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Up in Smoke.

Written By: Bill

Date published: 2:38 pm, January 5th, 2018 - 23 comments

US reverses Federal marijuana stance.

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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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The Health Crisis and the Election
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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The Health Crisis and the Election
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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The Opportunity National Courtship
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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The Opportunity National Courtship
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The Health Crisis and the Election
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The Opportunity National Courtship
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Open Mike 17/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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How To Celebrate Getting Really Rich
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Open Mike 17/10/2026
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Open Mike 17/10/2026
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Open Mike 18/10/2026
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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Feeds are back
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Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
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The Health Crisis and the Election
by mickysavage
Open Mike 18/10/2026
by notices and features
Feeds are back
by lprent
Open Mike 17/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 16/10/2026
by notices and features
How To Celebrate Getting Really Rich
by advantage
Open Mike 16/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 15/10/2026
by notices and features
Voting for Opportunity could cement the right wing for another 3 years
by Mountain Tui
The Opportunity National Courtship
by mickysavage
Enrolment levels
by lprent
Open Mike 15/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 14/10/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 14/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 13/10/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 13/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 12/10/2026
by notices and features
Lies Damned Lies and National Party Employment statistics
by mickysavage
Open Mike 12/10/2026
by notices and features
Why is everybody talking about tax and fiscal holes?
by Incognito
Open Mike 11/10/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 10/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 09/10/2026
by notices and features
Coalition’s problem: bullshit doesn’t conceal poor performance
by lprent
Open Mike 09/10/2026
by notices and features
Chris Hipkins Is Right
by advantage
Daily review 08/10/2026
by notices and features
Calculated cruelty
by mickysavage
The Leader’s debate
by mickysavage
Open Mike 08/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 07/10/2026
by notices and features
National plans to slash overseas aid
by mickysavage
Who buys the election – follow the money
by lprent
Open Mike 07/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 06/10/2026
by notices and features
The Diesel Powered Election
by advantage
RNZ-Reid poll happy dance
by weka
Open Mike 06/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 05/10/2026
by notices and features
Green Party policy: Reconnecting Aotearoa
by weka
Open Mike 05/10/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 04/10/2026
by notices and features
To overhang or not to overhang, that’s the question
by Incognito
The Race for Tamaki
by mickysavage
Open Mike 03/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 02/10/2026
by notices and features
The Race for Mt Albert
by mickysavage
Open Mike 02/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 01/10/2026
by notices and features
How Could Labour Pay for Transport Without Raising Fuel Taxes?
by Guest post
Opportunity’s five bottom lines
by weka
Open Mike 01/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 30/09/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 30/09/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 29/09/2026
by notices and features
Nicola Willis high on a surplus of inflation and unemployment
by lprent
Watch Waitaki
by advantage
The Latest One News Verian Poll
by Guest post
Open Mike 29/09/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 28/09/2026
by notices and features
Talking up the left
by weka
Open Mike 28/09/2026
by notices and features
Peak Trump
by advantage
Stanford gets caught out
by mickysavage
Theme update
by lprent
Open Mike 27/09/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 26/09/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 25/09/2026
by notices and features
Government is pathetic on gassing
by lprent
Open Mike 25/09/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 24/09/2026
by notices and features
National’s LNG terminal tax is on hold (for the moment).
by lprent
Open Mike 24/09/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 23/09/2026
by notices and features
Unmasking the TaxPayers Union as the Tobacco Protection Union
by lprent

Opportunity for National.
Luxon sets the stage to flip-flop.
Frankly Speaking by Frank Macskasy · Yesterday
Chippy Dives In
Chris Hipkins’ final Q&A appearance before the election.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Yesterday
Dark Underbelly of The Opportunity Party, New Zealand
An encounter with Opportunity Party leads to a more sinister revelation about the party’s apparent modus operandi at times. Plus: Video highlights from the TVNZ Debate starring Nicola Willis
Mountain Tui by Mountain Tūī · Yesterday
Opinion: I don’t know how to be any more clear. No, really, I don’t. Please help
By Christopher Luxon. “I don’t know how to be any clearer with you, mate.” That’s what I said to a Press reporter yesterday when he asked me whether I would still be open to working with the O party, Opportunity. He was immediately rude to me, saying that I could be clearer, that I could […]
The Civilian by Ben Uffindell · Saturday
Wallabies poised to complete annual self-sacrifice ritual to help maintain New Zealanders’ will to live
Australia’s national rugby team, the Wallabies, are tonight poised to complete another in a series of long-standing self-sacrifice show matches to help out New Zealanders by giving them a reason to believe in something. The ritual, formally known as the Bledisloe Cup, was established by Australia as a form of investment in New Zealand, underpinned […]
The Civilian by Ben Uffindell · Saturday
A Puff of the Bongcloud [Chess Nonsense]
October thus far has been yet more poetry writing, and I can now report that as of a couple of days ago, The Lay of Notich Serpent Tongue is now longer than Milton’s Paradise Lost. But on a lighter note, I can report a very nice chess game, with the Bongcloud Opening: It has been […]
A Phuulish Fellow by strda221 · Saturday
16 October 2026
Nurses dominate the union coverage in today’s Union News. The Chrises’ battle over the minimum wage also continues alongside a story on contractor vs employee status. Union coverage Employment The post 16 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · Friday
KiwiStack Live with Bernard Hickey & Morgan Edwards on when our Govt 'ran out of money'
Finance academic Morgan Edwards has discovered the Govt ‘ran out of money’ 272 times since 1997. How was that possible? We’re often told Govt can’t spend money unless it first taxes & borrows money.
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Friday
Australian research needs to be protected like critical infrastructure
Australia should better protect its most strategically sensitive university research by adapting principles from its Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) framework, its arrangement for defending vital facilities, supply chains, information technology and communications. Universities increasingly ...
The Strategist by Gobi Jegarajasingham · Friday
KiwiStack Live with Bernard Hickey and Bryce Edwards on Cost of Living and Election 2026
A discussion about surveys showing concerns about cost of living and how it’s affecting Election 2026
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Friday
We Need a New Approach to Economic and Fiscal Management
Distinguishing investment from consumption changes the way we think about and manage the economy.
Pundit by Brian Easton · Friday
New Advertising Code
I have sometimes criticised ASA decisions, mostly around political ads, which I think are usually the most important. But remember, these are a tiny fraction of the ASA’s workload. In general, as far as I can tell, they do a pretty good job. Over the years, they have been at pains to provide extensive guidance […]
Media Law Journal by Steven · Friday
As Chinese organised crime expands in Africa, so does China’s policing footprint
China is exporting its policing model, and organised crime gets it in the door. Beijing now has policing arrangements across most of Africa, and the same expansion is well underway in Southeast Asia and the ...
The Strategist by Oscar Warren · Friday
Bread, milk, power, and petrol keep climbing under Luxon’s Government
The cost of everyday essentials is still rising unsustainably, says the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi. Kiwis’ wallets are being emptied by the weekly grocery shop, the monthly power bill, and at the petrol pump. New StatsNZ figures for September 2026 show food prices rose 2.4 percent compared to September 2025,… Read More »Bread, milk, power, and petrol keep climbing under Luxon’s Government The post Bread, milk, power, and petrol keep climbing under Luxon’s Government appeared first
NZCTU by Aaron · Friday
This story should dominate the election debate
Starship’s cancer treatment suspension is emblematic of decades of health system underfunding eroding public services to points of collapse; Hospital system now second-biggest voter concern, & rising
The Kaka · Friday
Child Cancer Treatment
Children and Parents suffer delays caused by staffing crisis.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Friday
Picks n’ Mixes & In the Papers for Friday Oct 16
Starship 3 months away from full staffing as cancer treatments suspended; Greens say will reverse National’s public service cuts; Luxon walks back promise to lift minimum wage as much as inflation
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Friday
Weekly Roundup 16-October-2026
Kia ora and welcome to our regular roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday, Matt looked at options for solving post-event crowding at Kingsland Station. This story rumbled on for a few days, with the Mayor also weighing in (NZ Herald): “Before anyone starts calling for uncosted and expensive new infrastructure, we need to establish the facts and make sure existing plans and procedures are being followed properly,” Brown added.… The post Weekly Roundup 16-Oct
Greater Auckland by Greater Auckland · Friday
In a contested Indo-Pacific, undersea power is critical. AUKUS is our strategy
AUKUS is not just a submarine acquisition program; it is a long-term strategy for strengthening Australia’s agency in a contested Indo-Pacific, where undersea power matters more than ever. Undersea power is the national capacity to ...
The Strategist by John Blaxland and Kate Rosengreen · Friday
A Webworm SOS
I could use your help around here!
David Farrier by David Farrier · Friday
The Weekly Hoon: Election climate policies compared; Living costs & hospital collapses (should) dominate NZ election debates
Bernard Hickey & Peter Bale discuss the week in geopolitics and NZ’s political economy with regular guest Cathrine Dyer
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Friday
Our information revolution is outpacing our democratic institutions
In 1997, I served in Bougainville as part of a military information support team, where rumours and an information vacuum threatened a fragile truce. Nearly three decades later, Australia’s digital information environment presents a strangely ...
The Strategist by John Coyne · Thursday
Join us at 5pm for this week's Hoon
Join Peter Bale & Bernard Hickey for the weekly 'Hoon' around news in geopolitics, climate, politics & more with Cathrine Dyer & Robert Patman
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Thursday
Why a vote for Opportunity could put Luxon and the right back in power
As news emerges this morning that Starship has had to defer cancer surgeries due to a nursing shortage, the impacts of the right wing Coalition couldn’t be clearer
Mountain Tui by Mountain Tūī · Thursday
National is murdering our health system
A tale in three headlines: Nursing workforce growth has stalled despite Government claims vacancies are falling, The Post, 28 July 2026: The number of nurses employed by Health New Zealand has barely changed in two years, despite the Government pointing to falling vacancy rates and an active recruitment drive to address workforce shortages. Analysis of Health NZ workforce data by health economists Bill Rosenberg and Jacqueline Cumming shows nursing numbers increased rapidly through 2023 and early 2024 but h
No Right Turn by Idiot/Savant · Thursday
Not just immigrant numbers: the issue is also where Australia needs workers
Has Australia spent so long arguing about migration that it has stopped considering what population is for? Australia is increasingly settling migration policy around an aggregate national number without an equally explicit strategy for the ...
The Strategist by Anna Alexander · Thursday
15 October 2026
Today’s Union News is a little quiet on union coverage, however we’ve seen some interesting news in the election campaign with the Greens vowing to reverse National’s planned cuts to the public service and Luxon walking back his commitment to raise the minimum wage by the rate of inflation. Union coverage Employment The post 15 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · Thursday
The Ryan Bridge Show
Luxon improves, but Hipkins lands key blows.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Thursday
Making Better Moves in Aotearoa
This guest post by Kasey McDonnell first appeared on his site WellyClimateNerd, and is shared here with kind permission. I want to teleport you to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2075. Desolate pavement has been replaced with people everywhere. Children and people in wheelchairs are rolling along bike lanes.… The post Making Better Moves in Aotearoa appeared first on Greater Auckland.
Greater Auckland by Guest Post · Thursday
48% now feel they have to leave NZ to get ahead
Survey finds 27% of NZers now struggling financially, up from 16.5% in 2020; Also, 48% believe they have to leave NZ to get ahead, up from 28%; National U-turns on parking for housing rules
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Thursday
Fault Lines – China’s Ukraine lessons, junta diplomacy, Fiji sanctions
Welcome to the latest edition of ASPI’s Fault Lines. Every fortnight, ASPI’s Defence Strategy Program monitors the actions and developments shaping the regional order and Australia’s security. This edition covers the period from 2 October to 15 October ...
The Strategist by ASPI Defence Strategy Staff · Thursday
Picks n’ Mixes & In the Papers for Thursday Oct 15
Survey finds 27% of NZers now struggling financially, up from 16.5% in 2020; Also, 48% believe they have to leave NZ to get ahead, up from 28%; National U-turns on parking for housing rules
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Thursday
Gordon Campbell On The Political Downsides Of Being Nice
We’re now knee deep in political debates, the season in which the media monetises the democratic process, and generates food for its political news cycle. [...]
Werewolf by lyndon · Thursday
Expanding the military footprint: China’s new air base in Laos
As China’s power and self-confidence grows, it’s becoming much more active in projecting power by establishing military bases abroad. The latest is at Ban Keun Airport near Vientiane, where China has established a joint support ...
The Strategist by Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan · Wednesday
Vote Together Resources
If you haven’t already, please register to Vote Together here. Poster Download and print out posters for your workplace. Voting Places on 28 October Here is all the voting places open on 28 October. Find the one closest to where you and your team will Vote Together. Note that some voting places aren’t open all… Read More »Vote Together Resources The post Vote Together Resources appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Jeremiah Boniface · Wednesday
Showing us their priorities
When almost-Police Commission Jevon McSkimming was convicted of possession of child sexual abuse material and the IPCA found a concerted cover-up among senior police, the government's response was full of thunder. Police Minister Mark Mitchell called it "utterly disgraceful", and promised they were "acting decisively to install the strongest statutory oversight mechanism available to it – an Inspector-General of Police." You'd have expected that would result in quick action, but instead it resulted in... no
No Right Turn by Idiot/Savant · Wednesday
Not there yet: Indonesia’s military has a space unit without a mandate or money
Indonesia’s military has built the organisation needed to protect its interests in outer space, including monitoring its waters. But parliament has yet to operationalise this capability. Established in January 2026, Indonesia’s air force space unit ...
The Strategist by Taufik Rachmat Nugraha and Arfin Sudirman · Wednesday
14 October 2026
Today’s Union News covers Erica Stanford’s attack on NZEI Te Riu Roa President Ripeka Lessels, more job cuts at Stuff, and strike action by Woolworths store managers. Union coverage Employment The post 14 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · Wednesday
Treasury’s forecasts wrong on jobs & wealth effect
Willis relying on Treasury forecast for 220,000 new jobs, but it has wrongly forecast jobs growth since 2024; Treasury somehow sees household & business investment growth without higher housing wealth
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Wednesday
The Real You
TVNZ’s Multi Party debate.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Wednesday
The future of media regulation in New Zealand?
There’s a new media self-regulatory body in town. It’s called the IJC: the Independent Journalist Collective. The founding members are Cameron Slater, David Farrar, Brynn Neilson, Penny Marie and Simon Anderson, or at least their organisations. From a brief look at their websites I detect… a certain similarity in their political leanings. To become members, […]
Media Law Journal by Steven · Wednesday
Who decided Auckland’s volcanic viewshafts?
A couple of months ago, I went to the Auckland Library Heritage Collections in the City Centre, to read the original reports that led to the creation of Auckland’s volcanic viewshafts. For those unfamiliar with the phrase, these are slices of our urban environment where development is prohibited beyond a certain height (or at all), in order to protect certain views of the city’s dozens of iconic maunga.… The post Who decided Auckland’s volcanic viewshafts? appeared first on Greater Auckland.
Greater Auckland by Connor Sharp · Wednesday
As force exposure becomes perilous, wars become long
If it was ever safe to assume that wars would be quick and decisive, it is increasingly difficult to do so. In Ukraine, Iran and Gaza, attacking forces have struggled to achieve decisive outcomes, despite ...
The Strategist by John D Pappas · Wednesday
Picks n’ Mixes & In the Papers for Wednesday Oct 14
Opportunity the kingmaker at 8% in Verian poll; Peters trumps ministers on UN pandemic vote; Govt tells nursing schools to cut intake; Greens plan for 284,000 jobs; 1,000 applicants for 1 butcher role
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Wednesday
Only one in ten getting ahead under Luxon’s Government
Just one in ten Kiwis say their household is getting ahead since the 2023 election, according to research commissioned by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi. The Talbot Mills Research survey found 43 percent of New Zealanders say their household finances have fallen behind since 2023. Only 10 percent say they… Read More »Only one in ten getting ahead under Luxon’s Government The post Only one in ten getting ahead under Luxon’s Government appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · Tuesday
ASPI’s Critical Technology Tracker expands to include patent data
ASPI has expanded its globally recognised Critical Technology Tracker to include a new patent-analysis capability, introducing patent-based rankings across more than 20 of the 74 critical technologies tracked. Developed by ASPI’s Cyber, Technology and Security ...
The Strategist by ASPI staff · Tuesday
In nuclear diplomacy, Australia can work bilaterally, too – especially with India
The time is right for Australia to reconsider its long-held position of prosecuting nuclear non-proliferation primarily or solely through global treaties, particularly the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). That means complementing Australia’s work through global treaties ...
The Strategist by Jane Hardy · Tuesday
13 October 2026
More job cuts at Stuff as well as proposed cuts at the new MCERT mega ministry all feature in today’s Union News. Sandra will be interviewed by Radio Waatea in their post-minor election leaders’ debate tonight at approximately 8:30 alongside Teanau Tuiono, David Cunliffe, Quilae Wong, Professor Wayne Hope, Matthew Tukaki and Dr Harpreet Singh. Union… Read More »13 October 2026 The post 13 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · Tuesday
Love of the Common People
Chris Hipkins, the leader that Aotearoa needs.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Tuesday
National & Labour fiscal plans lock in stagnation
National & Labour plan sinking lids on non-NZ Super spending to cut size of Govt to under 30% of GDP from 32%; Both need households to spend & borrow more to replace the 2% cut, but it can’t be done.
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Tuesday
My First Autopsy
Handed a pair of pruning shears, I wondered what to do.
David Farrier by David Farrier · Tuesday
The US needs its own grey-zone tactics in the South China Sea
Passive resistance to Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea is not working. If the United States wants to win in the region, it needs a grey-zone strategy of its own. Beijing has spent a decade ...
The Strategist by William Price · Tuesday
Picks n’ Mixes & In the Papers for Tuesday Oct 13
National’s fiscal plan locks in smaller Government, just as Labour’s does; Peters rules out pensions accord, as does Hipkins; QV reports more house wealth falls; Crowded EDs breach privacy - watchdog
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Tuesday
Gordon Campbell On Opportunity’s Dazzling Array Of Costume Changes
Chameleons can change colour, says Wikipedia, by altering their degree of brightness as well as by changing colour (from red to green to yellow to [...]
Werewolf by lyndon · Tuesday
The Opportunity Party. But, Opportunity for who?
Troubling aspects to Aotearoa's latest political aspirants.
Frankly Speaking by Frank Macskasy · 12 October 2026
Australia can import AI models, but they may bring their baggage
Anyone who thinks Australia can achieve full sovereignty in artificial intelligence is dreaming. Modern AI sits on layer after layer of dependency: chips, fabrication equipment, cloud infrastructure, energy, software, data, talent and model development. For ...
The Strategist by Fergus Ryan and Alex Colville · 12 October 2026
12 October 2026
New Zealand First’s policy announcements around workers’ issues including minimum wage and in-work tax credits are the biggest stories featuring in today’s Union News. Union coverage Employment The post 12 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · 12 October 2026
Women, Peace and Security has an influence problem
The future of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda will not be determined by how many women are present in security institutions. It will be determined by whether those institutions are willing to create ...
The Strategist by Jen Wittwer · 12 October 2026
Greens’ youth jobs guarantee is the action young workers need
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi welcomes the Green Party’s Youth Jobs Guarantee, which would give every 16- to 24-year-old who has been out of work for six months a pathway into a local job. “Young people are being locked out of work at one of the most important stages of… Read More »Greens’ youth jobs guarantee is the action young workers need The post Greens’ youth jobs guarantee is the action young workers need appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · 12 October 2026
TOP betrays its supporters
TOP - now the Opportunity Party - was founded for one purpose: to promote a radical shift in Aotearoa's tax system, from taxing income to taxing land. The right hate the idea, saying it will lower house prices (boo hoo) and drive farmers out of business (showing they were shit at business to begin with). Chris Luxon had ruled out any coalition with the party because they promoted it. And in the face of this pressure, TOP has surrendered and complied in advance - first leaving tax reform off its list of coal
No Right Turn by Idiot/Savant · 12 October 2026
A funny thing happened on the way to abolishing the BSA…
As you’ll know, the current government has decided to scrap the Broadcasting Standards Authority. This would happen after the election. But last month they introduced a Bill that would do the trick. One little-noticed effect of doing away with the BSA is that it would also subject all broadcasters to the Privacy Act. Under current […]
Media Law Journal by Steven · 12 October 2026
Opportunity appears to give up on tax reform
Quilae Wong says considering ruling out tax reform to tempt Luxon into Govt-forming talks & ‘unrealistic’ to expect reform in 2026-2029; Labour’s fiscal shackle rules out real change from other side
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 12 October 2026
Conducting the national orchestra to achieve resilience and security
Australia has spent several years rediscovering the importance of sovereign capability, resilience and economic security. The harder task now is implementation. Governments understand that strategic competition, coercion and concentrated supply chains can turn economic dependencies ...
The Strategist by John Coyne · 12 October 2026
Sorting event transport at Kingsland
It feels like the media have been waiting for a ‘City Rail Link failure’ story – and this weekend they finally got one, kind of, as the weekend saw another big event and another challenge with post-match event trains. Auckland Transport and Eden Park are blaming each other for the issues, as 1News reports: Frustrated rugby fans booed passing trains at Eden Park last night as delays to city-bound services left thousands queuing after the All Blacks thrashed the Wallabies.… The post Sorting event transport at
Greater Auckland by Matt L · 12 October 2026
Picks n’ Mixes & In the Papers for Monday Oct 12
Willis & Edmonds agree cross-party accord on pensions, but with caveats; ACT wants big disability cuts; Greens propose youth jobs guarantee; National to make Year 11 compulsory
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 12 October 2026
Mister Jones
Champion of Bottom Trawling, Conservation Mining, and Immigration Capping.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · 11 October 2026
NZR agree to drop legal action if Papua New Guinea Chiefs’ mascot is a sufficiently sexy CGI animal
After a week of heated back and forth between New Zealand Rugby and Australia’s National Rugby League over a new Papua New Guinea expansion team, NZR has reached out an olive branch, saying it may agree to drop its legal action if the PNG Chiefs differentiate themselves from the Waikato Chiefs in a sufficiently enticing […]
The Civilian by Ben Uffindell · 10 October 2026
Televised Executions
The US continues its descent away from decency.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · 10 October 2026
An Independent Judgement on the Coalition Government’s Fiscal Stewardship
PREFU26 enables us to compare the economic management of the 2023 Labour Government with the 2026 Coalition Government.
Pundit by Brian Easton · 9 October 2026
Twenty-five years on: what Australia gave Afghanistan, and what it still owes
On 14 September 2001, Prime Minister John Howard announced that Australia would invoke the ANZUS Treaty. On 11 October, Australia established Operation Slipper, its first operation in Afghanistan. By early December, the first Australian special ...
The Strategist by Sami Omari · 9 October 2026
If Chinese AI goes rogue, expect opacity
We now know that Chinese AI agents are inclined to cheat just as US models are. The big difference is that if one causes a cybersecurity incident, the ways we would find out are much ...
The Strategist by Alex Colville · 9 October 2026
In 56 Days The US Government Will Livestream A Murder
Traditionally, livestreaming murder has been the remit of mass shooters.
David Farrier by David Farrier · 9 October 2026
Reframing the narrative.
It is said that those who frame the questions win the debate. Those who set the terms win the negotiation. If true, then the resolution to any matter of dispute starts with how the subject is approached, or put differently, how the narrative about the substance of the dispute is framed. That extends to negotiating … Continue reading "Reframing the narrative."
Kiwipolitico by Pablo · 9 October 2026
9 October 2026
The deterioration of our health system features again in today’s Union News with an article summing up demand for hospitals across the motu. Stuff do an in-depth analysis on the employment situation in Northland. Union coverage Employment The post 9 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · 9 October 2026
Comfortably Numb
National resorts to bashing beneficiaries.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · 9 October 2026

Te Pāti Māori launches Mana Takatāpui Policy
Te Pāti Māori has today launched its Mana Takatāpui Policy, committing $200 million over three years and establishing an independent, Takatāpui governed Commission with real authority over Takatāpui specific funding. Te Pāti Māori Co Leader Rawiri Waititi says the policy is built on a simple principle: Nothing about Takatāpui without Takatāpui. “For too long, decisions have been made about Takatāpui without Takatāpui. Our policy changes who holds the power,” Waititi said.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 23 September 2026
We Want Cheaper Power And We Want Our People To Own It.
Te Pāti Māori has today announced its Energy Sovereignty policy, a plan to cut power costs, build Aotearoa’s energy future and shift ownership into the hands of whānau, hapū, iwi and communities. “Every party is talking about generating more electricity. We’re asking the question they keep avoiding: who will own it?” said Te Pāti Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi “If we replace fossil fuels with renewables but leave ownership and profits concentrated in the same hands, we haven’t transformed the system. We’ve just c
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 16 September 2026
GOVERNMENT'S LAST ACT IS ANOTHER ATTACK ON TE TIRITI
In its final days, this Government is trying to strip Te Tiriti from our laws. Three Treaty-related Bills before Parliament would weaken Te Tiriti protections and reduce Crown accountability. Te Pāti Māori opposes every one of them. Instead, Te Pāti Māori are calling for Te Tiriti to be protected through enforceable Crown obligations that no Government can simply discard.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 15 September 2026
TE PĀTI MĀORI LAUNCHES TE TIRITI ENTRENCHMENT POLICY
Te Pāti Māori has today launched its Te Tiriti Entrenchment Policy, a major constitutional reform package that will make Crown obligations arising from Te Tiriti legally enforceable and resource the next stage of Māori-led constitutional transformation. “Te Tiriti is the constitutional foundation of Aotearoa. Its mana does not rise and fall depending on who forms the Government,” Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi said. “Our policy is about certainty, accountability and making sure the Crown keeps its p
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 1 September 2026
MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rawhiti Calls on Govt to Honour its Commitments to Waikato and Waipaa Awa
Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke says the Government’s decision to delay key provisions of Plan Change 1, which sets rules to protect and restore the health of the Waikato and Waipaa awa, puts 3-yearly electoral interests ahead of its obligations to iwi and the environment. “This is bigger than a plan or a process. It is about whether the Crown will keep its word to Waikato-Tainui and honour the commitments it made – and written into legislation” says Maipi-Clarke. “The power of Te Ture Whaimana
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 24 August 2026
Luxon chose culture wars while basic services failed
Christopher Luxon has spent too much of his term legislating culture wars while the basic services New Zealanders rely on have been allowed to deteriorate, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says. “The Prime Minister had a finite term to govern. He chose to spend an extraordinary amount of it undoing Māori rights and weakening Crown obligations while the services New Zealanders depend on were deteriorating,” Ngarewa-Packer said. “He found the time to mobilise 13 government agencies to trawl throu
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 18 August 2026
Luxon survives today, but he will not survive November 7
Today’s National Party caucus meeting may have saved Christopher Luxon’s job, but it has not solved National’s deeper problem. This government is consumed by its own survival while whānau are left to carry the cost. For days, New Zealanders have watched a governing party turn inward while families face rising costs, job losses and an economy going backwards. “Luxon may have kept the job, but National has lost the country’s confidence,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 12 August 2026
Oriini Kaipara MP extends aroha following fatal workplace incident in Ōtāhuhu
Oriini Kaipara, MP for Tāmaki Makaurau, extends her deepest condolences to the whānau, friends and work colleagues of the worker who tragically lost their life at the Auckland Meat Processors facility on Portage Road, Ōtāhuhu. "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the whānau who are now navigating an unimaginable loss. No one should leave for work and not return home to their loved ones." Following notification of the incident, Oriini's office has been actively seeking information to better understand t
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 7 August 2026
Te Pati Maori will make the Waitangi Tribunal recommendations binding
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi says New Zealand First's call to review the Waitangi Tribunal proves the coalition has learnt nothing from the Tribunal's latest report. "The Waitangi Tribunal has found that the Government's Treaty clause review is a major breach of Te Tiriti. Instead of fixing the breach, Shane Jones wants to investigate the institution that exposed it." Waititi says this is about far more than constitutional law.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 6 August 2026
Government’s patriarchal noise cannot hide cervical-screening failure
While this Government and its allies manufacture patriarchal noise and drag public debate into personal attacks, a serious health-system failure involving nearly one million cervical screening notifications demands urgent answers. Health New Zealand says there is “no indication of harm”, but the Government has produced no evidence that proves nobody missed screening, follow-up care or an earlier diagnosis.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 5 August 2026
Government rips up another promise of partnership with Māori
Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the Government’s reported decision to scrap existing Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements is not planning reform it’s another deliberate step in dismantling the Crown’s relationship with tangata whenua. “This Government isn’t just rewriting planning law. It is rewriting the place of Māori in Aotearoa.” “One law at a time, one institution at a time, one agreement at a time, they are removing the practical ways Te Tiriti is honoured.”
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 21 July 2026
MFAT Must Act Urgently to Free Everlee Wihongi After Another Delayed Hearing
Everlee Wihongi was set to appear in court today to be freed from ICE detention. Unfortunately, approximately 80 minutes before it was scheduled to begin, the Immigration Court decided to postpone the hearing until June 30, 2026. ICE has no reason to continue to detain Everlee after the conviction that formed the basis of the immigration case was successfully overturned. Everlee has now been detained for over two months, and this is just the latest in a long line of unnecessary delays. “Our aroha goes out t
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 18 June 2026
Te Pāti Māori Announces Lisa Marie Murch as Te Tai Tonga Candidate for 2026
Te Pāti Māori is proud to announce Lisa Marie Murch as its candidate for Te Tai Tonga in the 2026 General Election. Born and raised in Murihiku, Lisa brings lived experience, education, service, and a deep commitment to whānau Māori across Te Waipounamu. A young Māori mother at sixteen, Lisa knows firsthand the realities many whānau face. Her journey from cleaning and baking, to becoming a head baker, bilingual primary teacher, kaupapa Māori educator, and specialist across Murihiku and Ōtepoti schools, is g
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 15 June 2026
Government Hid Its Own Evidence on LNG
Te Pāti Māori is calling on the Government to release all remaining redacted advice on the proposed Taranaki LNG import terminal and halt the contract process until full public disclosure has occurred. This week RNZ revealed that officials redacted modelling commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment showing low need for LNG imports. In some scenarios, no need at all. That information was only made public after RNZ lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman. Parts of the document remain
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 11 June 2026
Seymour Admits He Never Checked Impact on Māori with Diabetes
David Seymour Associate Minister of Health confirmed in answers to Written Parliamentary Questions that he supported removing Māori and Pacific priority access to Type 2 diabetes medicines, without any equity analysis, without modelling of Māori complications, and holds no data on how many Māori currently rely on the pathway they're removing. Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the admissions were negligible. "They don't know who they're harming. They don't know how many Māori with diabetes r
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 10 June 2026
If The Government Really Wants To Lower Power Bills, This Is The Way
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the government’s LNG announcement today exposes a fundamental failure of energy policy leadership. “Simeon Brown says he has an answer to our energy security problem. A billion-dollar contract to import liquefied natural gas. From the Middle East. With no plan to pay for it. That’s not energy security, that’s energy dependency,” says Ngarewa-Packer. “Initially the government planned a levy on power bills to fund this facility. Now they want the same gentail
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 9 June 2026
Govt will Erase Iwi Representation Across Aotearoa
Today the government announced that they will be removing the voting rights of iwi representatives from all councils across the country. They will be amending the Local Government (System Improvements) Bill after it has already gone through select committee, meaning that there will be no public submission process. “This is another gut punch, and our people are fed up” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi. “Every time we think this government couldn’t possibly harm te iwi Māori any more, they always
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 2 June 2026
TPM to Entrench Te Tiriti: Government’s Tiriti Purge is Constitutional Vandalism
Te Pāti Māori is condemning today’s announcement by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith to strip or weaken Te Tiriti o Waitangi references across 19 pieces of legislation. “This is not policy reform. It is constitutional vandalism.” After failing to redefine Te Tiriti through the Treaty Principles Bill, the Government is now dismantling it clause by clause through legislative review instead. Different vehicle. Same destination.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 15 May 2026
Te Pāti Māori responds to announcement of new political party
Te Pāti Māori acknowledges Mariameno Kapa-Kingi’s announcement that she intends to contest the 2026 General Election under the newly announced Te Tai Tokerau Party. We wish Mariameno well. Te ao Māori has always carried many voices, many rohe, many whakapapa, and many expressions of mana motuhake. We respect the right of whānau, hapū, iwi, rohe and candidates to determine their own political pathway.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 11 May 2026
MP Govt Floats Nuclear Jones Must Front Up
Te Pāti Māori is demanding answers after Shane Jones casually floated nuclear fission in the House today. Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said, “Aotearoa is not neutral on nuclear. We are proudly anti-nuclear. That position was fought for, defended, and embedded in who we are as a nation.” “Is this Government marching us away from our nuclear-free legacy? Because Aotearoa deserves to know,” said Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
Te Pāti Māori by Te Pāti Māori · 29 April 2026

KiwiRail to fund additional ferries works in Picton
KiwiRail will directly fund up to $37.5 million for Picton rail yard upgrades and adding auto-mooring technology to the new wharf as part of the New Ferries project, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today. “Selecting KiwiRail as the long-term operator of the Interislander has given the company confidence to invest its own funds in commercial assets, meaning the taxpayer is not paying a cent more than our $1.7 billion allocation but still achieves the benefit as the ultimate owner of KiwiRail,” Mr Pete
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Friday
Resilience work underway for key South Island route
Work to bolster the resilience of a key South Island route vital to New Zealand tourism will soon begin, South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager says. “The Government allocated around $40 million in Budget 2026 to fund resilience upgrades to State Highway 94 (SH94) between Te Anau and Milford, as part of a wider $150 million-plus package to strengthen five of the mainland’s most vulnerable state highways,” Mr Meager says. “There will soon be spades in the ground at key sites on SH94 in Fi
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Friday
King’s Counsel appointments 2026
Attorney-General Chris Bishop today announced the appointments of 12 King’s Counsel. The rank of King’s Counsel is primarily awarded to barristers sole who have met the overarching criteria of excellence in their careers. The 12 new King’s Counsel appointed, from over 100 applications, are Matanuku Mahuika, Karen Radich, Janette Campbell, Matthew Harris, Kirsten Gray, Tim Smith, Polly Pope, Kerry Cook, Sam Lowery, Rob Kirkness, Isaac Hikaka, and Annabel Maxwell-Scott. “The appointment of King’s Counsel reco
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Friday
Levy reduction for cruise industry
Cruise ship passengers will pay significantly lower Border Processing Levy rates from 1 July 2027, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today. From 1 July 2027, cruise passengers will see a net reduction of NZ$19.91 per person through the combined arrival and departure levy rate changes. The Border Processing Levy for arriving cruise passengers will lower from NZ$27.14 to NZ$7.20, while the levy for outgoing passengers will increase by three cents per person. “The levy system is working as intended. Where f
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Friday
New construction ACOP to bring health and safety clarity
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today launched a new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) that outlines practical steps businesses and workers can take to meet their health and safety responsibilities on residential construction sites. “This ACOP will provide practical, sector-specific information to help clients, principal contractors, contractors, subcontractors and workers prepare for upcoming changes to health and safety law, and support better outcomes across New Zealand's residen
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Friday
West Coast infrastructure upgrades on course
Investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is delivering progress on key projects on the West Coast, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says. "Improvements to key shipping ports and the upgrade of Hokitika Airport are part of the government’s support for the West Coast’s economic growth and resilience,” Mr Patterson says. Mr Patterson joined local leaders and iwi today at the blessing of Greymouth Port's new port sounding vessel, which will be used to monitor and manage the port’s
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Friday
Hunua Quarry development fast-tracked
A third substantial Auckland quarry project has gained Fast-track approval to expand operations, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Resources Minister Shane Jones say. This is the 37th project approved through the Fast-track process. Winstone Aggregates lodged its application in March 2026, with approval taking around four months from the appointment of an independent expert panel. The redevelopment of Hunua Quarry will expand existing quarrying activities to allow Winstone Aggregates to deepen the ex
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Thursday
SH54 resilience improvements on the way
A crash-prone bridge in Manawatū currently down to one lane is set to be replaced with funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say. The project to replace Haynes Bridge on State Highway 54 will receive funding of $6.5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Mr Jones says the investment in the new bridge on a key Manawatū-Whanganui route will deliver benefits for communities and businesses throughout the region. "Safe
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Thursday
New term, same story; attendance up again
Provisional school attendance data for Term 3 2026 shows despite a tough flu season in person attendance rates were the highest of any Term 3 since 2022, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. In Term 3 2026, 52.2% of students met the criteria for regular attendance, representing a 1.7 percentage point increase from 50.5% in Term 3 2025. A student attends school ‘regularly’ when they are in class for more than 90 per cent of the term. “This data shows attendance rates continue to rise under this G
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Thursday
International tourism nears full recovery
International visitor numbers are now within a whisker of pre-pandemic levels, with four months left to go in the year and the summer season yet to hit, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. Stats NZ data out today shows the total number of overseas visitor arrivals in August 2026 was 99 per cent of the 251,100 in August 2019. “In 2025 I set the ambitious goal to increase the number of international visitors to New Zealand to at least 2019 levels by 2026. “This monthly data shows we are well
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Open ocean opportunities for iwi aquaculture
The Government has set aside areas suitable for aquaculture to ensure Marlborough iwi have the opportunity to contribute to the region’s open ocean aquaculture boom, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The two Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) ensure suitable space in the region remains available while the Crown and Te Tau Ihu iwi negotiate a settlement under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act,” Mr Jones says. “With the launch earlier this year of New Zealand’s first open
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Diesel reserve extended to maintain fuel security
The Government has extended an agreement for a 550,000-barrel strategic diesel reserve until August 2027 to maintain New Zealand’s fuel resilience, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say. “Maintaining our national fuel security, particularly through a period of global uncertainty, remains a top priority for the Government. That’s why we’re pleased to announce this extension to our existing deal with Z Energy for the diesel reserve at Marsden Point,” Nicola Willis says.
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Survivor Support and Recognition Fund to open next year
The Government has approved a third and final round of the Survivor Support and Recognition Fund (SSRF). The fund supports community-led services and initiatives for survivors of abuse and neglect in care This $820,000 contestable fund will be available to non-government organisations and community groups that directly support survivors of abuse in care,” says Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford. Applications are expected to open in February 2027. The Department of Internal Affairs' Community Operatio
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Long overdue replacement for critical bridge
Another bridge on South Canterbury’s State Highway 82 will be replaced, through funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say. The Deep Creek Bridge on SH82 will be replaced at a cost of $7.5 million. Elephant Hill Stream Bridge has already been replaced, and Waihao North Bridge is in the process of being replaced Deep Creek Bridge carries about 1850 vehicles each day and supports local journeys, agricultural activity and fre
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
It's all adding up: More maths gains for Kiwi kids
New independent assessment results show primary and intermediate students made the equivalent of four months' additional progress in mathematics between 2024 and 2026, signalling a turnaround in achievement, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. The latest Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) data, released today by the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER), show statistically significant improvements in mathematics and reading comprehension and vocabulary. “Our number one priority in educati
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Auckland gets another Crisis Recovery Café
People in Auckland in need of mental health or addiction support will have another place to turn for faster access to support, with a new peer-led Crisis Recovery Café officially opening in Mt Eden, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Emergency departments aren’t always the best environment for someone experiencing mental distress. They can be busy, brightly lit and feel far too clinical, when often what someone needs is a calm place to sit down and talk to someone who understands. “That’s why we are
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Tuesday
Damning report shows Teaching Council failed to protect children
A damning new independent review has revealed how repeated failures by the Teaching Council allowed a teacher with a known history of offending to remain in the profession before he went on to commit indecent acts against children, Minister of Education Erica Stanford says. The independent regulatory review undertaken by Katherine Anderson KC follows the equally damning 2025 Debbie Francis review, which exposed a deeply concerning culture within the Teaching Council. “First and foremost, my thoughts are wit
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Tuesday
New ward boosts capacity at Hawke’s Bay Hospital
Hawke’s Bay patients will benefit from faster access to surgical care with the opening of a new 28-bed ward at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This new ward is a practical solution to meet growing demand, delivering the extra capacity Hawke’s Bay Hospital needs right now and making a real difference for both patients and staff,” Mr Brown says. “It gives surgical patients dedicated space before and after their procedures, along with space for surgical assessment and planning. That m
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 12 October 2026
First state school converts to a charter school
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Pakaraka School in Northland has become the first state school to convert to a charter school. “Charter schools give educators more freedom to provide students with an education that suits their needs,” Mr Seymour says. “The Pakaraka community has chosen a new path for its school. They want to be able to build on what is already working for its students, and the charter school model enables them to do that. “In 2024 the school partnered wit
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 12 October 2026
Government ambitious for every child’s education
Thank you, Prime Minister. Over the past three years, we have been focused on one overriding objective: lifting educational achievement for every young New Zealander. And a huge part of that has been closing the equity gap, ensuring that your means do not determine your destiny by providing a world-leading education for every young person in our schools. Because we are ambitious for every child in this country. A world-leading education system starts with ensuring every child learns to read, write and do ma
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 12 October 2026
Additional domestic student places for veterinary science at Massey University
“An increase in the number of funded domestic places in Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme from 125 to 140 per year from 2027 onwards will help address demand for veterinarians in the future,” says Minister for Tertiary Education Penny Simmonds. Minister Simmonds made the announcement during her visit to the university’s Palmerston North campus on Friday, 9 October. “The veterinary workforce plays a key role in our biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, and export industry. Incr
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
District Court Judges Appointed
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of Leighvi Maynard of Gisborne and Nicola Graham of Napier as District Court Judges. Mr Maynard began his legal career at Simpson Grierson in Auckland, where he was a member of the firm’s Environment, Planning and Resource Management team. In 2006 he moved to Gisborne and entered general practice, working across civil, employment, Māori land, family and criminal law jurisdictions before joining the Office of the Crown Solicitor for Rotorua, Tau
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Simpler food safety, stronger focus on risk
The Government is proposing changes to make it easier for food businesses to meet their food safety obligations, with less paperwork and a sharper focus on the risks that matter, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says. Consultation opened today on an updated Simply Safe & Suitable food control plan template. This is New Zealand's main food control template: a pre-approved, plain-language checklist that tells businesses what steps to follow and what records to keep so their food stays safe. "Businesses hav
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Food and fibre exports hit record $65.2 billion
Food and fibre exports reached a record $65.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2026, up $4.8 billion on the year before, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. "Kiwi farmers and growers keep delivering for the New Zealand economy," Mr McClay says. "This year was already on track to be a record. Their hard work has delivered a result that beats expectations." Exports are up 8 per cent on the previous year and ahead of the Ministry for Primary Industries' June forecast of $64.3 billion. "It's a gre
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Investigation into Apollo Stadium site planning rules
An investigation has been launched into whether Christchurch planning rules are getting in the way of new housing, economic growth and the future redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says. The investigation follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to consider changes to the Christchurch District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site at 95 Jack Hinton Drive in Addington. “The temporary Apollo Stadium has served Christchurch well. Now th
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Four more school redevelopments get the green light
The Government is investing a further $37 million to redevelop four schools, taking investment in school redevelopment projects approved this year to more than $200 million, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “When we came into Government, school property was a mess. Around 350 projects could not be delivered within the funding available, schools had been waiting years for certainty, and classrooms were costing around $1.2 million each. “We said we would fix it, and that is exactly what we have been do
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
Next steps in fight against organised crime
The new Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Chief Executive Board has met for the first time today, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has announced. “We need better organised government to fight organised crime, and the Board will help deliver that,” Ms Costello says. “The Government has made a series of decisions to improve our response to TSOC, including appointing a Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG), and putting in place a new TSOC strategy and Action Plan. A key recommendation of the
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
More Kiwis choosing teaching
More New Zealanders are choosing to become teachers, with initial teacher education enrolments up 40 per cent since 2023. Education Minister Erica Stanford says the increase shows more Kiwis want to be part of New Zealand’s teaching workforce. “We’ve had a real focus on getting more New Zealanders into teaching so we can grow our own workforce and reduce our reliance on recruiting teachers from overseas. “Overseas-trained teachers make an important contribution to our schools, and we will continue to need t
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
RMA national direction reforms complete
The Government has completed the biggest overhaul of national direction in the history of the Resource Management Act – with the final changes making it faster, easier and more affordable to build and upgrade New Zealand’s electricity and telecommunications networks, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says. “Over the past two years the Government has developed or amended 16 national direction instruments to remove unnecessary barriers to housing, infrastructure, energy and the primary sector,” Mr Bishop says.
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
Government cracks down on rockpool vandals
Major fishing rule changes will come into force this summer to stop people from stripping rockpools of marine life on the Auckland and Coromandel coastlines, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft say. “Fossicking in a rockpool is a Kiwi tradition. It’s a pastime that’s been enjoyed by generations of New Zealanders. However, it’s being exploited by a selfish few who are taking far too much kaimoana. This behaviour is endangering these fragile ecosystems and putting at r
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026

Blood pressure rising: over 50% of Nigerians we tested had hypertension and over 65% didn’t know it
Millions of Nigerians are living with hypertension without knowing it – and the gaps in diagnosis and care run deep.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Yesterday
Ultra-trail running: why women excel yet remain under-represented
Why are women still under-represented in trail and mountain running even though they excel over very long distances?
Evening Report by The Conversation · Yesterday
ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for October 18, 2026
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on October 18, 2026.
Evening Report by Evening Report · Yesterday
De Gaulle: Résistance and the subjective history of anti-Nazi struggle during Second World War
REVIEW: By Alex Salmon “Whatever happens, the flame of French resistance must not and shall not die,” proclaimed Charles De Gaulle in a speech broadcast on BBC radio in London, 18 June 1940, as France surrendered to Nazi Germany. De Gaulle, a French army officer, had refused to capitulate to the Nazis and Marshall Petain’s
Evening Report by Asia Pacific Report · Yesterday
Masked settler assault on Washington Post photographer a snapshot of Israel’s toxic reality today
COMMENTARY: By Mark Naglazas An American photojournalist getting viciously beaten up the West Bank by settlers is small potatoes in comparison to the hundreds of journalists who have died in Gaza, let alone the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been slaughtered (and continue to be). However, a group of young thugs pounding the
Evening Report by Asia Pacific Report · Yesterday
Double international Stacey Waaka inspired by Honey for World Cup debut
New Zealand starts its bid for the Rugby League World Cup with the glittering union star Stacey Waaka keen to emulate the great Honey Hireme-Smiler The post Double international Stacey Waaka inspired by Honey for World Cup debut appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Adam Julian · Yesterday
Newsroom daily quiz, Sunday 18 October
What is the only song to chart across three different decades in New Zealand? The post Newsroom daily quiz, Sunday 18 October appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Newsroom Puzzles · Yesterday
The Sunday Poem, by Carin Smeaton
'Te Pō caught Māui at lunch today/ eating up a storm with a younger woman...' The post The Sunday Poem, by Carin Smeaton appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Carin Smeaton · Yesterday
A fair go for the mechanic down the road
Comment: Australia has had a car repair information scheme since 2022. It is working, and New Zealand should copy it. The post A fair go for the mechanic down the road appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Dr Alex Sims · Yesterday
Australian journalist and unionist threatened with disciplinary action over opinion article
Asia Pacific Report The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) head of news has threatened journalist and unionist Michael Slezak with disciplinary action over an October 5 opinion piece in the Australian Financial Review, written in his capacity as a union official. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said in a statement that it joined its Australian
Evening Report by Asia Pacific Report · Yesterday
Fijian chief warns coup immunity debate must address inequality and social issues
By Iliesa Tora of RNZ Pacific The traditional paramount chief of Lau province in Fiji says immunity clauses sheltering past coup leaders cannot be a stand-alone discussion. Ratu Tevita Mara said Fijians should also confront the economic disparity, and the drug and HIV crisis in iTaukei communities, as the public consultation phase of the Constitution
Evening Report by Asia Pacific Report · Yesterday
ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for October 17, 2026
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on October 17, 2026.
Evening Report by Evening Report · Saturday
New Zealand University And Polytechnic Staff Vote To Strike
The ruling elite is starving essential public services, including health and education, to funnel more money to the rich and to boost the military budget in preparation for war.
Scoop politics · Saturday
Auckland Dog Attacks Down, But Over Half Of Impounded Dogs Still Killed
Fewer dog attacks welcome, AJP asks what is happening behind Auckland’s pound numbers.
Scoop politics · Saturday
Eight ways to spot toxic hasbara trolls and being a keyboard warrior
COMMENTARY: By Saige England The state of fascist Zionism continues its systematic extermination and social media is full of its supporters. Thank you to this list from my friend Mike Huett on how to spot and combat hasbara trolls. (Hasbara is the communications arm of Mossad, the Zionist state’s secret service and it has long
Evening Report by Asia Pacific Report · Saturday
Free Palestine Party slams ‘shameful’ NZ stance at UN, calls for independent foreign policy
Asia Pacific Report The Free Palestine Party has condemned the New Zealand government for its “shameful” failure to walk out of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the UN last month — as more than 70 protesting countries did — claiming it made New Zealand complicit in genocide. “The only thing necessary for the
Evening Report by Asia Pacific Report · Saturday
Young voters fear mass shootings like the one in Oregon, but that fear divides them on gun control
An Oregon school shooting comes weeks before midterms when young voters could break turnout records, but research shows shared fear doesn’t mean shared views on guns.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
The secret thoughts at the second Leaders’ Debate
Inside the minds of Bridge, Luxon and Hipkins at this week's leaders' debate The post The secret thoughts at the second Leaders’ Debate appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Steve Braunias · Saturday
Newsroom daily quiz, Saturday 17 October
What is the name of the French national anthem? The post Newsroom daily quiz, Saturday 17 October appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Newsroom Puzzles · Saturday
Second place story in the 2026 Sargeson Prize
Auckland writer Cait Kneller has won 2nd place in the Sargeson Prize with her story about two girls who meet on holiday The post Second place story in the 2026 Sargeson Prize appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Cait Kneller · Saturday
The voting power of the overseas electorate
From The Detail: Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders living overseas are enrolled to vote. But many of them don't feel they've been invited to the party. The post The voting power of the overseas electorate appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Anna Fifield · Saturday
Star American back to help Phoenix rise one more step
Five months after Melbourne City shattered their championship dream, the Wellington Phoenix have an early shot at payback against the reigning champions in the capital The post Star American back to help Phoenix rise one more step appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Aiden McLaughlin · Saturday
Trains of thought go off the rails in Mt Roskill debate
A candidates’ debate in one of the election's most marginal seats brought some other colours – and some odd moments – to a largely red-blue race The post Trains of thought go off the rails in Mt Roskill debate appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Cass Mason · Saturday
Can social media bans protect young people’s mental health? Early research suggests that bans aren’t the answer
Kids have found ways around most of the safeguards meant to keep them off social media platforms.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Americans want electric cars – they just can’t find them
Sales reveal how many cars people actually bought, but not how many they actually wanted. Prices, on the other hand, show how demand is changing.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
For centuries, bird migration was a mystery – a tech revolution is changing that, and could help save these amazing creatures
An early clue came from storks found in Europe with African arrows in their bodies. Today, an atlas reveals hundreds of bird migration routes that are both complicated and remarkable.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Pennsylvania’s aging prisons weren’t built for today’s extreme weather – leaving women and seniors especially at risk of illness and death
Extreme hot and cold temperatures are associated with higher rates of deaths, infirmary admissions and transfers to external medical facilities, researchers found.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Treating depression during pregnancy may benefit baby’s brain development – new research
Therapy during pregnancy for those who need it may have advantages for the next generation.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Remote work made these colleagues more open with each other, not less
Remote work does not necessarily mean that social connections break down. Instead, it can provide the spark for stronger and better relationships between co-workers.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Rabbits were a medieval royal luxury in England – until the Black Death made them commonplace
Once the preserve of the aristocracy, rabbits became commonplace by the end of the Middle Ages as the world was turned upside down after the arrival of plague.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Why the 26 secretary of state races this November matter more than they did before Trump’s drive to assert federal authority over elections
Secretaries of state are at the center of growing conflict over how election authority should be divided between states and the federal government. There are 26 elections for the job this November.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Belonging and belief: Why evangelical churches draw many migrants in the US
Many migrants find community in evangelical churches in the U.S. – part of wider shifts in the country’s religious landscape.
Evening Report by The Conversation · Saturday
Labour Supporters Told To Harness 'Hope And Rage'; National Voters Fear 'Handout Society'
Hipkins took the stage donning a lei presented to him on stage by Sepuloni, who has been the MP for Kelston for over a decade.
Scoop politics · Friday
Political Parties And Arts Policies
It requires more than well-intentioned words. It requires clear commitments, policies and actions that recognise the contribution the arts make to our lives and communities.
Scoop politics · Friday
Care-Experienced Rangatahi To Put Politicians In The Hot Seat Ahead Of Election
Hosted by VOYCE - Whakarongo Mai, the online pre-election political panel on Monday 19 October will bring together representatives from the political parties currently polling above five percent.
Scoop politics · Friday
Winston’s Flip Flop On Showing New Zealand His Numbers
“Winston Peters promised earlier in the week to show New Zealanders how he’d pay for his spending promises. Later the same week, he’s saying there’s no fiscal plan and ‘this year’s Budget is his fiscal plan'."
Scoop politics · Friday
A plan exists for a fairer and healthier food system. Which party policies align best?
The Public Health Advisory Committee put forward five recommendations for improving NZ’s food system. We compared it with party policy ahead of the election.
Scoop politics · Friday
‘You’ve got balls, mate’: Minister Simon Watts in heated exchange with councillors
Regional councils must continue operating day to day, despite new uncertainty over their future after next month's election The post ‘You’ve got balls, mate’: Minister Simon Watts in heated exchange with councillors appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Jonathan Milne · Friday
Free Palestine Party Comments Should Be Answered, Not Prosecuted
“If police believe anyone was incited to violence, the Crimes Act covers that & they should use it. What police & politicians shouldn’t do is reach for the hate speech provisions in sections 61 & 131 of the Human Rights Act," says Dr David Cumin.
Scoop politics · Friday
How Much Does It Cost To Run An Election?
University of Otago professor Andrew Geddis said the Electoral Commission had to put in a request to the Minister of Justice outlining what funding it expected to need to run the election.
Scoop politics · Friday
Well Done Wellington City Council! Thanks For Standing Up While Government Ignores Israeli War Crimes Across Palestine
Wellington adopted a policy last year of ceasing to invest in Israeli government bonds and Israeli state enterprises.
Scoop politics · Friday
This week’s bestselling books – October 16
The latest NielsenIQ BookScan chart of NZ books, plus win Catherine Chidgey's The Starving Bride The post This week’s bestselling books – October 16 appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Steve Braunias · Friday
Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 16 October
If someone is 'pugnacious', what are they? The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 16 October appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Newsroom Puzzles · Friday
‘Clinical’ Black Ferns aim to take the flamboyance out of France in three test tour
A great rivalry resumes this weekend, between NZ and French women's rugby sides who were a point apart in the last two tests played here The post ‘Clinical’ Black Ferns aim to take the flamboyance out of France in three test tour appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Adam Julian · Friday
Daily crossword, Friday 16 October
Test your smarts with Newsroom's daily crossword. The post Daily crossword, Friday 16 October appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Newsroom Puzzles · Friday
School Strike 4 Climate Ōtautahi's Vote Climate Strike At The Bridge Of Remembrance, Ōtautahi, Aotearoa
With this strike, we aim to encourage eligible rangatahi to vote and to keep the climate crisis in mind this election.
Scoop politics · Thursday
AI, Japan And The Other Tough National Security Choices New Zealand Faces
A geopolitical analyst says New Zealand faces tough and costly choices on national security and defence but they're barely being debated on the election trail.
Scoop politics · Thursday
Explainer: What Are Special Votes And Why They Could Change The Election Results?
Special votes, which are counted slower, have shifted preliminary election results the last several times. And they may well do it again in 2026.
Scoop politics · Thursday
LNG: Smart Energy Alliance Calls Out Government’s Secretive Dealings
The Smart Energy Alliance is criticising the Government’s secretive handling of its proposed LNG import terminal, following the quiet disclosure that a preferred supplier has been selected. “This appears sneaky and secretive, and is completely ...
Scoop politics · Thursday
PSA Says Greens Public Service Announcement Necessary To Start Rebuild Of Public Services
"The Government’s cuts have been made with no plan and no thought to the current and future needs of New Zealanders", says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
Scoop politics · Thursday

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