No Plans to Accelerate Spending

Posted 11:40am Sunday 6th September 2015 by Hugh Baird

The government is confident that a slide in global markets this week does not spell recession for the country. Speaking to the media on Tuesday 1 September in the wake of “black Monday”, which saw markets around the world plummet, neither Key nor English believed that a slowing Read more...

In My Opinion: Henry’s word | Issue 22

Posted 11:45am Sunday 6th September 2015 by Henry Napier

The ideological distinction between the left and right has taken a blow, raising an interesting question: does it exist at all? 3 News recently ran a story about Labour’s associate education spokesperson Kelvin Davis attending a fundraiser for a Northland charter school, a decision that Read more...

Claim for Auckland Unlikely to be Heard

Posted 11:13am Sunday 30th August 2015 by Henry Napier

The Māori King has launched a Treaty claim for the wider Auckland area. Speaking at his annual coronation two weeks ago, King Tuheitia addressed the Kīngitanga’s new claim for sovereignty over the city. The king spoke to an audience of over 1000 people, including Prime Minister Read more...

Health and Safety Bill Has “Fundamental Flaws”

Posted 11:16am Sunday 30th August 2015 by Henry Napier

The Health and Safety Reform Bill was back in the spotlight last week following a 14-hour parliamentary debate. The bill will now continue to its third reading where it is likely to pass into law. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse, the minister in charge of the bill, has Read more...

In My Opinion: Henry’s word | Issue 21

Posted 11:19am Sunday 30th August 2015 by Henry Napier

I was talking to my mum last week about New Zealand politics, and on the topic of the Labour Party she said: “I still can’t figure Labour out, what do they stand for?” As my mother often does, she hit the nail on the head. Labour has had, and continues to have, trouble Read more...

MP: the Bloggers are Harming the MPs

Posted 11:40am Sunday 16th August 2015 by Henry Napier

NZ First MP Tracey Martin has claimed Curwen Rolinson is in breach of the Harmful Digital Communications Act, passed in July. In a blog post, Rolinson, former leader of the NZ First youth wing, accused Martin of undermining party MP Andrew Williams. Speaking at the University of Otago last week, Read more...

Craig Won’t Rule Out Auckland

Posted 11:44am Sunday 16th August 2015 by Hugh Baird

Former Conservative leader Colin Craig has not yet ruled out putting his hand up as a candidate in the race for the Auckland mayoralty next year. Craig has said he has been approached on many occasions to enter his candidacy for the position and admitted it is something he has not yet ruled out. Read more...

In My Opinion: Henry’s word | Issue 20

Posted 11:48am Sunday 16th August 2015 by Henry Napier

In 2004, the Helen Clark-led Labour government passed the Foreshore and Seabed Act. Despite being greeted with outrage, the act set in train a series of events that ultimately preserved the Māori seats. That sounds contradictory, and it is. It’s a political paradox. In 2003, the Read more...

Republican Primary Kicks Off

Posted 11:17am Sunday 9th August 2015 by Henry Napier

The Republican primary is now in full swing, with the first debate taking place on Monday last week. The debate, which is being called the “Voters First” forum, featured 14 Republican candidates who each spoke for seven minutes.  The primaries are held before the presidential Read more...