NZ Politics
Evidence Points to Willis Forcing Out Orr
Nothing our finance minister says about economics makes sense to me. It only can be understood in terms of back-room deals responding to lobbying from Big Business.
Government Doesn’t Want to Define Woman
That the minister’s response is clumsy and directionless means there is even more need for the member’s bill by New Zealand First MP Jenny Marcroft.
The Occupation of This Historic Land Begins
The occupation began on Monday, following a protest march through the streets, and is set to continue for ‘as long as it takes’.
Make Your Local Elections Meaningful
Mayors and councillors are required to deliver quality services. But, money wasted on surplus personnel is money not available for additional roads or footpaths, park maintenance, or new books for the library.
News Briefing: 12 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PAY EQUITY, GOVERNMENT USE OF URGENCY Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): The girl-math budget that will cut deep, especially for women (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): An ugly week for National MPs (paywalled) Vernon Small (Sunday Star Times): National will pay a steep price
ACT Stands Firm Against Flawed Firearms Registry as National Clings to Police Narrative
The registry doesn’t make New Zealanders safer – it just punishes the compliant while criminals laugh. National’s refusal to back a proper review, coupled with Mitchell’s blind faith in a discredited police narrative, betrays a coalition more interested in optics than outcomes.
The Waitangi Tribunal’s Day of Reckoning: Time to Clip Its Wings
The Waitangi Tribunal’s had a good run but it’s time to pull the plug. It’s not a court, it’s not elected and it’s not above the law. The review must be bold – recommend winding it down and redirecting its resources to something useful, like infrastructure or healthcare.
Why Erica Stanford’s Gmail Use Matters
It’s time to close the accountability holes, strengthen our integrity rules, and reaffirm that in New Zealand, open government is the only way government operates.
The Rose Tinted Glasses of the Left
Those of us on the right might complain about the current administration, but who would risk the appalling and frightening alternative that exists on the left?
The New Zealand Royal Commission for Covid-19
We still see people wearing masks in supermarkets and often on the streets. Just a subtle reminder of how, for some, life will never be the same again
News Briefing: 9 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards LOBBYING AND INFLUENCE Guyon Espiner (RNZ): Alcohol lobbyists given input on health policies, documents reveal Danica Ludlow (Health Coalition Aotearoa): Evidence of lobbying of NZ Government officials by the alcohol industry RNZ: Labour proposes law to restrict big tobacco lobbyists influence on government John
The Sniff Test
The government’s use of urgency to change pay equity laws doesn’t pass the sniff test but at least now MPs seem to know what a woman is.
The Political Horse Race Tightens: Taxpayers’ Union Poll Drops a Truth Bomb
Curia’s given us a clear picture: it’s a two-horse race, but the finish line is anyone’s guess. One thing’s for sure – come election day, it’s going to be a hell of a fight.
Why Is NZ Still Funding This?
Other countries have acted. The United States, Germany, the European Union, and Canada have all suspended or reconsidered their UNRWA funding after learning of staff participation in terrorism and systemic antisemitic indoctrination. New Zealand, meanwhile, is standing still.