Who will be the next Auckland Mayor?
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8:00 am, December 4th, 2021 - 35 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, david shearer, efeso collins, supercity -
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If he decides to run again I suspect that Phil Goff will easily be re-elected as Auckland Super City mayor. The job is immensely complex and hampered by the Super City model but Goff has performed well despite having to battle Covid and its consequences.
And he has learned that Local Government is a different beast to Central Government. Earlier criticisms that he was not consulting sufficiently with councillors have disappeared. He has addressed water quality and environmental concerns with targeted rates that are having a positive effect in these areas. And when it comes to the big stuff, such as getting budgets passed, he has managed to achieve these without difficulty.
So it is his for the taking. But he has already served six years in the role and the thought of committing to a further three years is clearly something he is considering.
The job is daunting. In my view it is the toughest political job in the country. Having 1.7 million constituents and having to continuously corral a disparate group of councillors without the benefit of a party system is at times all consuming.
It has also been rumoured that Goff could be in line for the American Ambassador’s position. This must have some appeal.
There is discussion about who his successor may be. In a clear sign that Goff is thinking of moving on former Labour leader David Shearer’s name was floated as a possible successor. Shearer is a good friend of Goff’s and these sorts of media stories do not appear randomly.
But yesterday this potentially managed succession was tipped on its head by an announcement by Manukau Councillor Efeso Collins that if Goff stands down he wants to be considered for the job.
From Todd Niall at Stuff:
Auckland councillor Efeso Collins is keen for a run at the Auckland mayoralty.
In July, Collins and his family received bomb and death threats after criticising the reality TV show Police Ten 7. He said this moment was pivotal in putting his name forward.
“I studied philosophy at university, and there was a philosopher who said our decisions are made more real when we confront the idea of death,” Collins told Stuff.
“My family have reflected on the bomb threats. We want to give our lives and our time toward an amazing cause. And I want to spend my time giving back to Auckland.”
Collins said it was too early to confirm his candidacy, but as mayor he would give back to a city which had “given so much” to he and his family.
“If the Labour Party were to run a selection process for a mayoral candidate that they will endorse, I would be more than happy to make myself available to seek that nomination,” the Manukau Ward councillor said.
A Collins candidacy would potentially lack the big funding required to run an effective Mayoral campaign. But he would feature strongly in the South and the West where all of the Mayoral campaigns have been won. And he is an exceptional public speaker and is bright but down to earth.
I suspect that a Collins campaign would draw heavily on Pacific talent and rely on social media such as this gem, produced for his tilt for the Manukau East seat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dLguFjpYr8
Together with Josephine Bartley Efeso has been doing sterling work getting Auckland’s Pasifeka population vaccinated. In the Counties Maanukau Health Board area the rate for Pacific is now a reassuring 89%, just short of the target. The work load is intense, but their sense of dedication and commitment to their community is exceptional.
Collins’ announcement has attracted a lot of attention. In the world’s largest Pasifeka city it may be time for its first Pasifeka Mayor.
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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. ...1 week 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 ...8 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 ...8 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, ...9 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, ...9 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 ...10 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 ...11 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 ...12 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 ...12 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 ...13 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 ...15 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 ...17 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, ...2 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 ...2 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 ...3 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 ...1 hour 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. ...3 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. ...4 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. ...4 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. ...5 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. ...6 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. ...6 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, ...7 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 ...7 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. ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...8 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. ...8 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. ...8 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. ...8 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. ...8 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. ...10 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. ...10 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. ...11 hours ago
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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 ...11 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 ...11 hours ago
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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 ...12 hours ago
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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 ...12 hours ago
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- 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. ...14 hours ago
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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. ...14 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, ...14 hours ago
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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. ...15 hours ago
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I don't recall Labour ever running a selection for the Auckland Mayoralty. The Party has certainly endorsed certain candidates in the past, but Mayors have tended to stand as "Independents" and ask for support/endorsement from Parliamentary parties and other political organisations. Phil Goff did not stand as a Labour candidate for the Mayoralty.
It is totally time for Aucklands first Pacific Mayor. “Worlds largest Polynesian City” is a clue as to why that is a good thing.
And lets not forget it was South Auckland, and West Auckland that handed Banksie his rear on a plate–Mr Banks being a “shoe in” as first Supercity Mayor according to his Natzo & ACT mates until Len Brown’s support base opened that large can of whip–ass.
Efeso seems a strong candidate, I have followed his progress over the years, regardless of ethnicity and his community. If Mr Goff decides to move on Mr Collins would be a good successor.
A big turn out from South and West could make it happen. Can the voter participation rate be raised out of the 38% range where it has seemed to max out in recent times, will be interesting.
Identity politics and the ghastly woke policy’s which have emerged in the current government is the reason thousands of once staunch Labour Party supporters have quietly sliped away to new political homes
Merit must be the only criteria for candidate selection and David Shearer has merit in spades . He is also is in the happy position of being a popular proven leader without a toxic ego who will win votes across the city
Just what Auckland needs
“Efeso seems a strong candidate, I have followed his progress over the years, regardless of ethnicity and his community.” is what I wrote–so you can sod off Unicus.
I would vote for Efeso Collins. I hope Goff steps down.
Efeso has already proved himself to be a strong community leader. Yes, time for a Polynesian mayor for Auckland. Efeso Collins is the man for the job.
Exciting times. I too like the idea of a competent Pasifeka mayor for the largest polynesian city in the world.
Aiming for the top is something Pasifeka Kiwis should be encouraged to do.
what I have seen of him appears to be a good candidate and very probably a good mayor. Auckland could do much worse.
Imagine Judith Collins quitting Parliament to think she might stand a chance.
I hope she does. After her chronically embarrassing, dismal performance as LOTO, my (small) bet is that she’d probably stand a snowflake’s chance in hell of getting elected Mayor of Auckland. 😎
But I’m a Wellingtonian, originating from Taranaki, so I am obviously not the best judge. And that’s why my bet is only for $2. 😀
Shearer wouldn't have a shit show of winning. He would lose to whatever generic maverick right wing dick the right put up and was backed to the hilt by the Herald. I mean, who is going to vote for a generic white centrist with no constituency who is a confirmed electoral loser in the public mind? Even Josie Pagani and Phil Quinn would stay in bed if it was raining.
If you want a candidate who can get his vote out and doesn't just represent the outdoor seating area of Headquarters bar on a Saturday afternoon, Collins is your man.
Because a large part of what they do is perfunctory, a mayor needs razzamatazz.
Something that Shearer lacks and Collins has a oodles of.
Besides, who else can cite Hiedegger in an interview
When I see the proposed candidates…Leo Molloy,Shearer,Paula Bennett etc…I wonder if Tim Shadbolt is…a hope!
Whoever is mayor of any council, they will be responsible for about a third less once the government has taken all water off them.
This is fully happening, starting in just a few months.
In Auckland all those dams and catchments in the Hunuas and Waitakeres get pulled away from Council.
From November 2021 to 1 July 2024 the transition from the current system to the new one goes ahead within the Transition Unit, headed within DIA.
Next year, 2022, the Transition Unit sets up the four entities, and starts amalgamating all the assets off all the councils, local and regional.
It will certainly make all council budget consultations in 2022 and 2023 interesting.
From 1 July 2024, four new water services entities will deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to people across New Zealand.
It's claimed of course that local authorities will still have some influence, but this is precisely what the system has been set up to strip away.
Mayor Goff or whomever will have about 1/3 less influence than what he has now.
A smaller role?, no just a people focussed future.
Other advantages… Perhaps we will get less shite on and in the beaches and bays around Auckland?
Perhaps Hastings and Napier may get better water quality and cleaner rivers.
Perhaps there will be better charges made on high use industries, and better oversight of Health and safety.
Perhaps the Councils may create more amenities and outdoor Gyms walks biking trails plus BBQ areas for picnics? More open air opportunities for art displays, sports activities.
One can but hope 3 waters will be able to quickly replace flood damaged infrastructure.
Few Councils have plans or programmes for their 3 waters, and South Wairarapapa has just sent out a 19% to 30% rates increase… there is the future without 3 Waters.
Effesso Collins would be a great Mayor for Auckland. A genuine person, intelligent and practical.
Only the Queen or Doris Day could form such a foolish list of "perhaps".
Efeso ought ask exactly what he would be mayor of.
The 3 Waters will also keep council from handing water assets over to multinationals, as they have been doing sproadically over the past 30 years.
Papakura and Franklin handed it over all to what is now Veolia water, while others used very complex lease and contracting arrangements to do it.
Ideally they should be jumping at the chance to wash their hand off the water assets, and not trying to find excuses to privatise them. I wouldnt trust them as far as I could throw them.
The controls against multinational takeovers are interesting but immaterial.
The shift in power is more important and it is clear:
The government has no control over water, nor local or regional government.
And it is likely irreversible.
In under 3 years New Zealand is to have the same army of major subcontractors doing the actual operations that we have in electricity, cable, and every other utility.
The corporate boards will simply be the largest unaccountable monopoly we've ever formed, just another elite.
100%
Council's losing the ability to borrow against their inground infrastructure might hamper their ability to do more of the people focused things.
But borrowing against their inground infrastructure to do the people focused things (and getting themselves re-elected), rather than maintaining and upgrading their inground infrastructure is what has brought us to 3 Waters.
Tosh. For decades C&R 'saved' money on infrastructure maintenance so they could 'keep rates low' – and got re-elected.
Both sides of the local government political fence use their inground 'assets' to finance their respective ambitions. C&R use it to reduce rates rises, the others for above ground visible things. Both see it as doing things for their people. Either way the stuff in the ground loses.
But it's all financed by the asset value of the local authority, of which 3 waters infrastructure has ended up a sizeable part. Take that away and councillors are going to be a bit constrained doing things to please their constituents (and get re-elected). Hence the hissing and spitting.
Efeso Correction.
Totally agree Patricia. But we will never get poor old Ad to see sense. I think he is too tribally orientated.
Isn't that what WaterCare does in Auckland already?
Does the Mayor have any control over WaterCare, or does WaterCare just tell the Mayor how it's going to happen?
The big question for Efeso, after tying a string to his little balloon, where is he going to find $1.5m to inflate a campaign big enough to rise above National's centre-right big money campaigners.
I doubt a minority candidate could take Auckland. Unfair, but that's life.
This job is still Goff's if he wants it.
The question is why the government is making it such an unattractive role at all.
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Yep … for all the talk of “Worlds largest Polynesian City” … Pasifikas comprise only around 16% of the Auckland population [probably a little less in terms of those of voting age].
You may find this discussion on woke racism engrossing.
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Cheers, RL, I'll take a look … by co-incidence, just watched another McWhorter interview: John McWhorter: ‘Woke Racism’ Has Betrayed Black America on Youtube a few days ago [obviously his book's coming out … so not entirely a co-incidence that it popped up on my Youtube feed, I guess].
Most Maori would support Efeso. Liberal pakeha would support as well.
Goff would win it. But if he decides to stand aside the Efeso as a candidate needs to be considered.
Sure easier to consider than Tamihere, again.
If Goff doesnt stand, who do you think will stand in his place?
Another liberal right-winger. Paula Bennett, for example.
There's only one who has all the answers for Auckland but he might be too busy having all the answers for New Zealand as a whole. In his mind.
His supporters would agree but might have it though that he is too busy being God. So I don't expect Mike Hosking to put his name in.
I am curious Micky. Who is the person with Ray Charles in your picture?
I believe the word you are looking for Greg is Pasifika, not Pasifeka.
Pasefika is another alternative that you might be thinking of.