Civil Servants Take the Piss with Leaked Crackdown Email – Time to Get Serious
Enough is enough. The civil servants and their media enablers have had their fun. It’s time to remind them who they work for – and it’s not themselves.
Politics
Everything about politics
News Briefing: 29 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PUBLIC SERVICE RNZ: 'Chilling effect': Union raises concerns over ministers' interference after leaks John Gerritsen (RNZ): Education Ministry asks RNZ to help investigation into leaks - we declined RNZ: Drip, drip, drip: NZ's biggest political leaks Azaria Howell (Herald)
News Briefing: 28 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PARLIAMENT Russel Norman (Post): The dangers in the Regulatory Standards Bill (paywalled) Ryan Ward (Newsroom): How the Regulatory Standards Bill could leave taxpayers on the hook Maioha Panapa (Te Ao Māori News): Govt blasted over submission glitch on controversial Regulatory Standards Bill Brent Edwards
Winston Peters Rules Out Labour Coalition, Signals NZ First’s 2026 Campaign Kickoff
Peters’ decision to rule out Hipkins is a calculated move to rally his base and frame the 2026 election as a referendum on Labour’s integrity. Whether this gamble pays off depends on whether voters share his distrust of Labour’s old guard or see his stance as political posturing.
Nuance vs Zealotry
How do we respond to those preferring cheap and quick emotional arguments, as opposed to those seeking more nuance and consideration?
Is It a Boost or Welfare?
Why is a government that preaches tight fiscal management willing to splurge billions on an uncapped corporate tax break?
News Briefing: 27 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PARLIAMENT, URGENCY Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): Can parliamentary urgency and public accountability peacefully coexist? Russell Palmer (RNZ): Pay equity changes: 'People's select committee' formed to gather evidence instead of 'high-flying cliches' Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Former MPs unite for ‘people’
The Good Oil Podcast – Episode 5 – Dr Sheree Trotter
In episode five of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with Dr Sheree Trotter – academic, historian and commentator.
Japan Rides the Censorship Bandwagon
Freedom of expression is a matter much more significant than words.
News Briefing: 26 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): Ministers don’t know the scale of the tax break they’ve signed up to Marc Daalder (Newsroom): Investment Boost: Govt’s ticking fiscal time bomb Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): “Investment Boost” or “Corporate Welfare”? Fran O’Sullivan (Herald)
The Faux Outrage Over Nicola Willis’ Budget Day Dress: A Media Double Standard Exposed
It’s a ridiculous story that exposes the media’s double standards and the fashion industry’s selective support. If the media wants to regain the public’s trust, they’d do well to stop obsessing over what female politicians wear and start focusing on what they do.
TDS Is Real – But There Is Hope
It might not be officially recognised, but the effect is real.
Health Research Council Funding Cuts: Reining in the Wombles’ Wasteful Spending
With New Zealand’s books in dire straits, every dollar counts. The government should conduct a full audit of the HRC’s spending and identify projects that fail to deliver real health benefits.