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?
Politics
Everything about politics
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
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.
Clowns of the Day
“I’m so glad I bothered to adjourn the debate to allow the Māori Party to be in the House for the budget. Oh wait…” – Bishop
Bob Jones, Rabuka and Me
It was classic Bob Jones mischief – mischief was one of the defining qualities of his public life – but it obviously stung Rabuka. He sued for defamation (as I recall, the amount claimed was one million dollars) and as editor of the Dom at the time, I was named as second respondent.
News Briefing: 23 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET SUMMARIES AND ANALYSIS Jo Moir (RNZ): Analysis: Finance Minister delivers 'nip and tuck’ Budget Janet Wilson (Post): Winners make gains at the expense of the strugglers (paywalled) Matthew Hooton (Herald): Budget reveals we’re going broke faster than we knew (paywalled) Jamie
‘Chumocracy’ and the Suppression of Prof MacCulloch
NZ needs more people like Robert MacCulloch willing to speak out. But if the price of dissent is this high, how many will choose to do so? His story is a good example of what happens when you dare to speak truth to power in a small country where the elites are all too interconnected.
Budget 2025: RNZ Gets a Trim, But the Media Gravy Train Keeps Chugging
This budget move should serve as a warning shot to every media outlet suckling at the government’s teat. You’re on notice: do your damn job. Report the facts, not your feelings.
News Briefing: Budget Special Edition
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET - SUMMARIES AND ANALYSIS Laura Walters (Newsroom): Budget takes from squeezed middle for growth Lloyd Burr (Stuff): Budget 2025 is a bit bitsy - here are the best bits Luke Malpass (Post): Willis delivers more with less but fiscal risks remain (paywalled) Bridie Witton and