In a surprising revelation, a poll by Curia Market Research commissioned by the Taxpayers’ Union, shows the prospect of a Treaty Principles bill enjoys broad support across New Zealand. 60% favour the bill against a mere 18% opposition, which translates into a 3:1 ratio of support to opposition, according to The Facts. 

14 March 2024

Is the rental tax cut a boon for landlords or tenants?

Dr Bryce Edwards gives both sides of the argument regarding the recent announcement by Associate Finance Minister David Seymour to reinstate tax deductions for landlords. Seymour says the move will put “downward pressure” on a pricey housing market, while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claims the nearly $3 billion tax cut will alleviate housing affordability issues for tenants. Critics argue the move only favours wealthy property investors. 

12 March 2024

England Halts Puberty Blockers for Children – Perhaps not harmless and irreversible after all

NHS England has announced that puberty blockers will no longer be prescribed for the treatment of gender dysphoria in children, stating safety concerns and insufficient evidence of clinical effectiveness. This decision follows a public consultation and a review of available evidence by the UK government. 

13 March 2024

Hosking brands carbon market a ‘scam’

“Could it be the fact no credits were sold at our auctions last year and the commission’s concerns over settings is largely because this is a scam?” asks Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking. He describes the carbon market as an exemplary case of “voodoo economics.” 

12 March 2024

High Court decision expands Māori coastal rights amid political tensions

In a recent High Court decision, Justice Cheryl Gwyn granted Māori customary rights (aka Customary Marine Titles or ‘CMTs’) for five areas along the Wairarapa coastline. CMTs grant holders influence over certain activities within designated zones extending from high-water springs to the 12 nautical mile limit.

14 March 2024

US House approves “TikTok ban” amid free speech concerns and bipartisan support

The U.S. House of Representatives has decisively passed the TikTok divestment bill, moving to strip Chinese-owned ByteDance of its control over the popular social media platform. 

14 March 2024

Golriz Ghahraman’s court case reveals judicial connection

Disgraced former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman faced court for shoplifting offences, not on the scheduled 20th March, but a week earlier. However, in a twist worthy of a Hollywood courtroom drama, it’s been revealed that the presiding judge, Maria Pecotic, and Ghahraman were once work colleagues. This potential conflict of interest is raising eyebrows.