ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for December 16, 2025

December 16, 2025

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on December 16, 2025.

Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher convicted of sedition, in major blow to press freedom
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yao-Tai Li, Senior Lecturer of Sociology and Social Policy, UNSW Sydney This week, after a 156-day trial, the Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai was convicted of sedition and collusion with foreign or external forces. Now facing life in prison, Lai was convicted under

In a cynical industry, Rob Reiner’s films taught us the power of sincerity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University Rob Reiner, the celebrated Hollywood director whose diverse filmography was loved by a broad array of audiences, was found dead on Sunday in Los Angeles. He was 78. Authorities have described the deaths of Reiner and his wife,

Labor maintains dominant lead in Redbridge poll despite expenses claims
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Labor gained two points in a Redbridge national poll to take a 56–44 lead, despite the expenses claims occurring during the fieldwork period. Redbridge state polls have

We think of mushrooms as food. But mycelium-based blocks could be the future of construction
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kumar Biswajit Debnath, Chancellor’s Research Fellow, School of Architecture, University of Technology Sydney Composite panels made with Australian reishi fungi and biomass waste. Kumar Biswajit Debnath/UTS When mushrooms make the news, it’s often for grim reasons – a mysterious poisoning, toxic species in the bush, or high-profile

After mass violence, trauma spreads socially. Here are 3 ways you can help reduce it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara-Lyn Camilleri, Transgenerational Effects Researcher, Monash University After mass violence such as the Bondi beach terrorist attack on Sunday, distress does not stop with those directly affected. Fear, anger and uncertainty spread through media and social networks. This can intensify harm for survivors and targeted communities. People

Want to donate blood after the Bondi attacks? Here’s what you need to know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yasmin Mowat, Clinical Project Manager, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s website and call centre have been inundated with people responding to calls for blood donations since Sunday night’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. At least 16 people are dead and 38 others are in

Communities must be central to climate adaptation strategies – 10 insights to guide national policy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Glavovic, Professor in Natural Hazards Planning and Resilience, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images Discussions about how New Zealand should adapt to a changing climate have been going on for more than two decades. While both major political parties agree on the need

Australia’s national plan says existing laws are enough to regulate AI. This is false hope
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Russ-Smith, Associate Professor of Social Work and Chair, Indigenous Research Ethics Advisory Panel, Australian Catholic University Earlier this month, Australia’s long-anticipated National AI Plan was released to a mixed reception. The plan shifts away from the government’s previously promised mandatory AI safeguards. Instead, it’s positioned as

How stores fighting thieves risk putting off shoppers with disabilities and kids
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harpur, Associate Professor, TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland; Syracuse University ad0sy/Reddit “Welcome”, the sign at the supermarket entrance says, above a drawing of a shopper walking in and pushing a trolley. But for many shoppers – especially those with wheelchairs, walkers or

Festering families, difficult truths and transcendent grace: best podcasts of 2025
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Siobhan McHugh, Honorary Associate Professor, Journalism, University of Wollongong Wellcome Collection Quality narrative podcasts experienced a downturn this year, with industry layoffs in key networks including Pineapple Street Studios and Wondery. But commercial cutbacks have reinvigorated the artistic spirit of the genre. In a class of its

Think you know Hans Christian Andersen? Four experts pick his weirdest fairy tales to read this Christmas
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ane Grum-Schwensen, Associate Professor at The Hans Christian Andersen Centre, Principal Investigator of "Fairy Tales and Stories – The Digital Manuscript Edition", University of Southern Denmark Hans Christian Andersen is one of Denmark’s most cherished writers – a master of the literary fairy tale whose influence stretches

View from The Hill: regardless of whether massacre was preventable, Albanese has been found wanting in meeting antisemitism crisis
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese cut a lonely political figure laying a small bunch of flowers at Bondi on Monday morning, as the question confronted the nation: could more have been done by leaders, and the community, to prevent this tragedy? Opinions will

National cabinet agrees to sweeping overhaul of Australia’s gun laws in response to Bondi massacre
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Federal, state and territory governments have agreed to the biggest overhaul of Australia’s gun laws since the Howard government’s post-Port Arthur reforms, in a response to the Bondi massacre that has claimed the lives of 15 victims so far and

Why can someone in suburban Sydney own 6 guns legally? New laws might change that
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suzanna Fay, Associate Professor in Criminology, The University of Queensland Australians have watched on in horror as more details have come to light about the shooters in the Bondi terror attacks. As people grapple with the tragedy, many wonder how such a thing could have happened in

Want to donate blood after Bondi attacks? Here’s what you need to know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yasmin Mowat, Clinical Project Manager, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s website and call centre have been inundated with people responding to calls for blood donations since Sunday night’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. At least 16 people are dead and 38 others are in

How can parents talk to their kids about the Bondi terror attack?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanessa Cobham, Professor of Clinical Psychology, The University of Queensland As the community begins to grapple with the horror and tragedy of the Bondi shootings on Sunday, children will likely have questions. Parents may also be wondering how to talk to their little kids and teenagers about

Government boosts its home battery program by $5 billion. But it still has big problems
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rohan Best, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, Macquarie University Simon McGill/Getty Images Over the weekend the federal government announced major changes to its A$2.3 billion home battery subsidy program. The changes include nearly A$5 billion in extra funding and adjustments to the financial support provided for different-sized

What police had to do during the chaos of Bondi – and what comes next
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminal Justice and Criminology, Bond University On Sunday evening, Bondi Beach was the scene of a mass shooting that has shocked Australia. At the time of writing 16 people have been killed, including one of the gunmen, and another 40 people have

Bondi attacks come after huge increase in online antisemitism: research
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matteo Vergani, Associate Professor and Director of the Tackling Hate Lab, Deakin University At least 16 people – including a ten-year-old child – are dead after two men opened fire on a crowd of people celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on Sunday in a public park

Papatoetoe by-election ordered after allegations of fraud

By Evening Report -

December 16, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Liu Chen

An Auckland judge has upheld a petition in the Manukau District Court calling for a judicial inquiry following allegations of fraud in an Auckland local body election.

Judge Richard McIlraith on Tuesday ruled that the irregularities materially affected the result, declaring the election of local board members for the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board void.

A new election will now be held.

The hearing followed a petition by former Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member Lehopoaome Vi Hausia, who claimed to have received reports of voting papers being stolen from residents and submitted without their consent.

Dale Ofsoske, an independent electoral officer for Auckland, was the respondent to the petition.

At a preliminary hearing at Manukau District Court in November, Judge Richard McIlraith ordered five ballot boxes containing votes from the electorate to be transferred from Auckland District Court, where they were being kept, to Manukau for scrutineering in the presence of Judge McIlraith, legal counsel for Hausia and Ofsoske, as well as Ofsoske himself .

Seventy-nine voting papers were subsequently identified during examination as having been cast without the rightful voter’s knowledge.

Lehopoaome Vi Hausia is a former Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member. Supplied

At a hearing earlier this month, legal counsel for Ofsoske acknowledged there had been irregularities in some of the ballots cast.

Papatoetoe was the only Auckland electorate to record a significant rise in turnout in the latest local body election.

While other Auckland areas saw turnout drop, voting numbers in Papatoetoe increased by more than 7 percent.

All four seats went to first-time candidates from the Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team.

The petition also argued that the result was inconsistent with historic voting patterns and warranted examination.

The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has two subdivisions, with the Ōtara having three seats and Papatoetoe four.

None of the previous local board members of the Papatoetoe subdivision were re-elected.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher convicted of sedition, in major blow to press freedom

By The Conversation -

December 16, 2025

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yao-Tai Li, Senior Lecturer of Sociology and Social Policy, UNSW Sydney

This week, after a 156-day trial, the Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai was convicted of sedition and collusion with foreign or external forces.

Now facing life in prison, Lai was convicted under the country’s National Security Law, introduced in 2020.

During the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, Lai and the media outlet he owned — Apple Daily — regularly presented the views of pro-democracy activists.

It openly criticised the Hong Kong and Beijing governments, and encouraged readers to participate in pro-democracy rallies and protests.

Apple Daily and Lai came to symbolise the democratic ideal of a free press, able to criticise those in power without fear of censorship or sanction.

His conviction represents a major blow to those ideals.

The end of press freedom in Hong Kong?

In the years since the introduction of Hong Kong’s National Security Law, press freedom has slowly been limited. Lai’s conviction symbolises it has now ended altogether.

In 2002, Hong Kong was ranked 18th globally for press freedom in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. It fell to 39th in 2005, and then to 73rd in 2019.

After the introduction of the national security law in 2020, a chilling effect soon took hold. Many pro-democracy media outlets and NGOs quickly disbanded.

This included Apple Daily and Hong Kong’s last opposition party, the Democratic Party.

Hong Kong has now plummeted to 140th place in the world press freedom rankings. Press freedom conditions are “bad” or “very serious”, according to Reporters Without Borders.

However, Lai’s trial symbolises a shift from self-censorship to an official view that certain media outlets are illegal.

It comes across as a clear message from the government that dissenting views will not be tolerated.

The Hong Kong media no longer serves as a vehicle for alternative views and airing of different political positions.

From rule of law to ruled by law

In the common law tradition, it is not uncommon for legislation to contain some degree of ambiguity. This is so courts can consider the “spirit” or “purpose” of the law as they pertain to each unique case. It allows flexibility as circumstances change.

In the 2020 National Security Law, however, what counts as violating national security is left completely undefined. This means virtually anything could be construed as violating national security.

In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Committee raised concerns about this law and the lack of clarity around the definition of “national security”.

This ambiguity means Hong Kongers are left in a state of uncertainty over which activities will or will not be perceived as undermining Beijing’s political authority.

Lai’s conviction (along with the conviction of 47 pro-democracy advocates) signifies that one possible definition of “national security” could be anything against Beijing’s agenda.

A blow to public trust in the courts

Lai’s conviction also represents a significant blow to public trust in Hong Kong’s judicial system.

In Hong Kong, judicial independence is constitutionally described in what’s known as the Basic Law. Various articles of this law mention that:

Hong Kong courts are independent and free from interference
members of the judiciary shall be immune from legal action in the performance of their judicial functions
judges shall be appointed by the chief executive based on the recommendation of an independent commission composed of local judges, persons from the legal profession and eminent persons from other sectors.

In reality, however, problems soon become apparent.

The Bar Human Rights Committee – an independent, international human rights arm of the bar of England and Wales – has flagged major concerns regarding the lack of transparency about how cases are assigned within the Hong Kong judiciary.

Tribunal procedures are also separate for national security cases, which are presided over by a designated panel of judges. These judges are selected by the chief executive in consultation with the politically appointed National Security Committee.

Surveys show a significant drop in Hong Kong citizens’ perceptions of the fairness of the judicial system, the impartiality of the courts, and the rule of law. This drop has been observed since the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020.

Lai’s trial symbolises that the public trust and confidence in Hong Kong’s courts no longer exists. In fact, one of the main slogans in support of Lai on social media is “rule of law is dead!”

The end of ‘one country, two systems’?

Lai’s conviction represents a failed attempt to challenge the Chinese political regime.

It shows any action that may be perceived as interfering with the legitimacy of the Chinese government could be deemed as “illegal” and in violation of “national security”.

Yao-Tai Li does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher convicted of sedition, in major blow to press freedom – https://theconversation.com/hong-kong-pro-democracy-publisher-convicted-of-sedition-in-major-blow-to-press-freedom-272079

In a cynical industry, Rob Reiner’s films taught us the power of sincerity

By The Conversation -

December 16, 2025

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University

Rob Reiner, the celebrated Hollywood director whose diverse filmography was loved by a broad array of audiences, was found dead on Sunday in Los Angeles. He was 78.

Authorities have described the deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, as suspected homicide. Their son, Nick, has been arrested in relation to their death.

Despite this tragic and shocking news, the many tributes to Reiner that have emerged overnight have celebrated the evident warmth, intelligence and humour of the man and his work.

From my perspective, Reiner’s career stands as one of the clearest demonstrations of a director moving fluidly across genres while maintaining a consistent worldview.

Whether they were romantic comedies (When Harry Met Sally…, The American President, The Sure Thing), thrillers (Misery), courtroom dramas (A Few Good Men) or coming-of-age fables (Stand By Me), Reiner’s films return again and again to deeply humanist beliefs: that people, however flawed, are capable of growth and connection; that care and empathy for each other is vital; and that cinematic stories can help us recognise this in one another.

Taking comedy seriously

First entering the cultural imagination as Meathead on TV’s All in the Family (1971–79), Reiner’s performances as an actor often concealed his sharp political intelligence beneath blunt humour.

This tension between surface comedy and underlying seriousness would also become a defining feature of his work as a director.

From the outset of his directing career with This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Reiner used comedy as a way of revealing character, contradiction and vulnerability.

This Is Spinal Tap became one of the most influential comedies ever made and my personal favourite comedy of all time.

Often celebrated for its improvisational brilliance and satirical sharpness, I think the film is equally remarkable for its affection towards its characters. It treats the titular band’s absurdity as inseparable from their sincerity.

In doing so, Reiner also helped define a new comedic grammar in the mockumentary format that was incredibly influential for future generations of comedy filmmakers.

A huge emotional range

Across the late 1980s and early 1990s, Reiner’s extraordinary run of films demonstrated not only technical versatility but an emotional range that was rare among his peers.

The Princess Bride (1987) fused fairy-tale romance, adventure and meta-humour. When Harry Met Sally… (1989) remains one of the great comedic explorations of love, intimacy and relationships in American cinema.

Perhaps most striking was Reiner’s comfort with tonal complexity.

Stand by Me (1986), adapted from a Stephen King novella, looks back on childhood with both nostalgic memory and an acknowledgement of the darkness underneath suburban adolescence. Misery (1990), another King adaptation, examines toxic fandom and obsession in a taut and compelling thriller with splashes of dark humour.

A Few Good Men (1992) brings courtroom theatrics into conversation with questions of authority and ethical responsibility in the military, and gave us two iconic performances from Hollywood superstars Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.

What unites these films is not a particular style or subject matter, but perspective.

Reiner’s direction often privileged performance and emotion. Even when working within genre frameworks, he never accepted genre as a cage. Instead, he understood the pleasures of genre and how to utilise their tropes to explore broader questions of humanity.

Sincerity as a strength

Politically outspoken and unapologetically engaged, Reiner also never separated civic responsibility from artistic practice.

However, his films resisted dogma. In an industry that often privileges cynicism or ironic distance, Reiner’s work insisted on sincerity as a strength.

If there was a through-line to Rob Reiner’s legacy, I would argue it is a desire for audiences to feel deeply without embarrassment. His films demonstrated that laughter could be one of the most humane forces storytelling has to offer.

As an adolescent cinephile raised in the 1980s and 1990s, Reiner’s work opened my eyes to how important emotional connection was in the pact between audience and film.

His ability to work effectively across genres was due to the masterful and sincere way he made us care for his characters, be they buffoonish rock stars, princes and princesses, military lawyers and generals, or teenage boys facing their first exposure to mortality.

Adam Daniel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. In a cynical industry, Rob Reiner’s films taught us the power of sincerity – https://theconversation.com/in-a-cynical-industry-rob-reiners-films-taught-us-the-power-of-sincerity-272164

Nicola Willis working on ‘disciplined’ plan to return to surplus, says cuts would deliver ‘human misery’

By Evening Report -

December 16, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaking at the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. RNZ

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is doubling down on her “disciplined” plan for returning the books to surplus – despite new forecasts delaying it by yet another year.

And she took aim at those advocating for sharper spending cuts, such as the Taxpayers’ Union, warning that that prescription would deliver “human misery”.

“We are sticking to our strategy,” Willis said. “Not over-reacting to movements in the forecasts.”

Treasury’s half-year update, published on Tuesday, predicted a return to surplus in 2029/30 – a year later than its forecasts in May. That’s using the coalition’s new OBEGALx calculation which excludes ACC.

“I wouldn’t get too wound up about small changes,” Willis told reporters. She said she would continue to aim for a surplus by 2028/29.

“We are on target to return the books to surplus faster than Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and many other advanced economies, while maintaining a prudent debt position.”

In her budget policy statement, released alongside Treasury’s update, Willis confirmed she would stick to her previously signalled operating allowance of $2.4 billion.

Treasury Secretary Iain Rennie RNZ

Existing pre-commitments meant that left just $1b a year on average for spending on new initiatives in next year’s Budget.

“Most agencies and ministers will need to plan to manage service pressures and other commitments with little or no additional funding,” Willis said.

Willis noted the downward revisions to forecasts were “relatively modest” but acknowledged they followed a similar trend over the past two years due to factors “outside the government’s direct control”.

The Taxpayers’ Union last week launched a campaign calling for Willis to cut public spending and debt more aggressively, accusing her of simply continuing the previous Labour government’s “sugar-rush economics”.

It prompted Willis to throw down the gauntlet, challenging its chair Ruth Richardson – a former finance minister – to debate her “anytime, anywhere” on the government’s finances.

The two have since been locked in negotiations over the conditions for the debate, including time, location and moderator.

Speaking on Tuesday, Willis said she had no update on that showdown but was still up for the debate.

“The offer is there. Thursday afternoon, I’m available. Friday morning, I’m available. I don’t really care who the moderator is. If they want to turn up, I’m ready.”

Willis explicitly nodded to the “shorter, sharper fiscal consolidation” being advocated by the Taxpayers’ Union.

She said while that would speed up the return to surplus, it could also hurt frontline public services and depress already-weak demand in a recovering economy.

Willis pointed out that the Taxpayers’ Union proposed scrapping all Working for Families tax credits, reducing recipients’ average weekly incomes by about $180.

She said beneficiaries and low-income families would bear the brunt of that change, delivering “a level of human misery” that she was not prepared to tolerate.

Willis said, on the other hand, Labour’s approach to spending was “reckless” and would further delay a return to surplus.

She said the government had delivered about $11b a year in savings during its term.

“Without this disciplined approach, this year’s deficit would be $25 billion and debt would be on track to blow out to 59 percent of GDP,” she said.

Willis promised to release more details to prove that: “We have the receipts.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Labor maintains dominant lead in Redbridge poll despite expenses claims

By The Conversation -

December 16, 2025

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

Labor gained two points in a Redbridge national poll to take a 56–44 lead, despite the expenses claims occurring during the fieldwork period. Redbridge state polls have Victoria tied 50–50, while Labor has a large lead in NSW.

All polls in this article were taken before Sunday night’s terrorist attacks at Bondi Beach.

A national Redbridge and Accent Research poll for The Financial Review, conducted December 5–12 from a sample of 1,012, gave Labor a 56–44 lead, a two-point gain for Labor since the large-sample November Redbridge
poll. Primary votes were 35% Labor (steady), 26% Coalition (steady), 17% One Nation (down one) 13% Greens (up three) and 9% for all Others (down two).

The fieldwork for this poll occurred when there were expenses claims in the news about some Labor politicians.

Ratings of various politicians are compared with the early November regular Redbridge poll. Anthony Albanese’s net favourability was up three points to +2 (39% favourable, 38% unfavourable). Sussan Ley’s net favourability was up one point to -20. Albanese led Ley by 41–12 as preferred PM (40–10 previously).

Former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce joined One Nation on December 8, giving One Nation its first seat in the House of Representatives since 1998. Joyce will run for the New South Wales Senate at the 2028 federal election.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s net favourability slumped six points to -19 in this poll and Joyce’s net favourability was down four points to -27. Joyce’s defection hasn’t helped either his or Hanson’s numbers.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers was at 27–22 unfavourable, Energy Minister Chris Bowen was at 27–13 unfavourable and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke at 23–12 unfavourable.

On six issue questions, One Nation maintained a lead on rate of immigration and the Greens maintained a lead on climate change. Labor led the Liberals on the other four issues.

Essential poll has Labor’s narrowest lead since election

A national Essential poll, conducted December 3–7 from a sample of 1,030, gave Labor a 49–45 lead by respondent preferences including undecided (50–44 in late November). This is Labor’s narrowest lead in any poll since the May election.

Primary votes were 34% Labor (down two), 26% Coalition (down one), 17% One Nation (up two), 10% Greens (down one), 8% for all Others (up one) and 5% undecided (down one). By 2025 election preference flows, Labor would lead by about 54–46.

A low vote for all Others (they got 15% at the election and were in double digits in other polls until this Redbridge) and a weak respondent preference flow to Labor are features of Essential’s polls.

Albanese’s net approval dropped six points to -2, with 45% disapproving and 43% approving. Ley’s net approval improved four points to -9.

On the year 2025, 40% thought it worse than expected, 25% better than expected and 31% as expected. On whether they were worse or better off than three years ago, 42% said worse, 26% better and 32% about the same. On expectations for 2026, 33% said it would be better for Australia than 2025, 29% worse and 26% no difference.

By 57–22, respondents supported the social media ban on children under 16 that commenced last Wednesday (63–19 in September). On effectiveness, 52% thought it would be somewhat effective, 34% not effective and 14% effective.

In additional questions from the early December Resolve federal poll for Nine newspapers, by 65–19 respondents supported extending the federal power rebate. By 51–17, they supported the 5% home loan deposit scheme.

Victorian Redbridge poll tied 50–50

The Victorian election will be held in November 2026. A Redbridge and Accent Research poll for The Financial Review, conducted November 24 to December 8 from a sample of 1,021, had a 50–50 tie, a one-point gain for the Coalition since a Redbridge October poll.

Primary votes were 40% Coalition (up three), 31% Labor (down one), 12% Greens and 17% for all Others. Labor Premier Jacinta Allan’s performance was rated poor by 60–20, while new Liberal leader Jess Wilson was rated good by 25–22.

By 59–26, respondents thought the Allan Labor government did not have the right focus and priorities. But by 43–25, they did not think Wilson and the Coalition had done enough to deserve to win the next election.

Labor far ahead in NSW Redbridge poll

The New South Wales state election is in March 2027. A Redbridge and Accent Research poll for The Financial Review, conducted November 24 to December 8 from a sample of 1,293, gave Labor a 57–43 lead, a 1.5-point gain for the Coalition since an unpublished June Redbridge poll.

Primary votes were 38% Labor, 30% Coalition, 10% Greens, 4% One Nation and 18% for all Others. One Nation’s vote is very low, and this poll probably asked for them only in seats they contested in 2023.

By 43–33, respondents thought the Chris Minns NSW Labor government has the right focus and priorities. By 45–20, they did not think new Liberal leader Kellie Sloane and the Coalition have done enough to deserve to win the next election.

Labor slides in Queensland Resolve poll

A Queensland state Resolve poll for The Brisbane Times, conducted with the federal November and December Resolve polls from a sample of 869, gave the Liberal National Party (LNP) 33% of the primary vote (steady since October), Labor 30% (down two), the Greens 11% (up one), One Nation 9% (steady), independents 8% (up one) and others 10% (up two).

LNP Premier David Crisafulli’s net likeability was down one point to +16, dropping from a peak of +20 in August. Labor leader Steven Miles’ net likeability surged seven points to +5. Crisafulli led Miles by just 35–34 as preferred premier (39–22 previously).

By 37–35, respondents wanted the state LNP government to ditch the net zero emissions by 2050 commitment. By 50–18, they wanted coal-fired power stations used until the end of their lives instead of replacing them early with renewables or gas.

Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Labor maintains dominant lead in Redbridge poll despite expenses claims – https://theconversation.com/labor-maintains-dominant-lead-in-redbridge-poll-despite-expenses-claims-271525

Shoppers get surcharge warning

By Evening Report -

December 16, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

Consumer says that shoppers using cards should not pay more than about 1.3 percent in surcharges and anything close to 2 percent was likely to be excessive. 123RF

Shoppers are being told to “swerve” any unreasonable surcharges they encounter this Christmas.

Since 1 December, new limits have applied to interchange fees, which a retailer’s bank pays to a shopper’s bank when they use a card.

This means savings for businesses but Consumer NZ spokesperson Jessica Walker told Midday Report her organisation was worried it was not always flowing through to savings for shoppers.

She said people should not pay more than 1.2 percent or 1.3 percent in surcharges now.

“Anything close to 2 percent is likely to be excessive. We want consumers to be on the lookout.”

She said New Zealand’s guidelines required retailers to offer shoppers a way to pay that did not incur a surcharge, such as cash or inserting or swiping a card. People who were worried they were going to be charged too high a surcharge should use a different payment method, she said.

“If you see a fee of 2 percent or more, swerve it.”

Walker said there were also cases where surcharges were not appropriately disclosed.

Shoppers should ask the retailer whether there would be a surcharge and how much it would be, she said.

Walker said Consumer was “always” getting complaints about excessive surcharges and had not seen a change in that yet.

Some businesses might not have updated their systems, she said.

“We’re wanting people to be aware of this. Businesses are going to be saving money. We understand the fees are now comparable with some of the lowest in the world so it’s only fair that the saving is passed on to consumers.”

Walker said estimates were that New Zealanders were paying anything from $45 million to $65m a year in excessive surcharges.

“Anything that can be done to protect consumers is a good thing. This is something we want to bring to the public consciousness if they are spending more over coming weeks and months.”

Meanwhile, it has been reported that retailers want to push the government to ease its plans for a hardline ban on in-store surcharges.

“Our members have been really unhappy about it. We’ve surveyed all our members and we’ve been talking about it for a while and they’re really clear that it’s not something that they support,” Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said.

Young hoped to convince the government to compromise by capping surcharges instead of banning them entirely.

“What we’re trying to do is provide a solution that’s a middle ground that should appease everyone,” she said.

Her proposal was for surcharges on debit card transactions to be capped at 0.5 percent, and for credit cards to be capped at 1 percent.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

We think of mushrooms as food. But mycelium-based blocks could be the future of construction

By The Conversation -

December 16, 2025

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kumar Biswajit Debnath, Chancellor’s Research Fellow, School of Architecture, University of Technology Sydney

Composite panels made with Australian reishi fungi and biomass waste. Kumar Biswajit Debnath/UTS

When mushrooms make the news, it’s often for grim reasons – a mysterious poisoning, toxic species in the bush, or high-profile court cases.

But the mushroom itself is only the fruit body. Beneath every cap lies the real organism: a hidden network of white threads weaving through soil and wood.

And that underground network, called mycelium, may help solve some of our biggest climate and waste problems.

In my research on building materials, I focus on improving the durability of mycelium-based materials for construction purposes. So what exactly is mycelium, and how can we harness it for various materials?

Mycelium is everywhere

Mycelium is the living body of a fungus. It grows as thin, branching filaments known as hyphae, which spread out in all directions in search of food.

In a forest, these threads help break down leaves, logs and other organic matter, known as biomass. This turns waste into nutrients that trees and plants can use again. A single mycelial network can spread across metres of soil, and sometimes much farther.

Importantly, mycelium is everywhere. It thrives in leaf litter, compost piles, mulch, crops after harvest, and even in the dead wood under our feet. We usually never see it, yet it’s one of nature’s most powerful recyclers.

Overturn a log in a damp forest, and you might see a mycelium spreading its hyphae across the surface.
TheAlphaWolf/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

A living glue

We can also use its unique features in the lab to create composite materials. Because mycelium grows by binding itself to whatever it feeds on, it naturally forms a kind of living glue. As the fibres spread, they wrap around particles of sawdust, straw, or other agricultural and industrial biomass waste, locking them together.

After a few days, this mixture becomes a lightweight but solid block. If we then stop the growth and eventually “kill” the fungi with heat, the block still holds its shape – no machinery, no plastics, and very little energy required.

All this makes mycelium very appealing in materials science. It grows at room temperature. It is shaped inside a mould. And it produces structures that are breathable, biodegradable and fire-resistant.

Mycelium-based composite panels with circular perforation, made with Australian Reishi fungi and local biomass waste: bagasse from sugar mills, mulch from a local golf course and hemp from mushroom farmers.
Kumar Biswajit Debnath/UTS

For designers, architects and engineers, mycelium offers a rare combination: organic material that can be grown to order.

Although the field is still young, mycelium-based materials are emerging in several areas, such as alternatives to polystyrene in packaging, alternatives to synthetic insulation panels, acoustic panels for reducing echo in noisy spaces, and even leather-like materials.

Mycelium has also been used in construction prototypes where architects have built temporary structures using blocks grown from plant waste, highlighting how construction might one day include “grown” components.

More work to be done

These examples show the versatility of mycelium, but also its limits. Mycelium-based composites – often called MBCs – are not yet strong enough to replace bricks or most plastic parts. They absorb humidity unless they are treated. They decay outdoors without protective coatings. Growth time and organic characteristics also makes large-scale, uniform production difficult.

My research group focuses on improving the durability of mycelium-based composites for building applications – predominantly for passive cooling – while maintaining their environmental benefits.

To improve the durability of a mycelium composite block, we’re exploring several routes.

First, there’s natural reinforcement – mixing fibres such as hemp, flax or other agricultural, industrial and construction byproducts to improve strength while keeping the material biodegradable.

Mycelium-based composite insulation panels, made with Australian reishi fungi and hemp.
Kumar Biswajit Debnath/UTS

Adding a protective coating is another option. If we can add natural waxes, oils or mineral layers, the materials could resist moisture without making the material toxic or non-compostable.

We’re also harnessing artificial intelligence to adjust temperature, humidity and nutrient sources for growing the blocks, to see if we can grow materials that are more uniformly dense and have better passive cooling and structural performance.

Not every method works. Some coatings trap moisture, which can weaken the material. Some fibres have slow growth. In other cases, the material becomes too brittle or too spongy. But each trial teaches us more about how fungi build their networks – and how we might guide them to build stronger ones.

Our broader goal is to create bio-based materials that can withstand real-world conditions: weather, load and time. If we can do that, mycelium-based composites could reduce the amount of plastic in packaging, offer low-carbon alternatives in construction, and push designers, architects and builders to think beyond what can be machined or moulded towards what can be grown.

A future for fungi

For now, mycelium-based materials aren’t a magic solution. They can’t yet replace most metals, concrete or high-performance plastics, and outdoor durability is still a significant hurdle.

Uniformity is challenging to achieve because mycelium is a living organism rather than an industrial polymer. And, as with any new material, standards and regulations take time to develop.

Still, the pace of discovery is fast. Researchers are exploring ways to tailor mycelium by feeding it different types of waste or combining it with plant fibres. Others study how living mycelium might one day repair cracks on its own or cool down buildings without using extra energy.

In the long term, we may see hybrid building components – part grown, part engineered – where mycelium-based composites provide insulation or acoustic performance inside a stronger outer shell.

The mushroom may be the part we recognise, but it’s the hidden fungal network underground that could shape the next generation of sustainable materials.

Kumar Biswajit Debnath does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. We think of mushrooms as food. But mycelium-based blocks could be the future of construction – https://theconversation.com/we-think-of-mushrooms-as-food-but-mycelium-based-blocks-could-be-the-future-of-construction-269273

After mass violence, trauma spreads socially. Here are 3 ways you can help reduce it

By The Conversation -

December 16, 2025

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara-Lyn Camilleri, Transgenerational Effects Researcher, Monash University

After mass violence such as the Bondi beach terrorist attack on Sunday, distress does not stop with those directly affected.

Fear, anger and uncertainty spread through media and social networks. This can intensify harm for survivors and targeted communities.

People closest to an event are often supported by services and community. But the wider public also shapes what happens next.

Here are three ways you can help reduce secondary harm.

A ripple effect

Research on disasters and mass violence shows distress can ripple beyond those directly affected.

For many people it’s real but temporary, while a smaller proportion develop longer lasting symptoms. Human threat detection systems evolved to respond quickly to danger, prioritising survival over nuance.

When threat systems activate, they mobilise the body and narrow focus. You may feel on high alert, lose sleep, have intrusive thoughts or images, feel irritable, or feel driven to seek information and certainty. These responses say nothing about a person’s strength. They’re common patterns from a nervous system experiencing uncertainty, though people’s responses vary widely in intensity.

The feeling of threat also spreads socially. Humans are sensitive to others’ emotions, especially in unclear situations. After terror attacks such as the one in Bondi, people look to others for cues about what’s happening, who’s at risk, and what to do. This can steady people, but it can also amplify fear.

Modern crises are further shaped by media exposure. Research shows heavy exposure to mass violence coverage is linked with higher short-term stress and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

This can even show up in people not directly involved. Distress can lead to repeatedly checking the news, and news coverage can in turn prolong distress. Either way, frequent replay can keep threat responses switched on long after the immediate danger has passed.

Distance matters

Distance from an event isn’t just geographic. It includes what you saw or heard, perceived ongoing risk, and how close the event feels through your community or identity group.

For survivors and bereaved families, the early phase is often dominated by shock, grief and practical demands. Coping may look less like emotional “processing” and more like survival through hours that feel unreal.

Witnesses, first responders and locals may develop place-based fear, where familiar places start to feel dangerous. Communities who feel targeted can experience a shared sense of threat. In those cases, being on high alert reflects an understandable change in their sense of safety.

Remote observers are not immune. Vivid imagery and emotionally charged discussion can trigger the body’s threat response, even from a distance. The nervous system shifts into fight or flight mode, but there’s no direct action to take and no clear endpoint.

Rumours, rage and scapegoating

Under threat, uncertainty itself becomes stressful. Clear stories feel safer than unresolved ones, even when facts are incomplete. This makes people more likely to spread rumours after attacks.

Research suggests being exposed to rumours during crises is linked to higher distress, which can drive more searching for information and create a feedback loop.

Early false claims can still stick emotionally after correction, because high stress strengthens emotional memory. Social media accelerates these dynamics. On many platforms, fast, emotionally charged content tends to travel further than slow, verified corrections, because most platforms reward engagement more than accuracy.

For example, a Sydney man named Naveed Akram, who was falsely accused online of being one of the alleged Bondi beach gunmen, was targeted with abuse, and became afraid to leave home.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can add further confusion. For example, X’s chatbot Grok misidentified a bystander who disarmed one attacker, and mislabelled verified footage of the attack. This serves as a reminder that confident AI outputs can be wrong in fast-moving crises.

Outrage spreads for similar reasons. Anger can focus fear and reduce helplessness. For those directly affected, it may support survival. For those at a distance, it can become performative or inflaming, especially when rewarded with attention.

Scapegoating is another common response – blaming a whole group for one person’s actions. Under high stress, focus can narrow and complex explanations can be harder to think through.

Blame can feel empowering because it reduces uncertainty, making scapegoating more likely. But it can increase risk for innocent people and deepen fear for targeted communities, adding secondary harm.

Reducing secondary harm

Disaster psychology separates the event itself from the conditions that shape recovery. Those conditions include safety, trust, connection and manageable exposure.

Psychological first aid, widely used in disaster response, focuses on reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed, strengthening social support, and connecting people to reliable information and services.

These principles don’t just apply to individuals – they also apply at a population level when it comes to what we see and share online.

There are three evidence-based ways the wider public can help:

1. Reduce unwanted exposure. Repeated sharing of graphic footage can worsen distress for survivors and families and heighten fear in targeted communities. Avoid reposting graphic content where possible. Before sharing, ask: is this verified and necessary, or just amplifying fear?

2. Slow down information. Early information is often incomplete. Prioritise verification over speed to reduce false claims that can fuel fear long after correction.

3. Avoid group blame. Condemning violence doesn’t require suspicion of whole groups. Scapegoating breaks trust and increases risk, undermining recovery for everyone.

The Bondi beach terror attack aimed to spread fear beyond its victims. With these steps, we can help fight it and ensure the community heals after such horror.

Tara-Lyn Camilleri has previously received funding from Australian Graduate Women. She is the current Vice President of Graduate Women Victoria.

– ref. After mass violence, trauma spreads socially. Here are 3 ways you can help reduce it – https://theconversation.com/after-mass-violence-trauma-spreads-socially-here-are-3-ways-you-can-help-reduce-it-272050

Willis working on ‘disciplined’ plan to return to surplus, says cuts would deliver ‘human misery’

By Evening Report -

December 16, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaking at the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update RNZ

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is doubling down on her “disciplined” plan for returning the books to surplus – despite new forecasts delaying it by yet another year.

And she took aim at those advocating for sharper spending cuts, such as the Taxpayers’ Union, warning that that prescription would deliver “human misery”.

“We are sticking to our strategy,” Willis said. “Not over-reacting to movements in the forecasts.”

“I wouldn’t get too wound up about small changes,” Willis told reporters. She said she would continue to aim for a surplus by 2028/29.

“We are on target to return the books to surplus faster than Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and many other advanced economies, while maintaining a prudent debt position.”

In her budget policy statement, released alongside Treasury’s update, Willis confirmed she would stick to her previously signalled operating allowance of $2.4 billion.

Treasury Secretary Iain Rennie RNZ

Existing pre-commitments meant that left just $1b a year on average for spending on new initiatives in next year’s Budget.

“Most agencies and ministers will need to plan to manage service pressures and other commitments with little or no additional funding,” Willis said.

It prompted Willis to throw down the gauntlet, challenging its chair Ruth Richardson – a former finance minister – to debate her “anytime, anywhere” on the government’s finances.

The two have since been locked in negotiations over the conditions for the debate, including [

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/581707/ruth-richardson-still-willing-to-debate-nicola-willis-after-dispute-over-venue time, location and moderator.]