Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) lacks formal guidance on EV carriage on ferries amid increasing EV use. KiwiRail implemented some fire safety measures, but these may be insufficient due to ultra hot, toxic EV battery fires. 

Safety advisories emphasise the need for large quantities of water to cool EV batteries and the necessity for full personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters. 

7 April 2024

Geopolitics is forcing the transformation of New Zealand’s foreign policy

Geopolitical dynamics in the South Pacific are prompting big shifts in New Zealand's foreign policy. Wellington faces delicate trade-offs, aiming to appease some allies while risking fallout with others. 

7 April 2024

On Meta, politicians have freedom of speech, not freedom of reach…unless they pay

Recent changes by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to restrict political content recommendations is, by definition, chilling political discourse. But all is not lost. Users can still opt-in and politicians can still pay for targeted ads.

4 April 2024

McCoskrie: You can do anti-bullying classes without the cross dressing

“Drag queen storytime,” was initially sold as a means to promote inclusivity and combat bullying. But as Bob McCoskrie of Family First sees it, the movement to expose trans ideology to young people reveals an agenda involving the sexualisation of children.

6 April 2024

Could the public lose control of the nation’s shoreline due to poorly drafted legislation and activist judges?

New Zealand’s Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, commonly known as MACA, may lead to the public’s loss of control of the nation’s coast line. Writer Graham Adams says “Anyone who imagines customary rights and marine title might be confined to gathering shellfish or gathering hangi stones is mistaken.”

3 April 2024

The WEF promoted “business case for diversity” study is “built on sand”

A recent study has cast doubt on a series of influential reports, endorsed by the WEF, making the “business case for diversity.” The researchers say cringeworthy claims that racially diverse teams are more successful, because employees feel greater belonging, are simply not credible.

7 April 2024

Kiwis increasingly feeling the stress of making mortgage payments as increasing numbers of accounts past due

The Spinoff is reporting that about 22,600 mortgage accounts were past due in February of this year. That’s up by nearly a fifth year-on-year. And while the vast majority are still making their payments, increased layoffs, high interest rates and a cost of living crisis doesn’t mean people aren’t struggling.