“For Māori, the strongest interest isn’t usually in the suburb where we rent or own a house — it’s in the rohe of our awa, marae, whenua, and the decisions made there that most deeply affect us.” — Mike Smith #Māori #ETangata #Indigedon #AoPol

https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/how-local-election-rules-discriminate-against-maori/

Really appreciated The Spinoff's article today on puberty blockers in wake of the Cass Report and following yet another delay from Manatū Hauora.
https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/19-04-2024/what-access-to-puberty-blockers-means-for-trans-young-people-and-their-whanau

#NZPol #AoPol #UKPol

if you, like me, are like "damn I really should do a submission on that fast-track approvals bill" but were worried it maybe closed at 5 or something, have no fear! it's open til midnight.

Submissions: https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCENV_SCF_083F0A7B-F182-41D5-0897-08DC3E31559C/fast-track-approvals-bill

Here are some cool links other cool people have shared around with some info:

https://theconversation.com/5-reasons-why-the-fast-track-approvals-bill-threatens-nzs-already-fragile-ecosystems-227888

https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2024/04/17/how-fast-track-consenting-might-impact-the-environment-expert-reaction/

https://pce.parliament.nz/publications/submission-on-the-fast-track-approvals-bill/

#NZpol #AoPol

Does anyone know the stats on this? Presumably it's not been in operation for long enough for lots of data, but there can't be that little. I've worked for govt contracts before, there was so much data reporting involved.

"There was no evidence to suggest they had saved the government money by avoiding prison sentences and stopping people committing further crimes". I mean, isn't having a person in prison usually the most expensive option for the state?

#aoPol #nzpol
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/508775/section-27-funding-ban-unfair-undermines-rehabiliation-bar-association

I was genuinely excited about the cycle track currently being built from Takapo to Timaru. Planning on investing in #electricBikes for the family. I was so excited about the potential and freedom this represented, as a low-income rural-based person with limited mobility.

I'm disappointed with the govts decision, but more disappointed in myself for having harboured hope in the system in the first place.

I really am old enough to know better.

#nzpol #aopol

No different to how NACTs operate on this side of the ditch... #aopol #nzpol

https://youtu.be/__8gZEp8bZ0?si=bCQtF2k1lRwXYjHd

Saw bits of MPs' reactions to the new government's Speech from the Throne of the new government's agenda. There were some very pained faces.

#NZpol #NZpolitics #AoPol #tōrangapū
https://ondemand.parliament.nz/parliament-tv-on-demand/?itemId=236825