newsletter #63 for Monday, 18th March, 2024

3 min read

NZ COVID Inquiry is broadening its terms of reference – Here’s our take on what needs to happen

We favour a more judicial approach, open to the public. We think one of the biggest concerns should be how the government decided where to get its information. 

The steps they took to control the narrative need to be closely examined. 

Why did NZ not focus more on other countries that were travelling down the same path but were many months ahead? 

3 min read

The Treaty Principles Debate – Trust the experts or public opinion?

“Experts” question indigenous rights in the hands of the majority. Mihingarangi Forbes argues that Australia’s failed referendum is a warning against public decisions on sensitive issues. In contrast, ACT calls for public involvement in defining Treaty Principles, challenging “expert”driven approaches. Many oppose the referendum, fearing divisive debate, but misrepresent that it’s about rewriting the Treaty itself.

3 min read

Principals raise the red flag on chronic staffing issues in New Zealand schools

Principals nationwide sound the alarm over chronic teacher shortages in NZ schools. Causes include retiring teachers, limited training opportunities, and too much red tape when recruiting overseas. Potential shortages of hundreds of secondary school teachers by 2026. Some regions may experience a surplus of primary school teachers, others face challenges in attracting educators, particularly in specific subjects.

3 min read

Media Bias Meter – Is reporting nurse’s safety fears designed to disparage COVID mandate opponents and whistleblower? 

Media reports rely heavily on one anonymous nurse, with a personal safety concern that is hard to believe. Did the nurse come forward or did the journalist go looking for a story to support their preferred narrative? Coverage emphasises physical safety, seemingly to evoke sympathy. By implying vaccine mandate opponents may be unhinged, reports brush off legitimate concerns.