Skip to content

Economy
Environment
International
Media
Politics
Social issues

Home
About
Policy
Archives
FAQ
Contribute
Contact

stupid and heartless

Crash ‘n Burn

Written By: Bill

Date published: 10:14 am, December 10th, 2019 - 17 comments

A chuttering PM and…well, I guess being left speechless.

Sidebar & Widgets

Log in
Donate
Contribute post

Articles RSS

Search for:

Select from: Posts Pages Comments

Sort by: Relevance Freshness

observer to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Incognito to The Chairman on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Greywarshark to Greywarshark on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Obtrectator to Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Greywarshark to Ad on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
The Chairman to Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
tsmithfield to observer on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Belladonna to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
The Chairman to Drowsy M. Kram on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
observer to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
observer on
Daily review 30/10/2026
tsmithfield to Belladonna on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Drowsy M. Kram to The Chairman on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Drowsy M. Kram to Greywarshark on
Daily review 29/10/2026
Stephen D on
Daily review 30/10/2026
bwaghorn on
Daily review 30/10/2026
thinker to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
The Chairman to Drowsy M. Kram on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Karolyn_IS to Ad on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
lprent to weka on
Hacker focus in election season
tWig to Bearded Git on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
bwaghorn to weka on
Hacker focus in election season
lprent to aj on
Hacker focus in election season
bwaghorn to weka on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Belladonna to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
weka on
Hacker focus in election season
weka to bwaghorn on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Greywarshark on
Daily review 29/10/2026
lprent to Incognito on
Hacker focus in election season
lprent to AB on
Hacker focus in election season
Ad to Joe90 on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Joe90 to Barfly on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Ad to Subliminal on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
BK to bwaghorn on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Ad to Greywarshark on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Ad to Karolyn_IS on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
bwaghorn to Ad on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Ad to Barfly on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
bwaghorn to BK on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram to The Chairman on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
bwaghorn to Richard Townsend on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Incognito to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Greywarshark on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram to BK on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
tsmithfield to Incognito on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Incognito to BK on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Subliminal on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
The Chairman on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Incognito to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Incognito to Scud on
Daily review 28/10/2026
BK to bwaghorn on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
greywarshark on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Scud to Macro on
Daily review 28/10/2026
tsmithfield to Incognito on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Craig H on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
The Chairman to Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Incognito to tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Greywarshark to BK on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Incognito to AB on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Greywarshark on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
tsmithfield on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
weka to bwaghorn on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
AB to Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
aj on
Hacker focus in election season
Richard Townsend to bwaghorn on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Ad to BK on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Bearded Git to Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
bwaghorn to BK on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
bwaghorn to Graeme on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Incognito on
Hacker focus in election season
Incognito to Bearded Git on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Bearded Git on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Barfly on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Karolyn_IS to Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Bearded Git on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Mike the Lefty to Greg on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
lprent to Belladonna on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Bearded Git to Belladonna on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
BK to Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
AB on
Hacker focus in election season
thinker on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Drowsy M. Kram to The Chairman on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Graeme to bwaghorn on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram to Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
Graeme to Belladonna on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
The Chairman to Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Incognito to Belladonna on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
bwaghorn to Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
bwaghorn to Belladonna on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
gsays to Belladonna on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram to Belladonna on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
mikesh on
Labour’s smart social housing policy
Belladonna to Bearded Git on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
Belladonna to Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
mikesh on
Labour’s smart social housing policy
Belladonna to Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram to gsays on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram to AB on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
Incognito on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Belladonna on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Belladonna to gsays on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
Belladonna to AB on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
Belladonna to AB on
Open Mike 29/10/2026
tWig on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Karolyn_IS to thinker on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Drowsy M. Kram to Ad on
National’s big mo problem
Bearded Git to Drowsy M. Kram on
Daily review 29/10/2026
lprent to Wayne on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
Drowsy M. Kram to Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram to Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Drowsy M. Kram on
Open Mike 30/10/2026
Ad on
National’s big mo problem
thinker to Greg on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
mikesh to mac1 on
Day 1 of voter suppression: why is National preventing people from enrolling to vote?
mikesh to Jimmy on
Day 1 of voter suppression: why is National preventing people from enrolling to vote?
mikesh to Mike the Lefty on
Day 1 of voter suppression: why is National preventing people from enrolling to vote?
mikesh to Res Publica on
Day 1 of voter suppression: why is National preventing people from enrolling to vote?
mikesh to Anne on
Day 1 of voter suppression: why is National preventing people from enrolling to vote?
Craig H to thinker on
National’s big mo problem
adam to Ad on
National’s big mo problem
Drowsy M. Kram to joe90 on
Daily review 29/10/2026
weka to bwaghorn on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
mikesh to weka on
Labour’s smart social housing policy
bwaghorn to Andrew Riddell on
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
joe90 on
Daily review 29/10/2026

Replies load when this tab is opened.

Daily review 30/10/2026
by notices and features
Hacker focus in election season
by lprent
Open Mike 30/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 29/10/2026
by notices and features
The last RNZ Reid poll, and getting out the vote for a left win
by weka
National’s big mo problem
by mickysavage
Open Mike 29/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 28/10/2026
by notices and features
Labour’s smart social housing policy
by weka
Open Mike 28/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 27/10/2026
by notices and features
BHN: Leaders Special: Chris Hipkins, Labour
by notices and features
National Government allocated 80% of all health spend increase to private healthcare
by Mountain Tui
Luxon couldn’t be more like Trump if he tried
by mickysavage
Open Mike 27/10/2026
by notices and features
Day 1 of voter suppression: why is National preventing people from enrolling to vote?
by weka
Open Mike 26/10/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 25/10/2026
by notices and features
Let’s talk about the Opportunity Party in New Zealand
by Mountain Tui
“Government does things not for profit but to build a country”
by weka
Open Mike 24/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 23/10/2026
by notices and features
Gangs are bad. Crime is not?
by Mountain Tui
Open Mike 23/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 22/10/2026
by notices and features
Luxon lies about 54 nurses
by Mountain Tui
Open Mike 22/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 21/10/2026
by notices and features
Open Mike 21/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 20/10/2026
by notices and features
Twopenneth on MMP and Class
by Nigel Haworth
Let’s talk gangs
by Mountain Tui
If you want to change the Government …
by mickysavage
Open Mike 20/10/2026
by notices and features
Daily review 19/10/2026
by notices and features
A Faulty Handbrake Analogy
by Incognito
National wants to supress voter turnout
by mickysavage
Open Mike 19/10/2026
by notices and features
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

What have we learnt from Election ’26?
What have we learnt from Election ’26? How might we understand the outcome and where we go from here? For Auckland Fabians we have two critical perspectives to assess the election as both a reflection on the voter mood and party strategy and assess the new political ecology in which we need to respond. It was an election supposedly about the economy but so much more clouded into the narratives and then core issues seemed to become forgotten – Ti Tiriti, climate and any significant response to poverty. We no
Fabian Events · 6:00 pm
What has the election brought us?
What has the election actually delivered? – this post-election session considers the immediate results and the wider issues. Eleven days after the election, there may still be critical special votes to count and of course a jostling of parties in negotiations to form a new coalition. So the post-election panel will discuss the results with chair Max Rashbrooke and also move to wider issues. The panel: Kassie Hartendorp (director of ActionStation), Rob Campbell (chancellor of AUT and former chair of Te Whatu
Fabian Events · 5:30 pm
Voices from Cuba
Hear Bob Schwarz, director of Global Health Partners, speak about the campaign to support Cuba’s maternal and neonatal healthcare. The meeting will also include a farewell for Cuban Ambassador Luis Ernesto Morejón Rodríguez and discussion of Cuba’s struggle against Washington’s oil blockade and economic sanctions. This year’s US blockade on oil supplies to Cuba is having a devastating impact on working people there. With electricity plants starved of fuel, extensive power cuts are now a regular fact of life
Fabian Events · 4:00 pm
A Diversity of Māori
Māori gangs were one of the responses to the difficulties which urbanising Māori faced.
Pundit by Brian Easton · 7:03 pm
AI may help, but it’s no substitute for sturdy cyber defence
Sprinkling AI pixie dust around the place doesn’t automatically provide cyber defence. In its Annual Cyber Threat Report 2025–26, the Australian Signal Directorate urges organisations to embrace AI for cyber defence, but asking how much ...
The Strategist by Rajiv Shah · 5:30 pm
FNC - Let's vote babe!
No really, let's vote right now
Emily Writes by Emily Writes · 5:00 pm
‘Uncontrolled warrior culture’: Australia’s special forces under fire in new inquiry
An inquiry into the culture and command of Australian special forces in Afghanistan could be a moment of reckoning for the country’s military leadership.
The Conversation by Paul Taucher, Lecturer in History, Fellow Indo-Pacific Research Centre, Murdoch University · 2:24 pm
Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson has lost her appeal and received a harsher sentence. Legal experts explain why
The ‘mushroom murderer’ will spend the rest of her life behind bars after losing her appeal.
The Conversation by Natalia Antolak-Saper, Associate professor, Monash University · 2:00 pm
How the Quad can work with Southeast Asia
The Quad has more policy space to undertake maritime security activities than its members’ policymakers have assumed. Our recent study, published on 13 October by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, shows that Quad partners ...
The Strategist by Arzan Tarapore, Le Hong Hiep, Waffaa Kharisma and Sarah Teo · 1:28 pm
A Nightmare Poll for National
It’s not over until the slim lady screams.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · 12:57 pm
Buried cats, exorcisms and a sunken Colonel Sanders – the strange world of sporting curses
Why would fans of a Japanese baseball team throw a statue of Colonel Sanders into a local canal? Welcome to the world of sporting curses.
The Conversation by Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania · 12:29 pm
30 October 2026
Today’s Union News includes more coverage of strike action at TVNZ, Farmers, and hospitals. There’s also more on the dispute over whether Health NZ will hand over pay equity information. Union coverage Employment The post 30 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · 11:43 am
Lower-income households continue to bear the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis under Luxon’s Government
“Data released today by Stats NZ shows that low-income, beneficiary, and superannuitant households are bearing the brunt of ongoing price rises and the failure of Luxon’s Government to address the cost of living”, says Sandra Grey, New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President. Annual household living-costs inflation for the ‘all households’ category… Read More »Lower-income households continue to bear the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis under Luxon’s Government The post Lower-income hou
NZCTU by Aaron · 11:31 am
National disenfranchised more than 44,000 voters
Last year the regime attempted to rig the election, overturning 77 years of settled law to cut off enrolment two weeks before the vote. At the time they were warned that this could stop up to 100,000 people from voting - but that was the point. Those late enrolments were seen as mostly young, and mostly opposition-supporting - voters National did not want to have their say. National's artificial enrolment deadline has now closed. And it has had the expected result: overall enrolment is down 1.1%: The Electo
No Right Turn by Idiot/Savant · 11:20 am
Early Bird: Richest families pay tax rate of 8.1%
New report updates IRD work, finding richest 311 families paid effective tax rate of 8.1% from 2021 to 2024, vs effective rate paid by median-wealth adult of 17.4%; Mortgage debt now over $400b
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 9:06 am
Zuru’s Nightmare Nappies
Alleged rashes, redness, swelling, blisters, peeling & “bleeding”.
David Farrier by David Farrier · 8:35 am
Mines, drones, supplies: Australia lets adversaries know what Ghost Shark can do
Australia’s disclosure last week of capabilities of the Ghost Shark uncrewed submarine sent a warning to potential adversaries about the country’s wartime options. The announcement also exhibited technological progress to AUKUS partners and let allies ...
The Strategist by Tom Saxton and Morgan Saletta · 8:21 am
Labor came to power promising a big care agenda. Four years on, how has it fared?
The Albanese government has modelled a more caring and inclusive form of leadership, but it’s being reminded that vibes are easier to change than policy regimes.
The Conversation by Joshua Black, Lecturer in Australian Political Studies, Vice-Chancellor's Centre of Public Ideas, University of Canberra · 8:10 am
Weekly Roundup 30-October-2026
Kia ora and welcome to our regular roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. Today’s header image (via Auckland Council news stories) shows a proposed ferris wheel, potentially coming soon to the waterfront. This Week in Greater Auckland A short week after a long weekend: On Wednesday, Patrick refreshed and re-upped a plan for the future of Auckland to Hamilton rail, in response to this week’s Waikato Regional Council report on same – building on posts from 2017 and 2024.… The post Weekly Roundup 30
Greater Auckland by Greater Auckland · 8:00 am
The Weekly Hoon: Eastern European history & NZ; Election 2026; the RBNZ’s surprise hold & limited fiscal choices
Bernard Hickey & Peter Bale discuss the week in geopolitics and NZ’s political economy, and then talk fiscal, monetary and KiwiSaver policy with special guest Shamubeel Eaqub
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 7:02 am
The Road to a United States of Europe Is Paved with Protests
Deepening EU integration protects the euro but disempowers national states, sparking protests from citizens seeking a lost status quo.
Naked Capitalism by Curro Jimenez · 7:00 am
So Untalented, He Was Accused of Being AI
A man so terrible at drawing, millions have accused him of being ChatGPT.
David Farrier by David Farrier · 6:32 am
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #44 2026
Open access notables Are Modern Droughts Unprecedented?, Helpap et al., AGU Advances Global drought variability of past centuries remains poorly understood due to sparse instrumental records and limited paleoclimate reconstructions. Yet, quantifying long-term forced and unforced variability is key for assessing the extremeness of modern (2000–2024) drought events. Here, we combine 20 ensemble members from a 600-year climate simulation (ModE-Sim, 1420–2009) and modern reanalysis data (ERA5-Land, 1950–2024) t
Skeptical Science · 5:28 am
How the Law Protecting Americans from Surprise Medical Bills Is Driving Up Healthcare Costs
Provider chicanery is producing the perverse outcome that curbing surprise billing is blowing out healthcare charges elsewhere.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · 3:57 am
Usque ad ultimum terrae: Fun With Antipodes
On the off-chance that someone, somewhere, has mused about the Antipodes for given locations, I thought to satisfy anyone’s curiosity about the furthest point from my home-town of Dunedin, New Zealand. This is 45°52’26.4″N, 9°29’45.6″W. Somewhere in the North Atlantic, to the West of the Bay of Biscay. The closest city would be Cariño, Spain, […]
A Phuulish Fellow by strda221 · 12:57 am
Links 10/29/2026
Image article
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Yesterday
Former CalPERS CFO Charles Asubonten Continues His Over Three-Year, Failed Legal Campaign to Silence Naked Capitalism Reporting With New Federal Suit in the Northern District of Alabama
Former CalPERS CFO Charles Asubonten doubles down on a losing legal campaign intended to silence Naked Capitalism.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Yesterday
Charles Asubonten v. Aurora Advisors Incorporated: Filed in Maryland February 2024, Dismissed April 2025, Appeal Dismissed July 2026, Motion to Reconsider Denied August 2026
The second unsuccessful case by Charles Asubonten seeking to silence Naked Capitalism's reporting.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Yesterday
Charles Asubonten v. Susan Webber: Filed in Maryland in July 2023, Dismissed February 2024
The first in a pair of Charles Asubonten's groundless and unsuccessful cases against Naked Capitalism's reporting.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Yesterday
Mirable Dictu! AI Is Set to Destroy Major Software Quasi Monopolies
Will AI software clones wreck the predatory business models of giants like Adobe and Microsoft? One can hope.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Yesterday
Satyajit Das: On Cinema – The Wages of War
Another Satyajit Das thematic sampling from cinema and discussion, here on war.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Yesterday
Grattan on Friday: an embattled government tells Australians the pain they feel won’t end any time soon
Chalmers and Labor face some hard choices to try to curb inflation while the electorate’s mood worsens.
The Conversation by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra · Yesterday
Opportunity flirt with ruling NZ First out - but then change their mind
Plus: National Party panics as they record the worst result since 2020. And Labour talk cost of living
Mountain Tui by Mountain Tūī · Yesterday
KiwiStack Live with Bernard Hickey and Chloe Swarbrick on the Green fiscal plan
In which the Greens’ co-leader challenges the fiscal orthodoxy of forever trying to reduce Government debt & deficits in a mechanistic way, which has worsened poverty, living costs & the environment
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Yesterday
KiwiStack Live with Bernard Hickey and Ganesh Nana on fiscal plans in Election 2026
A recording from Bernard Hickey's live video
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Yesterday
CCP enforces its law on Mbappe and football: if you profit in China, you will obey
And so we see China imposing its censorship on the world. An attack on Mao Zedong and, by extension, the Chinese Communist Party itself has come through an unexpected avenue – an ephemeral media comment ...
The Strategist by Geoff Wade and Justin Bassi · Yesterday
Israel election by the numbers: who might form the next government?
A who’s who of Israeli politicians who could feature in the next government.
The Conversation by Digital Storytelling Team, The Conversation · Yesterday
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 Robert Patman & Shamubeel Eaqub
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Yesterday
29 October 2026
Today’s Union News includes coverage of strike action across many sectors including food production, retail, health, and insurance. Public service chiefs have also been instructed to plan for 9,000 job cuts during the election campaign. Union coverage Employment The post 29 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · Yesterday
It’s time to treat state-sponsored cyber intrusions as attacks
Democracies made a big cybersecurity mistake in the 1990s when they insisted that cyber intrusions were not acts of war. That insistence meant managing a constant barrage of attacks rather than preventing them, teaching Russia, ...
The Strategist by Fitriani, Gatra Priyandita and Justin Bassi · Yesterday
Victorian state election: what’s at stake for treaty and Indigenous self-determination?
Victoria has made significant progress in advancing Indigenous rights. However, those achievements sit precariously as the state heads to an election on November 28.
The Conversation by Bartholomew Stanford, Senior Lecturer of Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Education and Research Centre, James Cook University · Yesterday
Can a new government solve NZ’s local council crisis? Why a royal commission could help
Local government has experienced massive upheaval over the past years, but the big financial and infrastructural challenges remain. A new blueprint is needed.
The Conversation by Guy C. Charlton, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of New England · Yesterday
How can a local cycleway take longer than the CRL?
In early 2016, Auckland Transport kicked off consultation for a network of connected bike routes linking the Inner West neighbourhoods to each other and to the wider network. By August 2016, they had settled on this plan for the local network: The routes in pink had funding available for construction by the end of 2018, thanks to the Urban Cycleways Programme, kicked off under John Key’s National Government and then-Minister of Transport Simon Bridges.… The post How can a local cycleway take longer than the
Greater Auckland by Connor Sharp · Yesterday
The Māori Leaders Debate.
Marama Davidson shines while Shane Jones blows a gale.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Yesterday
Climate change plus a super El Niño could add up to a record-wet winter for California
After the state endured its hottest year-to-date period on record and a multi-million-dollar battering by Hurricane Marie in September and Hurricane Rachel in October, much greater destruction could be on the way this winter. El Niño is continuing to warm coastal waters, and because water expands as it heats, sea levels could rise to unprecedented heights during the coming king tides at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and late January. In concert with the rising seas will likely come a battering by record-wet atmo
Skeptical Science · Yesterday
Early Bird: Nearly half of 18-24s want to leave NZ
Poll finds almost half of 18-24 year-olds seriously considered moving away from NZ in the last year, with 10% actively trying to leave; 45% of Māori & Pacifica want to go; National under 25%-RNZ/Reid
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Yesterday
You’re supposed to turn Bluetooth off when you don’t need it – how risky is it really?
You don’t need to stop using Bluetooth completely but a few simple habits can reduce unnecessary risks.
The Conversation by Meena Jha, Associate Professor, College of Information & Communication Technology, School of Engineering and Technology, CQUniversity Australia · Yesterday
Fault Lines – Taiwan drones, Timorese deals and New Caledonian diplomacy
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 16 October to 29 October ...
The Strategist by ASPI Defence Strategy Staff · Yesterday
Coffee Break: Elon Musk Has a Hand in Everything from Anthropic to Skydance to Texas Politics
Elon Musk is playing an outsize role in media, politics and tech in his dealings with Skydance, Anthropic, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Naked Capitalism by Nat Wilson Turner · Yesterday
Gordon Campbell On How Trump, Peter Thiel And ICE May Gain Access To Your Most Personal Bio-Data
Already, there are several good reasons for avoiding the United States as a holiday destination, but here’s another one. Under a “partnership” deal that New [...]
Werewolf by lyndon · Yesterday
Americans Hit Hardest by War-Driven Oil Price Surge
Despite Trump's claims otherwise, American consumers and businesses are the lead victims of Gulf-War-induced oil price increases.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Yesterday
Links 10/28/2026
Image article
Naked Capitalism by Conor Gallagher · Wednesday
Election thoughts, including a decision on my Two Votes
On Special Votes, Voter Suppression, and Opportunity Looms Large…
Frankly Speaking by Frank Macskasy · Wednesday
The Coming Global Spring
Expect regime change operations to shift into overdrive as destabilizing economic damage from war-induced food and energy crises mounts.
Naked Capitalism by Conor Gallagher · Wednesday
China Continues to Struggle With Overcapacity in Electric Cars, Other Sectors
While the West has less than stellar economic prospects, persistent overcapacity in China threatens destructive deflation.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Wednesday
RFK Jr. Condemned Over Baseless and ‘Nakedly Racist’ Anti-Arab Rant at Rogers Event in Michigan
RFK Jr.'s anti-Arab diatribe confirms the charge that all Trump ultimately has to offer is white supremacy.
Naked Capitalism by Yves Smith · Wednesday
KiwiStack Live with Bernard Hickey and Elliot Crossan on fiscal plans for Election 2026
A recording from Bernard Hickey's live video
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Wednesday
Parents have one of Australia’s most important jobs, so why don’t we have policy for them?
Australia invests billions in children annually, but we still struggle to keep them safe, happy and healthy. It’s time to include the missing puzzle piece: parents.
The Conversation by Daryl Higgins, Professor & Director, Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University · Wednesday
Australia’s uranium policy undercuts its energy diplomacy
Treasurer Jim Chalmers told the Australia–Japan Joint Business Conference this month that ‘Japan has no energy provider more loyal than Australia’. He promised to keep working with Tokyo as Australia’s Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme took ...
The Strategist by Ian Satchwell · Wednesday
'I feel safer in Australia than Aotearoa'
CW: Transphobia and homophobia. Sully never expected he’d have to leave his home. He loves Aotearoa. He loves the beaches, the forests, and his community. His family - chosen and blood - lives here and he’s close with them. His siblings are here… Still, there was no
Emily Writes by Emily Writes · Wednesday
Israel has voted – but the results will be messy. Here’s how its next government will be formed
With neither major bloc looking like it will form a majority, the negotiations will begin. And it will take some time before there is a winner.
The Conversation by Ran Porat, Affiliate Researcher, The Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Monash University · Wednesday
28 October 2026
Today’s Union News includes an extensive piece from The Post’s Andrea Vance o Health NZ being accused of blocking pay equity claims. Plus, watch Sandra Grey on The Bradbury Group (via Waatea News) discussing the latest election news and our Kaitohutohu Māori, Scotty Giles, pens a piece to mark the anniversary of He Whakaputanga o… Read More »28 October 2026 The post 28 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · Wednesday
Where Bluebottles’ long watch pays off
The long endurance and low speed of Ocius Bluebottle uncrewed surveillance boats make them suitable for sustained observation that requires no rapid repositioning. They have already been used on missions just like that – to ...
The Strategist by Ha Phuong Vu · Wednesday
A tide of change?
There's been a bunch of elections in the last week, and - so far - they all seem to be going the same way. In Serbia Vučić is out, losing to the leftist, anti-corruption Student List. In Brazil, Lula has been re-elected, and Bolsonaro Jnr has fled the country to avoid prosecution for corruption. And in Israel, it looks like Netanyahu is out, though its not clear if anyone else is in to replace him (because Israeli parties are racist and refuse to work with Arab-Israeli representatives). There's a common the
No Right Turn by Idiot/Savant · Wednesday
Real wages and the cost of living, 2023–26
This report examines the National-led Government’s record on the cost of living and real wage growth across a number of different metrics. It is a complement to the Three Years of Pain report on the state of the labour market, and the What Are We Giving Up? report, which detailed the findings of NZCTU’s survey… Read More »Real wages and the cost of living, 2023–26 The post Real wages and the cost of living, 2023–26 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Jeremiah Boniface · Wednesday
Labour will use sale of state homes to build more houses
The Ardern Government built 15,000 homes, Luxon’s Government just sold under 10,000. to mostly private developers in a fire sale of state assets
Mountain Tui by Mountain Tūī · Wednesday
Better Way
Voting for your healthcare.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Wednesday
Most New Zealanders worry about AI’s risks, even as many expect to use it – new survey
As experts propose a new public institute to guide AI policy, national survey findings show high concern among Māori and Asian people about how their data is used.
The Conversation by Karaitiana Taiuru, Māori AI and digital governance expert, Indigenous Knowledge · Wednesday
1 in 4 Australians physically abused by parents: study
Physical abuse can include an adult hitting, pushing, kicking, beating, punching, choking or burning a child.
The Conversation by Divna Haslam, Associate Professor & Clinical Psychologist, The University of Queensland · Wednesday
Why Republicans are on the back foot ahead of US midterm elections
Sitting presidents are almost always punished in the midterm elections – and 2026 is looking like it will be no exception.
The Conversation by Ava Kalinauskas, Senior Research Associate, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney · Wednesday
Japan, Australia, US should build a second-island-chain air bridge
Japan and Australia, with the United States and other partners, should build an air bridge between them in peacetime. This would be a set of regular air corridors with settled overflight and landing rights, refuelling ...
The Strategist by Shigehiro Noshita · Wednesday
We-told-you-so Wednesday: Auckland to Hamilton rail
Yesterday came news via RNZ and the Waikato Times, of a report from the Waikato Regional Council on securing the future of Te Huia, the intercity rail service that runs between Auckland and Hamilton. Among the recommendations in the report: a new station for central-city Hamilton, hourly services between the two main cities, more stops in between, and electrified trains: The preferred plan boasts a new above-ground terminus in central Hamilton, new stations at Ngāruawāhia, Te Kauwhata, Pōkeno, and Tūākau, n
Greater Auckland by Patrick Reynolds · Wednesday
Early Bird: Rate hike coming back to bite Luxon
Markets see 96% chance RBNZ will hike OCR by 25 bps to 3.0% at 2 pm; Luxon claimed credit for lower rates in 2025 & early 2026, which The Post-$ describes as ‘ridiculous & dangerous crankery’
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Wednesday
Coffee Break: Armed Madhouse – Tactical Nuclear Weapons: A Deadly Temptation
Originally developed as battlefield weapons, tactical nuclear arms have acquired a new rationale as instruments of incremental deterrence and escalation control. The revival of low-yield nuclear weapons illustrates a dangerous contradiction: efforts to strengthen deterrence may instead increase the risk of catastrophic escalation.
Naked Capitalism by Haig Hovaness · Wednesday
Come Party With Webworm!
On December 12, Webworm is putting on a show in Auckland, New Zealand.
David Farrier by David Farrier · Wednesday

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 · 16 October 2026
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 · 16 October 2026
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 · 16 October 2026
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 · 16 October 2026
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 · 16 October 2026
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 · 16 October 2026
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 · 15 October 2026
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 · 15 October 2026
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 · 15 October 2026
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 · 14 October 2026
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 · 14 October 2026
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 · 14 October 2026
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 · 14 October 2026
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 · 14 October 2026
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 · 14 October 2026
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 · 13 October 2026
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 · 13 October 2026
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

View from The Hill: Albanese puts cat among One Nation pigeons with staff offer
Pauline Hanson has accused Anthony Albanese of “grubby dealings” in regard to an extra staffer to One Nation’s David Farley.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 7:25 pm
The Big Climate Change Re-Brand - And Whether It Matters
Reframing climate change action as something - anything - else is not unique to just one party, or even the election campaign.
Scoop politics · 6:30 pm
'Pretty Strong Correlation' Between Enrolment Changes And Lower Enrolment Rate - Electoral Law Expert
The government changed the law so that people could not enrol to vote on election day or during the advanced voting period, instead putting a deadline of midnight, 25 October.
Scoop politics · 6:25 pm
ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for October 30, 2026
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on October 30, 2026.
Evening Report by Evening Report · 6:20 pm
Enrolments Of Up To 6800 People With Residence Class Visas Could Be Affected - Electoral Commission
Some people with residence class visas who have applied to enrol have been asked to provide information on their immigration status when they didn't need to, said Karl Le Quesne, Chief Electoral Officer.
Scoop politics · 6:20 pm
Looking for bats after dark can help science – and change how we see them
A new study into microbats used so-called bat detectors to help track them down.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 6:15 pm
Election '26: Party Policies Show Passenger Rail On A Roll
Passenger rail is firmly on the agenda for this election, with several parties making public commitments to new rail initiatives, says rail advocacy group The Future Is Rail.
Scoop politics · 6:15 pm
#BHN What can be done about our ferry situation over the next 6 months ⏰🚣
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 5:00 pm
#BHN Luxon's level of poll panic is skyrocketing 🫨🚀
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 4:00 pm
Knocking on strangers’ doors? How to help your kids have a safe Halloween
Check costumes for trip hazards, or masks that obscure vision. And keep little kids within reach.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:50 pm
‘What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived’: remembering actor Patrick Stewart
Passing away this week at 86, Stewart will be remembered as actor, dramaturge, Shakespearean exemplar, mutant professor, and distinguished Starfleet captain.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:10 pm
#BHN More people are voting early this election, with Paul Barlow 🗳
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 3:00 pm
Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson has lost her appeal and received a harsher sentence. Legal experts explain why
The ‘mushroom murderer’ will spend the rest of her life behind bars after losing her appeal.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:55 pm
‘Uncontrolled warrior culture’: Australia’s special forces under fire in new inquiry
An inquiry into the culture and command of Australian special forces in Afghanistan could be a moment of reckoning for the country’s military leadership.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:55 pm
Spain’s high-speed train network is plagued by old signalling systems. They may have caused the deadly crash
The crash has killed 69 people, and injured scores more.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:20 pm
First-home buyers claim record share of NZ property market
Lower mortgage rates and less competition are helping first-home buyers secure standalone houses, despite affordability challenges The post First-home buyers claim record share of NZ property market appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Susan Edmunds · 2:08 pm
#BHN If our new ferries ever arrive, will they be safe? 🛳🛟
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 2:00 pm
Middle NZ wage-earners now paying twice the tax rate of wealthiest NZers – report
The Greens say the system is rigged against regular people, and this report highlights the need for a wealth tax The post Middle NZ wage-earners now paying twice the tax rate of wealthiest NZers – report appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Jonathan Milne · 2:00 pm
Latest Election 2026 charts: National brings in $499k in big donations amid polling woes
Despite polling woes and a concerted split voting campaign, the National Party reported $499,000 in big donations this week The post Latest Election 2026 charts: National brings in $499k in big donations amid polling woes appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Marc Daalder · 1:30 pm
“We Want To Come Home”: Why Young New Zealanders Are Enrolled To Vote This Election
By the deadline for enrolment on 25 October, provisional numbers released show 93.6% voters have enrolled. That is 1% below levels of people enrolled on Election Day 2023.
Scoop politics · 1:25 pm
Ed Miller: Privatising New Zealand's Public Healthcare
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 1:10 pm
Buried cats, exorcisms and a sunken Colonel Sanders – the strange world of sporting curses
Why would fans of a Japanese baseball team throw a statue of Colonel Sanders into a local canal? Welcome to the world of sporting curses.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 12:50 pm
#BHN Julie Anne Genter LIVE on ferries | Paul Barlow on enrolment coverage | Another poll to digest
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 12:15 pm
CPAG Welcomes Labour’s Benefit Indexation Policy
Labour was among the parties who engaged with CPAG’s manifesto, through its Child Poverty Reduction spokesperson Jan Tinetti, and Social Development spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime.
Scoop politics · 12:12 pm
Former Kiribati president says Pacific Islands Forum-Israel partnership not ‘morally defensible’
By Johnny Blades of RNZ Pacific The chair of the Pacific Elders’ Voice (PEV) says the argument that religious affinity justifies the Pacific Islands Forum’s (PIF) partnership with Israel does not stack up. The Forum’s recent decision to make Israel a sectoral partner has drawn widespread criticism by civil society in the region, and is
Evening Report by Asia Pacific Report · 12:00 pm
Parents Need Clarity On Labour’s Education Policies
Labour's manifesto proposes requiring school boards to give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi, said Executive Director Anya Zohrab.
Scoop politics · 10:01 am
Parents’ Alliance Seeks Answers From National On Education Funding
Parents, teachers and school leaders deserve certainty about the future of education funding, said Parents' Alliance Chair Cameron Bagrie.
Scoop politics · 9:59 am
Halloween is typically a massive lolly fest for kids – but it doesn’t have to be
Leave the pillowcase at home. Parents can try giving children a smaller bucket or bag to take trick-or-treating.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 8:55 am
Labor came to power promising a big care agenda. Four years on, how has it fared?
The Albanese government has modelled a more caring and inclusive form of leadership, but it’s being reminded that vibes are easier to change than policy regimes.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 8:35 am
Using ChatGPT before a medical appointment? How to get the best support for your health questions
Chatbot advice is readily available, is personalised and can be prompted for greater clarity. But it can also lead to serious patient harm.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 8:15 am
Flying-foxes are turning up starving. Why are we still responding one crisis at a time?
Wildlife carers have been deluged with distressed flying-foxes. It’s yet another crisis for these vital animals. Is it time to do better?
Evening Report by The Conversation · 8:15 am
A wise woman who turned fish eggs into beasts: meet an ancient witch from Mesopotamia
Ancient evidence tells us that belief in witchcraft – and feat of witches – is more than 4,000 years old.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 8:15 am
NZ’s Controversial Methane Targets Could Spark Global Race To The Bottom, Says International Report
According to modeling in the report produced by the think-tank Cerulogy, GWP- allows countries to present negligible cuts in emissions as significant climate victories.
Scoop politics · 8:06 am
#BHN Paul Barlow on how the media covered the last-minute rush to enroll
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 7:30 am
The Black designers redefining British fashion by drawing on their own heritage, culture and history
The work of these designers offers a vivid picture of modern Britain, shaped by overlapping cultures, communities and histories.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 7:10 am
After three years of relentless reform, what lies beyond the election for education?
Sweeping changes to the curriculum, NCEA and school governance have divided the education sector, all while major challenges remain overlooked.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 7:05 am
#BHN Julie Ann Genter on the ferry replacement project already hitting government's $1.7b ceiling
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 7:00 am
#BHN Christopher Luxon is very worried about the RNZ poll
Article
Big Hairy Network by Big Hairy Network · 6:30 am
How porn became so extreme – and how it’s shaping the sex lives of young people
Extreme pornography has become readily available on mainstream porn sites. Listen to expert Clare McGlynn on The Conversation Weekly on what this is doing to the sex lives of young people.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 5:20 am
What if we paid for electricity through taxes, not bills?
Taxation is broadly progressive, while levies on energy bills hit poorest households hardest.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 5:00 am
Daily crossword, Friday 30 October
Test your smarts with Newsroom's daily crossword. The post Daily crossword, Friday 30 October appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Newsroom Puzzles · 5:00 am
Mini crossword, Friday 30 October
A mini crossword you can solve in a few minutes. The post Mini crossword, Friday 30 October appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Newsroom Puzzles · 5:00 am
Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 30 October
'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse' is an iconic line from which film? The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 30 October appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Newsroom Puzzles · 5:00 am
Hipkins: ‘Our challenge is to be inspiring, but also realistic’
From The Detail: The Leader of the Opposition says he's dropped the sweeping rhetoric for promises he can keep. How's that going for him? The post Hipkins: ‘Our challenge is to be inspiring, but also realistic’ appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Amanda Gillies · 5:00 am
NZ’s ‘staggering’ climate rollbacks lambasted on eve of election
Only the US and Canada have gone further than New Zealand in stripping back climate protections, an international group finds The post NZ’s ‘staggering’ climate rollbacks lambasted on eve of election appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Marc Daalder · 5:00 am
Wake up NZ, south Asia is quarter of the world’s population – and it’s not just India
Countries can recover from severe economic crises. NZ must think creatively about how it can connect to these often overlooked small and middle powers. The post Wake up NZ, south Asia is quarter of the world’s population – and it’s not just India appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Suzannah Jessep · 5:00 am
This week’s bestselling books – October 30
The latest NielsenIQ BookScan chart of NZ books, plus win a strong contender to win next year's $65,000 fiction prize The post This week’s bestselling books – October 30 appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Steve Braunias · 5:00 am
After ‘ugly start’, Wellington North campaign wraps in harmony
Labour's Ayesha Verrall and Green Party MP Tamatha Paul agreed they'd each vote for the other – were they themselves not in the running The post After ‘ugly start’, Wellington North campaign wraps in harmony appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Marc Daalder · 5:00 am
France’s broken schools spark revolt against inequality
Comment: The French protests are about inequality, democracy, and attempts to reshape society along neoliberal lines The post France’s broken schools spark revolt against inequality appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Dr John Morgan · 5:00 am
Treaty, health funding and te reo spark fiery clashes at Kaupapa Māori debate
With the election campaign dominated by the cost of living, Thursday’s debate laid bare the still deep ideological divides between the parties The post Treaty, health funding and te reo spark fiery clashes at Kaupapa Māori debate appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Michael Neilson · 5:00 am
Jones opted for smaller-than-advised set net ban to protect hoiho
Newly released document reveals Fisheries Minister Shane Jones didn’t take official advice to extend the Otago set net ban northwards The post Jones opted for smaller-than-advised set net ban to protect hoiho appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Andrew Bevin · 5:00 am
A century of sporting ties: India and NZ face off in the globe’s great codes
In the final of our series on India vs New Zealand at sport Stephen Hewson goes beyond hockey and cricket to the Games and kabaddi The post A century of sporting ties: India and NZ face off in the globe’s great codes appeared first on Newsroom.
Newsroom by Stephen Hewson · 5:00 am
5 Ontario education unions hold strike votes as cuts squeeze classrooms
The current stall in negotiations follows the government’s indication that it wants greater control over negotiating issues such as staffing redundancies.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 4:00 am
Is sexual objectification hard-wired? Our study used electrical brain stimulation to find out
Flipping photos upside down usually exposes a bias in how we see women’s bodies. A weak current to the forehead made it disappear.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:40 am
Corruption in South Africa’s police force is rife: why protecting whistleblowers is vital
When the South African Police Service tolerates retaliation against ethical officers, it weakens the institutional integrity required to confront corruption.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:40 am
What animal bones in Malawi teach us about the social lives of people long ago
The bones of animals at an archaeological site in Malawi show that food was scarce over the last 21,000 years, but people didn’t cooperate far and wide to get it.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:40 am
How the quantum vacuum perturbs atoms, shrinks black holes and formed our galaxies
From the microscopic structure of particles and atoms, to the fate of black holes and the large-scale structure of the universe, the quantum ‘vacuum’ plays a role.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:40 am
Deadlock ahead for Israel as election fails to deliver an alternative to Netanyahu coalition
Stalemate in the Israeli Knesset means Netanyahu is likely to continue as caretaker prime minister.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:01 am
Why Donald Trump’s foreign policy could cost Republicans in the midterm elections
Voters say they care about the economy, but many blame Trump’s wars and tariffs for their bills.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:00 am
70 years ago the Suez crisis exposed British relative decline. Today, the Iran conflict could be doing the same for the US
Suez showed that Britain had lost the leeway to behave like a superpower.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:00 am
Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto turned architecture into horror’s greatest weapon
Threateningly ill-defined buildings, enough for our imagination to fill in the gaps, seem to be the ideal catalyst to spark terror.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:00 am
How London’s 1838 ‘great stink’ created the modern vampire
Before germ theory, the Victorians had another name for contagion: Dracula.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:00 am
When things go bump in the night: how our brains trick us into hearing things that aren’t there
The boundaries between sleep and wakefulness can become blurred.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 3:00 am
How the law protecting Americans from surprise medical bills is driving up healthcare costs
A handful of providers are hijacking the arbitration process – and consumers are likely to foot the bill.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:20 am
Faculty and students show how reporting is done when a university partners with local news
Some universities are developing innovative arrangements with universities where students help report and faculty provide guidance.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:20 am
Driverless 18-wheelers are on a few highways, but widespread use is a long way down the road
Chaotic roads are still too difficult for automated trucks to navigate.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:20 am
We discovered an organism that lives at blistering temperatures – but what allows it to take the heat?
This amoeba lives at hotter temperatures than any other eukaryote previously discovered.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:20 am
What is Sharia law, and why is it so controversial in the United States?
Ordinary Muslim religious practices can often be treated as political threats, writes a law professor.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:20 am
Federal policy helped widen rural America’s fresh food gap, but a 90-year-old law could help close it
A food systems researcher shows how trucking deregulation and lax antitrust enforcement let big grocery chains grow as rural distribution thinned.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:05 am
Democrats are the unwitting beneficiaries of Trump’s immigration policies
A quiet US-Mexico border, and the reduced urgency of undocumented immigration, has deprived Republicans of an issue that previously energized voters and offered conservatives an advantage.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:05 am
Political information increasingly comes from pop culture, outside of partisan silos but where male creators – and sometimes misogyny – dominate
Younger Americans’ pop culture favorites have multipartisan appeal, but male creators dominate the list of top influencers, podcasters and comedians.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 2:05 am
Before bans for under-16s, we need to ask: what counts as social media?
People do not consistently agree on what counts as social media
Evening Report by The Conversation · 1:46 am
The UK wants ‘AI sovereignty’ to cut its reliance on foreign tech – here’s how that can be achieved
Recent reports have highlighted the risks of relying on foreign suppliers.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 1:45 am
Pan’s Labyrinth at 20: how Guillermo del Toro created his timeless dark fairy tale
Del Toro’s imagery remains as powerful and arresting as it was 20 years ago.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 1:45 am
Pan’s Labyrinth at 20: a powerful, symbolic tribute to Spanish resilience in the face of fascism
Censorship, and the rebellious ways art can respond to it through potent symbolism, are central to the film.
Evening Report by The Conversation · 1:45 am

© 2026 The Standard. All rights reserved.

The Standard - Independent commentary on politics, media, and current affairs in New Zealand.