This is edition 2025/121 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome back. It's 2025 and 20 years since I started writing about politics and anything else that took my fancy. Thank to my VIP members for making this site what it is today.
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
1. Government decisions favour political donor’s business
Bryce Edwards
- 💸 Political donation raises questions: Dynes Transport donates $20,000 to NZ First, followed by favorable government treatment, including an $8.2 million loan from Shane Jones' Regional Infrastructure Fund.
- 🏛️ Perception of quid pro quo: Donations may create the appearance of special treatment, fueling public distrust. Calls for reforms like cooling-off periods to prevent conflicts of interest.
- 🚚 Favorable government backing: Despite a competing privately-funded project, Dynes Transport secures a government loan, raising concerns about preferential treatment and public finance principles.
- 🚂 KiwiRail appointment sparks conflict: Dynes Transport chairman Scott O'Donnell is appointed to the KiwiRail board, creating a conflict of interest due to his company's involvement in the Mosgiel project.
- 🏗️ Cronyism allegations: The close relationship between NZ First and Dynes Transport suggests a revolving door of political patronage, undermining merit-based appointments and eroding public trust.
- ⚖️ Need for systemic reform: Calls for a new ethics commissioner, stricter conflict-of-interest management, and overhaul of political donation rules to ensure transparency and accountability.
- 📉 Decline in public trust: The case highlights the risks of corruption and the need for immediate action to restore confidence in New Zealand's democratic institutions and decision-making processes.
