Category: Politics

Source: Radio New Zealand

Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi says she is still waiting to learn what her reinstatement to Te Pāti Māori will look like in practice, and there are still questions over whether the party can be trusted by her rohe.

On Tuesday, Kapa-Kingi was officially reinstated to Te Pāti Māori after the High Court ruled her suspension and subsequent expulsion was unlawful.

Speaking to media for the first time since her reinstatement, Kapa-Kingi said the court’s decision was an important first step, but it would not heal the hurt carried by her people.

“This moment is not about personal vindication, it is about mokopuna. Mokopuna in the sense that every decision I make is measured by whether our mokopuna will inherit a better situation than the one we have today.”

Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris, who was also expelled but haD not been reinstated, said Te Pāti Māori had a “huge job” to repair its reputational damage.

Kapa-Kingi said her legal challenge was to ensure the voices of the people who elected her were shown respect.

“Te Pāti Māori’s kawa exists for a reason. They ensure respect for the authority and mana motuhake of our individual electorates – that respect was not afforded to the thousands of whānau in Te Tai Tokerau who entrusted me with the responsibility to represent them.

“The question remains whether Te Pāti Māori can be trusted by my rohe, while no changes have been made in the capability of the party beyond this term is debated amongst te iwi Māori,” she said.

Kapa-Kingi said there was no evidence she had misused funds or brought the party into disrepute.

“Utu pursued with ill intent can only attach where ill intent exists.”

She was determined to stand again in Te Tai Tokerau, and said running as an independent was possible despite her reinstatement.

“There is a world that has that potential possibility in it, yes.”

Asked whether she had rejoined the party, she said she was “in the early stages of what the detail of that actually looks like”.

In his judgement, Justice Paul Radich said the process had breached the party’s “kawa” – rules, requirements and protocols.

“To convene a meeting which would play a fundamental part in determining Kapa-Kingi’s future with the pāti without involving her, without giving any indication that a resolution to suspend her was on the table, without allowing her an opportunity for a substantive response, and in the absence of the members of her electorate council, could not on any view be seen, for example, as elevating and enhancing relationships, as working together with respect, as promoting whanaungatanga, as working for unity, as developing an environment that nourishes wairua or that reflects the attributes of rangatira,” Radich wrote.

Kapa-Kingi had also sought to challenge the re-appointment of John Tamihere as the party’s president, but Justice Radich did not uphold that, saying there was “no invalidity” in the process of Tamihere’s re-election.

She said she had received contact to “get together” with Tamihere and have a discussion, but she had not had a chance as she was focused on nephew Peeni Henare’s valedictory.

After Justice Radich had released his decision, Kapa-Kingi posted on social media that he had “brought justice” to Te Tai Tokerau voters.

“Pursuing a legal pathway in the courts was never my first choice. My intention in bringing this case throughout was not to incite division, but seek clarity and ensure that the processes we hold ourselves to – particularly those grounded in tikanga, are honoured,” she wrote.

Following Kapa-Kingi’s reinstatement, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said the party was looking forward to “repatriating” Kapa-Kingi back in.

Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris, who was also expelled from Te Pāti Māori, has not been reinstated as he did not challenge the party’s decision. He will remain an independent MP for the rest of the term, and intends to stand again in the seat as an independent.

Speaking after Kapa-Kingi, Ferris said the court had “put the truth out there” and iwi Māori would be waiting to see how the party responded.

“The truth is on display for everyone to see. The kaupapa of Te Pāti Māori is a people movement, and it’s here to ensure that the Māori view and Māori rights are looked after and respected well in this House, and that’s the thing that draws me to here.”

Ferris did not see a need to pursue legal action, as Te Tai Tonga was happy with what he had done and supported him.

“Te Tai Tonga invited Te Pāti Māori to a hui, it wasn’t taken up, so the kaumatua of Te Tai Tonga are clear about how Te Tai Tonga will move.”

He said trust and confidence had been “eroded” and the party’s reputational damage had been “sustained, and it is going to be a huge job to rebuild it.”

Ferris believed Tamihere had too much control over the party, however, and suggested more distribution of power across a broader base of rohe representation.

Asked whether he wanted to be back in the party, Ferris said the ball was “firmly in the court” of Te Pāti Māori, and nobody wanted to be stuck in a to-and-fro forever.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The press conference will be livestreamed at the top of this page from about 12.30pm. This story will be updated.

MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi says the court has “brought justice to Te Tai Tokerau voters” when he ruled her expulsion from Te Pāti Māori “unlawful”.

Kapa-Kingi was this week officially been reinstated to Te Pāti Māori, after a High Court decision that ruled her suspension and subsequent expulsion was “unlawful”.

She’ll be speaking to reporters shortly from Parliament.

The MP took to social media earlier this week to celebrate the verdict, saying her intention in bringing the case was not to incite division, but “seek clarity and ensure the processes we hold ourselves to – particularly those grounded in tikanga, are honoured”.

The press conference will be livestreamed at the top of this page from about 12.30pm. This story will be updated.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The prime minister has announced he will visit Samoa and Tonga later this week, for what will be the government’s first comprehensive engagements with two new leaders.

Christopher Luxon will bring with him a delegation of business leaders and community members, as well as the police minister, the minister for Pacific peoples, and opposition MPs.

The New Zealand delegation will be led by Savae Sir Michael Jones and Rachel Afeaki.

Luxon said the visit would reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to two of the closest members of the Pacific family, and he was looking forward to meeting with the two new leaders in Samoa and Tonga, and their cabinets.

“With more than 300,000 Samoan and Tongan New Zealanders, the family connection is woven into the fabric of our society,” Luxon said.

“Through our longstanding ties, we have built enormous trust between our nations. I’m looking forward to hearing my new colleagues’ points of view, and then agreeing how we can work together to build communities that are more prosperous and safer from threats like drugs.”

Samoa held an election last August, with La’aulialemalietoa (La’auli) Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt emerging victorious.

La’auli assumed control of the FAST party after former prime minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was expelled. Fiamē continued to lead a minority government before calling the snap election.

Luxon and La’auli met previously, for a courtesy call, in November.

Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua has been prime minister of Tonga since December. He previously served as Tonga’s Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

The confirmation of the visit comes shortly after an announcement the government would temporarily reduce the fees Pacific travellers pay for visitor visas, from $216 to $161.

The delegation will leave Auckland on Sunday, and return on Wednesday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Disabled people and their carers are welcoming a government back-track on funding for support services, but say the past two years have been deeply traumatic and won’t be forgotten.

The Government has wound back controversial cuts to disability support services it made in 2024.

Two years ago Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People – which at the time was in charge of the disability budget – abruptly introduced new purchasing guidelines which severely restricted what disabled people and their carers could use their allocated budgets for.

Following a review into the funding system, and a commitment the system is now “stabilised” the Government has confirmed as of 1 April the restrictions will be lifted.

Most recently people were told that as of 1 April their new budgets would reflect what they had spent between June 2023 and June 2025 – which for many had not been their full budget due to the restrictions on purchasing.

The Minister Louise Upston has now promised budgets won’t be cut to match the limited spending.

Carer Katy Thomas told Nine to Noon the trauma caused to families when the cuts were abruptly made, will not be easily overcome.

“I’m only aware of like one of my friends whose children are still in school there was just like a mass exodus of autistic children from mainstream schools.

“They just couldn’t cope without the supports.”

“Obviously it’s wonderful that it’s going to be reversed but I’m just going to hold my breath and wait and see because what I have seen is that they give with one hand and take with another.”

Emily Writes, the former director of Awhi Nga Matua – a charity supporting parents of disabled and medically fragile kids – told Nine to Noon she did not want to see the news turned around as a good news story.

“When we have literally thousands and thousands of families left utterly traumatised and having really long repercussions from the decisions that were made.”

“We had more than 10,000 people in just one week sign a petition begging for acknowledgment and an apology over the removal of supports. That was not even acknowledged by the Minister.

“And now we’re just meant to say thank you?”

Kristy Kewene is a Northland mother who carers for her adult son. She said it was shocking how quickly the supports were able to be taken away.

“It was scary that without consulting could just decide that they’re taking something quite significant from our lives and how we cope with our lives.

“We relied on that respite.”

Disability Support Service Tranformation general manager Alastair Hill said the community had been listened to, and he could assure certainty for them going forward.

“We heard a lot from carers through the community consultation… and they’re saying, for me, I’m best placed to know about what respite or what looking after myself looks like.

“And so they’ll be able to make those choices again.

He said the reintroduction of flexible funding was possible due the changes that had been made over the past two years.

“There is more money … our annual operating funding is around $500 million more than what it was two years ago.

He said under the previous system there was no way to forecast cost pressures and where the growth may come from, which lead to budget overruns almost every year, but now there was “commercial rigour” in place.

“We have a predictable growth track, we understand more and more the funding that we’re going to require.”

He acknowledged the past two years had been really difficult for people.

“It was a real privilegde to bge able to meet with people face to face around the country last year and to hear from them directly to hear their experiences, but also to hear what would make the biggest difference.

“We’ve worked really hard to rebuild the trust. It’s not for me to say whether that job is done.”

Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston said the changes reflected feedback from the disability community last year, and the recommendations of the 2024 Independent Review.

“The steps we have taken since 2024 to stabilise the disability support system have been successful. Because of this, we can now confirm two things: the current purchasing rules will be removed in April, and people’s flexible funding allocations will stay exactly the same as they are now.

“This means we no longer need to look at what people spent in previous years to set new budgets.

“People will also get more support, guidance or coaching to manage their flexible funding – in a way that reflects their situation.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Disabled people and their carers are welcoming a government back-track on funding for support services, but say the past two years have been deeply traumatic and won’t be forgotten.

The Government has wound back controversial cuts to disability support services it made in 2024.

Two years ago Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People – which at the time was in charge of the disability budget – abruptly introduced new purchasing guidelines which severely restricted what disabled people and their carers could use their allocated budgets for.

Following a review into the funding system, and a commitment the system is now “stabilised” the Government has confirmed as of 1 April the restrictions will be lifted.

Most recently people were told that as of 1 April their new budgets would reflect what they had spent between June 2023 and June 2025 – which for many had not been their full budget due to the restrictions on purchasing.

The Minister Louise Upston has now promised budgets won’t be cut to match the limited spending.

Carer Katy Thomas told Nine to Noon the trauma caused to families when the cuts were abruptly made, will not be easily overcome.

“I’m only aware of like one of my friends whose children are still in school there was just like a mass exodus of autistic children from mainstream schools.

“They just couldn’t cope without the supports.”

“Obviously it’s wonderful that it’s going to be reversed but I’m just going to hold my breath and wait and see because what I have seen is that they give with one hand and take with another.”

Emily Writes, the former director of Awhi Nga Matua – a charity supporting parents of disabled and medically fragile kids – told Nine to Noon she did not want to see the news turned around as a good news story.

“When we have literally thousands and thousands of families left utterly traumatised and having really long repercussions from the decisions that were made.”

“We had more than 10,000 people in just one week sign a petition begging for acknowledgment and an apology over the removal of supports. That was not even acknowledged by the Minister.

“And now we’re just meant to say thank you?”

Kristy Kewene is a Northland mother who carers for her adult son. She said it was shocking how quickly the supports were able to be taken away.

“It was scary that without consulting could just decide that they’re taking something quite significant from our lives and how we cope with our lives.

“We relied on that respite.”

Disability Support Service Tranformation general manager Alastair Hill said the community had been listened to, and he could assure certainty for them going forward.

“We heard a lot from carers through the community consultation… and they’re saying, for me, I’m best placed to know about what respite or what looking after myself looks like.

“And so they’ll be able to make those choices again.

He said the reintroduction of flexible funding was possible due the changes that had been made over the past two years.

“There is more money … our annual operating funding is around $500 million more than what it was two years ago.

He said under the previous system there was no way to forecast cost pressures and where the growth may come from, which lead to budget overruns almost every year, but now there was “commercial rigour” in place.

“We have a predictable growth track, we understand more and more the funding that we’re going to require.”

He acknowledged the past two years had been really difficult for people.

“It was a real privilegde to bge able to meet with people face to face around the country last year and to hear from them directly to hear their experiences, but also to hear what would make the biggest difference.

“We’ve worked really hard to rebuild the trust. It’s not for me to say whether that job is done.”

Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston said the changes reflected feedback from the disability community last year, and the recommendations of the 2024 Independent Review.

“The steps we have taken since 2024 to stabilise the disability support system have been successful. Because of this, we can now confirm two things: the current purchasing rules will be removed in April, and people’s flexible funding allocations will stay exactly the same as they are now.

“This means we no longer need to look at what people spent in previous years to set new budgets.

“People will also get more support, guidance or coaching to manage their flexible funding – in a way that reflects their situation.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Outgoing Labour MP Peeni Henare says he is ready to “see the back of this place”, as he prepares to leave both Parliament and the party who gave him an “opportunity” after 12 years.

“You can only try your best, and I believe I’ve done that,” he said in a sitdown interview with RNZ during his final week as a Labour MP, revealing the most difficult times for him were balancing “being Māori” and “being a politician”.

Henare said he had “mixed emotions” during his last days in Parliament, and said it was the “human connections” in the place that made him feel sad this week.

He had connections across the House, enjoying good relationships with members from all parties, saying that was a testament to how he conducted himself politically, “that’s always been my style”.

He also had connections with the security guards, earlier this week he thanked them for leaving kina in his fridge.

“I’ve had a lot of people from all different walks of life, inside and outside of Parliament, talking about how sad they are to see me leave politics, some even hope that I might change my mind,” he said.

Asked whether anyone in the Labour leadership had asked him to change his mind, he responded: “There’s always conversations with the Labour leadership, but my mind’s pretty made up”.

The resignation

Henare’s shock resignation was announced at Waitangi, after he confirmed he was not contesting the Tāmaki Makaurau seat.

Following a messy media briefing with Labour leader Chris Hipkins, Henare announced he was calling time on his 12-year Parliamentary career, citing exhaustion and a desire to spend more time focusing on his family and future.

Hipkins, who initially refused to answer questions about the resignation, denied the announcement had been bungled, but it did not stop questions being asked about the circumstances.

At the time, New Zealand First Deputy leader Shane Jones, and a relation of Henare’s, expressed his surprise at the retirement.

He said he wanted to find out what had happened and that the “kumara vine” would inform him.

Ahead of Henare’s valedictory on Wednesday, Jones said he no longer wanted to speculate.

“That was a word said at Waitangi, and the god of wind has blown those words long way into the distance,” Jones said.

Asked if he thought Labour regretted letting Henare go, he said Henare was not the first Māori that Labour “forced out”, having left the party himself in 2014.

‘Maybe I should have been more of a Māori’ – Henare

In Henare’s maiden speech in 2014, he referred to Dr Pita Sharples of Te Pāti Māori, who had not been re-elected, saying “I have taken up the paddle of the vessel that you left behind”.

Asked about this, Henare said he believed every Māori had a bit of Te Pāti Māori in them. He described marching in the Foreshore and Seabed hīkoi in 2004, and more recently the Toitū te Tiriti hīkoi.

“I’m Māori to the core, but I make no bones about it – Labour gave me an opportunity, and one that I was fortunate to have.”

Surprising too perhaps given his family had been tied to the National Party.

“I ultimately chose Labour, and have worked hard for 12 years with them.”

He has held multiple ministerial portfolios, such as ACC, Civil Defence, Whānau Ora, Defence, Forestry, Tourism, Veterans and Youth Development, as well as various roles in opposition.

He was also the only Labour MP to be sent to the Privileges Committee as part of the haka Te Pāti Māori started in the house over the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill.

He was most proud of securing a significant boost of funding for Whānau Ora. In his valedictory speech on Wednesday, he described the establishment of the Māori Health Authority as a “crowning moment”.

Asked if he had any regrets from his time in Parliament, he referred to the Covid-19 pandemic response and questioned whether he had made the right decision at times.

“It was hurtful at that time, those decisions around burial and tikanga Māori and things like that were always quite difficult.”

Another “particularly challenging time” was Ihumātao he said, when he had to “dance on the head of a pin, if you like, as a politician and as a Māori”.

“I walked away from there thinking, maybe I should have been more of a Māori.”

On walking that fine line within the Labour party, he acknowledged it was challenging, however, the feeling of isolation or inability to express “your Māoritanga to its fullest” was a challenge for any Māori MP.

But because of the roles he had held in the past, and also the burden of his whakapapa (ancestry), it meant he would question “is Peeni the Māori today, or is he the politician?”

He did have fond memories of times when he was well supported in the Labour party and able to “progress kaupapa”, so it was a “bit of give and take”.

The Māori vote

Last election, Labour lost six out of the seven Māori seats. He said there was strategising taking place to win them back.

“No doubt about it, we’ve got work to do” he said, on winning the Māori vote.

“My message is always the same for Māori in the Labour Party, don’t rebuild for the election.

“Rebuild with a view towards securing the Māori vote for the next 10 to 20 years.”

He said Willie Jackson, co-chair of the Māori caucus, did a good job of talking about Labour’s key areas of focus this year (jobs, health, homes), while also listening to what Māori wanted to see from a potential Labour government, “he’s a political animal”.

“But be under no illusion, the 2026 election is going to be a tough one.”

Asked whether the turmoil Te Pāti Māori faced last year was the reason Labour was in with a chance in the Māori seats this year, Henare said that was part of it.

He reflected on his success in 2014 being partly because the “tide was going out on Te Pāti Māori” because of their association with the National Party.

‘My time was done’ – Henare

Last year, Henare lost for a second time to Te Pāti Māori in a by-election for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate seat.

He had been honest about how bruising the loss was, and there were questions about whether he would run for the seat again.

He said there were ongoing conversations about how he was feeling and his career, and ultimately the party asked him to consider it all.

“There comes a time where you should call your time on your career and allow others to push the kaupapa forward.

“I decided my time was done.”

He described personal reasons, such as his family, for the decisions, but also that no one’s time in politics was infinite.

Hipkins was asked by RNZ on Tuesday this week whether he had any regrets that Henare was leaving. He said he was “very fond of Peeni”.

“I’m always sad to see any of my colleagues go, and I’ll be sad to see him go.”

Asked if the Labour leadership told Henare there was not a place for him, Hipkins maintained what he had said all along, that it was “Peeni’s decision”.

What’s next?

He had his eyes set on putting his experience, knowledge, connections and talent to work for his iwi, Ngāpuhi.

“Continuing to progress the kaupapa of my people and the wellbeing and interests of my people – that’s a calling that’s always been there for me.”

That could potentially take the form of being a negotiator for the Ngāpuhi treaty settlement, “Without being presumptuous – I think there’s an opportunity.”

On whether the Treaty Negotiation Minister had approached him, Henare said there had been nothing official, “he knows my number, when I leave this place – feel free to give me a call”.

Minister Paul Goldsmith told RNZ he would “have a chat” with Henare.

“I’ve got big challenge to find a way through to a settlement with Ngāpuhi, and I’ve got good Crown negotiators, but there may be a role somewhere in there for Peeni, he’s a real leader.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Beneficiary numbers have soared to a 12-year high, under a government that promised a reduction.

They were the highest both by volume and percentage of the working-age population since at least the 2013 welfare reforms.

Social development minister Louise Upston said in 2024 – less than three months after taking office – that the government was taking action to “curb the surge in welfare dependency” that ocurred under the former Labour government.

But the most recent Ministry of Social Development data revealed that was yet to take hold.

As of December last year, 427,236 people – about the population of Christchurch – were receiving a main benefit.

That was 13.2 percent of the working-age population, the highest recorded since at least 2013, when reforms replaced multiple benefits with three main benefits: Jobseeker, Sole Parent Support and Supported Living Payment.

More than half of beneficiaries – 223,512 people, or 6.9 percent of the working age population – were on the Jobseeker benefit. That was also a record.

Soon after taking power the government set a target of 50,000 fewer people on the Jobseeker benefit by 2030.

So far, there had been an 18 percent jump: from 190,000 in December 2023 to 223,500 in December last year.

The 18 to 24-year-old age group on the Jobseeker benefit had grown the most in that period, rising 32 percent.

Minister blames former Labour government

Upston said the numbers were a result of the coalition inheriting “difficult economic conditions and a tough labour market” from the former Labour government.

“Unemployment has been rising since 2021 and is always one of the last things to improve after a recession,” she said.

“We know there is more work to do to grow the economy, fix the basics and build a welfare system focused on getting more people into work.”

More than 83,500 people came off a main benefit and found work last year, she said.

The government’s initiatives to curb benefit numbers included the traffic light system which was working well to ensure jobseekers were fulfilling their obligations, she said.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Labour’s Willie Jackson grilled Upston about rising Jobseeker numbers.

Upston said Labour’s increased spending during the Covid-19 pandemic drove up inflation, leading to higher unemployment.

“That’s why the forecast has always been due to get worse before it gets better,” she said.

Labour’s social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon needed to take responsibility.

“It’s been more than two years since National took office, their excuses are getting old and shows just how out of touch they are,” she said.

“Christopher Luxon promised to fix the cost of living. He hasn’t just failed – he’s made it worse.”

High unemployment driving benefit dependency, but set to improve – economist

The rise was largely driven by a weak labour market, said Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said.

“There has been a larger proportional increase in Jobseeker support benefit requirements compared to all other benefits on average,” he said.

The government had options to intervene but they were not all politically or socially palatable, Olsen said.

That included clamping down access to benefits.

“Which could well reduce the overall numbers, but would likely leave a number of New Zealanders out in the cold and facing very challenging circumstances at a time when we know that the number of jobs being advertised in the economy are still 25 percent lower than pre-pandemic and the unemployment rate is at a 10-year high.”

The government could also try to create jobs but that was expensive and could lead to higher inflation, said Olsen.

“The government doesn’t have a lot of spare money to all of a sudden magic up a whole bunch of jobs there in the short term without generating other economic challenges in other areas.

“So at the moment, our expectation would more be that the government will look to try and reduce the number of beneficiaries over time as the labour market improves, and we do expect that will happen over the next couple of years.”

Although unemployment was high, there had also been a 0.5 percent expansion in the number of jobs which was the largest in about two and a half years, he said.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Outgoing Labour MP Peeni Henare has farewelled Parliament, telling MPs they needed to move away from “gotcha style politics” in his valedictory speech, saying they had a “role and responsibility” to rebuild trust in the institution of politics.

“I have seen this place work hard for the benefit of this country,” he told the House.

“I see it as a true mechanism of change, and we must protect it as a bastion of representative democracy when the world is turning against it.

“I am not surprised to see, however, the waning of trust and belief in this institution. We have a role and a responsibility each and every one of us to rebuild that trust.”

He also called for politicians to “work to devolve power to communities and families”.

Henare’s shock resignation was announced at Waitangi, after he confirmed he wasn’t contesting the Tāmaki Makaurau seat.

Following a messy media standup with Labour leader Chris Hipkins, Henare announced he was calling time on his 12-year Parliamentary career, citing exhaustion and a desire to spend more time focusing on his family and future.

Henare began his valedictory by speaking at length about all the staff who had worked with him.

“Mr. Speaker, in my 12 years here in Parliament, I have been truly blessed to have been served by so many amazing people.

“So with your indulgence, I would like to acknowledge them, for without them, my time here would have been very different, and I suspect, very difficult.”

The public gallery was filled with rangatira from Ngāpuhi, such as Waihoroi Shortland, Pita Tipene and Julian Wilcox, along with Henare’s family and his pick for who should replace him as the Labour candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau, Nathaniel Howe.

He acknowledged his son and daughters, and teared up while acknowledging his partner.

“Taku taringi [my darling], for too long, my dreams have been your dreams. It is now time for your dreams to be our dreams.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The primary teachers’ union is angry that the government is offering pay rises to teachers on individual employment agreements.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said from Wednesday, schools could offer staff on individual agreements a 2.5 percent pay rise from 20 March, with a further 2.1 percent on 28 January next year.

She said the teachers had a right to a contract.

“It is fair and reasonable that nearly a third of primary school teachers, who are not part of the NZEI, should be offered a contract so they can receive the pay increases that the government has already offered,” she said.

“This would equate to approximately $50 to $76 each week and is pay that non-union teachers could already be receiving if not impacted by the NZEI’s ongoing approach to bargaining.”

The Educational Institute Te Riu Roa rejected the same deal for teachers in the collective agreement.

RNZ understands it is unusual for an individual offer to be made before the collective is settled.

NZEI primary teacher leader Liam Rutherfod said the move was a serious breach of good faith and undermined collective bargaining.

“The government is employing divisive tactics to undermine teachers’ fight to get fair recognition of our work. Our teachers deserve a fair deal that reflects their value, not sinister manoeuvres designed to break our unity,” he said.

“The government is demanding we implement sweeping, rushed curriculum changes, yet they refuse to pay us for doing the extra work and consistently undervalue our work in supporting students through these changes. There is widespread frustration regarding the pace of curriculum changes and its impact on ākonga and their learning.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand First has called for yet another inquiry into Covid-19 – this one focused on vaccine injuries.

The second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, commissioned by the coalition, released its findings on Tuesday, unequivocally endorsing the use of vaccines.

It did, however, highlight that officials were warned about the risks of giving two doses to teenagers – and said that was not passed on to ministers.

In a statement, NZ First said the latest report did not go far enough when looking into vaccine safety and risks.

It called for a select committee to hold its own inquiry to give anyone injured a voice and to hold decision-makers accountable.

“The Crown needs to know how widespread any effects of those known risks that were mandated on New Zealanders but specifically those young people.

“The downstream health effects could be disastrous with the report identifying myocarditis as a specific health consequence.”

Speaking at Parliament, NZ First leader Winston Peters told reporters he had serious concerns about vaccine safety.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected here. They need to know the truth. They need to know why they were denied the truth.”

ACT’s David Seymour said he was open to the idea of a select committee inquiry.

“A lot of people felt they were ostracized from society and if this helps them feel seen and heard, then it might not be a bad thing.”

Even with the support of NZ First and ACT, a select committee inquiry would require the backing of the National Party.

National leader and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dodged questions over whether he supported an inquiry, saying only that there were “very serious questions” for Labour to answer.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said two high-level investigations had already been carried out – including one commissioned by the current coalition government.

He pointed out that Peters was once a staunch advocate for vaccines, even calling for them to be a requirement for welfare and parole.

“One of the wonders of being Winston Peters is you never have to be consistent in your position on anything.”

Hipkins said the government needed to “move on” and focus instead on the cost-of-living and the country’s future.

In its report, released on Tuesday, the Royal Commission of Inquiry said the process and consideration surrounding the approval of vaccines could not have been more thorough.

“We acknowledge that some people disagree with Medsafe’s decision that the benefits of [the Pfizer vaccine] Comirnaty outweighed its risks. They consider the risks of the vaccine then, and now, well outweigh any perceived benefit.

“We do not agree with that view.”

The report said the evidence did not support arguments that Covid-19 was not “a significant threat to public health”.

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