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Simon Bridges addresses the 83rd Annual National Party Conference at Christchurch Town Hall as leader in 2019. (Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Simon Bridges addresses the 83rd Annual National Party Conference at Christchurch Town Hall as leader in 2019. (Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

The BulletinOctober 31, 2019

The Bulletin: National floats sanctions in welfare crackdown

Simon Bridges addresses the 83rd Annual National Party Conference at Christchurch Town Hall as leader in 2019. (Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Simon Bridges addresses the 83rd Annual National Party Conference at Christchurch Town Hall as leader in 2019. (Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: National releases discussion document on social services, new sea level rise research raises inundation fears, and updates from Wellington’s messy mayoralties.

National has released a discussion document on social services, in order to shape their policy into the election. It’s the latest in a series of discussion documents this year, the fifth for those keeping score on the expected eight over 2019. This one is both a restating of the ideas of their previous stint in government, and an outline of new areas of policy.

Many of the ideas represent a harsher approach to welfare services, reports Stuff. They include limiting the amount of time those under 25 not working or in education can get the dole, restarting tenancy reviews for those in social housing, and asking whether the baby bonus should be scrapped. There would be a crackdown on those who don’t vaccinate their kids, oddly in part seemingly aimed at sole parents. National leader Simon Bridges says they would also bring back targets as the preferred way of measuring outcomes, and targeted sanctions to drive them.

However some of the questions point in different directions. Social investment is still being stressed, which is the term used to describe more intensive but tightly targeted support, as opposed to widespread access to benefits. The party has proposed increased access for low income women to long term reversible contraception. And in an interesting passage, they both claimed ownership of Whanau Ora, and also put out a fairly open question about what their feedbackers wanted to see change.

One of the more punitive ideas have been dropped, though it is possible that was always a so-called dead cat. That was the fledgling idea to fine parents of school leavers who become NEETs, of which all mention has now been cut. ACT condemned the discussion document as following too closely in Labour’s footsteps, a critique which both parties may be uncomfortable with. After all, Labour themselves only implemented a few of the dozens of recommendations from their welfare working group.

Much of the commentary in the leadup to the discussion document release was focused on gangs. That was largely because National’s media strategy was to focus on gangs. Very tough measures around benefits were aimed at them, reports Radio NZ. Black Power spokesperson Eugene Ryder said that would harm families, who are disproportionately Māori and poor. Auckland Action Against Poverty also weighed in, heavily criticising the effects such a policy would have on those in hardship. Simon Bridges in response pointed to the social harm caused by gangs, particularly to victims of crime. Labour too have campaigned in the recent past on a crackdown against gangs.

Will any of it work? That depends on what the desired outcome is. Radio NZ reports Simon Bridges says the overall strategy is based on lowering welfare dependency, and being more fair towards taxpayers. The other reason why politicians promise welfare crackdowns – because there’s probably votes in it – went unstated. But it cuts entirely against what the recent welfare working group recommended, which urged a completely different approach be taken to welfare to improve social outcomes.


New research on sea level rise has put hundreds of thousands of homes in line for inundation under the worst case scenario, reports Stuff. That is based on 2m of sea level rise by 2100. That’s not necessarily locked in yet, because global emissions cuts could slow the rate of sea level rise. But one thing is certain – the seas are rising, and hundreds of millions of people around the world will face devastating effects as a result. Meanwhile, the NZ Herald reports legislation will be introduced today which will require companies to disclose climate change risks to their shareholders.


An update on the various happenings in Wellington region mayoral elections: Stuff’sJoel Maxwell reports that Mike Tana supporters are currently trying to get his ouster in Porirua overturned, on the grounds of an investigation into him being leaked. And in Wellington, Andy Foster has been sworn in, though a potential recount still hangs over it all. The NZ Herald’s Georgina Campbell was there to see Justin Lester hand the chains over, and says the two men shared an awkward hug. Finally Daran Ponter has been unanimously elected chair of the GWRC, after Roger Blakeley pulled out of the race.


Warnings are being sounded that February’s Tasman fires won’t be a one-off, reports Newshub. New Zealanders are being asked to prepare accordingly by Fire and Emergency, particularly those living in fire prone areas. Overall, the fires cost around $13 million to fight, and at one point the 3000 strong town of Wakefield had to be evacuated.


Dunedin’s Hillside workshops will be revived thanks to a $20 million boost from the government, reports the ODT. The facilities will be reestablished as a mechanical hub for Kiwirail. Most of the activity at the workshops ended in 2012 when the work was sent offshore to China, and Hillside became something of a symbol of outsourcing. The Hillside announcement was one of several relating to the provincial growth fund yesterday, listed in the linked story.


A much-hyped Auckland food precinct has failed to fire, leaving empty shops and disappointment in its wake, reports Alice Neville for The Spinoff. Queen’s Rise was supposed to be Auckland’s answer to trendy dining areas in Melbourne and New York, but those who have set up shop say the landlords have ruined it with “mismanagement, unreasonable expectations, broken promises and lock-outs.” As a story, it is a fascinating look at a part of the business world we don’t often see.


Britain is going to the polls, for the third time in relatively quick succession. Here’s a cheat sheet on their upcoming election, but more importantly, what will it mean for us? Lewis Holden at Noted has analysed the situation, and argues that while the latest round of Brexit extension and uncertainty will hold up a free trade agreement with Britain, there could be better options for New Zealand currently in the works.


Got some feedback about The Bulletin, or anything in the news? Drop us a line at thebulletin@thespinoff.co.nz

Right now on The Spinoff: Emily Writes discusses coming to the realisation that no parent of a young baby knows what they’re doing, and wishing she realised that sooner. Ti Lamusse continues his series on racism in the justice sector by looking at parole figures. Alex Casey might well have bagged another big scoop on the reality TV beat about who is going to be The Bachelorette. Alice Neville again has some topical ideas for Halloween costumes. Tara Ward has tips for those planning on visiting beautiful Taranaki this summer. And Madeleine Chapman takes a look at the rich and famous saying they’ll move to New Zealand, and what price each of them should pay to get in.


For a feature today, a devastating look at the damage being done to a publication in the USA. Sports blog Deadspin is currently being stripped of what makes it matter, and what makes it unique. This denunciation of the process from The Outline shows how it is a classic example of private equity owners knowing only the cost of something, rather than the value. Here’s an excerpt:

For the past several months, the new owners have paid seemingly unique attention to diminishing Deadspin. Most egregiously was the request — long rumored, and made official on Monday — that the site “stick to sports,” in line with the completely facile line of logic that sports fans only want to know about the score and the game and not anything else.

Besides the fact that sports themselves are frequently political, Deadspin also specifically flourished as an umbrella for topics often beyond the purview of straight sports. Its readers overwhelmingly responded positively to this, as verified anecdotally — is there a better writer on Donald Trump in this country than writer/editor David Roth? — and officially by traffic numbers published by former editor Timothy Burke.


In domestic cricket, Wellington’s Devon Conway has played a magnificent knock to put Canterbury on the ropes. Conway bashed 327 not out, after rescuing Wellington from 4-54, and taking them to a first innings total of 525. In response, Canterbury finished day 2 on 207-5, with opener Tom Latham unbeaten on 102. South African born Conway has long been talked up as a potential future Black Cap, and will become eligible next year.


That’s it for The Bulletin. If you want to support the work we do at The Spinoff, please check out our membership programme.

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A member of the NZ Air Force leaning out the side of a helicopter (Getty Images)
A member of the NZ Air Force leaning out the side of a helicopter (Getty Images)

The BulletinOctober 30, 2019

The Bulletin: Changing threats to Pacific in Defence report

A member of the NZ Air Force leaning out the side of a helicopter (Getty Images)
A member of the NZ Air Force leaning out the side of a helicopter (Getty Images)

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Defence report outlines changing nature of Pacific threats, DHBs unaware of staff vaccination, and visitors desecrate Lake Waikaremoana.

The Defence Force has released a report which outlines their views on the most important threats currently facing the Pacific. As Politik reports, it hasn’t necessarily been about singling out particular countries as bad actors or aggressors. Rather, it steps back somewhat from the competition and increasing tension taking place between China and the USA in the Pacific, and identifies other phenomenon that require more of the Defence Forces’ attention. It also re-confirms the Pacific Reset as the future of New Zealand’s foreign policy, with the redeployment of resources away from places like the Middle East.

Chief among those threats is climate change. Stuff’s Luke Malpass has gone into this, with the report talking about how the ‘Pacific Reset’ diplomatic strategy will be put into action. The Stuff report indicates that New Zealand has more credibility here than neighbouring Australia among Pacific nations, because of the current Australian government’s dismissal of calls for more climate action. As well as that, the NZDF will prioritise helping Pacific nations protect their natural resources like fisheries, and will aim to have humanitarian support on the scene quickly in the event of a disaster.

China hasn’t gone entirely unnoticed in the report, despite not being named. But Newshub reports defence minister Ron Mark spoke about the emerging superpower as more of a potential partner than a threat. Again, he returned to climate change as an area in which there could be “collaboration and cooperation” with China. This report from the NZ Herald includes Massey University expert Professor Rouben Azizian saying that even without China being named specifically, the wider Pacific Reset is aimed at countering Chinese influence in the Pacific. Strengthening Pacific nations is seen as being within NZ’s interests, because it could help them better ward off so-called ‘debt-trap diplomacy’ from China. And Newsroom’s Sam Sachdeva suggests that not naming China explicitly could be down to wariness of a similar backlash to what happened the last time the NZDF mentioned them in a report.


Almost no DHBs are aware of how vaccinated their workforce is, reports Eloise Gibson for Newsroom. Of the scant numbers that are available on this, some of them are frightening, particularly around immunity to whooping cough. There are even gaps in immunity to measles, and a case of an infected staff member working at a Christchurch hospital last month.


Visitors have repeatedly desecrated Ngāi Tūhoe lands at Lake Waikaremoana, and more was discovered over the weekend, reports Anusha Bradley for Radio NZ. That included the dumping of rubbish, felling of native trees for firewood, and the delivery of alcohol against Tūhoe rules. One of the camps was inside a Kiwi sanctuary, and had a wall made of beer bottles.


It is being reported that a teenager left a blowtorch unattended, leading to the SkyCity Convention Centre fire. The NZ Herald got that from a “well placed source”, with the torch being used to install a waterproof membrane on the roof. It is also understood that the investigation will involve questions over “supervision and experience of the workers on the roof.” It’s probably fair to say that if it is an apprentice, then questions about responsibility will move further up the chain. SkyCity’s boss has made assurances that there won’t be a ‘witch hunt’ against anyone who may have been accidentally involved.


Census data has shown the extent of damp housing around the country, reports Radio NZ. Around one in five houses are affected by dampness, tens of thousands of those being damp all the time. Rentals are overwhelmingly more likely to be constantly damp. The health and social outcomes of poor quality housing are well understood, and entirely negative.


There may be a lesson in this for Wellingtonians who want integrated Snapper ticketing rolled out across the region. Nikki Preston of the NZ Herald reports that the budget for an integrated system being pursued by nine regions has blown out, from $11 million to more than $14 million. It is also looking like being two years late. Meanwhile a nationwide integrated ticketing system is expected to begin being rolled out, starting in Wellington in 2021.


Economists are suggesting an increased milk price forecast should allow dairy farmers to cut debt, reports Farmers Weekly. The heavy debt loads many dairy farmers are under is one of the less widely covered aspects of why it is a difficult business. In response, Chris Lewis from the Feds says a higher forecast is a relief, but that farmers won’t be spending that money until they actually get it. Meanwhile in dairy news, the sector is being seen as one of the major holdups in getting the RCEP trade deal over the line, with Newsroom reporting that India in particular are worried about their market being flooded with New Zealand product.


Correction: An incorrect date was given yesterday as to when all schools will teach NZ history – it will in fact begin in 2022.


Got some feedback about The Bulletin, or anything in the news? Drop us a line at thebulletin@thespinoff.co.nz

Image: Youtube

Right now on The Spinoff: Jannah Dennison argues that it would be impossible to make euthanasia laws totally safe and free from coercion. I assess the arguments for and against transport minister Phil Twyford getting the sack. Māori Language Commissioner Rawinia Higgins writes about Newstalk ZB’s Marcus Lush arguing with callers for accurate Māori pronunciation. And Ti Lamusse writes about the racism embedded in New Zealand’s remand system.


For a feature today, a bold step on climate action from Belgium. You might recall the NZ government recently turned down the idea of banning imports of diesel and petrol cars, even a long way into the future. Well, Brussels has gone the other way on a similar decision – from 2035 they simply won’t allow petrol and diesel cars to drive in the city. Here’s an excerpt from a report on Flanders Today.

The government plans major investments in public transport, cycling infrastructure and pedestrian access. Along with additional metro and train stations, several cycle networks are planned, as are pedestrian tunnels. Tram and bus routes will also be increased.

The government is also working to reform vehicle tax laws so that drivers would be taxed according to their use rather than ownership. In other words, the more you drive, the higher the tax.


A soccer football special in sport today: Football Fern Abby Erceg has just captained the North Carolina Courage to a second straight title in the USA’s premier domestic competition, reports Stuff. The Courage have been basically unstoppable since Erceg has been involved, with titles across competitions. This win has to rank near the top of any list of New Zealanders in overseas leagues.

This morning the U17 All Whites are in action at their World Cup. Radio NZ reports they’re up against a country rather well known for footballing prowess in Brazil, and all things being equal it is likely that there campaign will come to an end today. So far the team has lost to Angola, and faces another tough game against Nigeria this weekend.

There’s not a lot to say about the Wellington Phoenix right now. They’re currently in last place, after three consecutive losses to open the season. Don’t be too surprised if this year ends up pretty miserable as the roster gets rebuilt.

And in the English Premier League, a clear set of divisions are emerging. Liverpool is way out in front, and Manchester City, Chelsea and Leicester City are clumped together to round out the top four. This article from Deadspin covers the team falling away – Arsenal. They’re still within touching distance, but recent results have been ugly, and the fans are starting to get restless. It could however be worse for a big team – Manchester United are in 7th. And in the only contest that really matters for Arsenal, they’re six places ahead of Tottenham.


That’s it for The Bulletin. If you want to support the work we do at The Spinoff, please check out our membership programme.