Leaving Learning Maths to Chance
Under Hipkins, New Zealand recorded a big fall in maths achievement in the 2022 PISA results. I know what happens when children are not guaranteed time to learn maths. I have seen it twice in my own family.
Labour
Quick Hit: Back to the Dual Mandate
Barbara Edmonds wants unemployment back in the Reserve Bank’s mandate. Labour added it in 2018 and the coalition took it out. Last time, cheap money came with an inflation bill.
Quick Hit: Family Farm Means the Invoice
Luxton could not define family farm on HDPA, then walked dairy accommodation into a proportionate CGT. National claims an $18.8b hole. Sold a farm exemption, taxed the cowshed.
Quick Hit: We Have Room
Day after PREFU, Hipkins tells Hosking there is room for pay equity in Labour's fiscal plan but will not put a line item on it. The costing is a vibe. The spend is a promise.
He Puapua Never Left
Hipkins would not rule He Puapua out on Te Ao with Moana. He said the work is already under way, just not under that name, and that UNDRIP means it has to continue. He renamed the programme and called that leadership.
Who Won the Election Campaign Opening?
When National cannot turn out 1,235 supporters for the prime minister and Labour does not believe Chris Hipkins can attract more than 690, there is a lack of enthusiasm in both parties.
Quick Hit: Tradies Pay the Lawyers’ Loans
Labour will take 10 per cent off eligible student loans and wipe balances of $2000 or less entirely, at $583.4 million over five years. The debt moves to taxpayers and a doctor gets nearly four times what a teacher does.