Legislation needed to give hunters a say on conservation

January 8, 2025

Source: ACT Party

As many New Zealanders enjoy time off work this summer exploring conservation land, ACT Conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton is promoting legislation that would ensure hunters and fishers have representation on the Conservation Authority.

“Hunters and fishers have a deep connection to nature and the environment. We enjoy being in the great outdoors, and we’re instrumental in conservation efforts. Every weekend this summer season, thousands of us are out in the bush, and many will contribute to conservation work that would otherwise cost the Department of Conservation and taxpayers billions,” says Mr Luxton.

“From managing deer populations to setting traps for pests, hunters nationwide are active in controlling introduced species, and our activities are influenced by decisions made about the DOC estate.

“Currently, hunters lack representation on the New Zealand Conservation Authority, which comprises 13 members, including representatives from iwi, the Royal Society, Forest and Bird, and Federated Mountain Clubs. Deerstalkers Association members alone dedicate about 184,000 hours annually to conservation activities like habitat restoration, planting, pest control, organized culls, and maintaining backcountry huts and tracks. This is on top of the conservation benefits provided by recreational hunting as a method for game animal management.

“I’ve lodged a bill in Parliament’s ballot that proposes that the Minister of Conservation appoint two additional members to the board—one recommended by the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, and another after consultation with both Fish and Game and the Game Animal Council.

“ACT believes that effective management of DOC lands requires input from those who are boots-on-the-ground, passionate about conservation. Take the Wapiti Foundation, for example, which manages an introduced species in Fiordland, while also maintaining huts, setting traps, and supporting high-value tourism. Giving hunters a stronger voice on the Conservation Authority could foster more beneficial partnerships for both our natural environment and the taxpayer.

“I hope this bill will gain cross-party support in Parliament.”

You can read the full text of the Conservation (Membership of New Zealand Conservation Authority) Amendment Bill here.

A video where Cameron Luxton discusses this bill is available here.

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Westies’ summer festivities curtailed by alcohol monopolies

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: ACT Party

“Westies and Southlanders trying to buy alcohol for New Year’s or going to the pub this summer deserve the same choice and freedom afforded to the rest of the country,” says West Auckland-based ACT MP Simon Court.

Mr Court is promoting a member’s bill aimed at dismantling New Zealand’s last liquor monopolies.

“In West Auckland, along with Invercargill and Mataura, the only entities allowed to operate liquor stores, taverns, and licensed hotels are the licensing trusts. These monopolies, a relic from the nanny state era of the 1970s, restrict choices and drive up prices,” Mr Court explains.

“My bill wouldn’t eliminate the Licensing Trusts, but it would end monopoly powers and allow local entrepreneurs to sell alcohol under the same regulatory framework as the rest of the country.

“West Auckland’s population is booming, yet there are just eight venues licensed as taverns or hotels for 296,000 people – that’s one for every 37,000 residents. Compare that to the rest of Auckland, where there’s one for every 3,900 people.

“This scarcity leaves the community underserved. Residents are either deprived of the conveniences enjoyed by other Aucklanders or forced to spend their money out of their area, which could be spent locally during this summer’s festivities.

“The existing system is a confusing jumble. In West Auckland, you can operate a hotel, but you’re not allowed a bar or room service. Supermarkets can’t sell alcohol, yet it’s deliverable to your doorstep. It’s just absurd.

“A common justification for these monopolies is that profits go back into the community, but in reality, 80% of the profits in West Auckland come from pokies, and around 60% in Southland.

“Another claim is that by monopolising and restricting alcohol sales, there’s less harm. However, there’s no solid evidence suggesting that West Auckland has less alcohol-related harm due to these monopolies.

“Passing my bill would inject some much-needed vibrancy, diversity, and life into these communities by allowing more bars and eateries to flourish, providing a broader selection for those looking to dine and drink out.

“The economic benefits would extend to other local businesses, drawing more people to the town centres and boosting areas that aren’t burdened by these outdated constraints.”

“Removing monopolies is the right principled starting point. Ultimately, consumers can decide whether to support the Trusts. They will continue to have a vote – that vote is with their dollar.”

You can find Simon Court’s Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Repeal of Licensing Trust Monopolies) Amendment Bill here.

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Liquor stores serving us this summer deserve thanks, and a stronger voice

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: ACT Party

ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar is thanking the operators of liquor stores serving their communities during the summer period, and says these operators deserve a stronger voice in licensing decisions.

“While many of us enjoy some long-awaited time off work this summer, our holiday activities have been made easier by those who sacrifice sunny days to serve us at shops, service stations, and restaurants.

“One sector that often goes unacknowledged is off-licence liquor stores that help Kiwis prepare for Christmas and New Year festivities.

“Licensed liquor stores are legitimate businesses that serve a genuine demand in the community. They provide jobs and draw people into local shopping areas.

“I have introduced a bill into Parliament’s member’s ballot aimed at fortifying the voice of liquor-licensed businesses.

“Starting and running a licensed business entails significant investment, risk, and effort, yet the current laws put these businesses at risk of closure when they apply for licence renewal or when local alcohol policies shift.

“Under the previous Labour government, the process for obtaining or renewing a liquor licence became even more cumbersome. Too many parties have been given disproportionate influence to block or challenge liquor licences.

“ACT believes that decisions about licensing should focus on those directly impacted – the business owners, their patrons, and the nearby community. My bill proposes that only those living within one kilometre of the liquor store can contest an application or renewal for a liquor licence.

“Moreover, licensing regulations should provide stability for businesses that have already secured a licence, preventing sudden rejections due to new establishments like childcare centres or churches moving nearby. My bill guarantees that licensing authorities cannot consider these new developments if the liquor outlet was established prior to their arrival.”

You can read more about the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Participation in Licensing Decisions) Amendment Bill here.

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E tū calls for a Just Transition for Taranaki energy workers – E tū

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Etu Union

The release of a new report highlights that natural gas is not a viable solution for Aotearoa’s energy future, further underscoring the need for a well-planned Just Transition for workers and communities in Taranaki.

The report, released by 350 Aotearoa, Common Grace Aotearoa and the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR), argues that tightening gas supplies and declining production margins are increasingly shifting Methanex’s business model from methanol production to on-selling gas, at a significant mark-up.

E tū is concerned about the job insecurity facing its members at Methanex, Aotearoa’s largest natural gas consumer, and the broader impact on downstream workers in Taranaki’s engineering and construction sectors.

Jesse Davis, a tradesperson in the industry in Taranaki, says workers are feeling the pressure.

The uncertainty in the oil and gas industry is stressful for workers unsure about their future,” Jesse says.

“Many of us may have to leave Taranaki without work, but we want to stay, support our families, and help the region thrive. I want my children to have opportunities here, not be forced to leave due to a lack of jobs.

“Oil and gas have provided well-paying jobs, but when that ends, we don’t want Taranaki to decline. A Just Transition can keep Taranaki prosperous and vibrant. A clear plan would reduce workers’ stress and provide a path forward. New sustainable energy projects could let us use our skills locally and support our families.

The Government must urgently act on a Just Transition – it’s time for action, not words. A Just Transition needs long-term vision and commitment beyond short political cycles.”

E tū Assistant National Secretary, Annie Newman, says workers are in a “wait and see” mode:

“There are redundancy clauses in place for some workers, but no Just Transition commitments at the employer level. Workers are aware that nothing is guaranteed in the medium-to-long term, and the lack of a clear plan leaves many in limbo.”

Methanex plays a key role in Aotearoa’s gas industry, yet financial reporting suggests the company faces a gradual decline, with some analysts predicting a complete exit from New Zealand by 2029, if not sooner. This has significant implications for the region, with challenges going beyond Methanex itself.

“Downstream companies that support Methanex have already seen significant job losses. Traditionally, Taranaki-based contractors had 80% of their work locally and 20% elsewhere. Now that’s flipped, with only 20% of their work coming from the region.”

The report highlights a growing understanding that the oil and gas industries have limited long-term benefits. Offshore wind projects, such as those proposed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and NZ Super Fund, present a better opportunity for Taranaki workers and communities.

“Offshore wind projects are a real solution for a Just Transition in Taranaki, providing both construction and long-term maintenance jobs while contributing to Aotearoa’s energy security. The recent exit of BlueFloat highlights the need for a coordinated national approach to ensure these opportunities are realised.

“E tū also calls for a focus on more sustainable energy solutions as the price of renewable energy technology, such as wind, solar, and battery storage, continues to fall. Natural gas is not the answer for Aotearoa’s energy future. Financially and geologically, the industry cannot deliver the energy security that New Zealand needs.

Annie says any energy transition must prioritise the workers and communities that have powered Aotearoa for generations.

“The Taranaki community deserves better than being left to pick up the pieces. We need a Just Transition that ensures good jobs, community stability, and a sustainable future for Taranaki and all of Aotearoa.”

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Minimum wage announcement “a pay cut for the most vulnerable” – E tū

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Etu Union

E tū is appalled with the Government’s decision to increase the minimum wage by less than inflation for a second year in a row.

Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, announced today that from April next year the minimum wage will be $23.50, an increase of just 35c, or 1.5%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) most recently reported annual change was 2.2%.

A calculation done by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions shows this will make full time minimum wage workers worse off by $1,206 per year, compared to how much they would have earned if minimum wage increases had kept up with inflation.

The announced rate is $4.30 below the Living Wage, which is $27.80 for 2024/25. The difference is $172 per week, or $8,944 per year.

E tū Assistant National Secretary, Annie Newman, condemns the decision.

“The Government has made another callous decision which will make in-work poverty even worse in Aotearoa,” Annie says.

“This is effectively a pay cut for the most vulnerable and lowest paid people in the workforce. Costs continue to rise across the board, with housing, food, transport, energy, and other essentials becoming even less affordable.

“Workers and their families are already up against extra costs imposed by this Government, such as ACC levy increases, the reinstatement of prescription fees, and slashing public transport subsidies.

“The Government seems hell-bent on making life hardest for those who need the most support.”

Annie says every worker deserves the Living Wage.

“The difference the Living Wage makes for workers is life changing. When our members win the Living Wage, they’re in a much better position to make ends meet. Many report being able to reduce their very long hours, allowing them to spend decent time with their families.

“Increasing wages in the best way to reduce in-work poverty. The Government should be lifting the minimum wage above the rate of inflation to bridge the gap between the minimum wage and the Living Wage.

“Instead of increasing the minimum wage above CPI, or even keeping up with it, they’ve chosen to give minimum wage workers a pay cut in real terms. It’s a decision to exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for those it hits hardest.

“As Aotearoa’s workers finish 2024 and look ahead to the new year, those who earn the least are finding out today the Government has chosen to make life even harder for them in 2025. It’s frankly outrageous.”

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Carers’ pay equity highlighted on Human Rights Day – E tū

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Etu Union

On International Human Rights Day, E tū is calling on the Government to help fix gender-based pay discrimination by delivering pay equity for care and support workers.

E tū is the union for care and support workers, including those working in residential aged care, home support, disability support, and mental health and addictions. Over 65,000 care workers in Aotearoa New Zealand have been in a prolonged process for a pay equity settlement.

E tū Community Support Services Industry Council Convenor, Marianne Bishop, says it’s important to acknowledge the disparity on International Human Rights Day.

“The underpayment of people working in the care sector is a global issue, which reflects the undervaluation of work traditionally done by women,” Marianne says.

“In Aotearoa, we made some progress with Kristine Barlett’s historic equal pay settlement in 2017, but the pay has slipped back to near the minimum wage.

“A decent and enduring pay equity settlement is well overdue. Carers do this job because we want to make a real difference, and help people live their lives with dignity. Poor rates of pay are taking advantage of our commitment to helping people.

“By valuing care and support workers, we also show that we value the vulnerable elderly and disabled people who they care for.”

E tū National Secretary, Rachel Mackintosh, says fixing pay equity is an important human rights issue.

“Human Rights Day commemorates the anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),” Rachel says.

“This landmark document enshrines the rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

“To honour our commitment to human rights, we must end gender-based pay discrimination. Aotearoa has had some significant pay equity victories, but care and support workers are still waiting – and they’re fed up.

“It comes down to a political choice. The Government has prioritised tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies, but won’t front up to pay women fairly.

“They must choose a different path, to prioritise working people and our communities. A decent and enduring pay equity settlement would be an excellent start.”

E tū is part of the Pay Equity Coalition Aotearoa (PECA), an alliance of civil society organisations working together to bridge the gender pay gap.

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Passion for leadership led teacher to leave profession and study Graduate Diploma in Business at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

December 9, 2024

Tori Cowan-Smith has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Business at EIT.

A teacher who earned her qualifications at EIT before embarking on a successful early childhood education career, has successfully pivoted to complete a Graduate Diploma in Business and found a job in management.

Tori Cowan-Smith, 26, who was born in Wellington but grew up in Hastings, finishing school at Karamu High School in Hastings.

Tori says that having grown up amongst many children in the family, studying to be a teacher was the natural pathway. It made sense to stay local and go to EIT, where she completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education).

“I’ve got a lot of cousins and young siblings and I think I just really liked to be around kids. Even at school I was always a natural leader so it just felt right”

“I just thought that I would give it a go because at the time it was a toss-up between early childhood or business. I decided to do early childhood and see where that takes me.”

She finished her degree in 2019, and has been teaching in early childhood full time for the past five years, the most recent place of work being Launch Active Early Learning Centre on Pakowhai Road.

Her role as a Team Leader drove that desire to study further and gain more experience in management. Over time this desire grew stronger, so Tori enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Business at EIT’s School of Business.

“I do have a really big passion for education, and I think the more time I spent in the education system, the more I realised I really enjoyed being a leader of teachers. So that grew my love of business, especially in HR and people and building strong teams.”

Tori majored in Management, but soon found herself drawn to HR.

“My lecturer Russell Booth also helped me realise that my strengths were in building relationships and helping people grow, so I just ran with that idea.”

Halfway through the programme, Russell was told a job was going at Te Whatu Ora, so he suggested it to Tori.

She applied for and was given the role in Organisational Culture and Development.

“It’s a learning and development-based role where I coordinate the learning for nurses employees in different areas of the hospital, both in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne”

In another irony, her role sees her dealing with EIT nursing students and graduates who come to Te Whatu Ora.

Despite juggling work and study (up until this month when she finished at EIT), Tori is loving her role.

“I’ve made a lot of good connections there and I’ve gained new insight into the healthcare system. I’ve got a really good team and I feel like I definitely get to use my strengths and I feel valued in what I do. It’s meaningful work.”

While doing her Master’s degree is a consideration in the future, for now she is content to focus on her job and career.

EIT Head of the School of Business, Dr Gareth Allison, said: “Tori’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of lifelong learning. Her ability to transition from early childhood education to business management while leveraging her skills in leadership and teamwork highlights the diverse opportunities a foundation in education can provide.”

“We’re proud to see EIT alumni like Tori thriving in their careers and creating meaningful impact through their professional growth.”

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Govt’s ‘free speech’ legislation stokes fear, not freedom

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs.

“This has nothing to do with free speech, this is about polluting our public discourse for political gain,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Tertiary Education, Francisco Hernadez.

“Universities play a critical role in our society, providing a platform for informed and reasoned debate, the kind of debate that allows us to grow.

“Our universities should be able to decide who is given a platform on their campuses, not David Seymour. These changes risk turning our universities into hostile environments unsafe for marginalised communities.

“Misinformation, disinformation, and rhetoric that inflames hatred towards certain groups has no place in our society, let alone our universities. Freedom of speech is fundamental, but it is not a licence to harm. It is imperative universities are trusted to ensure the balance is struck between academic freedom and a duty of care.

“Today’s announcement has also come with a high dose of unintended irony. David Seymour is speaking out of both sides of his mouth by on the one hand claiming to support freedom of speech, but on the other looking to limit the ability universities have to take stances on issues, like the war in Gaza for example.

“This is an Orwellian attempt to limit discourse to the confines of the Government’s agenda. This is about stoking fear and division for political gain.

“To provide space for robust academic discussions, universities need to foster a safe, inclusive environment.

“Universities are already navigating significant challenges under this Government, including chronic underfunding, and stretched resources. Rather than legislative mandates which will divert attention from the essential work of education, we must support universities to help us isolate misinformation from information and absolutism from nuance,” says Francisco Hernandez.

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ECE no place to cut corners

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.

“The Government is trying to cut corners on the education of our tamariki, setting them up to fail while setting up businesses for boosted profits,” says Green Party spokesperson for Early Childhood Education, Benjamin Doyle.

“Every child in Aotearoa deserves the best start in life. That demands an ECE system that places tamariki at its core, with highly qualified kaiako who are valued and supported.

“The report, released today, recommends what it calls “greater flexibility in workforce qualifications” to support access to ECE. This is a huge concern. Reducing qualification requirements in ECE poses a serious risk to quality, leading to reduced outcomes for children and undermining professionalism of the workforce.

“David Seymour and his Ministry of Regulation are laser focussed on how to make ECE more profitable for corporate chains, rather than prioritising what we know works: delivering child-centred education that nurtures our youngest learners. This profit-driven lens risks compromising the care and education our tamariki deserve.

“Further, this obsession with perceived ‘red tape’ will do nothing to address the core challenges faced by ECEs, such as rising fees and chronic underfunding.

“This report neglects the importance of the work being done by ECE kaiako, who are already under immense pressure due to high workloads, poor ratios, and lack of investment into their pay, training, and wellbeing. This report indicates they could be pushed even further.

“Our ECE kaiako are already consistently undermined, undervalued, and underpaid. Yet, this report pits parents against teachers, framing the issue as one of cost, rather than quality. We won’t stand for it. Children deserve the best start in life, and that requires qualified, well-supported, and well-resourced teachers who are empowered to provide high-quality care and education.

“ECE is not somewhere we can afford to cut corners. This is about the wellbeing of our youngest citizens. Research quite clearly shows that the first 1000 days are foundational to a child’s early development.

“We need a system that places tamariki at the heart of decision-making, prioritising their needs as well as those of kaiako and whānau.

“The Green Party will continue to back kaiako and fight for a system that invests in tamariki and their whānau from day one–one which supports qualified teachers, fair pay, and teacher-to-child ratios that enable tamariki to thrive,” says Benjamin Doyle.

The Govt’s full report can be found here: Regulatory Review of Early Childhood Education – full report | Ministry for Regulation

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Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today.

“The industry is on notice: consents granted under this regime that shortcut our democracy, sidestep environmental protections and degrade te taiao will be revoked by a Green Government,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham.

“This legislation is our out-of-touch Government’s gift to Kiwis to digest while they enjoy their summer in the stunning natural environment, knowing so much of it is now open to private interests to develop it under fast-track for the sake of making a quick buck.

“The environment provides the basis for life itself. We must be responsible stewards of the natural world which sustains us, and ditch the regressive exploitative and extractive approach that benefits an already wealthy few at the expense of all of us.

“Despite numerous democratic and environmental red flags, this legislation looks set to push through a raft of dangerous projects without proper checks and balances. New Zealanders do not want or deserve the environmental destruction this legislation looks set to unleash.

“What’s worse is that Cabinet has approved a raft of projects said to have ‘significant national or regional benefits’ despite companies failing to even bother answering this question in their application.

“Companies who are meant to disclose their track record of prior compliance or enforcement actions against them, have in numerous cases failed to do so. Despite some having a concerning track record when it comes to compliance and environmental damage, this Government is inexplicably giving them the green light to bulldoze our natural world for private gain all over again.

“This legislation has been shrouded in smoke and mirrors from the start and covered in controversy from the outset. A Green Government will put people and planet before profit and revoke consents that exploit our environment under the fast track,” says Lan Pham.

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