release: A historic win for Samoan communities
Labour warmly welcomes the Restoring Samoan Citizenship Bill as it passes its third reading, before becoming law. ...18 hours ago
- Government plan to reinstate live animal exports a “national disgrace”
The Government has taken a giant step backwards by reinstating live animal exports. ...1 day ago
- Pasifika justice as Member’s Bill passes final reading
Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, the Citizenship (Western Samoa Restoration) Amendment Bill, has passed its third reading and will become law. ...1 day ago
- Release: Minister of Education thinks New Zealand ends at the Bombay Hills
The Minister of Education has shown complete disregard for rural communities and their school bus routes in Question Time today. ...1 day ago
- Economists sound alarm on Government’s slash-and-burn approach
A group of prominent economists has released an open letter to the Government, raising grave concerns about the far-reaching consequences of its fiscal policy. ...1 day ago
- Release: Smoking numbers up under Costello’s watch
National’s repeal of Labour’s smokefree legislation has taken New Zealand further away from achieving a Smokefree 2025 and a smokefree generation. ...2 days ago
- Release: Call for Palestine recognition by NZ, Australian and Canadian MPs
Parliamentarians from Australia, Canada and New Zealand have written an open letter to their respective Prime Ministers calling on them to recognise Palestine. ...2 days ago
- Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions
Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Power of the people on full display as hīkoi approaches Parliament
Today, Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arrived in Wellington, with thousands gathering to march in unity against the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Hypocrisy as Te Whatu Ora contractor bill balloons
Te Whatu Ora’s bill for contracting and consulting staff has ballooned by nearly 20 percent under the National Government, breaking a promise they made during the election campaign to cut contractors. ...4 days ago
- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...4 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...10 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...10 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...11 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...11 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...12 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...13 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...14 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...14 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...15 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...16 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...19 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...2 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...2 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...2 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...3 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...4 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...6 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...7 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...3 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...5 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...5 hours ago - The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...6 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
When the bill to restore NZ citizenship to some Samoans passed this week, Parliament's galleries were full to the brim with members of the community. ...7 hours ago
- More Delays In Action On Use Of Puberty Blockers With Children
Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...8 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...8 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...9 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...9 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
The government has always vowed to reinstate live exports by sea, which was banned by the previous Labour government. ...9 hours ago
- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...9 hours ago
- Phenergan for under 6s is now banned due to hallucination fears. Here’s what to use instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...9 hours ago
- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Campbell, Lecturer, Performing Arts, UniSA Creative, University of South Australia Matt Byrne/STCSA Jack Maggs is a delight and a homage to theatrical storytelling in Australia. Based on Peter Carey’s bestselling novel, Jack Maggs follows the ex-convict as he lands ...9 hours ago
- The government has introduced laws for its social media ban. But key details are still missing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication, Director of QUT Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology Ron Lach/Pexels The federal government today introduced into parliament legislation for its social media ban for people under 16 years. Communications Minister Michelle ...10 hours ago
- Archives NZ, National Library to cut 27 roles
The Department of Internal Affairs wants to bring the two organisations under the joint leadership of the Chief Archivist and National Librarian. ...10 hours ago
- Gang patch ban: Members warn of potential for violence to ‘erupt’ as new laws enforced
"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail which I think is absolutely stupid, really it's ludicrous," Ngavii Pekapo, who set up a Mongrel Mob chapter 54 years ago, says. ...10 hours ago
- ACT leader David Seymour raises doubts about Waikato medical school
Government documents show ACT leader David Seymour told the government he was "dissatisfied" with a cost-benefit analysis. ...10 hours ago
- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...10 hours ago
- Labour backs new Police Commissioner – but warns against routine arming
The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...11 hours ago
- Youth on boot camp pilot re-offended five weeks after release
Children's Minister Karen Chhour said while it was disappointing, it would naïve to think none of the participants would lapse. ...12 hours ago
- In photos: People of the hīkoi, and why they marched
Hikoi mō Te Tiriti has come to an end, going down in history as the largest march to Parliament in Aotearoa. ...12 hours ago
- ‘Everything is becoming a culture war’: Jon Ronson on conspiracies and cycleways
Ahead of his appearance in Aotearoa, the acclaimed British journalist, podcaster and documentarian talks to Stewart Sowman-Lund about why people are still fascinated by the fringes. The last place I would expect to find Jon Ronson is relaxing in the countryside. The iconic British journalist and writer is best known ...13 hours ago - Kia kaha Lebanon: NZ media only tell half your story of struggle
The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution — for the fourth time — in Israel’s war on Gaza, while Hezbollah demands a complete ceasefire and “protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty” in any deal with Israel. Amid the death and devastation, Joe Hendren reflects on his time in ...13 hours ago
- ‘Deserves a Bafta’: After the Party premieres in the UK to five-star reviews
The acclaimed New Zealand drama has just premiered on TV in the United Kingdom, and the five-star reviews are already flowing in. Six months after it was called a “blistering” “tour de force” by Australian critics, and nearly a year since The Spinoff declared it the best drama New Zealand ...13 hours ago
- Drugs are getting cheaper and easier to find in Aotearoa
New Zealanders are drinking and smoking less, but most other recreational drugs are becoming cheaper, more popular and more available, two new reports show. Two significant new surveys about drugs in Aotearoa were released this week, offering a rare insight into New Zealanders’ choice of substances, which ones are becoming ...13 hours ago
- COP29: ‘climate finance’ for the Pacific is mostly loans, saddling small island nations with mor...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Ratuva, Director, Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Canterbury Lenora Qereqeretabua, the deputy speaker of Fiji’s Parliament, at the COP29 climate summit. IISD/ENB/Mike Muzurakis, CC BY-SA As this year’s UN climate summit reaches its final stage of negotiations, Pacific ...14 hours ago
- Review: The magic of Wicked and the curse of corporate greed
The new movie musical is undoubtedly a fun watch, but it’s also proof that bigger isn’t always better, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund. Contains minor spoilers for Wicked. There’s no doubt that Wicked is going to be huge. No other pop culture event this year, save from maybe Charli XCX’s Brat, has ...15 hours ago
- Dame Jacinda Ardern to be given United Nations leadership award
She will get the champion for global change award from the United Nations Foundation at a ceremony in New York tomorrow. ...16 hours ago
- NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand
Analysis: NZ is lifting what was supposed to be a permanent ban on live animal exports. But it’s not the lucrative industry it once was. The post NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago - Financial forms of family violence affect one in seven of us – but the law is lagging
There are calls for New Zealand’s Family Violence Act to name economic harm as a standalone type of violence, rather than a subcategory of psychological abuse, to bring it in line with the United Kingdom and Australia. Economic harm – restricting access to, sabotaging or exploiting another person’s financial resources, ...16 hours ago
- Downside Risks To Treasury’s Economic And Fiscal Forecasts
New Zealand is currently running a structural fiscal deficit, with expenditure exceeding revenue. Economic growth falling short of expectations has been making it harder for the Government to bring the books back into balance. ...17 hours ago
- Science continues to exclude Indigenous communities. Fixing this benefits everyone
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jordan Peter Anthony Pitt, Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Services (Faculty of Science), University of Sydney An enduring challenge facing science around the world is how to best include and engage Indigenous communities. In Australia, for example, 0.5% of Indigenous ...18 hours ago
- Why is cricket so popular on the Indian sub-continent?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Cricket originated in England, but has been spread worldwide by British soldiers and settlers in the past few hundred years. It is now the second most popular sport in ...18 hours ago
- Disinformation and deepfakes played a part in the US election. Australia should expect the same
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Renee Barnes, Associate professor of Journalism, University of the Sunshine Coast Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock As America takes stock after Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, it’s worth highlighting the AI-generated fake photos, videos and audio shared during the campaign. A slew ...18 hours ago
- Is thunderstorm asthma becoming more common?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kira Morgan Hughes, PhD Candidate in Allergy and Asthma, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University When spring arrives, so do warnings about thunderstorm asthma. But a decade ago, most of us hadn’t heard of it. So where did thunderstorm asthma ...18 hours ago
- Overwhelmed by ever more clothing donations, charities are exporting the problem. Local governments ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yassie Samie, Postdoctoral Researcher in Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University anna.spoka/Shutterstock What happens to your clothes after you don’t want them any more? Chances are, you will donate them to op shops run by a charity organisation. There are more ...18 hours ago
- Friendly fire: a nuclear push by allies at COP29 poses a sticky problem for Albanese
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland IndustryAndTravel/Shutterstock Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn’t see this coming. At the global COP29 climate talks in Baku, the Australian government was indirectly criticised by two allies, the United States and the ...18 hours ago
- Nugget Is Dead brings queer love, multiculturalism and Aussie flair to the Christmas movie formula
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Hart, Associate Professor, Film Screen & Animation, Queensland University of Technology Julia Firak Stan’s new Christmas film Nugget is Dead is a colourful production that follows the rules of the seasonal genre film to a tee – with an Aussie ...18 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: Should I cut contact with my ex-stepdad?
My parents are finally getting divorced. So why do I feel like my stepdad’s feelings are still my problem? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera My parents recently announced their separation. This in itself isn’t a problem. I’ve already gone through this once before in my early childhood, so ...18 hours ago
- New Zealand Drops In Global Ranking On Climate Action
If the government won’t hold polluters to account, then people will. People are increasingly taking to the streets and the courtrooms, putting their bodies on the line to shut down polluting industries. This will only escalate further unless New ...18 hours ago
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I have appreciated the speed of this governments’ first actions. That shows purpose and vigour. They are doing what they said they would do – and the back-pocket measures will be in place by July 1st this year.
I’m keen to see how the Prime Minister will make a difference in child poverty, and how the government actively frames the results with the media.
I have a feeling that this term they will be very lucky – they will spend the surplus, they will have stable economic conditions, and they appear stable as a caucus.
The main area I don’t get any sense from them at all is how they are going to enable more wealth in New Zealand. They have spent plenty of time already reorganising the tax they take off us in redistribution, and will go through a further year of it after the Working Group recommendations. Anyone can do that in government TBH.
The harder part is to build greater productivity and wealth. If they can’t do that, I don’t see them making inroads into National’s extremely solid support.
+1 Ad, The harder part is to build greater productivity and wealth.
They also have to look at quality of life – life is very stressful in NZ at present for many. Business are going under (today’s headline roadworks was blamed which does not surprise me as it is relentless and everyone avoids it, hence no customers to business unlucky to be near the abundant roadworks).
Wages are effectively going down, hours are longer, jobs less secure, basic expenses higher than wages which means many have to be topped up.
Huge superannuation issue which has been made worse by bizarre immigration criteria.
In any instance someone can just lose a massive amount of wealth and quality of life due to a resource consent next door which are as relentless as the amount of roadworks and upgrades destroying businesses. (https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/nor-west-news/99727284/Fears-a-child-will-be-hit-by-one-of-proposed-Auckland-sand-mines-100-000-trucks).
The net result under National has been to destroy the poor which is well highlighted but less visible is the attack on the middle class, because the businesses and homes and environments that are destroyed by the endless catering to multinational and global interests (blind population and development targets). As well as the overcrowded hospitals and schools and focus on revenue gathering and cost control not increasing outcomes for children and the sick.
Within 10 years if it continues NZ will have more than 50% in poverty as year by year the average person’s wealth is collateral damage for other’s greed. And NZ laws are ill prepared to protect their own citizens from it happening and government and councils seem to be cheer leading it on, or blind to the death by 1000 cuts of it’s effects.
Wealth may be in NZ hence the reasonable economy, but it’s being transferred from local people to global interests or new residents – the end result is that day by day local citizens struggle to afford to live in their own country anymore.
Labour need to keep an eye on the middle class – they seem to understand those in poverty but not why it’s happening in the last 30 years in particular and why more and more middle class are joining them or why there is an obsession with property those with and those without. (Clue wages are insecure and not keeping pace, taxes on property don’t help that). The increasing population is masking what is really happening in the transfer of wealth stakes.
What particularly bugs me is the number of ‘working poor’. At 4.6% headline unemployed wage pressure should be high, and inflation following.
This government must bring all its instruments to bear (not only $minimum wage rates and not just taxpayer funded WFF employer subsidies) to force real wages up, and get that headline unemployment rate even lower for more wage and salary pressure.
Another concern is the number of workers who are offered jobs that require hours longer than 40 per week, or shift work, or weekend work.
These impact on the quality of life of these people and impact negatively on the wider community. In the past employers simply offered the permanent after hours work and weekend work separately/as second jobs.
Excellent point.
40 hours a week was originally a maximum, not a minimum.
Bill English’s dream is that we are competing with Asia on Asian wages. Now we are 30% lower than Australia in wages. It will be hard to bring them up as Natz for 10 years have been going in that direction and the entire economy is geared to cheap labour and profit gouging by costing cutting aka wages not productivity gains.
The other issue is that many low level jobs are going with automation. So maybe the government needs to look outside the box with how to support many in this country without a job such as a UBI. I really think the answer might be immigration not giving away residency but selling it 10 year leases to live here with the person or family having private health insurance and not able to buy property.
Best of both worlds, we get the people and foreign money and job creation and diversity but not the extensive costs of having new people coming into a free health, education and social welfare country and using that when things go wrong or leaving to get a job on real wages and conditions once they get their residency or changing the culture of NZ with voting National in for years.
It would also mean a transparent process, people don’t have to waste 4 years being exploited by a low wage employer to get residency or pretend to invest in a cafe business here. They can just buy a 10 year visa and come here straight away and get their families out of their overcrowded and polluted or dangerous country.
Simple solution is to reinstate the MOW in a 21st century form. That should fix unemployment as it did last century. Oh, but the private sector will squirm and whine and the Fed farmers will cry wolf to govt control and the Nats will oppose it to the bitter end.
NZTA, through its contracts, is already New Zealand ‘s single biggest public construction employer.
Twyford looks like he is generating massive Urban Development Agencies for housing construction that will soak up even more.
There needs to be a “driven by the non-market” re-education program to reinstall the true egalitarian principles this country supposedly proudly stands for.
Jacinda Ardern is the first Labour leader since Norm Kirk that has the belief and the skills to make it happen.
Ardern is Helen Clark’s puppet, a media face, nothing more.
Probably one of the least skilled individuals I’ve ever seen running the country.
Her career up to this point has been rather underwhelming, to say the least.
Brace yourself to be overwhelmed then BM. But by the tone of your remarks it appears you already are overwhelmed by something of your own making and it must be very pungent and uncomfortable in the summer heat for you dear.
Why?
She has no PM skills, the only thing she’s got going for her is that she’s hooked up with Clark Gayford, who’ll use his contacts to make sure she gets plenty of positive media coverage.
People will tire of her very rapidly though, the giggly, goofy school girl routine has a very short shelf life.
Nappy change time BM, there you go, good wee fellow.
“Ardern is Helen Clark’s puppet, a media face, nothing more.
Probably one of the least skilled individuals I’ve ever seen running the country.
Her career up to this point has been rather underwhelming, to say the least.”
Lol, I see Crosby Textor haven’t updated their memo in a while. Getting boring, but I guess you can only work with what you are given.
Nope, she’s hopeless.
Be careful you don’t hit your head too hard when it slips off BM.
That’s unfair! What possible use could Crosby Textor make of a wooden sweaty cheerleader like BM? They must have some professional standards! Imagine the body hair peeking out from the top of his lycra onesie, the inept pom-pom flailing and pratfalls.
I’m afraid BM is his own choreographer.
Probably but remarkable how dedicated he is now to pushing bullshit memes.
Besides, I thought CT’s standards *were having wooden sweaty cheerleaders of BM’s calibre.
BM Whose puppet are you? I think you and Bill have “the blues”.
Most likely a young Nat sock puppet writhing in whale oil.
Ardern is Helen Clark’s puppet, a media face, nothing more.
Funny, that’s how I would have described Key, except for “Helen Clark’s” substituted with “the finance sector’s.” I wouldn’t have been completely serious, though – that’s because I’m not a complete fucking moron. I hope you can say the same?
I suspect that it’s also because more and more people are buying online. It doesn’t take as long, doesn’t have the stress of going to the store and finding parking and is far cheaper.
Instead of leading the change on this local businesses are demanding that things stay the same as they were in the 19th and 20th centuries. That’s not going to happen. And being online means that they can reach billions of people and not just a few hundred.
And that will continue happening while we maintain an ownership society that allows a single person to own so much.
The immigration is actually there to offset the superannuation issue to a large degree. We actually need people to do the work as people retire. That’s the problem with lower population growth since the Baby Boomers.
Immigration causes it’s own problems though. What is the carrying capacity of NZ?
True and if it continues on it will destroy society as it has always done.
Although some here don’t rate him, as a teacher I feel that Hipkins is making the right noises and decisions around education.
I agree – just getting rid of National Standards was an important move in the right direction. The education system has become dire, however, and there is a lot to fix. Tracey Martin is a very able associate who has good ideas and will work hard for reform
Yep big plus one for Labour on education for primary school children. Right direction for tertiary but feel that it’s not going to be effective as they think due to globalism. Need a more comprehensive and long term approach on tertiary rather than a 1 year of free tertiary education.
The plan is for three years fees free, and the schedule for it is already known (second year in 2021).
I just think the rule is too open and can be exploited. You should have to have been resident here most of your life to qualify.
2.1 JanM, Yes I agree, as we have, for the last 8 years, had a very narrow type of syllabus. Tick box testing of very structured teaching.
The joke is, other societies wanted our problem solving open-ended creative education, which we failed to value. We were second in the world to Scotland at one point for our excellent teaching results.
A huge number of NZ teachers went to areas of Asia and taught English Language when there was a paucity of positions in NZ. They came back impressed by the work ethic and the cramming favoured by these societies.
These ideas filtered through. We got Lockwood Smith’s syllabus which almost removed creativity. Guess what? Our place in the world rankings tumbled.
Added to that, now we have a teaching force trained, but not able to practice because of restricted budgets and resources such as Teacher Aides, a restrictive syllabus and a revamp of governance.
The loss of the experience of older teachers, as they were no longer as attractive to Boards of trustees who were often twenty years younger, plus they were higher on the pay scale, and their salaries were often twice that of the Chair of the Board.
Further, the determination to integrate all children with disabilities into the regular schools without enough hours of support caused endless problems.
(Parents were not told that their disabled child was only entitled to stay at school ’till 16, in a regular school setting, where in a Special School it was 21.)
Doing away with the role of Visiting Teacher to chase up absent or missing children has led to a lost group, who are itinerant now because of illness or homelessness or constant tenancy changes.
We then got Charter schools, which could obtain huge start up funds from the General Education Vote, did not have to follow the syllabus, and could use their own criteria to select students. They were allowed to have small class numbers. Further, their “teachers” did not have to be trained in all cases.
This is a firestorm of failure on many levels. It was compounded by the introduction of “Basic Standards”, which reinforced failed tick box type teaching.
Guess what? We have tumbled even further in world rankings.
C.E. Beeby had better open ended statements of intent in his syllabus. Filled with creativity and original thinking. We threw the baby out with the bath water.
These two Ministers, Chris and Tracey, have expressed many of these points at different times. They need support to turn this around and valuing teachers and their requirements to meet their pupils needs is a good sound start.
So I will be on facebook telling them when I think they are doing well. I have also renewed my party membership. I received lovely Christmas cards from Jacinda and Andrew in appreciation of support. Small donations when I could manage it, and words of support. It is a two way thing. Let’s all do this.
I also agree that Hipkins is starting well. Not only has he scrapped National standards, but the Labour policy to increase per child funding for schools that scrap
feesvoluntary donations is a smart move. Plus, the review of the structure of NCEA is timely. Secondary teachers have been wondering for a long time if three years of constant internal and external assessment is the best pattern to follow in the senior school. This is an issue I’ll be watching keenly.I also think they desperately need to cast a beady eye on the early childhood sector, which is sliding rapidly away from quality education to what my sister describes as ‘kiddie jails’ where business interests are all too often paramount 🙁
Yes Jan, so true.
As well as policy implementation, I think LAB should also look seriously into building their defences against the dirty and desperate attacks from NAT. The latter is a party with no ideas and no sense of fairness. They will spend their time muckraking and fake-news-ing rather than developing any kind of credible policy, because by definition they represent so few people they have nothing to give.
This means the gov coalition as a whole really has to attentively present itself as united and competent. Not to us the converted, but to the wider public and of course the media.
+1 roy Cartland. Better government funded media could help as well.
There is the point, very important, about Nats and really about all free marketers and neo libs whichever party they are in, that the belief that government is ineffective, inefficient, wasteful etc. inspires them to run it into the ground, to aim low and usually miss that target.
To fudge everything and generally to subvert the whole of our government services and usher in that awful don’t trust government thing that seems to dominate the USA. Along with that lack of commitment has gone in the belief and enforcement of high standards of everything to everyone.
With those sort of attitudes is it any wonder that we have lies, and statistics and research that are carefully chosen to present information in a slanted way that advances the skewed lack-of-ideals that the RW display.
Some interesting points Mickey, and it has been very encouraging to finally see some small bits of humanity coming from Government. I notice, however, the ongoing non-mention of any attempts to bring beneficiary voters back into the Labour activst/membership base.
A case of baby steps (lets reignite the unions first), or perhaps these small inititives like the winter energy payments are a subtle attempt to gradually woo us?
How about coming right out and saying the anti-beneficiary sentiment is still too ingrained within Labour parliamentary ranks -and no doubt many Labour voters- that even if some wanted to change things it’s too late.
Many of us have absolutely no confidence in Carmel Sepuloni based on her performance and attitude as Opposition spokesperson. I of course welcome the chance to be proven wrong. A token gesture to help with the power bills means nothing to us. Has a full review and upending of WINZ been ordered yet, with the aim of the bad staff being removed, and treating us like humans again? A directive that should’ve been initiated on Day One. If it hasn’t yet been, or isn’t on the immediate agenda, then why not? And the elephant in the room- benefit rates. It’s been made clear those won’t be increased so that pretty much clarifies Labour’s position on us. Nothing really has changed in 20 years.
Labour clearly want to build up their voting base- as any political party does- but they are hell bent on deliberately throwing away up to 300,000 votes. Why?
I expect Marama Davidson to hold Sepuloni’s feet to the fire on this issue.
“I expect Marama Davidson to hold Sepuloni’s feet to the fire on this issue.”
When?
What has she done to date?
Thus far she’s abolished sanctions and signalled that Bill English’s Nanny-on-Steroids panty-sniffing program won’t go ahead.
Part of the C&S agreement with the Greens involves a major overhaul of the Social Security Act.
Sepuloni.
“Part of the C&S agreement with the Greens…”
Without said agreement what are the chances this would be happening?
I dunno, but if you have a look at Sepuloni’s pre-election statements they might provide an answer.
@OAB I guess my sarcasm didn’t come through. And disillusionment.
I’ll pass at searching for anything a politician said/promised PRE-election; they can say and promise the universe- and always do- but until it actually happens there’s no point in believing anything.
I never had any expectations from Labour and I still don’t but if they do anything to make the life of beneficiaries easier then great, although it’ll be because of those pesky Greens and that annoying C&S. They’ve still lost my vote forever whatever happens.
As I’ve often said, at least the Nats don’t pretend to like us and are pretty open about it. All parties know exactly where we stand. Labour (and NZF) need to take a position on working age beneficiaries and let us, and the public, know their ideology and plans and stop playing games.
Well you did ask what chance Labour were going to do something without the Greens, and at this point we only really have public statements to go on.
I feel pretty much the same way about Labour as you do, it’s just one of those things it’d be nice to be wrong about.
@ One Anonymous Bloke
Is that abolished sanctions or abolished a sanction?
As for English’s policy, aren’t Labour merely tweaking it around the edges?
While some changes may take time to implement (and most will accept that) the longer they take to improve things, the higher the risk of voter disillusionment.
The patience voters have for their expectations to come into fruition is limited.
As for Marama Davidson holding Sepuloni’s feet to the fire, she’s yet to impress me.
Lets see if she (Marama Davidson) can get Labour to fork out a little something extra for beneficiaries over Christmas (next Christmas) rather than seeing a repeat of Jacinda appealing for public charity (see link below).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/99882671/pm-makes-donation-appeal-for-auckland-needy
I’m pretty sure you can find the answers to your questions without my help.
Found this (below) from Newsroom
Following the power shift, Sepuloni was quick to scrap the collection of personalised data by her Ministry.
But despite this, she told Newsroom she was in favour of the concept of social investment and said the new agency would continue under Labour.
“It has a future. They have real potential and I’m not the only Minister that thinks that.
“I support the (social investment) concept, I don’t support the direction the National Government were taking the concept….”
https://pro.newsroom.co.nz/articles/2265-carmel-sepuloni-social-investment-here-to-stay
So it seems the overall big brother social investment concept has her support and will continue under Labour, but there are likely to be changes in how it’s applied.
What do you expect Marama Davidson will do about this?
Anything to date?
You’re worried about a Big Brother approach: note the statement Sepuloni was quick to scrap the collection of personalised data by her Ministry.
She also said “I support the (social investment) concept, I don’t support the direction the National Government were taking the concept. Their version of social investment was primarily driven by fiscal implications to the State, so how much is someone going to potentially cost us long term and how we work with them to mitigate those costs moving forward. The Labour Party doesn’t like to view New Zealand citizens as fiscal liabilities.”
And the article informed us that she had asked officials to look at how other countries had approached the concept, particularly in Europe where the focus was investing in a person, not on how much they could save the country.
The article also says In a recent briefing issued by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, senior economist Sarah Hogan said Labour’s early intervention approach, such as the Best Start policy, would greatly influence the path social investment took.
Perhaps not as threatening as you seem to be determined to make it seem?
“Perhaps not as threatening as you seem to be determined to make it seem?”
Just a bit softer around the edges.
When the left push something, supporters tend to be more accepting. We witnessed that throughout Rogernomics. Would you be as happy if it were National driving these changes?
It will be difficult to target the investment if one can’t be identified, therefore there must still be some form of data collection going to take place.
Not all policies that will help beneficiaries are targeted and labeled as being just for them. The housing policies (esp re state housing and healthy homes) and the focus on reducing child poverty are relevant. Ditto the Best Start package and moves on school fees. Free tertiary education will benefit some people currently on benefits and kids who have been raised in beneficiary families. Plus, she’s already scrapped some of the sanctions used against beneficiaries (solo mums who don’t identify fathers) and says more will be scrapped.
As for the “bad staff” issue, this is not as easy as you suggest. I know there are some bullies and penny pinchers who work at WINZ, and people aren’t always told about entitlements. It’s pretty hard to fire staff who were acting in accordance with instructions, though. First you have to change the instructions, which Sepoloni says she’s doing. Then see who does and who doesn’t adapt their practices.
I know there’s a lot of frustration and stress amongst beneficiaries and others who work in this area. I think we need to give the raft of policies a chance to mesh together and then see where the gaps still are, though.
Labour’s state housing policy is vastly insufficient and their healthy homes policy is expected to increase rents.
More voter disillusionment in the making.
You want to design a state housing policy that’s practical to implement and that’ll be better than the current one? State housing has been run down and sold off for years. That’s a trend that’s already being turned around under this government.
As for the healthy homes policy – what would you rather do? Just leave rental houses to moulder away, and the people in them? There have been subsidies to insulate and heat rentals in the past and there are subsidies under this policy too. The difference is that this is now a requirement. If all rentals have to meet the standard, then all rentals will be competing on a similar basis as now. And there are plenty of places where rents wont go up, because the market isn’t overheated. Down here in the south, this policy is going to be really good for renters.
How about acknowledging some good, even if it doesn’t meet your standard of perfection?
We require a sufficient amount of state home to be built, thus I expect a Labour Government to address this as a priority. There should be no lowering of the bar on this.
As for healthy homes, I expect the state to be more supportive in lowering the fiscal burden. After all, it’s taxpayers that largely gain by the health savings, thus it’s only fair they help to foot the bill.
As for non overheated areas of the market, the cost burden may result in a landlord retreat, with the shortfall of rentals altering demand and supply, thus resulting in higher rents.
The state IS being supportive in lowering the fiscal burden. The estimate of cost per property for insulation and a heat pump is about $3000-$5000, and there are grants of up to $2000. Plus, there’s been heaps of warning about this, and other subsidy schemes over the years.
I own a rental property here in Dunedin – I took advantage of one of the previous schemes years ago to insulate it (thank you, Greens – the MOU with the Nats in the first term under Key) and installed a good heat pump a few years later (I think when Labour first tried to pass a healthy homes guarantee). I don’t think the state should have to fully meet my costs.
What do you want – for the government to pay the whole cost of upgrading private properties? There would be no practical way to ensure that rents wouldn’t rise even if there was 100% state funding. You might be able to ensure that current leases wouldn’t be altered, but after that..? And people would have improved properties which, presumably, they could sell for improved prices.
And I’m sure you know that Labour’s already committed to building 2000 extra state houses per year. That’s already bloody ambitious and will require significant commitment in terms of training, resources, planning, links to other policy areas, work with local government…etc.
It seems to me that you’re looking for a negative angle here. I agree that decent housing has to be a major government priority and – here’s the thing – so does the new government!
There is/was no commitment from Twyford (in your link) to build 2000 state homes.
And as the author ( Alan Johnson ) of the Taking Stock report said, “if we don’t do this… we’ll have increasing levels of street homelessness, we’ll have people living in poorer and poorer housing conditions and their lives will suffer as a result of that.”
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/337179/nz-not-catching-up-to-social-housing-need
Which I take you would agree would be rather negative?
As for the state being fiscally supportive, it requires to do more if it doesn’t want costs passed onto tenants, disillusioning supporters as a result.
Yes, while there is no guarantee rents won’t increase regardless. What it will be doing is removing the need for rents to increase. Meaning landlords won’t have to increase rents to maintain margins, thus a number (mostly those with good tenants) will be less inclined to do so.
Ask yourself, would you risk losing a good tenant if there was no need to increase the rent? I think not.
As for those looking to capitalize off the improvements by selling, a condition could be put into place requiring them to foot the bill from the proceeds of the sale. Or something along those lines.
The houses will still be there, so how will there be a shortfall?
Can you be a little more clear, thanks.
Do you mean if landlords retreat?
In this case the houses will remain but won’t really be feasible to re rent (with low demand and high repair costs) thus will more likely be sold to first home buyers. Reducing the rental stock.
First home buyers are renters….so in actual fact a renter will become a homeowner.
Therefore one less family/couple/group in need of a rental.
Landlords and investors who buy cheap houses are buying up the houses that should be available to first home buyers. A larger proportion of so called ‘rental stock’ should infact be somebody’s home, not a landlords nest egg.
‘Stock’ can only be increased by building new houses, not by condemning people to a life time of renting the houses they should own.
“First home buyers are renters”
Indeed, but with the demand for rentals growing while home ownership is in decline, another tenant will be in line to take their place.
Yes, first home buyers are competing with investors and yes, overall we need to build more homes.
However, it seems Labour are willing to prioritize building more homes for those that can afford to purchase a so-called affordable home over those in dire straits requiring a state home.
Rentals are no longer those old weatherboard shitboxes or concrete block bunkers we used to live in when we were young.
This is what the modern rental is and what younger people want and expect.
http://www.actionrentals.co.nz/index.php/properties.html?task=view&id=132&catid=50&tab=getmyhousestab
The problem we’re going to have is these places are built by private developers and then onsold to investors,
Labour really is running the risk of killing off these sort of developments if they make the rental market unattractive to investors.
If developers stop building because people aren’t investing then we’re going to end up in a far worse situation then we currently are.
I know of one group who were going to build a block of new rentals but have pulled the pin because of what Labour is proposing.
They’ve decided the risk is too high and have decided to sell the site.
It seems, does it?
Funny, I could’ve sworn that almost the first thing they did on becoming the government was instruct HNZ to stop the sell off and reinvest in new stock.
Oh well, you seem to know what you’re talking about I guess.
@ One Anonymous Bloke
Yes, they are going reduce the sell off of state homes (opposed to National) but they don’t plan to completely cease it.
And yes, they do plan to reinvest, but to date, insufficiently. With Kiwibuild being more the priority.
Yeah, you asserted that before. It’s bullshit, since they’re also accelerating HNZ’s rapid build program.
For someone who affects knowledge of this topic you’re remarkably ignorant of the facts.
@ BM
What people want to rent is subjective to the individual, their circumstances and requirements.
“Labour really is running the risk of killing off these sort of developments if they make the rental market unattractive to investors”
Indeed. However the Government could fill that potential void.
Nevertheless, it’s my understanding Labour are going to work with private developers.
@ One Anonymous Bloke
“It’s bullshit, since they’re also accelerating HNZ’s rapid build program.”
Calling you on it.
How many new state homes have Labour committed to provide annually?
No, I’m calling you out, you dishonest concern troll. Do your own search. The article you’re looking for (where Twyford doubled his pre-election promise) was published by Stuff on November 19th, but with your vast knowledge of the topic, you already knew that.
@ One Anonymous Bloke
You’re calling me out? Fine. I can back up my assertion.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/345178/government-pledges-to-build-more-state-houses
As for Twyford doubling his pre-election promise, he couldn’t commit to it.
Reducing the rental stock.
….and the demand for rental properties.
Unfortunately, the demand for rentals is on the increase while home ownership is in decline.
I wonder if they’re connected in some way.
Indeed they are.
.
(already covered above, please feel free to remove)
(P.S I must remember to refresh the page more often)
‘We require’! Who are you to wave your royal sceptre and demand such things.
We are not amused at the state of state housing and demand 10 houses built each week for the first year., increasing geometrically or exponentially, whichever is the fastest.
That’s just setting targets, and what is needed is a scoping statement showing the factors, how to overcome them and then build a variety of types and see how many can comply as well as getting the people, goods, and land together and voila up they go.
Sate housing demand stipulates what is required.
I didn’t create the demand, I’m merely highlighting it.
If Labour can’t even set a sufficient target, there is little chance they will build a sufficient number of state homes.
So yeah, they won’t be accelerating HNZ’s rapid construction program then. Definitely not doing that. No sirree. That news report was just a mirage.
Accelerating it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be accelerated enough to sufficiently meet demand.
Got a link to that report?
It was a mirage I tell you. I imagined it was a Henry Cooke article published on Stuff on December 15th, but I just can’t seem to find the energy to help you out.
4.2 Redblooded, Yes that is a fair point. Many policies appear to be support structures which will take time to implement, but will be interacting and a useful mesh reinforcing future policy.
Red-Blooded – be aware that Chairman has quite a good record as a concern troll, despite his deceitful pretences of being really a Leftie.
The advantage of being in government is being able to frame issues.
Such as doing some assessment of the link (from the 1990 cuts to the present) between benefits and the actual costs faced by those on benefits – this is not the same as the CPI (which in including new cars and other imports is not reflective of living costs of those on low incomes).
I suspect that this would show that the real rate of benefit has been reduced again by as much as in the Richardson era – the reason why Shipley wanted to move super to the CPI system to reduce payment levels year by year.
This would make it patently obvious, even to the most ardent of beneficiary critics that the token increases of late, first by National and now by Labour, are in no way sufficient.
The question then is how to silence those who would claim that this would still do nothing for children where there is poor parenting. One response is to have a
system for placing some parents onto the spending card if they budget poorly or do not prioritise need.
On last year, Labour got lucky that the rearrangement of support amongst the 50% who wanted change resulted in a Labour surge and the new leader polling creditably as a future PM. This gave a Labour led government creditability with NZ First.
Some things I would suggest is dealing with future issues that National ignored
1. work with farmers via interest free loans (repaid on farm sale) to assist them to meet farm environment standards asap. And an indication that farm environment standards would be raised (phase by phase) in the future.
And signal a use for CGT revenue off farm sales in this area modernisation of the rural economy (and a use for CGT off rental investment property in funding state housing and the AS).
2. a plan to bring in a electric car power charging grid and planning for meeting this demand for energy by reducing household demand (a programme for mass uptake of solar panel as per broadband).
3. identify future (rising) demand on the health system and plan how to meet funding required.
4. identify areas for improvement in the health care/Pharmac provision once funding was available (perhaps using what Oz provides as a relative target).
5. do something similar in education, it demonstrates ambition for improvement and helps to foster ambition in the commonwealth of society.
1. Just buy the farms when they go under and put in place managers to update them to modern sustainability standards. No point to continue rewarding the failed farmers.
2. Electric rail and buses would be a better idea. Electric cars would just maintain the waste of congestion.
3. The biggest problem for the health system is the Baby Boomers. So need to plan for that and then they need to plan for the decline in demand for health services as the Baby Boomers die off.
4. Significant increase in R&D for the drugs we need rather than always going to private offshore business.
5. We need free education but we also need places for the new graduates to go to work. We’ve been doing terribly on the latter over the last few decades as we import from slave economies rather than produce what we need here.
Good post, and all strength to Labour (and their coalition partner’s) arms.
Labour needs to understand that 50% of the population has less than 5% of the nation’s wealth, and that this has nothing to do with the strength or otherwise of the economy. This problem can only be fixed by redistributive policies, not by growing the economy.
+111
The way our economy is designed will always increase poverty – as we’ve seen over the last thirty years since the implementation of neo-liberalism. We need to change that design so that we don’t have a few people getting richer but with increasing poverty in the general population.
US 6 So if “50% of the population has 5% of the wealth” that’s us!! Trying to turn the neo liberal ship around. Great first 100 days!! All our small crumbs will make a loaf, and we also need to learn to repeat some memes and mantras of our own.
We are for kindness and fairness. We will talk truth to power. We value Public Service.
These three would be a good start. We have chosen these leaders, so let us support them in this herculean task, and learn to anticipate roadblocks with ready responses.
Yes, the new government has already been a little more redistributive than the previous one by cancelling the Nat tax cuts. But they will need to gather more resources (by collecting them from the extremely wealthy) if they want to transform society for the better – and this is not obviously on the agenda yet.
But they need to be wary of only trying to do neoliberalism “better” than the previous lot – instead they need to sell the idea of a new way forward that rejects neoliberalism and directly tackles inequality.
But they need to be wary of only trying to do neoliberalism “better” than the previous lot – instead they need to sell the idea of a new way forward that rejects neoliberalism and directly tackles inequality.
Clark and Cullen are now pulling the strings, and we all know both are supporters of the status quo.
The left-wing rump of Labour like the right-wing rump of National will be left disappointed by the lack of action and reform they’d expect their party to undertake.
Businesses as usual with a bit more of a left-wing slant to it is the roadmap for this government.
Clark and Cullen are now pulling the strings,
Evidence? The current government are calling on the expertise of people like Cullen (tax working group, Dunedin hospital rebuild). Being assigned a job and doing it is not the same as “pulling the strings”.
and we all know both are supporters of the status quo.
Do we? Then maybe “we’ll” be interested that Clark (a new member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy) has just called for decriminalising of all drug use. So status quo!
Evidence?
TPPA staying,
Free trade staying
The ban on foreign property investors with so many holes it’s pointless
Is there still going to be a water tax?
Continuation of Oil exploration and mining
Weak commitments to the environment with some meaningless goal for sometime in the distant future.
No changes to housing NZ
No change to Immigration numbers
Ardern getting rapidly pulled into line after making comments about how capitalism has failed, no doubt by Michael Cullen, you won’t hear anymore comments like that from Ardern again.
Do we? Then maybe “we’ll” be interested that Clark (a new member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy) has just called for decriminalising of all drug use. So status quo!
More to do with how the country is run.
Clark and Cullen both know you have to keep the banks and big business on side.
All tinkering will be at a more superficial level which the big players don’t really care about.
BM’s just projecting Cabinet Club ethics onto everyone else. The National Party is run by faceless unelected bribery, so other parties must operate the same way too.
Or by growing the “Common Wealth”
Labour also need to be careful with TPPA. They seem desperate to sign it but also know that most supporters don’t want them to sign it. There is an insecurity about Labour when it comes to free trade. If free trade is not going to be effective or popular, don’t sign it. Countries like Norway and Switzerland kept out of EU and found other ways to be effective economies while keeping their citizens happy. Sometimes being neutral is better especially if hard times are ahead and the resources that NZ has are in high demand aka just the country itself as a more pure and natural place to live.
Maybe selling 10 year residency visas (without voting rights) is a better way than giving away citizenship to Peter Thiel types who don’t live here or getting as many low level skills as possible and fake degrees. There is a lack of commercialisation of what NZ really offers to many of the world – aka being away from the rest of the world in a safe place that is not heavily industrialised or polluted.
Bizarrely the focus of development without any real controls is actually destroying what is the most valuable thing NZ actually offers to the world.
I agree the TPPA is big, there are many that do not want this signed.
Micky has made good points regarding the environment. At this time in Auckland we need to check if we can swim at many beaches and we need to check if we can walk in the Waitakeres.
Polluted lakes and rivers are of huge concerns to NZ.
Save and secure drinking water needs urgent attention
I agree the TPPA is a big one and needs to be addressed. Many members do not want to see this signed.
MS makes good points about the environment. In Auckland we have to check where we can swim and check if we can walk in the Waitakeres.. we have problems.
Save and secure drinking water is needing urgent attention. The recent inquiry found that a major overhall is urgently needed into the provision of drinking water. 5000 people were sick in Havelock North and no one was held accountable.
Glad you mentioned Aupito William Sio, Micky.
He is one of the best constituant MP’s going around at the moment, his office works well, and he takes time to really listen to people. And the big one, he then helps them constructively, rather than go for a quick fix.
Others would do well to follow his lead.
Thanks Adam. He really is a cracker, as are his staff.
Having met him I agree. A switched on individual with a good presence.
So – and this shouldn’t surprise anyone – I view NZ Labour being in government in much the same vein as I would have viewed a Clinton led Democrat admin in the US.
There’s some stuff worth looking at, but in the end it’s all just so much chewing gum that’s lost its taste. And we’d be best to be spitting it out.
Managing the fallout (such as the disillusionment Labour has created by their support of the TPP, their shortcomings on cannabis reform and failure to set a deadline for the minimum wage to reach parity with the living wage) will be vital.
Considering the current strain on the health system and considering we know the easier people can access their GP’s and get aliments treated early, the less cost and strain they are likely to put on the health system going forward, one would have expected these cheaper ($8) GP visits to be implemented ASAP.
So why are we waiting?
Will Labour provide cheaper GP visits before the end of 2018?
It may have escaped your notice, but these folk have had very little time to enact reform yet.
It should have been in their first 100 day plan. At the leased, a time-frame announced.
Not everything can be done in 100 days. That plan is already pretty damn full, in case you haven’t noticed!🤔
There’s no reason to doubt that this policy will be enacted. Let’s remember that Clark, the new Minister of Health, had other priorities before Christmas (various DHBs in meltdown).
“Not everything can be done in 100 days”.
True, but considering the mess Labour has inherited (a health system in dire need of more funding) coupled with Labour’s self-imposed fiscal restraints (Budget Responsibility Rules) limiting their ability to sufficiently respond, unnecessary expenditure (due to delays in ailments being treated) makes it a rather high priority.
Clearly, Labour can’t afford health cost to unnecessarily grow.
Moreover, there is putting an end to the human cost of people not seeking treatment, ending up worst off as a result.
“There’s no reason to doubt that this policy will be enacted”
It’s when will it be enacted that voters want to know?
A timely Post MS, and thank you for the opportunity for us to divulge our own personal wish lists.
Other commentors have covered most of the important issues, with Kay at “4 ” giving voice to one of mine…saves me having to go there. Thank you, Kay.
MS…you draw attention to the apparent lack of urgency from Clare Curran for an overhaul of the Official Information Act, which is a bit weird as just last night/ wee hours of this morning I was google stalking Ms Curran to find the article I was sure I’d read some years back in which she expressed her outrage at legislation being passed under urgency….
“…which are not able to be properly scrutinised because the advice from officials about their impact is apparently too sensitive for us mere mortals to behold. The long term ramifications of this are not good for our rights as citizens; our privacy and our ability to trust our government.
The basis of the legislation is highly questionable but the ability to debate that and any legal risks has been curtailed by the removal (or redaction) of this important official advice from the publicly released Regulatory Impact Statement (or RIS). ”
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1305/S00312/the-law-of-nz-according-to-kafka.htm
Now, I have no problem with Opposition MPs grabbing onto an issue and hotly criticising the Government and as a consequence getting their names and faces in the media spotlight.
What I do object to, hotly, is those self same opinionated MPs promptly forgetting their previous moral stances and spinning the ‘let’s take one day at a time’ line.
However…Clare Curran does make some very emphatic statements in the ODT article you linked to MS…
“” She said the Labour-led Government would be more open than the previous government.
A different approach to official information is going to ensue.
Openness and transparency and doing things differently is important, so we’ve got to practise what we preach and actually do it.””
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/breaking-new-ground-and-ready-serve
So, with this in mind my extra task for today is to write to Ms Curran and remind her of these words, and specifically in respect to this…http://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/informationreleases/ris/pdfs/ris-moh-fcc-may13.pdf that she took the opportunity to raise her political profile over.
My partner and I spent some time over the silly season writing to all seven of the current sitting Government MPs who spoke out against the Public Health and Disability Amendment Act(2) back in May 2013.
We reminded each of them what they said…https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/50HansD_20130517_00000008/new-zealand-public-health-and-disability-amendment-bill
We asked that this Act be repealed ASAP…honouring their pre-election promises.
We asked that the redacted sections of that RIS be revealed…as all of them expressed varying levels of outrage at the lack of transparency over legislation that removes the rights of New Zealanders.
We asked that the failed and discriminatory Funded Family Care policy that drew so much criticism that day be abandoned and those disabled New Zealanders be allowed to use Individualised Funding to pay their chosen carers.
We headed the letters…New Zealand Public Health and Disability Amendment Bill (No 2) or How you can truly earn the title “Honourable”.
1000%
I’d like to give a thumbs up to David Clark for axing plans for a PPP for the Dunedin Hospital rebuild (and any others) and for appointing Michael Cullen to run the group tasked with getting on with this (after years of treading water under the Nats). The increased focus on mental health is also long overdue.
Clark’s in a portfolio that’s been suffocating for years under Woodhouse and the austerity approach of the Nats, and he’ll have a real struggle on his hands to try to restore functionality in many of the DHBs (including our southern DHB). Personally, I think the whole DHB system could do with a rethink, but I don’t think that’s a first-term priority.
Thank you MS for your very intelligent, well articulated and balanced post. Your hopes for 2018 seem well able to be realised and I hope you can have input officially to that happening!
I too have been so impressed not only with our vibrant new PM, but also Andrew Little. 10 out of 10 for both.
15 Reality, 1000% Brilliant honest and caring, Jacinda and Andrew shine in office.
No-one has mentioned Grant Robertson. I am pleased with the selection for the “Tax working group”. He has not scared the horses, but has put new expectations on the R.B.N.Z. Governor to keep employment in the picture.
As a matter of interest, what’s wrong with scaring the horses?
Hello Ed, I read interest.co.nz and follow business opinions. They were up in arms until the group was named. I guess there was such kick back about tax I was pleased to see they felt positive about the selection of people, as it was balanced. Nothing to gain by scaring the horses, they bolt mindlessly. Better to harness them Cheers.
what’s wrong with scaring the horses?
People get trampled. To death, Ed.
+1 Reality
It must’ve been about 2000 I wrote to Pete Hodgson (then minister for science) urging him to offer funds for a few postgrad projects in solar roofing. He fobbed me off of course, and wasted a bunch of money on a vanity project solarizing the roof of a primary school with existing imported technology. We could have got ahead of the curve there, but we didn’t.
The changeover from unsustainable practices to more sustainable ones will be expressed as growth. If we can develop the greener technologies which are our obvious strengths we could do very well – but I see few signs of a concerted effort as yet.
Labour has made a good start – albeit curtailed by the brevity of the post-election year. If they can keep up the momentum of change there is a fair prospect of multiple terms. They should not be fooled however by nonsense statistics like an unemployment rate measured by a single hour of employment, or technical growth from inflows of migrant capital. The housing crisis is first of all an economic crisis – were people flush with money they could solve it themselves. We are seeing the leading edge of the wave of impoverishment created by neo-liberalism – things are going to get significantly worse, and significant and sustained government action will be required.
One very early thing that Labour will have to do is get a new Deputy-Leader. Kelvin Davis is completely hopeless.
You cannot possibly get by with a person who has no idea what to say in the House when he has to stand in for the PM.
His ridiculous claims, pre-election, about what a New Zealand Government should, and could, be doing for New Zealand citizens living in Australia are also coming back to bite him.
Where on earth did they get him from and how could he have been given a job that is so far beyond his ability?
Who is going to take over, and how quickly can they arrange it?
Alwyn 17 He has done just as well as S. Nash!! Jacinda backed the statements about treatment of resident Kiwis in Aus, and threatened retaliation. The upshot was a backdown on university fees by Aus.
As Minister of Prisons, his statements about our penal system and the bad practice has been borne out by the United Nations re solitary.
” He has done just as well as S. Nash”. Well that’s strong praise!
Perhaps so, but is that really satisfactory?
He is meant to be the Deputy-Leader after all.
That puts him ahead of such luminaries(?) as Little, Robertson and Twyford.
Nash on the other hand is below people like Hipkins, Sepuloni and Clark.
Did you ever watch Davis in the House when he was having to answer questions on behalf of the Prime Minister? You could hear the words being fed to him by Robertson and others on the front bench. He really had no idea what he was there for.
No I missed that. A case of stage fright? He is held in high regard in the North. He is, I believe related to Winston, so oral expression shouldn’t be a problem.
Lack of time to train? It doesn’t come easily to some. Andrew Little had to work at it.
Nice guy, too nice. Robertson will get 2ic and I think everyone knows it, National to their credit backed off on exposing him further.
National have their own house to get in order. Bill English is yesterdays man, Joyce is also dragging the team down, as are a half dozen of the old cabinet crew. Bit of positioning going on, Bridges & Collins will be the ticket soon into 2020.
Something funny is going on with this coalition. They have turned off access to the activists that put them in power, hearing regular complaints now. They need to address this immediately, as grumbling over the TPPA coupled with the perception Labour could be National lite. I am not jumping to conclusions as they have been under the pump getting settled in. A one trick pony government is a fail, we live in hope they will address the concerns raised.
US 6 So if “50% of the population has 5% of the wealth” that’s us!! Trying to turn the neo liberal ship around. Great first 100 days!! All our small crumbs will make a loaf, and we also need to learn to repeat some memes and mantras of our own.
We are for kindness and fairness. We will talk truth to power. We value Public Service.
These three would be a good start. We have chosen these leaders, so let us support them in this herculean task, and learn to anticipate roadblocks with ready responses.
Did he make any throat-slitting gestures or deny any facts?
Good point on the 20 % kiwi saver fees one can see that shonky changed the rules to benefit his banker mates .The Kiwi saver fees should be legislated at 5% broker fees.
I remember back in the day getting sold a private retirement policy I should have just burnt $3000 it was a rip off .Someone else tried to sell me another one you know that I politely declined there sham of a offer .
When Kiwi first started I was on the 5000 cow dairy farm about 10 years ago there were 13 of us that I had got jobs on that farm I was assisant manager and I encouraged all to join Kiwi saver as I still do .The people that listened to my advice one has a mortgage and is paying off a house the others are planning to get a mortgage they should have about $40.000 .The ones that said I can not afford to part with $30 a week well they just have memories of a good time and this is my point $30 a week is nothing one box a week to forfeit for a retirement saving as I have heard all the wealthy have enroled there children and got the free $1000 + the tax rebate for each child and are paying $30 a week to get the extra $521 per annum thats $5000 alone in ten years the people that listened got $8000 free from the state . there mite be a bit of pain to start out but 10 years goes by with the blink of ones eyes.
And then it will be all sore faces. PS You can enrole the mokos and pay $30 and get $40 dollars a weeks saving to benefit there future thats what Im all about the future equal prosperous future for all Ka pai
Eco Maori, I explained how valuable the teacher’s pension could be for women, when we were allowed to re-join and not have to pay the earlier years back, though you could elect to buy them.
National did fiddle with the scheme, but it was still worth joining before it was closed. Many listened to me and were thankful for the extra money on their retirement.
We never heard. What happened to the Kiwi Saver people from Dick Smith?
Hope they were ok.
Compulsory voteing and compulsory Kiwi saver these policies would help the stop the slow the neo liberals process of funneling OUR resources to the wealth. The trickle down effect is a lieing sham the only thing that trickled down to the lower classes is crap. People will say you can’t have these two policies. I would say shut up and look at our Australian cousins there wages are higher there unions are stronger than ours. There are other policies but I say that these 2 policies are a must for a prosperous positive future for US MAORI.
Ka kite ano
Agree with Compulsory voting, but not the compulsory Kiwisaver unless it’s guaranteed by government.
What are you planning to ask the Government to guarantee?
That the client gets their own contributions back?
That they get back their own plus their employee contributions?
That they get back their own plus their employees plus the tax-payers contributions?
That they get back one or another of these minus some agreed fee?
That they get some defined, positive, return?
At what date should the guarantee take effect?
Should it be at all times or perhaps only at their 65th birthday?
Should it be for every single component of the investment or only the total amount?
Is the guarantee before or after allowing for inflation?
It is such an easy thing to say isn’t it?
” it’s guaranteed by government.”
But what is the guarantee you have in mind?
Alwyn 18.1.1 In Australia they have a simple insurance on the first hundred thousand, paid via a fee.
I don’t think that would cover very much though.
I believe the minimum an Employer can contribute is 9.5%
I suppose the employee would put in 5%.
If you earned a fairly conservative $80,000 a year that would mean about $11,600/year going in.
That is about the average full time earnings per year of an Australian by the way, so it isn’t just an arbitrary amount.
The scheme has been running for about 25 years and there are going to be a very large number of accounts with far more that $100,000 in them.
The problem is that the people who really need the money are those close to retirement. They don’t have time to build it up again. If you are 25 it really isn’t that important. You may be unhappy but there is a lot of time to recover.
I don’t think insurance for $100,000 is really what savenz had in mind.
We won’t know, of course because he isn’t answering question. Pity really.
It is so easy to make statements like “Government guarantee” without having the faintest idea what you mean.
Your average Aus wage is too high, as you haven’t allowed for tax and medicare and super. More like 58 to 61 000 in the hand.
Some costs are huge compared to NZ. Rego for a car is 6/700 a year.
The figures come from the ABS
The average weekly wage for full-time adult workers was $1,543.80 which is about $80,500 per year.
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6302.0
The amount after tax, Medicare and super deductions is irrelevant. Your super money comes from pre-tax income, not after tax I think.
The 9.5% is based on pre-tax income is it not?
Yep sorta like the SCF money bak alwyn.
You really should talk to Michael Cullen if you want to know about SCF.
He was the one who allowed them to get coverage.
God knows why.
Maybe BUT who said pay them out!!!
I have explained what happened on a number of occasions on this site.
I am not going to waste my time doing it again.
Why don’t you use Google to find out what happened?
Wasn’t it the Nats who paid them out?
They were in Govt. at the time
They were paid out because the Government had guaranteed their deposits.
If they hadn’t been paid then there would have been a total loss of trust in any other guarantees the Government had made, or contracts they had entered into.
Would you trust anyone who made a legal commitment and then, when called on to honour it, simply refused?
Now read up on the whole saga of SCF before you waste time and space on this blog with your ignorant jabbering. I am tired of being called on to repeat explanations because somebody cannot be bothered to read them the first time around.
Gee thanks Alwyn
So nothing i said was wrong HUH
And I am so sorry you are so upset.
“nothing i said”.
Just what did you say, and what did you mean?
And pray tell us what you think?
Should the guarantee have been honoured or not?
I’m sure we will all be interested in your opinion.
SCF were paid out by the Natz.
I read them.
Treasury still has all the paperwork.
The only question remaining is whether Alwyn is telling porkies deliberately.
To OAB.
“On November 19th 2008”
That is correct. However the whole list had been prepared under the Caretaker responsibility of Cullen. Convention holds that the Treasury Secretary wouldn’t sign it unless it was allowed by the incoming Government. It was a bit late to change the list as the thing had to be introduced immediately to match the Australian actions.
“The deed was renewed on December 11th 2009”.
Also true. However there is one thing that you should bear in mind. If SCF had been dropped from the scheme it would not taken effect instantly. They would have still been covered until the original scheme expired. I understand it was expected that all funds would have been withdrawn from SCF, it would become insolvent and the guarantee would have to be honoured if there future exclusion was promulgated. There was, wishfully as it turned out, the hope that SCF could be sorted out while still in the scheme. It wasn’t and it collapsed but paying out was unavoidable from the time it was first included. That was caused by the then Labour Government.
To dv.
“SCF were paid out by the Natz”.
Answer the rest of the question dopey.
Would you have paid them out or would you have demonstrated that the word of the New Zealand Government cannot ever be relied on? Come on, tell us what you would have done. It isn’t really to much for you to comprehend is it?
I note you failed to address their entry into the extended scheme, and therefore failed to settle the question of whether you’re lying deliberately or not.
So what about AOB point about the extension in 2010?
I would have NOT extend the scheme in 2010 seeing have so politely asked.
(Still it was still the Natz that bailed them out.)
To OAB @12.37.
The same thing applied, as was meant by my comment.
Once they were in the scheme the couldn’t be dropped while they were still in their precarious financial position. If it had been announced that they were going to be excluded, at some time in the future, the deposits would all have been pulled before the exclusion date,
The only real possibility of avoiding loss was to get the company back on a sound footing.
You can of course say that the Crown should have exercised more oversight, and perhaps just taken them over at an earlier date but there never was a time that they could just have been dropped from the scheme without having to honour the guarantee.
I notice that dv simply says he wouldn’t have included them after 2010. That would have caused the initial guarantee scheme to be triggered while it was still in place.
dv therefore is saying he would have, in effect, forced a pay out under the initial scheme. He clearly didn’t want to leave any possibility of the financial strife in the company being sorted out.
Compulsory Kiwi Saver at 3% is hard on those on low incomes. It is good for those who can save for a home but not so much for those just struggling to pay rent and living costs. This explains the lack of take up in the voluntary scheme.
In Oz the wages are higher (thus less of a problem for those on low incomes affording it), and this is despite the employer contribution to their saving.
So make the minimum wage a lot higher.
Also have a problem with the current 20% of profits currently being taken by fund managers on average in Kiwisaver. Should be 5% max.
Out of curiosity where does the “Should be 5% max” come from?
Do you actually have experience in running one of these schemes?
Do you plan to start one and provide all the services at that sort of fee?
In other words do you have any knowledge at all on the subject or are you just someone who says something should be so-and-so because I SAY SO.
@ Alwyn, Wah wah, banks only making billions in profits, poor them – they have to take 20% on average of some poor sods future retirement profits from Kiwisaver. My point is – if it is compulsory then it has to be have maximum fees such as 5% or under AND be guaranteed. Other countries make their banks insure their savings so that if they go under the insurance pays out. Not NZ of course. Always looking after the big guys purse and fuck off to everybody else. Thats how crap our government is at looking after people’s interests here and why we have such growing inequality – masked by rich migrants coming in and making statistics here look less hideous than they really are.
I take that to mean what I suspected.
You haven’t the faintest idea about how the industry works and just hate the banks.
Try finding out what they do, what the costs are and what the income from the investments might be.
By the way. A KiwiSaver investment is not at all like a savings account in a bank. You can get really conservative versions that are close but they would be an absolutely terrible way to try and save for your retirement. If you managed to keep the amount in the account up to inflation you would be lucky. In real terms you should expect such a safe investment to lose value each year.
This site at least suggests that fees in the order of 2% are on the high side.
https://www.thebalance.com/ask-about-fees-before-you-invest-2388527
Of course the NZ market is different, and the operators less skilled and facing less competition. Nevertheless 5% is pretty steep. On 5% the manager is likely to make more than the investor.
Not if the fee is 5% of profits.
You are being quite unfair.
You aren’t allowed to bring nasty little details like facts into these bank-bashing exercises.
Profits or money invested? You mean there is a difference? Don’t tell Stuart. It will only confuse him.
On the other hand I do think that most organisations in New Zealand charge much higher fees than are justified by their performance.
A low fee Index fund seems quite appropriate for most KiwiSaver investments. And I do mean low fee.
Just keep the Politicians away from any investment choices. I don’t want the Green Party deciding that peoples retirement money should be put into things the Green Party approve of.
Fair enough – though bank bashing is a bit of a stretch.
We have a relatively expensive financial culture, with a relatively high failure rate. Some regulation would not go amiss – more consumer protection than Green ethics.
Excellent graphic about ghost jobs and showing double standards at WINZ.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2018/01/08/its-official-msd-treats-ghosts-better-than-they-treat-actual-living-beneficiaries/
Picking up on Micky’s point about connecting with new volunteers. We need to see some leadership from Fraser House here, before all the good will evaporates. As a member of my LEC, anything would be better than the nothing support we are getting at the moment.
It is a system problem. The individuals involved that I know are dedicated and hard working. The party is struggling because it has had a lack of resources for years but suddenly had a rush over a few months.
Management needs to improve tho.
Like clothes, cars and slang, styles of organisations are subject to falling out of fashion.
If someone was to ask me “So how do you spend your spare time Dave?”
I’m unlikely to respond “I’m an active member of the Labour Party.”
Would you Micky? If I was you I’d say “I’m doing what I can to pull up this kauri die-back thing.”
To survive Labour focus will need to move with fashion.
These days I see their USP as something like ‘People are more important than money.’
Thanks Dave
Part of the motivation for the post. Labour needs to be a mass membership movement. And to do this they have to do the fundamentals really well …
Hi ms,
Can I take a tiny piece of your time to read my early experiences of the Labour Party. It was 1972 and I had just joined the party at a booth set up at the Auckland Easter show. It was a large booth, weather proof and painted white and red – inviting in appearance. A couple of weeks later I received a phone call from the local LRC secretary (it changed to LEC a couple of years later) and he arranged to come to my home (my parents home then) to meet me and invite me to the next meeting. I went (because I felt I had to) and it proved a rewarding exercise. After business which never took more than half an hour, there was always a debate on a matter of current interest with individuals arguing both sides of the case. Afterwards we would discuss the merits of each side, who had won etc. It was stimulating. Eighteen months later when I had risen to the giddy heights of LEC secretary (show some enthusiasm and you soon find yourself running or helping to run the show) I remember being phoned to tell me someone would be popping around with a stack of pamphlets. The someone proved to be Helen Clark. I invited her in for a cup of tea and home-made biscuits. She stayed for about an hour and we had an enjoyable discussion – that is how we all got to know one another in those days. There was the telephone or you personally visited one another.
I sometimes feel that in this modern world of texting, emails etc, Labour has lost the personal touch. Without the one on one direct communication that I experienced, I’m not sure whether I would have ever become as involved in politics as I did.
Just a little lesson that perhaps can be learned from the past.
They need to pay more than just lip service to fixing our archaic cannabis laws.
Not just medicinal, but recreational too.
Recreational cannabis Is not thr number 1 priority.
Ridding NZ of neoliberalism and setting up a new ecosocialist state is.
The legalisation of cannabis will happen once the fundamentals are changed.
Do you not think that the decriminalisation of cannabis, with all the social ramifications that involves, will send a clear signal of a change of direction?
Of course.
And nationalising banks, insurance companies, public transport and forestry will send an even stronger message.
Sure, that would send an even stronger message, whereas cannabis law reform is actually on the agenda.
Agendas can be changed.
When the crash occurs this year, the government will have every reason to intervene.
Stopped clocks and cocksure. I am beset by doubt.
“nationalising banks, insurance companies,”
Like that is going to happen.
Easy to do.
Just requires courage.
“The legalisation of cannabis will happen once the fundamentals are changed.”
What a load of shit. States are changing laws all over the US while this so called Labour party sits on its finger. And that includes the pathetic response we have had from them over medical use.
It doesn’t have to be the number one priority, they can make a list and work their way through it.
Absolutely.
Let’s start though with dismantling the neoliberal state apparatus.
Technically, dismantling state apparati is what neoliberals do. Rebuilding public services will require rebuilding the state.
Didismantling laws that set up the neoliberal regime
In my opinion that’s the wrong focus: you can’t repair one thing by demolishing another, and it’s the repair work that counts. Done poorly, it will collapse on its own, and to labour the metaphor, the National Party will be adding as much straw to the concrete as it can.
Being ahead in the polls would be good. National are now in Opposition (due to a quirk of MMP and Winston, rather than Labour actually winning the election, they came a distant second). First time in our political history that the Opposition party leads in the polls. This isn’t a good look for a new government. Good luck at turning that around. The waka jumping bill won’t go down well with the electorate either, it’s a hugely undemocratic move. Look as though you know what you are doing in govt rather than winging it, and most of all, stop looking like a bunch of power hungry control freaks, who 60 percent of the electorate soundly voted against. Winston won’t save u all next time, NZ First are toast already. Has the cheek to change our constitutional laws at only seven percent of the vote. Huge vote loser for the govt.
Try not to savage the economy and blow National’s gigantic surplus. Sigh. Move to Aussie.
It’s good to see you taking my advice, but I really think you need to ramp up the outrage a little bit.
Perhaps you could brush-up on your MMP for Idiots edition.
More like this methinks:
MMP won’t work for Labour as it stands though, will it, with Winston and co goneburgers next time. 2020 or less will be FPP in all but name and pretty much a two horse race. There is a huge difference in actually winning an election, therefore being there as the first choice of the populace, rather than being saved by one man and his huge ego. MMP is a broken system, as you will find when next time, it works against you. Of course, had Labour won the actual election, and Winnie had chosen National, the howls of outrage from both the MSM and the left, would be absolutely deafening. But then it’s always different rules when it suits the left’s purpose, of course.
House on the market, headed for more democratic shores, where workers get rewarded, tax cuts are plentiful, and promises are both sensible and kept, and govts are actually elected ‘by the people, for the people, and of the people.’
Tanz, Aussie is beginning their own form of contracts act. Businesses over there open a “cheap” format, where they are offering no penalty rates for overtime, rolling shifts at basic pay, all this at minimum rates. This is designed to circumvent union conditions.
As here, migrants including NZers take these jobs, because over 32 hours a week gives super benefits including money from the employer. So best of luck with moving there, as their economy currently isn’t good, and their debt is worse, and you will lose 10% of your current money to exchange differences, plus costs.
Homes are of a better standard, but rents are awful. If you leave money in a bank account for 3 years untouched the Government will put it in a slush account, and it is troublesome to get it back. The grass is not greener, unless you have tank water. Working in 45 to 50 degrees lately has been horrific for some of our relatives. Do your homework. Oh and their political carry on is unbloody believable.
Thanks for the heads up. At least their govt is properly elected, and the first choice of the majority of the people. Going to try our luck anyway, don’t want to see first hand as National’s fantastic country and economy gets decimated by a group of unelected, out of their depth, schoolkids and their power-mad master/s.
Tanz, You also need to get references for rentals, attend open homes to apply to rent, have sufficient points through many forms of I.D. to open a bank a/c.
Contact the Bank in the area you wish to live, find out their rules.
Some things have to be done from here before you go.
Good Luck. P.s. I don’t think you will find the welcome your’e expecting, as you will be in competition with Aussies. I DONT agree with your view of NZ under National.
Good Post Mickey and you’ve identified a couple of the weaknesses IMO that Adern will have to address in the shape of Clare Curran and possibly Trevor Mallard who has lost what little mojo he had and looks every bit a beltway trougher now.
Hipkins has been OK but it’s an easy task so far by doing the obvious in removing national standards and healing the open wounds in education national enjoyed rubbing salt into.
It’s all about minimise the errors, keep a consistent message and weed out the national lite Labour MP’s who stir up trouble….looking at you Mr Nash.
Clare Curran needs to act on the media soon.
Top priority for this government is to deal with the corporate propaganda machine.
Take back the airwaves.
Curran? Oust the only proponent of squatters’ rights in the Beehive? For shame!
We agree on something.
We agree on lots of things Ed. It’s one of the reasons I find your rhetorical approach so irritating 😛
Cheers TC
To be frank I can’t believe how poorly Hipkins has done. Education should have been a free shot the Nats were that bad. But Labour’s position always felt confused …
That’s what happens when you try and play down the middle to appease everyone.
I was being generous as Hipkins is actually an idiot IMO but even idiots get a chance to show they have value. His performance is par for his course so far.
I’m still not seeing a socialist option but at least we removed the wrecking crew for now but they’ve been far too nice to National.
About time they started telling NZ the true state of education, health, infrastructure etc and gave an account of what happened with the power generator sale money as one example of the years of BS National fed them.
Micky Savage 23.3 Great Post Micky, very interesting, though you say “I can’t believe how poorly Hipkins has done” I feel this is a tad early to completely judge how Hipkins has done. Steps and policies are in place, but as schools are closed for 42 of the first hundred days progress is hard to measure imo.
Are you referring to their behaviour around charter schools? The “Softly softly approach” is to be expected, as these schools were mainly taken up by the poor. To change them without total disruption to children and staff will take time and consultation.
TC in your reply you don’t see “socialist values”, yet I thought the (fees) donation issue has been brilliant. What did you want to see done?
Hi Patricia. Based on a few things …
Alwyn 18.1.1 In Australia they have a simple insurance on the first hundred thousand, paid via a fee.
This time next year, we will know if Labour has a chance of getting a second term.
They won’t. I saw it in the crystal ball. Winston is toast right now, so National will romp home, alone! The COL a one hit wonder, will go down in history as just that, as Prebble so rightly predicted. Prebble. A Labour man!
A non-elected government will never work, and never be accepted by the whole electorate as legitimate, MMP be damned. New Zealanders are too used to a govt that came first and a major party that received the most votes.
Better. Add more exclamation marks next time.
Tanz, In Aus your vote will get moved from your most preferred candidate to a lesser preferred one under their system. Same way Andrew Little was made Leader. Of course if everyone with a vote prefers the same person that person will be elected unopposed. As Jacinda Ardern was.
I think after a time, you will realise that you are an immigrant, not an Aussie!! Oh and you will need to get your Aus driver’s licence after 3 months or you won’t be legal.
Now you’ll have to do one for the Greens Mickey.
Im not sure I should be the one to do this. Weka?
Why not?, you did the National one.
Trample on some toes, it will be fun.