Everything about politics
The coalition’s 49 per cent is a fragile foundation and a two to three per cent swing could hand the opposition the keys to power. Labour, despite its own challenges, is within striking distance, and a stumble by National – another policy misstep or leadership wobble – could prove fatal.
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PAY EQUITY, EMPLOYMENT Luke Malpass (Post): Pay equity slashing a sub-plot in a much larger game (paywalled) Jo Moir (RNZ): Pay equity changes: Two sides of the coalition brought out Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Five things you need to know about the surprise pay equity
We’ve pretended we’re a global powerhouse when we’re really just a subsidised sideshow. Trump’s tariff is a reality check and a chance to rebuild on solid ground. Let’s stop crying over spilt milk and start building businesses that can stand on their own.
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR Tom Day (1News): Erica Stanford sent pre-Budget documents to her personal email Russell Palmer (RNZ): National's Erica Stanford used personal email for work purposes Julia Gabel (Herald): Senior Minister Erica Stanford sent official briefings to personal email account Sam
Doyle isn’t a victim of a grand conspiracy to erase him. He’s an MP who made poor choices and now faces scrutiny – scrutiny he’s earned.
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET, ECONOMY, RESERVE BANK Matthew Hooton (Herald): Labour’s credibility demands big new tax promises (paywalled) Vernon Small (Post): Is all this belt-tightening really the best option right now? (paywalled) Liam Dann (Herald): Are Kiwis about to be hit with an ‘austerity Budget’? (paywalled)
This helicopter deal is a step but it’s a wobbly one. Five to replace eight feels like a downgrade dressed up as an upgrade. The lack of drone investment is a missed opportunity. And the price tag, driven by ‘interoperability’, smells like we’re paying a premium to keep Uncle Sam smiling.
New Zealand doesn’t need a government that looks like a corporate org chart gone rogue. We need one that’s lean, mean and focused on results. Seymour’s got the razor out. Let’s see if he’s got the guts to make the deep cuts we really need.
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR, WEEK IN POLITICS Lillian Hanly (RNZ): NZ Initiative 'absolutely delighted' Seymour wants to slash ministerial line-up Adam Pearse (Herald): David Seymour proposes abolishing some portfolios and cutting minister numbers Craig McCulloch (RNZ): ACT's David Seymour wants to
Turnbull’s RNZ sermon is just another chapter in his long history of self-important drivel. He’s a failed PM who couldn’t hack it at home, so now he’s preaching to the Kiwis like he’s some elder statesman.
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET, ECONOMY Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Government not ruling out cuts to its $521 a year KiwiSaver contribution Gordon Campbell: On Our Austerity Fixation Chelsea Daniels (Herald): Front Page: What could be cut as Government slashes operating allowance for Budget 2025 Bernard Hickey (The Kākā)
