RNZ is reporting that Labour’s decision to repeal its water services reforms, known as Three Waters, is anticipated to result in rate increases nationwide. The repeal will replace the reform with a system allowing councils to form organisations for infrastructure projects.

According to reports, there are concerns about potential financial strain on councils and ratepayers. While some welcome the shift, others fear increased rates and challenges for smaller councils. Clutha District mayor advocates for regional collaboration, emphasising efficiency.

13 February 2024

Police docs reveal outdated 111 system linked to deaths and injuries

Recent police documents obtained under the Official Information Act unveil serious concerns regarding the ageing 111 emergency call system. The system’s limitations, including its inability to handle text, video, or social media communications, have been attributed to tragic incidents, such as delayed emergency responses leading to fatalities.

12 February 2024

Slippery Slope: Reversing New Zealand’s corruption ranking slide

Professor Matevz (Matt) Roskovic says transparency, accountability, and strong anti-corruption measures are essential to safeguard ‘Brand NZ.’ Roskovic says that the safe, clean, green image that NZ enjoys abroad is worth nearly $100 billion dollars (Editors note: his wild guess), but can be squandered quickly as a result of poor governance.

11 February 2024

Texas sues US Government over unlawful censorship of American press

The lawsuit filed by the State of Texas and others against the US Department of State and various officials alleges the State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC) is unlawfully intervening in the news-media market.

11 February 2024

The impact of Kawharu’s Treaty interpretation on Māori sovereignty

Journalist Mike Butler says the current division over the treaty at Waitangi stems from a quietly rewritten version of the treaty, initially reshaped by Professor Sir Hugh Kawharu in 1986. Kawharu’s reinterpretation, influenced by his advocacy for Maori self-determination, altered key terms like “rangatiratanga” to imply sovereignty, paving the way for expansive Māori claims.

11 February 2024

Study shows Pfizer COVID vaccine’s temporary protection and challenges with variants

A recent study by Louisiana State University, published in the Vaccine journal, reveals that Pfizer’s COVID vaccines and boosters offer only temporary protection against the virus.

12 February 2024

Toyota bet against EVs, and looks to be winning

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, has taken a unique stance in the automotive industry by not solely focusing on electric vehicles (EVs). Instead, Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, is pushing for a multi-pathway strategy that includes EVs, hybrids, and hydrogen-powered cars.