The scar that Cyclone Gabrielle has left on New Zealand far exceeds the physical damage, it is hard to comprehend the devastation and loss of life and my heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones. There are some who have lost their homes, and their livelihood,
Waitangi Day has been and gone with much ink spilled over what it means for present-day New Zealand, and where we go from here. The Treaty was drafted in English and translated into Maori and, while there are disputes about the meanings of different terms, there is no compelling evidence
In 2017 Jacinda Ardern promised to ban mining on DOC land and now it seems that this is back on the table as it has been ‘rubber stamped’ by the cabinet. Banning things is the one thing the Labour Government can claim they deliver. Currently, 0.04% of DOC land
Nanaia Mahuta’s demotion and removal as Local Government Minister was clearly meant to send a message that things will be different under Prime Minister Hipkins. But will they…? Labour’s slide in the polls was closely linked to the declining popularity of Jacinda Ardern as the public grew tired
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura We have rooftop solar at home which has proven to be a sound investment and has made us far more aware of our electricity consumption, thanks to the helpful app. We’ve consciously changed how we consume electricity, to maximise our use of solar power.
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura Below is Stuart Smith’s response. Vulnerable New Zealand children need a strong, unconstrained voice that can fight for them. That is the role of Oranga Tamariki, and sadly, they are failing our children. The death of Malachi Subecz is heart wrenching and tragic. He
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura What a year 2022 has been, with the acceptance that Covid cannot be eliminated and the end of authoritarian mandates and freedom of movement being the highlights for me. Those who lived through World War II would have had more freedom of movement and expression
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura Below is Stuart Smith’s response. The Labour government’s decision to introduce legislation into parliament to amend the Electoral Act which would allow those under the age of 16 to vote is nothing more than a distraction. This is an attempt to divert attention
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura Great news! COP 27 confirmed at their recent conference in Egypt that the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expects the global temperature to increase by only 2.5 0C by 2100. Not such great news is that the IPPC’s former prediction of a
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura Below is Stuart Smith’s response. There is little doubt that New Zealand is experiencing a monumental crime wave right across the country. Almost every day there are headlines centred around ram-raids, shootings, hit and runs and gang-related incidents which are causing distress and anxiousness
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura In a dangerous turn of events with the Three Five Waters legislation, the government passed a Green Party Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) which entrenched part of the legislation. What this means is: any future legislation to repeal the provision contained in the SOP will need
Below is Stuart Smith’s response. Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura When you look at banking sector profits, it is critical to understand the underlying reasons of why they are making such profits. Part of understanding why the banks have made such a profit would be having an independent investigation
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura This week the Labour government forced their Three Five Waters legislation through parliament under urgency. The bill had come back from the select committee with no substantial changes, the select committee having refused to hear most of the submitters in person, despite the National committee
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura Below is Stuart Smith’s response. New Zealand is experiencing one of the worst workforce shortages in over 30 years. No matter where you look, there are countless ‘help wanted’ signs displayed on windows. All year, small- to medium-sized businesses across the country have been
Last week I reaffirmed that National is committed to net zero by 2050 and announced that we will reverse the offshore oil and gas exploration ban should we be successful at the next election. I also announced that we would not pursue a 100 per cent renewable electricity target, nor
Stuart Smith National MP Kaikoura Below is Stuart Smith’s response. As an opposition MP I read government documents, reports and correspondence almost every day. I understand the need for Kiwis to be able to easily digest information that they receive from government departments, but frankly we should not have
