Tag: New Zealand stories
NZ's new government is getting tough on gangs – but all the necessary laws already exist
The government’s promised crack-down on gangs may have to work around existing legislation – and human rights provisions.
Return of the ‘consultocracy’ – how cutting public service jobs to save costs usually backfires
History suggests the new NZ government’s pledge to cut budgets and jobs in the public sector will cost more in the long run – and damage morale in the process.
The government hopes private investors will fund social services – the evidence isn't so optimistic
The local and international track record of social investment funds and social impact bonds is far from convincing. A better-resourced public sector would be a simpler solution.
NZ First fears over WHO regulations are misplaced – robust checks and balances already exist
Despite demands for an urgent ‘reservation’ and ‘national interest test’ over new WHO regulations, New Zealand’s sovereignty is not at risk from international agreements or treaties.
Humans, rats and dogs pushed the takahē into Fiordland – new genetic research maps its dramatic journey
Examining the DNA of the takahē has upended long-held beliefs about how the flightless bird ended up on the southwestern tip of New Zealand. This new knowledge can help future conservation efforts.
Nicola Willis warns of fiscal ‘snakes and snails’ – her first mini-budget will be a test of NZ’s no-surprises finance rules
The Public Finance Act is designed to prevent shocks and ‘fiscal cliffs’. And it is unlikely any problems faced by Nicola Willis will match the scale of those that dogged previous governments.
The news is fading from sight on big social media platforms – where does that leave journalism?
Social media platforms are abandoning news – which is bad news for traditional media organisations that have come to rely on them for consumers.
Is Winston Peters right to call state-funded journalism ‘bribery’ – or is there a bigger threat to democracy?
The Public Interest Journalism Fund became a lightning rod for disinformation well before Winston Peters likened it to ‘bribery’. Policy making has already been compromised as a result.
Māori atheism on the rise: the legacy of colonisation is driving a decline in traditional Christian beliefs
More than half of Māori identified as having ‘no religion’ in the latest census. Our new research examines what could be behind the sharp rise in Māori atheism.
Why redefining the Treaty principles would undermine real political equality in NZ
The ACT Party claims revisiting the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi is about political equality. But removing a Māori cultural dimension to New Zealand’s democracy would have an opposite effect.
Three parties, two deals, one government: the stress points within New Zealand's 'coalition of many colours'
The country’s first formal three-party coalition will test Christopher Luxon’s promise of ‘strong and stable’ government – and the minor parties’ patience if things don’t go their way.
Waking a sleeping language – our plan to revive the speaking of ta rē Moriori
The last native Moriori speaker died over a century ago. Can an ambitious new project bring the language back from the brink?
The rule of law is fundamental to a free society – so why don’t NZ courts always uphold it?
Court decisions based on a judge’s discretion rather than the letter of the law are increasingly common. But this risks undermining some basic liberties.
NZ wants more seasonal workers – but Pacific nations no longer want to be the ‘outposts’ that ‘grow’ them
The new government is likely to increase the numbers of workers coming to New Zealand on seasonal work schemes. But the impact on Pacific economies and communities is now too great to be ignored.
Lost voices: ethnic diversity in the New Zealand parliament will decline after the 2023 election
While Māori have seen a steady increase in representation in parliament since the beginning of MMP, other ethnic minorities have experienced uneven growth. The new parliament will see a step back.
