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Latest Politics Headlines [Page 5]
Chris Hipkins Out Of Touch With New Zealand’s Tax System
Monday, 25 March 2024, 10:59 am | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Responding to comments from Chris Hipkins’ State of the Nation speech that New Zealand’s tax system is unsustainable, inequitable and in desperate need of reform, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said: “Chris Hipkins might be trying to ... More >>
$14 Million Investment Into Natural Hazards Research And Resilience
Monday, 25 March 2024, 10:35 am | Earthquake Commission
EQC Toka Tū Ake has released its 2023 Resilience and Research Highlights report , a snapshot of its $14 million investment into building Aotearoa New Zealand’s resilience to future natural hazards events. EQC Chief Resilience Officer Dr Jo Horrocks ... More >>
New Analysis Shows Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunch Programme Exceeds Expectations Amid Threats Of Funding Cuts
Monday, 25 March 2024, 9:45 am | Public Health Communication Centre
While threats of cuts loom over the Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunch Programme, new analysis has been released that shows the programme is meeting and, in some cases, exceeding expectations when measured against stakeholder criteria. In the latest ... More >>
Chris Hipkins’ Speech: Values Matter
Sunday, 24 March 2024, 2:27 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira ma. Tena koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa. Mālō e lelei Kia Orana Talofa Lava Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō Ni Ni sa bula. Namaste As-salamu alaykum Ni hao Warm pacific greetings to you all. ... More >>
CHSA To Undertake Work On Hate Speech Laws
Friday, 22 March 2024, 3:36 pm | Countering Hate Speech Aotearoa
Countering Hate Speech Aotearoa (CHSA) plans to undertake the work on hate speech laws that was to be performed by the Law Commission. Yesterday, Paul Goldsmith the Minister of Justice announced that he had directed the Law Commission to not advance ... More >>
Public Submissions Close Sunday 24 March 2024
Friday, 22 March 2024, 1:56 pm | Royal Commission Covid-19 Lessons Learned
A really important part of the Inquiry's work is hearing from as many people, communities, and groups as possible about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past six weeks the Inquiry has received over 8000 submissions detailing COVID-19 ... More >>
Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes The Wheels Turning On RMA Reform
Friday, 22 March 2024, 1:07 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Commenting on Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop’s speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: “Wholesale RMA reform must be the aim, and the Government cannot ... More >>
Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance Welcomes Government's Commitment To Return Accountability To Auckland Transport
Friday, 22 March 2024, 12:57 pm | Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance
The Minister for Auckland, Transport, and Local Government, Simeon Brown, has announced plans to restore Auckland Transport’s accountability to elected Councillors. Commenting on this, Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman, Sam Warren, said: “As the only ... More >>
Maritime Union Says Ferry Debacle Means New Zealand Is ‘steering Blind’
Friday, 22 March 2024, 12:41 pm | Maritime Union of New Zealand
Confusion around the future of KiwiRail’s Cook Strait ferries has left New Zealand ‘steering blind’ with its main inter island transport link, says the Maritime Union. The latest development in the ferry saga is a suggestion in ministerial documents ... More >>
Law Commission Recommends changes To Evidence Law
Friday, 22 March 2024, 12:01 pm | Law Commission
Changes to the Evidence Act 2006 are needed to promote the just and efficient determination of court proceedings, concludes Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission in its report Te Arotake Tuatoru i te Evidence Act 2006 |The Third Review of the Evidence Act 2006 ... More >>
Two New Zealand Investigators Receive Commendation From UK’s National Crime Agency
Friday, 22 March 2024, 11:07 am | Department Of Internal Affairs
Two investigators in the Digital Child Exploitation Team at Te Tari Taiwhenua, Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) have been awarded a commendation from the Director General of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2403/8aaf78420321d8788b84.jpeg" ... More >>
Urgent Calls For Government Intervention As Fatalities On Greyhound Racetracks Soar
Friday, 22 March 2024, 10:46 am | SAFE For Animals
In the wake of three recent fatalities within a single week and the temporary closure of a racing track following a surge in injuries, SAFE is issuing an urgent plea to the Government: immediately implement a ban on Greyhound racing in Aotearoa. Just ... More >>
Government Needs To Stop Tinkering And Pop The Ballooning Bureaucracy
Friday, 22 March 2024, 10:43 am | Taxpayers' Union
Reacting to the recent announcement that the Government plans to reduce staffing levels at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “This fat-trimming goes nowhere near ... More >>
Human Cost Of National’s Tax Cuts Becoming Clear
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 7:28 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
Hundreds of jobs could go as the impact of public service cuts hit the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Health. “The human cost of the Government’s tax cuts is becoming clear and it will have an impact on the services New Zealanders ... More >>
Government’s Reckless MPI Cuts Pose Huge Risk To Primary Sector Exports
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 4:07 pm | PSA
The Government is putting our $57.4 billion primary products export earnings at risk because of proposed cuts of 384 roles at the Ministry of Primary industries (MPI), says PSA National Secretary Duane Leo. To start meeting the Government’s ... More >>
Have Your Say On The Companies (Address Information) Amendment Bill
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 4:06 pm | Economic Development Science and Innovation
The Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee is calling for submissions on the Companies (Address Information) Amendment Bill. The Companies Act 1993 requires the residential addresses of company directors to be made available to the public ... More >>
Upholding Our Commitment To Enabling Good Lives
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 3:40 pm | Enabling Good Lives
The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) National Leadership Group acknowledges the shock and trauma created by the recent announcement by Whaikaha. EGL is a community movement that began in 2012 under the previous National Government and has been supported ... More >>
Still Time To Share Your Covid-19 Experience Says Inquiry Chair
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 2:33 pm | Royal Commission Covid-19 Lessons Learned
There is still time to share your experiences with the COVID-19 Inquiry says its Chair, Professor Tony Blakely. “A really important part of the Inquiry is hearing from as many people, communities, and groups as possible about their experience during ... More >>
Plastics “Recycling” Plan Will Increase Plastic Pollution
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 2:32 pm | Joint Press Release
Zero Waste Network and Aotearoa Plastic Pollution Alliance “It’s extremely disappointing to see the government and several large companies choosing to throw money at an experimental, risky and carbon-intensive technology that will only increase plastic, climate and ... More >>
Mayor Welcomes Government Support For Key Parts Of Auckland Deal
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 2:06 pm | Office of the Mayor of Auckland
The Manifesto for Auckland, the Mayor’s foundational document seeking an Auckland Deal with Government, has today had several wins. The manifesto is made up of five points Aucklanders elected Mayor Wayne Brown on, with multiple asks of the government; ... More >>
IMF Right To Call For Slashing Government Waste
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 12:41 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Responding to the latest comments by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the state of the New Zealand economy, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: “The IMF has rightly criticised wasteful government spending ... More >>
Heartless Nats Take Cheap Shot At Disabled And Their Whānau
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 12:17 pm | Shary Bakker
On March 18, 2024, I was woken early by two of my primary school-aged autistic children. One, still toilet training, needed a nappy change. She flipped on the light, much to her brother’s groans and screams. Thus, the day begun. As we made our way out ... More >>
New Zealand In Recession As Kiwis’ Quality Of Life Tanks
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 11:32 am | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Responding to the release of the latest update to New Zealand’s GDP figures, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: “New Zealand is in recession, with GDP shrinking for the second quarter in a row and GDP per capita in freefall ... More >>
Competition Deficit Suggests Need For Windfall Bank Profits Tax
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 11:19 am | First Union
FIRST Union supports the recommendations of today’s Commerce Commission report into the banking competition deficit, but is calling on Government to introduce an immediate windfall bank profits tax to support struggling communities and fund stronger ... More >>
GDP Decreases 0.1 Percent In The December 2023 Quarter
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 11:02 am | Statistics New Zealand
New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.1 percent in the December 2023 quarter, following a 0.3 percent decrease in the September 2023 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. “Wholesale trade was the largest downwards ... More >>
Caring Families Aotearoa Care & Protection White Paper Presented To Minister For Children
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 10:30 am | Caring Families Aotearoa
Every year thousands of children and young people throughout Aotearoa must live with people other than their parents, because of concerns about their wellbeing. These children often have experienced considerable trauma and find it difficult to ... More >>
New Changes To Support Funding Further Deprive Disabled Kiwis Of Choices And Opportunities, Says Rare Disorders NZ
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 10:19 am | Rare Disorders NZ
Rare Disorders NZ is alarmed that the Minister for Disability Issues is blaming carers for misusing support funding intended for their children as a reason for Whaikaha suddenly tightening how disability support funding can be used, without any consultation ... More >>
Government’s Transport Position Statement Is An Existential Threat To The Rail System
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 10:17 am | The Rail Advocacy Collective
The government's agenda to swiftly dismantle the New Zealand rail system is evident in the current Transport Government Position Statement (GPS). Notably, there are stark reductions in funding for rail, with the minimum allocation plummeting a staggering ... More >>
Over 2,000 Submissions In Just 24 Hours Urge Royal Commission’s COVID-19 Inquiry To Examine Speech Rights
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 10:15 am | Free Speech Union
In 24 hours, over 2,000 Kiwis have submitted feedback using the Free Speech Union’s online tool to ensure the Royal Commission’s expanded terms of reference for the COVID-19 Inquiry includes an examination of speech rights, says Jonathan Ayling, ... More >>
Children And Young People Share Their Experiences Of Racism And Ideas To End It
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 9:06 am | Mana Mokopuna
Racism is a persistent presence in the lives of many children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand and they have high aspirations and practical solutions to end it, a new report shows. “Without racism Aotearoa would be better”: Mokopuna share ... More >>
Nationwide Campaign Inspired By Christchurch Communities
Thursday, 21 March 2024, 8:53 am | Human Rights Commission
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has launched a campaign with Ōtautahi Christchurch-based group, InCommon, to encourage people to look past stereotypes to find what they share in common. <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2403/18f87370508e70965b40.jpeg" ... More >>
Disability Sector Facing Death By A Thousand Cuts To Fund Tax Cuts
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 2:55 pm | Disability Support Network
An ongoing series of disability support services cuts, including equipment disabled people can purchase to help them live good lives, offering respite for them and their carers amongst other costs is undermining the entire disability sector, says New ... More >>
RNZRSA Disappointed As Veterans Left Without Support
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 2:19 pm | Returned Services Association
Last week’s announcement that Veterans’ Affairs were suspending entitlements to Veterans Independence Programme (VIP) services has left elderly veterans scrambling for support. Immediately following the announcement the RSA wrote to the Minister ... More >>
Disposable Vape Ban Commended By Health Organisation
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 1:30 pm | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
The complete ban of disposable vapes is a positive step forward in the fight against the youth vaping epidemic. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, which has been calling for stricter vaping regulations for years, is pleased to see the Government ... More >>
Disposable Vape Ban Will Drive People Back To Smoking
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 1:23 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Reacting to the Government’s announcement that they plan to ban disposable vapes, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman for Lifestyle Economics, Connor Molloy, said: “Current issues with youth vaping, although they are on the decline according to the latest ... More >>
Action For Smokefree 2025 (ASH) Welcomes Stronger Restrictions Announced Today To Prevent Young People Taking Up Vaping.
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 12:48 pm | ASH Action For Smokefree 2025
The Government has announced plans to ban disposable vapes, substantially increase fines for underage sales and improve enforcement of the retail environment. ASH Director Ben Youdan said “vaping devices have helped tens of thousands of New Zealanders ... More >>
Ngā Waihua O Paerangi Appalled At The Perjorative Attack On Carers Supporting Disabled Persons
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 11:35 am | Nga Waihua o Paerangi
Ngā Waihua o Paerangi is appalled at the perjorative attack from the Minister for Disability Issues on carers supporting disabled persons. More than a million New Zealanders care for whānau who are vulnerable in light of health conditions, injury, ... More >>
Disability Cuts Another Brutal Sign Coalition Government Not Interested In Tackling Child Poverty
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 11:13 am | CPAG
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has the following spokespeople available to comment on the government's wholesale cuts to disabled people's funding. CPAG says this is absolutely devastating for our disabled community and shows this government ... More >>
Capital City Deep In Crisis Needs More Housing
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 9:45 am | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Responding to amendments to the District Plan which will see increased height limits for buildings in suburbs surrounding the Wellington CBD, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: “Even more so than the rest of the ... More >>
More Than 1 In 3 Kiwis Call For New Food Labelling System To Help Minimise Waste - Research
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 9:36 am | Hello Fresh
HelloFresh SE (“HelloFresh”), global integrated food solutions group and New Zealand’s leading meal kit service, has today released research in partnership with Kantar, revealing that a quarter (25.2%) of Kiwis surveyed waste food at least ... More >>
New Zealand’s Indigenous Rights Record To Face Global Spotlight
Wednesday, 20 March 2024, 6:36 am | Te Kahui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Events and discussions with the Special Rapporteur Mr Calí Tzay will focus on the state of Indigenous rights in Aotearoa, & the foundational role of te Tiriti o Waitangi in the country’s constitution. More >>
“Kill The Birds Faster” – Swarbrick Shows Contempt For Famers
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 5:45 pm | ACT New Zealand
"Farmers make a point not to tell our urban cousins how to live, yet Chlöe from central Auckland is hell-bent on having her say about farmers," says ACT Rural Communities spokesman Mark Cameron. “On her first day in the House as Green ... More >>
New Paper On Effects Of Taxes, Benefits On Household Incomes
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 3:32 pm | New Zealand Treasury
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Tod Wright and Hien Nguyen, Fiscal incidence in New Zealand: The effects of taxes and benefits on household incomes in tax year 2018/19 . Analyses of the distributional impact of taxation and government ... More >>
New Paper Examines Carbon Price Impacts On The Cost Of Living
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 3:30 pm | New Zealand Treasury
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Cory Davis, Boston Hart and Benjamin Stubbing, Household cost-of-living impacts from the Emissions Trading Scheme and using transfers to mitigate regressive outcomes . This Analytical Note ... More >>
Government Plans Should Be Redirected Towards Transport For All
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 3:29 pm | Transport for All
A coalition of public transport and climate organisations, united as ‘Transport for All’, is actively opposing the government’s transport proposals. The draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) includes plans for higher fares for public transport, ... More >>
Feedback Wanted On Proposed Changes To Greater Wellington’s Revenue And Financing Policy
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 2:47 pm | Greater Wellington Regional Council
Greater Wellington is inviting feedback on proposed changes to its Revenue and Financing Policy. The Revenue and Financing Policy covers the Council’s various sources of funding, and how the cost of services is shared across the region. This includes ... More >>
Evidence For Free School Lunches: The Bigger Picture Benefits
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 11:44 am | Public Health Communication Centre
There’s ample evidence demonstrating free school lunch programmes provide wide benefits across schools, households and communities according to public health researchers. ACT Minister David Seymour wants to reduce the spending on Aotearoa New Zealand’s ... More >>
New Record For NZ’s Costliest Weather Events: Expense 20 Times More Than Previous High, Aon Report Reveals
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 11:06 am | AON
Extreme weather events in the current climate have revealed significant vulnerabilities across the Pacific region More >>
Crown Put To The Test Before The Waitangi Tribunal On Health System Inequities
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 10:44 am | Te Kohao Health
WAI2575 Health Services & Outcomes Kaupapa Inquiry Investigating More Breaches WAI3307 New Claim Filed Against Disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora More >>
Taxpayers’ Union Stands Down From High Alert After Sleepless Night
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 10:38 am | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming comments from Christopher Luxon this morning recommitting to ‘no new taxes’ as part of Budget 2024. “Mr Luxon’s refusal at the Post-Cabinet press conference yesterday to repeat the ‘no new taxes’ promise ... More >>
Fast-Track Approvals Bill A Threat To Animal Welfare, Environment, And Democratic Integrity
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 10:31 am | SAFE For Animals
SAFE is urgently calling on the Environment Committee to reject the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill, and is urging New Zealanders to rally behind the call. The proposed Bill, currently under consideration with the Environment select committee, ... More >>
Issues Concerning New Zealanders Change Following The First 100 Days Of A New Coalition Leadership
Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 10:07 am | Ipsos
The latest Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor reveals that fewer New Zealanders believe crime / law and order is one of the top issues facing our country. In 2018, Ipsos New Zealand started tracking the key issues facing New Zealand. In this wave ... More >>
Kiingi Tuheitia Holds Audience With Green Party
Monday, 18 March 2024, 6:10 pm | Te Tari o te Kiingitanga
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII has hosted members of the Green Party Caucus at Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaaruawahia. The audience follows the King’s Hui-aa-Motu on 20 January, where more than 10,000 people gathered to discuss national More >>
Luxon Must Rule Out New Taxes, Not Adopt Labour’s Approach
Monday, 18 March 2024, 5:31 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Reacting to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s refusal to rule out introducing new taxes at the budget, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “Today’s refusal to rule out new taxes suggests the Government is nothing more ... More >>
Uber Drivers To Rally As Appeal On Contractor Misclassification Begins
Monday, 18 March 2024, 1:10 pm | FIRST Union
WHAT: Uber drivers are holding a rally outside the Court of Appeal in Wellington tomorrow, as the company begins its appeal against 2022’s Employment Court verdict (in a case taken jointly by FIRST Union and E tū) that four drivers were permanent ... More >>
Grant Robertson Interview Demonstrates Why He Should Never Have Been Finance Minister
Monday, 18 March 2024, 12:16 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Responding to Grant Robertson’s recent admission on a Q+A with Jack Tame that his only regret from his time in office was that he didn’t take on more debt, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Alex Murphy, said: “Grant Robertson has now admitted that he ... More >>
Kāpiti Council Living Wage Will Do More Harm Than Good
Monday, 18 March 2024, 10:30 am | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
Commenting on the introduction of the living wage for all employees and contractors at Kāpiti Coast District Council, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “The problem with blanket living-wage policies is that they ... More >>
Concern Over Impending SailGP Event Threatening Hector's Dolphins In Ōtautahi/Christchurch
Monday, 18 March 2024, 10:24 am | Animal Justice Party
With the upcoming SailGP event in Ōtautahi/Christchurch looming, there is mounting apprehension regarding the safety of Hector's dolphins, an endangered species unique to New Zealand waters. The event, scheduled to take place in an area frequented by ... More >>
SailGP Marine Mammal Management Plan A Farce That Puts ‘dollars Before Dolphins’: Dolphin Defenders
Monday, 18 March 2024, 9:33 am | Maui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders
The SailGP Marine Mammal Management Plan (MMMP) released late last week is a farce, say advocates. “Hector’s dolphins are in crisis” says Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders Chair, Christine Rose. 47 Hector’s have been reported dead since ... More >>
Time To Have Your Say On What’s In And What’s Out Of NPDC’s Draft $4b 10-year Work Programme
Monday, 18 March 2024, 9:26 am | New Plymouth District Council
What’s Brooklands Zoo worth to you? It’s been a family favourite for generations of Taranaki residents, but can we afford $9million to keep it for our tamariki? Upgrading some of the animal enclosures to meet new government standards ... More >>
