NZ Politics Daily: 9 February 2022
Newshub-Reid Research poll, Parliament, parties, MPs
Jenna Lynch (Newshub): Newshub-Reid Research poll: Majority of Kiwis support keeping border closed to keep out Omicron
Toby Manhire (Spinoff): Polls set stage for a box-office year in New Zealand politics
Gordon Campbell (Werewolf): On last night’s political poll, and Lata Mangeshkar
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): The polls: a warning to the commentariat (paywalled)
Mark Quinlivan (Newshub): Jacinda Ardern confident latest poll reflects people ‘support what we’ve tried to achieve’
Ireland Hendry-Tennent (Newshub): Political commentator says PM Jacinda Ardern has her work cut out for her this year despite glowing poll results
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Luke Malpass (Stuff): The political lines have been drawn for a traditional left-right battle
Russell Palmer (Newshub): Omicron won’t be the end of Covid pandemic – Ardern
Jamie Ensor (Newshub): Jacinda Ardern outlines how New Zealand is preparing for winter, warns of new, different variants’, influenza’s return
Claire Trevett (Herald): PM Jacinda Ardern promises schools will only close again as a ‘last resort’, warns of a grim winter ahead
Dileepa Fonseka (Stuff): Transitioning from a team of 5 million to a group of independent contractors
Henry Cooke (Stuff): Jacinda Ardern looks to move past Covid-19 with first speech to Parliament of 2022
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): Ardern puts green hydrogen high on the agenda (paywalled)
James Perry (Māori TV): Political year starts; parties jostle for position ahead of 2023 election
Johnny Blades (RNZ): Parliament begins year with a pep rally
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Ireland Hendry-Tennent (Newshub): Patrick Gower praises Christopher Luxon’s ‘smooth’ transition to National leader, says he looks more ready than John Key was
Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): People love Luxon because he’s not Ardern
Ben McKay (Canberra Times): NZ opposition on the march under Luxon
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Richard Harman (Politik): Sorry Jacinda, Winston won’t rate you (now) (paywalled)
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Controversial businessman Troy Bowker makes $35,000 NZ First donation, Winston Peters says Bowker a ‘friend’
Raf Manji (Interest): TOP: UBI, land value tax, monetary financing and more
Nikki Mandow (Newsroom): MPs prove unable to agree to work together on anything
Mihingaarangi Forbes, Shane Te Pou and Tau Henare (RNZ): S2 episode 7 | Waitangi Day, poll results and the retirement age
Treaty of Waitangi
Rukuwai Tipene-Allen (Māori TV): ‘Move on’ – Minister Davis responds to Greens’ plan for return of private land to Māori
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Major parties push back against Greens’ ‘Land Back’ proposal to revisit Treaty settlements
Zane Small (Newshub): Labour pours cold water on Green Party’s idea of returning private land to Māori
No Right Turn: The Greens’ “land back” policy
David Farrar (Kiwiblog): Greens want to renege on full and final settlements
1 News: Te Pāti Māori launches petition to remove Queen as head of state
RNZ: Te Pāti Māori calls for removal of UK royals as head of state
Damien Grant (Stuff): How an unstable British pretext lost sight of the Treaty of Waitangi
Border, MIQ
1 News: 80 returnees in Rotorua MIQ held up by late test results
Mark Quinlivan and Matt Burrows (Newshub): Returnees devastated after slow COVID test lab processing traps 80 in MIQ hotel
Herald: MIQ returnees ‘infuriated’ test delays are keeping them trapped in Rotorua hotel
Ian Taylor (Herald): Non-transparent Government tried to muzzle me (paywalled)
RNZ: Separated families ‘tremendously suffering’ with phased reopening of borders
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): Police investigate logistics boss Chris Knuth’s ‘unacceptable’ border break
Rafia Zakaria (The Baffler): The Reporter Without Borders
Vaccination rollout, Mandates
Rod Jackson (Herald): Omicron outbreak – our time to vaccinate is running out
Bernadette Basagre (Stuff): Government to fund more flu vaccines this winter amid Omicron threat
Hannah Martin (Stuff): 200,000 children aged 5-11 have had first dose, 1.6m boosters given
John Weekes (Herald): Text, email booster alerts for 1 million NZers
Chloe Blommerde (Stuff): Pro-vaccination dairy company Tatua backs away from Covid-19 vaccine mandates
Testing
RNZ: Checkpoint: Testing under Omicron needs to be more targeted – lab experts
Nicky Pellegrino (Listener/Herald): Rapid antigen tests – how useful are they really for detecting Covid?(paywalled)
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Roche denies it took tests from business, but won’t say where missing tests went
Russell Palmer (Newshub): Ministry statement on rapid antigen test requisition ‘unclear’ – Hipkins
Mark Quinlivan and Zane Small (Newshub): PM responds after Health Ministry confirms it did obtain rapid antigen tests already in NZ
Mike Houlahan (ODT): Practices eager to get Rats
Omicron outbreak, cases, public health measures
RNZ: Between 460 and 1450 people will die of Omicron – latest modelling
Hannah Martin and Lucy Xia (Stuff): Most of New Zealand’s Omicron cases are in young people
Herald: Cases pop up in multiple school communities as students settle into class
Ellen O’Dwyer (Stuff): More parents could catch Omicron from their kids as school cases rise, modeller says
Stuff: Te Mata School outbreak – parents ‘cautious’ as 150 pupils stay home
RNZ: New modelling expects Omicron to peak at 10,000 daily cases
Hannah Martin (Stuff): Omicron NZ modelling: Hundreds of thousands of cases with peak possible in mid-March
RNZ: Checkpoint: Modelling data released for transparency – Professor Hendy
RNZ: PM Jacinda Ardern says the country’s Omicron peak could be in late March
Adam Pearse (Herald): Big outbreak predicted as PM warns ‘prepare for winter’
Tess McClure (Guardian): New Zealand Omicron wave likely to peak in March with up to 30,000 cases a day, says Ardern
Anna Whyte (1 News): NZ won’t be able to stamp out Omicron – PM
Jamie Ensor (Newshub): Jacinda Ardern warns against complacency despite NZ tracking at ‘lower end’ of Omicron predictions
Herald Editorial: No telling how Covid might affect each of us (paywalled)
RNZ: Watch: Jacinda Ardern provides post-Cabinet update
1 News: Doctor explains why Covid parties are not a good idea
Education
Whatitiri Te Wake (Māori TV): Minister Kelvin Davis: ‘I will never agree to a Māori education authority’
Sapeer Mayron and Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Kura kaupapa founders go to Waitangi Tribunal in push for Māori Education Authority
RNZ: PM says closing schools will be last resort, as 24 are connected to cases
Adam Jacobson (Stuff): Up to schools whether to temporarily close when students get virus
RNZ: Porirua’s Mana College announces Covid-19 caseRachel Moore (Stuff): Covid anxiety normal but the kids should really be in school, say experts
Māni Dunlop (RNZ): Claim filed to Waitangi Tribunal over alleged Crown breach of Kura Kaupapa obligations
Herewini Waikato (Māori TV): Annual kura hikoi as principal files urgent treaty claim
Carmen Hall (Herald): International student sector reaction to 5000 boost in numbers (paywalled)
Adam Jacobson (Stuff): International students cautiously optimistic about border reopening
Sam Hurley (Herald): Multi-billion dollar Indian tech company HCL to train Kiwi school leavers in IT and help fill skills shortage (paywalled)
Piers Fuller (Stuff): Bus association criticises Government school bus procurement
Health
Nita Blake-Persen (RNZ): Govt eyes shake-up of ambulance sector as shortages continue
Rowan Quinn (RNZ): Emergency departments expect huge pressures from Omicron – specialist
1 News: Omicron outbreak will put ‘significant strain’ on NZ’s health care system – modelling
Adam Pearse (Herald): New Omicron modelling predicts hit on health system
Shane Reti (Herald): Are Covid deaths the sole measure of pandemic effectiveness? (paywalled)
Ian Powell (Second Opinion): Self-evident health system truths
Ian Powell (Second Opinion): An oath that stands the test of time
Mike Houlahan (ODT): Shortage of nurses is nationwide
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): Filling the big hole in Wairoa’s dental service
Protests, anti vaccination, rule breaches
Ireland Hendry-Tennent (Newshub): Trevor Mallard orders anti-mandate protesters to remove tents or face trespass from Parliament grounds
Stuff: Anti-vaxxers target primary schools with ‘extreme’ messages
Erin Gourley (Stuff): Protesters continue to block streets around Parliament
Kristy Frame (RNZ): Protesters, vehicles occupy Parliament grounds for hours
Stuff Editorial: A protest more passionate than persuasive
Sophie Trigger (Herald): Thousands of anti-mandate protesters ‘in it for the long haul’
Ben Strang, Tom Hunt and Sophie Cornish (Stuff): Anti-vaccine mandate protesters at Parliament pitch tents for the night
Stuff: Congestion eases after anti-vaccine mandate protest stalls capital traffic
Jane Nixon (1 News): ‘This too will pass’ – Ardern dismisses anti-mandate protest
Rachel Sadler (Newshub): Jacinda Ardern’s message to New Zealand after anti-mandate protest descends on Parliament
Andrea Fox (Herald): Exec who entered NZ via Fiji ruse starts work next week – and his company will welcome him (paywalled)
Rachel Sadler (Newshub): Jacinda Ardern’s message to New Zealand after anti-mandate protest descends on Parliament
Housing, Lending rules
Daily Blog: The Prime Minister on One News last night – telling a huge porky
Rob Stock (Stuff): Lending slow-down: Government stuff-up or lenders crying wolf?
1 News: Government ‘not giving up’ on housing affordability – Ardern
Mark Quinlivan (Newshub): Jacinda Ardern says Government not considering rent controls after Poto Williams floated idea
James Graham (The Conversation): Why the NZ government is right to rule out rent controls as a housing crisis solution
Justin Giovannetti (Spinoff): Is government policy pushing up rents?
Tamsyn Parker (Herald): The Covid impact: Kiwis want bigger, better homes and to move away from Auckland
RNZ: House building costs continue upward surge with ‘plenty more’ growth likely
Miriam Bell (Stuff): Cost of house building climbs with warning of more to come
Economy, Business
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Greens’ Chloe Swarbrick calls for economic response inquiry
Chlöe Swarbrick: We can let growing wealth and housing divide go on, or push for change
Karla Karaitiana (Stuff): ‘Everyone is suffering’: Foodbank founder warns financial hardship will only worsen
Tony Alexander (OneRoof): The numbers point to a collapse in spending
Jamie Gray (Herald): Continuous Disclosure: The economic road ahead as NZ reopens
Jamie Gray (Herald): NZ Govt bond yields hit post-Covid high as inflation concerns mount (paywalled)
Uma Ahmed (Stuff): Covid-19 forces specialist grocery stores to raise prices
RNZ: Innovation necessary for sustainable financial future – Reserve Bank governor
Grant Bradley (Herald): NZ’s $17b international tourism sector big loser as Australia reopens (paywalled)
Melanie Carroll (Stuff): Dismay for NZ tourism industry as Australia opens its border
Cats Marrett (ODT): Big loss to Queenstown from cancellations
RNZ: Wānaka A&P Show cancelled over Covid-19 restrictions
Debbie Jamieson (Stuff): Organisers ‘devastated’ for community after cancellation of Wānaka A&P Show
Hamish Rutherford (Herald): Businessman offers to pay for audit of budgets to resolve America’s Cup hosting impasse
Employment, Unemployment insu
Susan St John (Newsroom): Some questions about income insurance
Kerry Davies, Laures Park, Rachel Mackintosh, Glenda Alexander and Sandra Grey (Stuff):Unemployment insurance scheme is good for workers and the country
Roger Partridge (Herald): Unemployment insurance creates more problems than solutions (paywalled)
Brianna Mcilraith (Stuff): Here’s why my bank account isn’t keeping up with the cost of living, despite pay rises
Uma Ahmed (Stuff): Directors hitting a bump when it comes to parental leave
Michael Andrew (BusinessDesk): Testing times: the biggest employment law headaches of 2022(paywalled)
Conversion therapy
Anna Whyte (1 News): Bill to ban conversion practices passes second hurdle
Anneke Smith (RNZ): Conscience vote on conversion therapy in step with National traditions – Luxon
Michael Neilson (Herald): Bill to ban conversion therapy passes second reading, just seven National MPs now opposed
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Act will vote for conversion therapy ban, but could switch vote at third reading
Local government
Graham Adams (Democracy Project): Three Waters: A sorry tale of government deception and media inertia
Todd Niall (Stuff): Auckland Council budget out for consultation, 6% rate rise for average home mooted
Arielle Kauaeroa (Stuff): MPs receive 1700 submissions on bill to entrench Ngāi Tahu seats on Environment Canterbury
Susan Botting (Local Democracy Reporting): Michael Baker: Northland leaders should all be vaccinated
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): Tribunal win for Gisborne kiwifruit growers
Tina Law (Stuff): Council asks residents to throw face masks into bins at home to protect maintenance workers
Michael Curreen (ODT): Fluoridation order could cost $500K
Ben Tomsett (ODT): More support for public spaces
Grant Miller (ODT): Tunnel plan for one-way system
Georgina Campbell (Herald): Wellington City Council to make u-turn on late night parking fees
Environment
David Williams (Newsroom): Long overdue conservation land review raises anxiety
Maia Hart (RNZ): Blenheim’s Seymour Square stays glyphosate-free for 18 months
Jonathan Guildford (Stuff): Health warning after toxic blue-green algae found in Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere
Rachael Kelly (Stuff): Hokonui Rūnanga lays out its environmental expectations, aspirations and positions
Skara Bohny (Stuff): Higher salmon deaths highlight reform need but industry urges speed
Jack Santa Barbara (Newsroom): Cheap abundant energy is the problem, not the solution
RNZ: Contact Energy’s Tauhara geothermal power station completion date delayed
Transport, Fuel prices
Jamie Ensor (Newshub): Fuel prices: No plan to lower excise tax despite $3 pain at pump
Herald: Fuel rage: Could petrol prices for 91 also hit $3 per litre?
Damien O’Carroll (Stuff): As petrol prices rise, try to dial back the pump rage people
Stewart Sowman-Lund (Spinoff): What’s up with the price of petrol?
Esther Taunton (Stuff): Petrol has topped $3 a litre but why are prices rising so quickly?
Stephen Ward (Stuff): Drivers look past petrol price pain: Surge in electric car and bike interest as fuel prices hit ‘record’ levels
RNZ: National Party calls for Auckland regional fuel tax to be scrapped as prices rise
Bridie Witton (Stuff): National repeats calls for Regional Fuel Tax to be dropped amid ‘cost-of-living crisis’
John Weekes (Herald): Petrol prices: Nats say money sitting idle, Auckland regional fuel tax must go
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): Never underestimate the power of a new tax
Joel MacManus (Stuff): Transmission Gully: Major repairs underway after surfacing issues
Nile Bijoux (Stuff): Toyota New Zealand doubles down on hydrogen
Brent Melville (BusinessDesk): EV sales still too slow, govt mulls road user charges
Primary and Extractive Industries
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Government funds farmers’ contingency planning for outbreaks
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Stuff): Negotiations to yet again ‘save’ aluminium smelter may face extra complication
Luisa Girao (ODT): Tiwai time extension toasted in Southland but Govt wary
Nicholas Pointon (RNZ): Rio Tinto wants to keep operating Tiwai Point smelter past 2024 closure date
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): Tiwai Point smelter – we want to stay (paywalled)
No Right Turn: End Tiwai’s subsidies
Foreign Affairs, trade
Lydia Lewis (RNZ): First shipment of aid arrives in Tonga
Will Trafford (Māori TV): Welfare fears for rangatahi stranded in Dubai with Omicron
Other
Marena Mane (Māori TV): Survey: Māori continue to experience government agencies’ ‘violence’
Marine Lourens (Stuff): Abuse in care inquiry: Survivors to tell of horrific abuse suffered at Christchurch Catholic school
Isaac Davison (Herald): Catholic Church says it’s too early to involve police in historic abuse findings, despite many complaints being upheld
Qiuyi Tan (Herald): Massey research paper on Hindutva leads to trolling, persecution and threats
Kelly Makiha (Herald): Rebels gang VP who used teens in drug deals was a youth worker for Oranga Tamariki-linked agency (paywalled)
Tess McClure (Guardian): At least 28 people take advantage of New Zealand assisted dying laws in first three months
Sally Rae (ODT): New vet group grounding animal advocacy in science