Independent Analysis and Reportage
Source: Radio New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins says bigger government departments aren’t always more efficient than smaller departments. RNZ / Marika Khabazi Labour leader Chris Hipkins says public servant caps can be “arbitrary” and bigger government departments aren’t always better at doing the job, as the finance minister looks to downsize the public service.…
Source: Radio New Zealand The pension only covers the basics. (File photo) 123rf As the cost of living climbs and Trump’s war on Iran drives fuel costs sky-high, how are Kiwis coping? What are they doing without? How are they saving money? An RNZ series examines the ways it’s impacting different groups. The increasing cost…
Source: Radio New Zealand The pension only covers the basics. (File photo) 123rf The increasing cost of living is hurting most, but those on fixed incomes have even less room to move with some forced to forego coffee and meat. Petrol and oil prices have crept exponentially higher after the war in Iran, while statistics…
Source: Radio New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford reveal a $131 million education package. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone School leaders say the government is better to spend up on teacher development rather than workbooks if it wants to improve kids’ reading, writing and maths. Education Minister Erica Stanford on Monday…
Source: Radio New Zealand Australia’s latest government Budget has prompted some strong reactions. 123rf A recent headline in The Australian newspaper declared: Budget increases New Zealand’s appeal as a tax haven. It said, with no capital gains tax, no stamp duty or land tax, and the opportunity to negatively gear, business owners and property investors…
Source: Radio New Zealand In some cases average scores in the subjects edged up, but in others they dropped lower by statistically insignificant amounts. RNZ / Marika Khabazi The first national results show new English and maths curriculums have had little effect on children’s achievement so far. In some cases average scores edged up, but…
Source: Radio New Zealand Professor Bev Lawton holding an HVP swab Charlie Dreaver Health experts in New Zealand say that cervical cancer is not only preventable, we have the ability to eliminate it once and for all. On average, about 175 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and about 55 people die…
Source: Radio New Zealand Disability issues minister Louise Upston. RNZ / Mark Papalii The government has introduced legislation that would clarify the purpose of Disability Support Services (DSS), including making it clear the Crown is not the employer of family carers. The legislation would reduce the Crown’s exposure to fiscal and litigation risks, following a…
Source: Radio New Zealand 123rf Last year’s weak economic conditions coincided with a 35 percent drop in the value of capital investments, along with a 10 percent drop in the number of transactions the year earlier. NZ Private Capital Monitor indicates there were 276 transactions last year, with $2.5 billion in combined investments and divestments…
Source: Radio New Zealand GenPro, the association for general practice owners, has called for all political parties to consider investing more in primary healthcare. 123rf GPs are calling for more funding and more accurate ways of allocating it, to ensure practices aren’t losing money. The government has recently announced a new method of determining the…
Source: Radio New Zealand Finance minister Nicola Willis. RNZ / Mark Papalii The finance minister is set to reveal proposals to reduce the number of government agencies, by telling ministries and departments to come up with plans for amalgamation. RNZ understands Nicola Willis will set out three proposals on Tuesday afternoon to create efficiencies in…
Source: Radio New Zealand The government pledged to spend $131 million on improving students’ reading, writing and maths in this year’s budget. Unsplash/ Taylor Flowe A school principal has said the government’s planned investment into education will help teachers and deliver a more consistent quality of learning across the country. The government pledged on Tuesday…