Podcast appearances and mentions of michael neilson

The new Government is only a week in but there have already been some fiery exchanges.   National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins crossed swords in parliament and we've already seen Kiwis take to the streets in protest.   Te Pati Māori, holding its largest-ever caucus, has promised that this only the start and that there will be further protests to come.   Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has made a number of controversial comments that have left the Luxon red-faced.   So where does this leave National-led coalition? How divisive are the Government's policies? And how stable is the partnership between National, Act and NZ first.     Today, NZ Herald political report Michael Neilson gives us a breakdown of what has been an eventful and somewhat chaotic first week for the new Government.    Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition Government has settled into their new roles- and the Deputy Prime Minister's been at the centre of controversy. Winston Peters has twice implied the media's been bribed, referring to the previous Government's $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund. Labour has fired back at Peters, claiming Winston's comments reflect a chaotic and uncontrolled Government. NZ Herald political reporter Michael Neilson says it's unlikely Luxon was able to pull Peters into line, considering he leads a third of the coalition Government. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 12: There is a little over 48 hours to go until polling booths close, and the parties are still out in force as advanced voting suggests a huge undecided vote, with mudslinging continuing between Labour and National. And NZ Herald political writer Michael Neilson joins to discuss the state of the Māori electorates and how many could change hands.  Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 12: There is a little over 48 hours to go until polling booths close, and the parties are still out in force as advanced voting suggests a huge undecided vote, with mudslinging continuing between Labour and National. And NZ Herald political writer Michael Neilson joins to discuss the state of the Māori electorates and how many could change hands.  Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins confirmed he's pausing tax changes while he's in office. Documents revealed that Labour had planned to introduce a wealth tax affecting 46,000 New Zealanders, but that plan was ultimately scrapped. NZ Herald political reporter Michael Neilson says Labour's clearly concerned about where they're sitting in the polls- both the Taxpayers' Union - Curia poll and Talbot Mills poll placed Labour below National. "There's a bit of concern about where they are, and obviously Hipkins made the decision- he wasn't going to be able to sell this to the public and maintain a strong party vote." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party will be looking to shore up its support on the second day of their AGM today. Co-leader Marama Davidson will release the Greens' election manifesto at Auckland University. NZ Herald political reporter Michael Neilson says the Greens are trying to appear more united by warning a prospective National-ACT Government would set climate change policy back by 30 years. "It did seem this year that they really want to appear focused on the election and none of these kind of messy issues that have been there in the past." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few issues have attracted as much media attention in the last year as crime. Ram raids, street violence and burglaries have grabbed headlines time again, creating a sense that New Zealand is no longer a safe place to live – and a narrative that crime has got worse under the Labour government. Now, new insights from the NZ Herald data team reveal whether this perception is actually reflected in the crime statistics. Head of newsroom data Chris Knox tells Damien what the numbers actually show, and political writer Michael Neilson shares what our politicians have said on the subject over the years. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anti-trans activist Posie Parker was escorted out of New Zealand after a skirmish at her Auckland rally. A small fight broke out between attendees and counter-protestors as Posie Parker made her way to the front of the crowd, where she was doused with a red liquid and escorted out of Auckland's Albert Park. Posie Parker has since cancelled her Wellington appearance and left for Auckland Airport on Saturday evening. NZ Herald political reporter Michael Neilson says several MPs showed up to the counter-protest, including Labour's Shanan Halbert and Greens co-leader Marama Davidson, who was injured after being struck by a motorcycle. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Prime Minister Chris Hipkins heads to Auckland today to woo business leaders after spending his first full day in the top job responding to the cost of living crisis. Hipkins is due to attend a roundtable event hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber. “I'll be there to ask questions of them and to listen to them, in order to accelerate the important relationship that's needed between business and government, in order to benefit all New Zealanders and to continue to grow our economy,” Hipkins said. His Auckland charm offensive will bring him into contact with former National leader Simon Bridges. Bridges, the Auckland Business Chamber CEO, said today's meeting was good news. “That in itself gives business some confidence. It's a sense that this is where his priorities lie,” he told RNZ. “I think he's off to a good start, inasmuch as what he's saying is he's going to come back to the bread and butter issues.” Bridges said the issues confronting Auckland businesses were around plans to curb inflation, getting more workers into the country - and concerns around law and order. “I think it's incredibly refreshing to see from a new PM that he gets it, that he gets it's businesses that make an economy and actually allow governments to do the things that we all want them to do like fund better health, education, and law and order.” Cost of living front of new PM's mind The cost of living crisis dominated Hipkins' first press conference just hours after taking over the role from friend and longtime Labour colleague Jacinda Ardern. Exactly what Hipkins has in store to tackle the rising cost of living remains to be seen, something National leader Christopher Luxon latched on to, saying that simply changing the leader was not going to make a difference. Indeed Hipkins' first appearance since being sworn in by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro as the country's 41st Prime Minister came hot off the latest consumer price index showing inflation remained at 7.2 per cent - the same as the previous quarter - reflecting further pressure on household budgets across the country. Kiro had earlier received the resignation of Ardern, officially handing over what Hipkins called the “baton of responsibility”. The day started with emotional scenes as Ardern left the Beehive as Prime Minister for the last time, walking out to a crowd of her ministers, MPs and staff, sharing hugs and tears - Ardern, accompanied by fiance Clarke Gayford, even struggled to find her way to the car through the throng of people. Jacinda Ardern and then-incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins at Rātana Pa Marae on Tuesday. Photo / Mark Mitchell And like that after nearly six years of leadership marked through tragedy and crisis, with the mosque shootings, Whakaari and the Covid-19 pandemic, her tenure was over, making way for “my friend Chippy”, how Hipkins is affectionately known. Hipkins too was emotional at Government House as he was sworn in, surrounded by family and colleagues, saying it was the “biggest responsibility of my life”. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins arriving for his first post-Cabinet press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell He also quipped afterwards “it feels pretty real now” - acknowledging just how rapidly he'd moved into the role after Ardern announced her resignation only a week ago. The moment was clearly hugely significant also for Carmel Sepuloni, earlier shedding tears as Ardern departed before beaming as she became the first Deputy Prime Minister of Pacific heritage, with Samoan, Tongan and Pākehā roots. Jacinda Ardern waves to the crowd one last time as Prime Minister of New Zealand. Photo / NZ Labour Party In his first speech in the role Hipkins said “reprioritisation” of the Government's work was the “absolute priority”, allowing the Government to focus on the “cost of living”. “Today's unchanged inflation figure confirms this is the right immediate focus,” he said, reflecting a shift in priorities over the past year as the health pandemic made way for a “pandemic of inflation”. Ardern had last year also signalled a policy reset in the new year, with major and controversial reforms such as merging TVNZ and RNZ tipped for the scrapheap. Even when asked if he, like Ardern, had any legacy issues such as climate change or child poverty he wanted to focus on, Hipkins reverted to balancing that with “the pressures of today”. Hipkins noted the inflation level was not unexpected and was in fact lower than most comparable countries, which in turn influenced it here. Hundreds of people waited outside the Beehive to farewell Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister. Photo / NZ Labour Party Hipkins, however, said no decisions had been made on exactly what would be prioritised from the Government's programme, nor anything related to the cost of living. Hipkins said he expected to announce any changes to the Government work programme and Cabinet reshuffle in the next few weeks. He also alluded to further opening up immigration settings to ease labour shortages, though the impacts of the most recent changes appeared positive. “I just want to reassure New Zealanders that we've got this front and centre,” he said. “I'll be looking across the range of options to see what more we can do to support Kiwis.” The Government last year introduced a fuel subsidy, which runs until the end of March, and cost of living support payments. It also introduced a fast-track residency programme, which it further expanded near the end of the year after initially excluding nurses and a range of other highly sought-after health professionals. Jacinda Ardern was tearful as she sat alongside Speaker Adrian Rurawhe during her final outing as Prime Minister at Rātana Pā on Tuesday. Photo / Mark Mitchell Hipkins also spoke further on co-governance, after Māori leaders at Rātana on Tuesday called on the Government not to pull back work done to realise obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, and National to not be afraid of working with Māori. Hipkins said the topic needed to be handled “maturely”. “We should have a mature discussion about it, not one that's informed by bumper sticker slogans.” Asked if the Government had responsibility for not clearly explaining the topic and allowing fear to be sowed, Hipkins said that would be part of their new priorities. “We should make sure that we're informing New Zealanders, what we're doing and why we're doing it.” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins during his first post-Cabinet press conference at Parliament in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell Luxon earlier said he sent congratulations to Hipkins and acknowledged Ardern for her leadership. But that was where the niceties stopped, as he criticised the Government over its handling of the economy and said nothing had changed with the new leader. “It's the same team, same people, same finance minister, same, everything, nothing's changed.” Luxon said the Government needed to rein in spending and lower costs for businesses - such as scrapping the income insurance scheme. He also called for the Government to further open up the immigration settings, which drives the productive economy. Meanwhile, the Government support party the Greens wrote to the new Prime Minister calling for a “fairer Aotearoa”. They said the cost of living crisis was not being felt equally and urged him to increase benefits and make a fairer tax system targeting the wealthy. - Michael Neilson, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Prime Minister Chris Hipkins heads to Auckland today to woo business leaders after spending his first full day in the top job responding to the cost of living crisis. Hipkins is due to attend a roundtable event hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber. “I'll be there to ask questions of them and to listen to them, in order to accelerate the important relationship that's needed between business and government, in order to benefit all New Zealanders and to continue to grow our economy,” Hipkins said. His Auckland charm offensive will bring him into contact with former National leader Simon Bridges. Bridges, the Auckland Business Chamber CEO, said today's meeting was good news. “That in itself gives business some confidence. It's a sense that this is where his priorities lie,” he told RNZ. “I think he's off to a good start, inasmuch as what he's saying is he's going to come back to the bread and butter issues.” Bridges said the issues confronting Auckland businesses were around plans to curb inflation, getting more workers into the country - and concerns around law and order. “I think it's incredibly refreshing to see from a new PM that he gets it, that he gets it's businesses that make an economy and actually allow governments to do the things that we all want them to do like fund better health, education, and law and order.” Cost of living front of new PM's mind The cost of living crisis dominated Hipkins' first press conference just hours after taking over the role from friend and longtime Labour colleague Jacinda Ardern. Exactly what Hipkins has in store to tackle the rising cost of living remains to be seen, something National leader Christopher Luxon latched on to, saying that simply changing the leader was not going to make a difference. Indeed Hipkins' first appearance since being sworn in by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro as the country's 41st Prime Minister came hot off the latest consumer price index showing inflation remained at 7.2 per cent - the same as the previous quarter - reflecting further pressure on household budgets across the country. Kiro had earlier received the resignation of Ardern, officially handing over what Hipkins called the “baton of responsibility”. The day started with emotional scenes as Ardern left the Beehive as Prime Minister for the last time, walking out to a crowd of her ministers, MPs and staff, sharing hugs and tears - Ardern, accompanied by fiance Clarke Gayford, even struggled to find her way to the car through the throng of people. Jacinda Ardern and then-incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins at Rātana Pa Marae on Tuesday. Photo / Mark Mitchell And like that after nearly six years of leadership marked through tragedy and crisis, with the mosque shootings, Whakaari and the Covid-19 pandemic, her tenure was over, making way for “my friend Chippy”, how Hipkins is affectionately known. Hipkins too was emotional at Government House as he was sworn in, surrounded by family and colleagues, saying it was the “biggest responsibility of my life”. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins arriving for his first post-Cabinet press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell He also quipped afterwards “it feels pretty real now” - acknowledging just how rapidly he'd moved into the role after Ardern announced her resignation only a week ago. The moment was clearly hugely significant also for Carmel Sepuloni, earlier shedding tears as Ardern departed before beaming as she became the first Deputy Prime Minister of Pacific heritage, with Samoan, Tongan and Pākehā roots. Jacinda Ardern waves to the crowd one last time as Prime Minister of New Zealand. Photo / NZ Labour Party In his first speech in the role Hipkins said “reprioritisation” of the Government's work was the “absolute priority”, allowing the Government to focus on the “cost of living”. “Today's unchanged inflation figure confirms this is the right immediate focus,” he said, reflecting a shift in priorities over the past year as the health pandemic made way for a “pandemic of inflation”. Ardern had last year also signalled a policy reset in the new year, with major and controversial reforms such as merging TVNZ and RNZ tipped for the scrapheap. Even when asked if he, like Ardern, had any legacy issues such as climate change or child poverty he wanted to focus on, Hipkins reverted to balancing that with “the pressures of today”. Hipkins noted the inflation level was not unexpected and was in fact lower than most comparable countries, which in turn influenced it here. Hundreds of people waited outside the Beehive to farewell Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister. Photo / NZ Labour Party Hipkins, however, said no decisions had been made on exactly what would be prioritised from the Government's programme, nor anything related to the cost of living. Hipkins said he expected to announce any changes to the Government work programme and Cabinet reshuffle in the next few weeks. He also alluded to further opening up immigration settings to ease labour shortages, though the impacts of the most recent changes appeared positive. “I just want to reassure New Zealanders that we've got this front and centre,” he said. “I'll be looking across the range of options to see what more we can do to support Kiwis.” The Government last year introduced a fuel subsidy, which runs until the end of March, and cost of living support payments. It also introduced a fast-track residency programme, which it further expanded near the end of the year after initially excluding nurses and a range of other highly sought-after health professionals. Jacinda Ardern was tearful as she sat alongside Speaker Adrian Rurawhe during her final outing as Prime Minister at Rātana Pā on Tuesday. Photo / Mark Mitchell Hipkins also spoke further on co-governance, after Māori leaders at Rātana on Tuesday called on the Government not to pull back work done to realise obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, and National to not be afraid of working with Māori. Hipkins said the topic needed to be handled “maturely”. “We should have a mature discussion about it, not one that's informed by bumper sticker slogans.” Asked if the Government had responsibility for not clearly explaining the topic and allowing fear to be sowed, Hipkins said that would be part of their new priorities. “We should make sure that we're informing New Zealanders, what we're doing and why we're doing it.” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins during his first post-Cabinet press conference at Parliament in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell Luxon earlier said he sent congratulations to Hipkins and acknowledged Ardern for her leadership. But that was where the niceties stopped, as he criticised the Government over its handling of the economy and said nothing had changed with the new leader. “It's the same team, same people, same finance minister, same, everything, nothing's changed.” Luxon said the Government needed to rein in spending and lower costs for businesses - such as scrapping the income insurance scheme. He also called for the Government to further open up the immigration settings, which drives the productive economy. Meanwhile, the Government support party the Greens wrote to the new Prime Minister calling for a “fairer Aotearoa”. They said the cost of living crisis was not being felt equally and urged him to increase benefits and make a fairer tax system targeting the wealthy. - Michael Neilson, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legal experts say that while lowering the voting age at general elections might be politically challenging, New Zealand could see a differential voting system with 16-year-olds able to vote at local body level as a ”trial” first. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she personally wants to see the voting age lowered for the first time in nearly 50 years and announced Parliament will debate the issue before the middle of next year. It comes after on Monday the Supreme Court declared the current voting age of 18 was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights, namely the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of age, and that these inconsistencies have not been justified. Amending the law for the general election requires the support of a referendum or super-majority of 75 per cent in Parliament, meaning with National and Act currently opposed change appears unlikely. But changing the age for local elections only requires a simple 50 per cent majority, which legal experts say could be included in the same bill and with Government support could offer a “trial” run. The Supreme Court ruling came after a case brought by the advocacy group Make It 16, which was set up in 2019 amid the school strikes for climate initially to find an avenue to give young people more of a say. “This is history,” said co-director Caeden Tipler outside court after today's decision. Tipler said that they are confident the law will change. “Although we're celebrating we still have a lot of mahi to do.” The ruling has triggered a process, set up under a new law passed in August, whereby the Government is required to respond to such Bill of Rights Act declarations and Parliament to debate them within six months. The voting age for general elections is “entrenched” under the Electoral Act, meaning any change would need the support of 75 per cent of MPs or be endorsed in a national referendum. Consequently, Ardern said as part of its response to the decision Cabinet had decided to draft a piece of legislation with a proposal to lower the age of voting to 16 for the whole of Parliament to consider. She anticipated it would be before the House before the middle of next year. The super-majority rule only kicks in at the Committee of the whole House stage, after the second reading, meaning it would also go through select committee and public submissions. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during a post-Cabinet press conference in the Beehive theatrette. Photo / Mark Mitchell Whatever the ultimate decision, it would not take effect before next year's election, Ardern said. “What I can say is that on this kind of matter, I think we should remove the politics, we should put it to Parliament, and we should let every MP have their say.” Ardern said Labour had not decided as a caucus how it would vote but confirmed she supported lowering the voting age. “For me, it is alignment around some of the responsibilities and rights that are reapportioned at these different ages.” She said people were allowed to legally engage in activities across 16, 17 and 18. “There isn't one cut-off point that you can say in law New Zealand treated me as an adult, and that's why I think it's been the subject of much debate.” National Party justice spokesman Paul Goldsmith, however, was unequivocal in his opposition to lowering the voting age. “We don't agree with the conclusion that the voting age which has been in place for half a century is suddenly unjustified,” he said. Act Party leader David Seymour was also very quick to rule out supporting any change. There would always need to be an age threshold to voting and to say not having it at 16 was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights was “illogical”, Seymour said. Green Party electoral reform spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman has long been an advocate of lowering the voting age and included it in her Strengthening Democracy Member's Bill, which was voted down at first reading in September. She said the court had found Parliament had “for decades been in breach of young people's basic human rights”. “Now is the time to do what's right and strengthen our democracy to include the voices of 16 and 17-year-olds.” Ghahraman said a change could occur immediately by picking up the parts of her members' bill, including amending the entrenching provision, and it could be done in time for the 2023 election. She said other democracies have either already extended voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds or are currently changing their laws. “Complying with the Supreme Court's call would keep New Zealand's democracy among the most modern and inclusive. “Not only would this change create a more representative democracy, but it would also provide more opportunities to engage young people in politics while they're at school.” The voting age in New Zealand was lowered from 21 to 20 in 1969, and then to 18 in 1974. At each stage, it had the full support of Parliament and was in line with legislative changes across the globe. Currently, only a small - but growing - group of countries allow voting under the age of 18, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Austria and Malta from 16 and older. In Scotland and Wales, 16-year-olds can vote in local but not the UK general elections. An independent panel is currently reviewing the Electoral Act and issues such as the voter age, donations, 5 per cent party threshold and length of parliamentary terms. It is expected to issue recommendations in May and a final report by the end of next year University of Otago law professor Andrew Geddis, who is one of the panellists, said today's decision put the onus on Parliament to provide justifications for keeping the voting age at 18. “But what the court also said was, we don't discount that there could be good reasons for having it at 18, the Crown just hasn't told us what they are.” He said while voting at the national level required a 75 per cent super-majority, amending the Local Electoral Act didn't. This meant there could be a different voting age of 18 at national elections and something different for local elections, which some other countries have adopted. “Then you could see what 16-year-olds or 17-year-olds do when they actually do get the vote in a way that's perhaps less challenging.” Ardern said given they'd only received the decision today having a separate age for local elections was “one of the issues that need to be worked through”. Lawyer Graeme Edgeler, who worked on Make It 16′s case, said while it was a “good win” realistically passing a law to lower the voting age before next year's general election would be too rushed, regardless of parliamentary support. But a vote to reduce the voting age for local elections, perhaps as a trial first, is something that they could do, and something that the Government has already had advice on from the local government review. “That might be something that they're in a position to progress in time for the 2025 local elections.” Lowering the voting age would also open up questions about other rights and responsibilities, including jury duty, which is based on the electoral roll. Edgeler said the age for that could be lower, but the law could also be amended to keep it at 18. - Michael Neilson, NZHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the fourth episode of On the Tiles - Local Edition, Georgina Campbell updates on some major polls concerning the races in Wellington and Christchurch, while Auckland sees a big change in its race. She then speaks with NZ Herald political reporter Michael Neilson about the Māori wards that have been introduced this year, and NZME Taupō editor Daniel Hutchinson to discuss the race that's seen Mayor and Deputy Mayor go head to head.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show, host Cheree Kinnear is joined by NZ Herald political reporter Michael Neilson to unpack the Sam Uffindell scandal that rocked the National party this week. They also chat crime and the Government repealing the three-strikes law, Donald Trump, the new Snapchat feature for parents and all the fallout around Kim K and Pete Davidson's split. Follow us on Instagram at itlpod or flick us an email at intheloop@nzme.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of New Zealand's foreign ministry says there is "no question" Russian troll farms have been spreading disinformation online here under direction from the Kremlin.Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade chief executive Chris Seed said intelligence provided by the Five Eyes security alliance showed a "high degree of assurance" Russian-sourced disinformation was being pushed into New Zealand.This was similar to instances in other Western jurisdictions, and had been confirmed by tech platforms too, he said."It is a basic statecraft of the Russian system these days."Seed said there were examples in the anti-vaccination arena."The issue is the extent to which the troll farms and the way they are operating, the way in which that is directly directed by the Russian state, there is no question about that," he told a Parliamentary select committee, after questions from National Party MP Gerry Brownlee.Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said this disinformation was also harmful in its effect on how people were perceiving the Russian war on Ukraine and international response to it.Chief executive at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Chris Seed says there is "no question" troll farms are operating here under direction of the Kremlin. Photo / SuppliedMahuta said the most recent cyber attacks were in May. She said the Government had placed sanctions on eight individuals and entities regarding propaganda around the Russian war on Ukraine.The comments come after two recent speeches by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern warning of disinformation, first in her Harvard address and then overnight at the Nato leaders' meeting in Madrid.Speaking to media after the meeting, Mahuta said the troll farms were concerning."That's why we undertook to put sanctions on Russian troll farms."We can anticipate that they're fairly widespread. And it creates a misconception about what is actually happening in the war."There are several other examples and social media is the obvious platform to go to to see some of those examples, though. The point though, of the disinformation campaign is it does not age a clear-eyed view of what is happening in Ukraine."Brownlee also asked about the presence of the Russian ambassador in New Zealand and what engagement there had been.Seed said they had met five times with the ambassador since the war began, and most recently two weeks ago.In that meeting officials had "continued to express outrage at the invasion", drew attention to human rights violations, rights of prisoners of war, and steps they were planning around the International Court of Justice, Seed said.Mahuta was also asked about China's role in the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum, and what sort of discussions were planned around the superpower's recent push to build security alliances in the region.Mahuta said the Pacific was increasingly "a contested space" and it was up to Pacific nations themselves to decide if they are to enter bilateral relationships."But when it gets to a regional conversation, that potentially is an entirely different matter."She said she anticipated the topic to be "fleshed out" at the forum.Mahuta said regardless, climate change was the main security threat facing the region.- by Michael Neilson, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has doomed attempts to repeal Easter Trading laws before even reaching its first vote by forcing all its MPs to oppose.Labour, which has a parliamentary majority, is voting as a caucus on the issue, which other parties are treating as a "conscience" issue allowing politicians to make personal votes.The private members' bill, put forth by Act Party small business spokesman Chris Baillee, seeks to give retailers more choice over whether they operate during the religious holiday.Currently retailers have to close on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday, although a law change in 2016 allowed councils to adopt their own bylaws allowing shops to open.When venues are open there are also a range of different rules, including about when alcohol can be served and if people are eating.The bill is due to begin its first reading this evening. National Party leader Christopher Luxon told Newshub this morning he would support the bill, which has strong support from the retail sector.Baillie said his bill would also look after workers by keeping existing employee protections in respect of Easter Sunday, and extend these protections to Good Friday.But that bill has been doomed even before its first reading. While Labour had indicated it could treat the bill as a personal vote, Acting Prime Minister Grant Robertson said they were now treating it as a party issue."We will be opposing the bill," Robertson said."I think there can be a few days in our calendar that focus on spending time with families and not putting pressure on people going out to work."Act Party leader David Seymour said he was "astonished" at the move."I'm astonished labour would whip a conscience vote, especially when on alcohol and religion," Seymour said."But that's what they've done."Seymour said he knew some Labour MPs said they would support it, but didn't know if there would have been enough to pass the bill anyway.Another private members' bill, those drawn from a ballot, to have its first reading this evening is Labour MP Greg O'Connor's Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (Overseas Travel Reporting) Amendment Bill.That bill is intended to crack down on registered sex offenders travelling overseas to abuse children.A bill needs a majority of the 120 MPs to pass. As Labour has a majority only bills it supports can pass.Parliament has had many similar debates about whether strict Easter trading rules should be relaxed. In 2016 Parliament responded to the debate by giving councils the power to create a policy to allow shops to trade on Easter Sunday.- by Michael Neilson, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than two long years, international tourists are once again allowed into New Zealand.From this morning visitors from around 60 visa-waiver countries, like Australians already, can now travel here without isolation if they are vaccinated and do a pre-departure and arrival test for Covid-19.Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said thousands of passengers were expected to arrive on about 25 flights at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch international airports in the next stage of the reopening plan."Today marks a milestone for visitors from our key northern hemisphere markets in the USA, UK, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada and others, who can now jump on a plane to come here."Direct flights arrive today from places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, as well as airports closer to home in Australia, Nadi, and Rarotonga. Many will be connecting flights bringing people from further afield."There were currently just over 30,000 people arriving into the country each week - a significant increase on the trickle throughout the pandemic, but still well down on pre-Covid levels. In January 2020 about 25,000 people were arriving each day.Nash said today's changes would see a further increase in arrivals, and international flight searches to New Zealand were running 19 per cent higher than pre-Covid (March-April 2019).Later this year major international airlines like Emirates, Air Canada, Malaysian Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, LATAM Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui are restarting routes.Air NZ was also adding long haul routes from San Francisco, Honolulu, Houston, New York and Chicago.The changes also applied to those with existing visitor visas, and join vaccinated Australian visitors, temporary work visa holders, and student visa holders who still meet their visa requirements, who are already able to come to New Zealand.Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said up to 5000 international students were able to come here for the second semester of the academic year.Over 6000 applications Working Holiday Visas had also been approved since March."They will not only have a great time on holiday here but can work to support our tourism, hospitality and horticultural sectors," Faafoi said.On Sunday the Government announced new, more accurate Covid tests which return results in 30 minutes would be trialled at Auckland Airport.Lamp (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) tests can be self-administered like a RAT (rapid antigen test), but are much more accurate.Air NZ CEO Greg Foran said the airline would "ideally" like Covid-19 testing to be removed from travel."But this [test] is a good insurance policy should we suddenly find ourselves in a different situation in the near term."Foran said the further border reopening was a "big day for us", noting it had been 767 days since New Zealand shut its border to anyone without residency or citizenship in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.Foran said almost 1000 people will arrive on the first three flights, from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Fiji.He said he expected visitor numbers to start seriously increasing in July."I think it's still reasonably early in this. What we've got are a lot of people who are keen to reconnect with family and friends and relatives."We're increasingly seeing businesspeople starting to get out and wanting to reconnect. And my view is that when we get to July school holidays, I think we will see some pretty good travel not only domestically but internationally."Air NZ had recalled about 800 pilots and cabin crew in anticipation of increased travel numbers."We've got quite a bit hiring spree going on at the moment."- by Michael Neilson, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auditor-General is to launch an inquiry into how mental health and addiction services are working for young people.It comes after National's mental health spokesman Matt Doocey wrote to the Auditor-General, Parliament's independent spending watchdog, to look at the $1.9 billion for mental health allocated in the 2019 Budget.The Auditor-General normally looks at whether laws might have been broken around the spending of public money, not the merits of individual spending decisions.In a letter published today, John Ryan said he believed there was already sufficient oversight of that Government investment, through reviews by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's Implementation Unit, and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, which recently reported that investment had not seen improvements "materialise" as hoped.Rather than duplicate the processes, Ryan said his office would focus on the effectiveness of mental health and addiction services for young people "a group with an increasing need for mental health support".National's mental health spokesman Matt Doocey. Photo / SuppliedHe would also closely monitor mental health and addiction services through the current health reforms.Doocey said he was satisfied with the response, especially with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission recently reporting alongside an increase in young people accessing mental health services they faced longer wait times.In 2020/21 just 65 per cent of people aged under 19 were seen in the first three weeks of their referral - below the 80 per cent target, and 87 per cent within eight weeks - below 95 per cent target.He was also pleased to see a focus on the health reforms, with the Commission and Mental Health Foundation recently raising concerns.After Doocey first wrote the letter, Health Minister Andrew Little said the spending had already been reviewed six times across a range of reviews.He described the call for yet another review as a "meaningless stunt from a party that left our mental health services in an appalling state, handing us with the task of a major rebuild".Little made similar comments today, calling it "simply another cheap stunt by Matt Doocey and the National Party"."All this shows is they're not serious about building a better mental health system."Doocey said it was justified given the Auditor-General previously asking questions about the investment in a report.Doocey said he had also been blocked three times by Labour when he tried to get the Health Select Committee to look into various mental health issues, including the concerns raised about spending.The Government's 2019 budget boost was in response to the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction (He Ara Oranga), which estimated the annual cost of serious mental illness, including addiction, at $12 billion.Health Minister Andrew Little. Photo / Mark MitchellLittle himself has voiced frustration about the slow pace with which parts of the $1.9b mental health package announced in 2019 was being rolled out – in particular the $235m set aside for building new mental health and addiction facilities, and lack of new spaces being added. After that, steps were put in place to try to fast-track some of those measures.Doocey said new information he'd received showed poor recruitment efforts in the sector."In the last four years, the Government has only added the equivalent of fewer than two fulltime psychiatrists and 13 fulltime psychologists to the workforce."He said despite 234 new mental health nurses, 452 left last year."This is devastating for those trapped on ballooning waitlists and their families."The Government needs a plan for growing the workforce and addressing our urgent mental health challenges."- by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

The Government has boosted flu vaccine supplies by 40 per cent as experts warn this season could be particularly bad because the country has far lower natural immunity.New Zealand usually uses about 1.4 million flu vaccines a year.Health Minister Andrew Little said this year two million would be available and more people could get vaccinated for free."With the Omicron wave still working its way through the country, we need to protect our most vulnerable from getting the flu as well, and our health system from coming under more pressure."Already anybody over the age of 65 can get a flu jab for free, along with those who are pregnant or at risk of becoming seriously ill because of other underlying conditions.This winter, under expert advice due to increased vulnerability, Māori and Pacific people aged 55 and over could also get the vaccine for free, which means an extra 39,000 people.Little said as many people as possible should get the vaccine."In an ordinary year, flu kills more than 500 New Zealanders. And this is no ordinary year," he said.Usually only half the people eligible for free vaccination took it up.For the past two years, with the country closed to the rest of the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic, colds and flu had largely been kept out. But this year would be different."With our borders opening, I encourage everyone – and especially the most vulnerable – to get vaccinated."Anyone who is part of Group Three for the Covid vaccination rollout should make sure they get a flu shot.The $12 million programme, funded from the Covid-19 response fund, starts across the country today, with vaccinations available from family doctors, pharmacists and some Māori and Pacific health providers.Little said many new pharmacist vaccinators had been trained and authorised over the past two years, including provisional pharmacist vaccinators who are able to administer the influenza vaccine.College of General Practitioners medical director and Porirua GP Dr Bryan Betty told RNZ this morning the influenza virus had barely been in New Zealand for two years, because of the closed border.He said the flu was not a mild illness."The thing we need to understand about the flu - it's brought in from overseas by aeroplanes."New Zealand I think is particularly vulnerable because our borders were so closed we actually had no flu essentially in the country the last two seasons. As a result of that we think our natural immunity is down, which means we're far more susceptible to a bad flu season this year than perhaps we normally would be."- by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

A very quiet Waitangi Day today.  To run us through a very different looking commemoration, New Zealand Herald Political Reporter, Michael Neilson joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVE 

Politicians shared emotional messages to the "brave" trans and wider community as they supported legislation that allows people to change their birth certificates to reflect who they are.It has been over four years since the Bill was introduced, and it has been thoroughly debated - at times fiery - at each stage finally getting to a point where today it passed its third reading today unanimously.Green Party MP Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, a longtime advocate in the rainbow community, was in tears and had to pause to gather her emotions as she spoke in support of the Bill in the House."This bill recognises that those who need to amend their birth certificate can do so, that the courts do not have the right to make that choice for them, that parents do not have that right, that cis-gender people who don't even know them or care about them do not have that right."As a takatāpui, cis-lesbian fem ally to our takatāpui, trans and intersex non-binary whānau, I am very proud to commend this bill to the house," she said.Kerekere also made reference to the country's first and only transgender MP, Georgina Beyer.The Bill means people can amend the sex on a birth certificate on simple process without going through the Family Court, which involved appearing before a judge and disclosing private medical information.It will also not require people to provide evidence of medical treatment, which can be difficult to access, intrusive, and which the person in question may not want.Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti said it was "a proud day in Aotearoa's history".She paid tribute to the people who submitted in favour of the change who had been "hurt, mocked, belittled and discriminated against"."A lot of discussion was aimed at trans women. As a cis woman I am proud to stand alongside my sisters."Trans misogyny is still misogyny."Tinetti referred to a time when she was principal at a school and an 8-year-old student, who the "world saw as a boy knew they were a girl".She worked through the journey with her, and she'd recently contacted the minister to thank her."We are changing legislation that is truly a step closer to an inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand."Keep proudly being you."National Party spokeswoman for women Nicola Grigg said few bills had had such a "complicated" passage through the House."But this Bill is in a much better state than when it was introduced in 2017."She said she understood the concerns of those who felt the change could diminish the status of women in society, and set a precedent for replacing sex in policy."Those views are genuinely held and we as parliamentarians have an obligation to listen."She said she was concerned some of those opposing the changes were blocked from organising debates on the topic.However, Gigg said she believed those fears were unfounded."The current law causes unnecessary stress for some people and I don't think it will set a precedent. Laws need to reflect the times we live in."All this is doing is modernising the process, it was a dated Act and this shifts it in the right direction."The self-identification provisions come into force in 18 months' time.This will give the Government opportunity to consult with the rainbow community and receive submissions and ensure the legislation works to support those it concerns.Consultation will begin next year on the regulations which will determine who is a suitably qualified third party to support applications for young people; find a way to make sure the sex markers available for the birth certificate include non-binary and cultural options; and determine any additional requirements for anyone seeking to amend their registered sex more than once.- by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

Top microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles has called stories written about her on right-wing blogs accusing her of breaking level 4 rules "misinformation".A video has been circulated on various right-wing websites, including one run by Cameron Slater, which shows Wiles and another woman sitting on an Auckland beach talking without masks.The video also shows the other woman at one point swimming briefly in the calm water as Wiles watches.In various posts, Wiles is accused of breaking level 4 lockdown rules.Wiles told the Herald this was not true.The friend was living alone so had joined Wiles' bubble. Hey @JudithCollinsMP - thanks for your interest in my exercise habits. You never heard of bicycles?! They are awesome for getting around the city, especially at Level 4 when there are so few cars about.— Dr Siouxsie Wiles (@SiouxsieW) September 10, 2021 They had gone for a bike ride in their local area, which is permitted, and as they were outside away from others had taken off their masks to chat on the beach - also permitted."We all know that alert level 4 is hard, especially for those who live alone. A good friend of mine lives alone and was struggling a bit so I invited her to join my bubble."The two regularly cycle together anyway, and so continued through lockdown.On the day of the video they cycled to Judges Bay and on the "near-deserted beach", took off their masks and "had a chinwag".Wiles said she did accept her friend had broken the rules by swimming."It is clear my bubble mate did break the rules by going for a swim. She shouldn't have done it, and I should have stopped her, but I am not her mum. It is, though, important people do stick to the rules."On Friday, director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield clarified it was okay under alert level 4 to cycle 5km from someone's home with someone from their bubble and not be wearing a mask. I'm sure you can imagine my surprise at the Director-General of Health being asked what sounded awfully like questions about my exercise habits at the 1pm presser! Anyway, here's a quick thread on the story behind that video & a good reminder to be watchful for disinformation 1/n pic.twitter.com/9uYBfQqNyl— Dr Siouxsie Wiles (@SiouxsieW) September 10, 2021 "The Prime Minister has earlier talked about, if you are keeping well away from other people and you're undertaking exercise on the more vigorous side, yes that is fine."Bloomfield said he had been contacted by Wiles about the video, and after explaining her actions to him he agreed there were no rules broken by her.Dr Siouxsie Wiles. Photo / Sarah IveyDeputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said he had not seen the video but that "everyone should follow the rules".Wiles said it was "disappointing" to have mistruths spread about her, but it was understanding people were feeling on edge at the moment."It is looking really good [for Auckland] and we are at that point where the cases are coming down and everyone has been doing their best. But we are just not quite there yet and everyone's nerves are fraying a bit."During the first lockdown last year, then-Health Minister David Clark stepped down after it was revealed he drove 2.3km in his work van to go mountain biking in Dunedin.Text by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson has defended the Human Rights Commission for giving koha to the Mongrel Mob stating one can "never walk away from tikanga".The Human Rights Commission has copped criticism from National and Act after Newstalk ZB revealed it gifted $200 as koha – a customary Māori gift or donation – to the Waikato chapter of the gang ahead of a hui in May.The parties said taxpayer money going to a gang was unacceptable, and called for chief human rights commissioner Paul Hunt to resign.Jackson was asked by media if he had ever given koha to the Mongrel Mob, having met with gang representatives on a few occasions.Jackson said he had not met with them on a marae and thus it was not relevant, but he defended the process as tikanga, custom."We are talking about carrying out tikanga. You get invited somewhere your obligation as Māori never leaves you, you give a koha."It is not about supporting them, we absolutely reject that gang life, you come to my marae you are not allowed patches."But it is not about supporting the Mob, this is nonsense from National and the Act Party."Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson, who attended the same hui as Hunt, said she had not given koha."No, but all groups we visit around the country, when they are hosting and taking care of us it is up to us if we give koha, like we would for any group."Asked in the House today by National's police spokesman Simeon Brown if the Government supported the commission's actions, Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins, speaking on behalf of Justice Minister Kris Faafoi, said it was not appropriate to comment.The commission was legally established to be "independent and free from the direction of ministers or government policy", he said."The positions that they take will sometimes be positions that the Government of the day disagree with, and the members opposite should think carefully if they want to end up in a position where the chief human rights commissioner can only express views or take actions that the Government of the day sanctions."When asked if he thought Hunt should resign, Hipkins stated it required the Governor-General to be satisfied there was just cause."This Government follows the law," Hipkins said.Act Party leader David Seymour asked Hipkins if giving money to a criminal organisation met the threshold to remove the commissioner or if it was just "hakuna-matata", a Swahili phrase referenced in The Lion King loosely translated as "no worries".In response, Hipkins reiterated the commission's independence.Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi asked a supplementary question about whether the minister thought the Opposition's interpretation of donation was "very different to the interpretation of koha"?He also asked of Act's former leader, "Don Brash sitting on an educational trust with the Mongrel Mob; does that sound like hakuna-matata?"Brown told media while independence of agencies like the commission should be respected, the Government should take responsibility for the inappropriate use of taxpayer funding."I refuse to think the minister thinks donating to organised crime is appropriate use of taxpayer funds."Hunt simply has to go and then the Government needs to take a long look at itself and how it is managing the rise of gangs in New Zealand."text by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

All refugees have a pathway to the "full rights of New Zealand citizens" and if Australia wants to stop them returning across the Tasman that is "their decision", Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi says.His comments come after news Australia had recently approached New Zealand to take up the longstanding offer to resettle 150 refugees a year who have been rejected by the federal Australian government because they attempted to arrive by boat.Speaking to Australian media, Australia Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said in securing any deal she had made it "very clear" to New Zealand there wouldn't be a "backdoor method" for refugees to be able to return to Australia.The offer, first made under John Key's Government in 2013, has been repeatedly rejected from politicians across the Tasman, largely around concerns New Zealand would become a "backdoor route" to Australia due to travel arrangements between the countries.This led to Australia seeking a deal with the United States, which agreed to accept 1250 refugees. So far 940 people have been resettled there, while another 258 refugees have been provisionally approved for resettlement but await travel.On Wednesday, Andrews told The Age she had started talks with her New Zealand counterpart about accepting the offer.However, she said she had made it "very clear" to New Zealand there wouldn't be a backdoor method for refugees to be able to return to Australia."We're working through those issues now and we will continue to do so, and of course we will continue to work with the United States about resettlement options there as well," Andrews told The Age.Faafoi said he'd been approached by former Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton "early this year or late last year" about taking up the offer, and again by Andrews, who took over the role in April, just last week."The offer has been there since 2013. It is still open, but there are still details that need to be worked through and bottom lines in that," Faafoi said.One of those "bottom lines" was ensuring it went through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees process, Faafoi said, which guaranteed a pathway to full citizenship and all the rights that entailed."If they come to New Zealand it will be under the auspices of the UN programme, eventually becoming citizens. We would want them to have the full rights of New Zealand citizens."Refugees who arrive in New Zealand under the Refugee Quota Programme are granted Permanent Residence status in New Zealand, meaning they would still need to acquire a visa to travel to Australia.Most New Zealand citizens can visit, live and work in Australia without applying for a tourist or work visa, however.Asked about Australia concerns of New Zealand becoming a "backdoor", Faafoi said that was "their issue"."Any intention Australia has in that is their decision. We have made it pretty clear on a number of occasions, if they come here, they will eventually become New Zealand citizens, and we would like them to have the full rights of New Zealand citizens."Faafoi said New Zealand had capacity for the extra 150 refugees, which would be on top of New Zealand's current annual quota of 1500.However, due to Covid-19 the quota had been greatly reduced. After pausing for much of the pandemic it recently resumed at a reduced level, with 750 to 1000 individuals to be resettled over 2021/2022.Faafoi denied any deal was about giving New Zealand any sort of human rights PR boost."There are some fundamental rights here, the lives of those on PNG and Nauru are not ideal. There have been offers from two different governments, open for some time."Officials between the two countries would be meeting this month to discuss further details, Faafoi said.text by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

Dame Cindy Kiro says she hopes to inspire young wāhine to aim for the "very top" after being named New Zealand's first wāhine Māori Governor-General.Shortly after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement today, Kiro reflected on her own "very poor" upbringing, and the "incredible" journey to get there."I really hope it is seen as a positive thing, you can reach the very top, and remember not only Māori and a woman, but pōhara, very poor, from a humble background."It truly is incredible standing here with this opportunity, and I hope young Māori girls, no matter where they come from in life, and all girls, take some inspiration from that."Kiro will take over the role in October from Dame Patsy Reddy, who will have reached the end of her five-year term.Kiro will become the country's fourth female in the role, and the first with Māori whakapapa.Kiro has spent much of her career in the tertiary sector, holding a PhD in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration.She has held various professorships at multiple New Zealand universities, and most recently was Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland before taking up her current role as chief executive at the Royal Society Te Apārangi.She has also advised multiple governments and various ministries.She served as Children's Commissioner from 2003 to 2009, from 2014 to 2018 she was a member of the Ministerial Cross-Sector Forum for the Ministry of Education, and from 2018 to 2019 she chaired the Welfare Expert Advisory Group.This year she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to child wellbeing and education in the 2021 New Year Honours.When she was asked by Ardern to consider the Governor-General role, she said it was a "shock", sending her back "slumped" into her chair.But after the initial emotion, and "huge sense of gratitude and humility" and support from husband Dr Richard Davies, she saw it as "an opportunity to really serve our country".This notion of service had "gone to the heart" of everything she had done through her life, particularly around children, young people and those who didn't have a voice to speak for themselves, she said."Service is an old-fashioned idea but still an important one."She was born in Whangārei in 1958, the eldest of six children, into a "very poor family"."My mother was born in a nīkau hut with a mud floor in the Far North. My father was born in the north of England in coal mining town."I know what it takes, hard work dedication and perseverance to actually succeed in life."I have used that academic success as way of progressing through life, while raising a family and trying to contribute to my community."She said her heritage was a "unique marriage", being of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu and British descent."I am proudly Māori, and part British," she said,"So I bring with this a unique marriage, an understanding of the foundational basis of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its place in our history."Asked what she thought of race relations today in New Zealand, Kiro said New Zealand had "done a pretty good job, but we have got some way to go".The Governor-General role came with the patronage of many organisations, including working with children, young people, mental health, innovation and education, homelessness and those with complex needs, she said.These were all areas she had "championed and worked on" in the past, and she hoped to be able to continue to do so, she said.Asked what she thought of the role of the monarchy in New Zealand in 2021 and her views on calls for the country to become a republic, she said "clearly" she accepted the Queen as head of state."I am here to support her and act in the role of Governor-General, perform a duty around uniting the country."text by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

The Green Party is calling for an overhaul of the immigration system, which they say treats "migrant workers as cheap labour and second-class citizens" and discriminates based on wealth and nationality.In an open letter to Minister for Immigration Kris Faafoi, the party is calling for a broad amnesty programme for people who've overstayed their visa, and for temporary visa holders to be granted residency."Migrant communities are flourishing in Aotearoa, as people come from around the world to create a good life for them and their families," immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March said."All migrants deserve to have their dignity, rights and humanity honoured by Immigration NZ and our government."But in Aotearoa New Zealand, we have an immigration system that discriminates and separates, treating migrant workers as cheap labour and second-class citizens."Migrant communities are an important part of the tapestry of Aotearoa. Migrant workers played a key role in our response to Covid-19 and we have an opportunity to ensure they have the ability to fully participate in society by granting them residency."Menéndez March and spokesperson for Pacific Peoples Teanau Tuiono launched the letter today at an Auckland event attended by Pasifika and migrant community advocates, including members of the Polynesian Panthers movement who have been calling for a government apology over the dawn raids of the 1970s, which targeted Pasifika.Tuiono, supports the call for the government to apologise for the dawn raids, says this is why the government must create a pathway towards residency for people who overstay."The Dawn Raids are a shameful stain on New Zealand history, defined by racial tension and unrest as police and immigration authorities victimised Pacific Islanders they suspected of abusing the terms of their visas."It was a racist attack on Pacific families and communities that was fuelled and enabled by the New Zealand government."Migrants on temporary visas have no clear pathways to residency, are left dependent on dodgy employers, and are separated from their families and loved ones through rules that discriminate on wealth, nationality and relationships."The open letter calls for seven changes to the immigration system:Create pathways to residency.Create a broad amnesty programme for people who overstay.Decouple work visas from single employers.Require Immigration New Zealand to stop visa processing delays.Remove salary criteria for the skilled migrant category and parent reunification category visas.Review partnership visas to ensure they are culturally competent.Devolve resources to hapū, iwi and whānau to link between migrants and local communities.text by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

Seafarers are finding they are caught in a snag when it comes to booking space in the managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities and want change.They are subject to the Managed Isolation Allocation System like the vast majority of people coming across New Zealand's borders. Its is currently booked up until June.But Nathan Schumacher and Geiri Petursson say the job of a seafarer, where they often have terrible internet access, and the overloaded system means it is nearly "impossible" to book a space.The pair wants a set allocation in managed isolation for seafarers and feels like no one is advocating for them."That's the only way," Petursson said.They also point out New Zealand had signed onto the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) protocol, which designated seafarers as essential workers.However, this was not reflected in the Government's policies and seafarers were treated like anyone else. Meanwhile airline crews were exempt, for similar reasons.Petursson, who is on a vessel off the coast of Argentina, said getting a space is "impossible" because the system is not designed for people working in their positions.Petursson left New Zealand on November 19 last year, and said he would usually work two months before coming home for the same length of time.Instead, he had made an agreement with his employer to work about six-and-a-half months because of the pandemic. He is working 12-hours per day, seven days a week."It's testing to do that for six months."He has a visa to enter Argentina when his work-stint ends, where he will have to wait until he gets a spot in managed isolation.Petursson's wife and children are in New Zealand and he thinks they'd like to see him spend less than seven months away."We're often in very, very poor internet connections … we just can't see how we can possibly get those vouchers," he said.Petursson said also having an Argentina visa put him in a privileged position, but was concerned about New Zealanders who could find themselves docking, and only given a 24-hour transit visa before being expected to fly home.He had a colleague who arrived in Myanmar over the weekend, where a coup d'état began last week."His situation is quite frightening," he said. "As of four days ago … he's still being told [by the Government] his situation does not meet the criteria for an exemption from the voucher system."I don't know what needs to happen to meet that criteria."Schumacher's situation is different. The offshore geotechnical engineer is still in New Zealand and actually missed a job because of Australia recently halting quarantine-free travel from New Zealand."It was pretty much a blessing in disguise for me because I then would have been in the same situation," Schumacher said.But if another job came up soon, he would likely go: "Because I've got a mortgage to pay."Schumacher said he was speaking up for the people overseas. He'd set up an email account for stranded seafarers to contact him through, and in the past 24 hours about 50 Kiwis working overseas had been in touch about their struggles to book an MIQ spot."It shouldn't be part of their job that they know that if they leave for a two-month stint it's actually going to be six-to-eight months before they get home."Schumacher said New Zealand could also be in breach of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, which allows unhindered repatriation of seafarers to their country of residence.MBIE, which looks after managed isolation, and the Maritime Union of New Zealand has been contacted for comment.- text by Jake McKee Cagney, additional reporting Michael Neilson

Dame Anne Salmond's life-long work to improve "intercultural understanding" between Māori and Pākehā has been recognised with the prestigious Blake medal.Salmond - a leading social scientist, communicator, author and conservationist - was presented the award during the annual Blake Awards ceremony in Auckland on Thursday night, in honour of sailing legend Sir Peter Blake."Dame Anne Salmond is one New Zealand's most outstanding leaders and trail-blazers," CEO James Gibson said."Her life-long study of Māori culture, and her efforts to improve intercultural understanding between Māori and Pākehā has improved New Zealanders' understanding of their own history."And her commitment to communicating the environmental challenges we face, including climate change, freshwater and ocean health, is a legacy we all benefit from."The ceremony also recognised six Blake Leaders in te reo Māori champion Scotty Morrison, young women advocate Fran McEwen, entrepreneur Michael Marr, indigenous rights advocate Dr Chris Tooley, student leader Benjamin Burrow and sailing and marine advocate Professor Mark Orams.Gisborne-born-and-raised Salmond has had a lifelong engagement with te ao Māori, working alongside kuia and kaumātua and writing papers, reports and prize-winning books.She's conducted research and taught at the University of Auckland, where she is Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Māori Studies, and in recent years turned her mind to conservation, establishing the Waikereru Ecosanctuary near Gisborne with husband Jeremy."There's always unfinished business, and there's always another adventure around the corner," Salmond said.Rotorua-born Morrison has been committed to ensuring what was a fragile and endangered language was accessible, working to bring te reo into mainstream media, and common everyday use across Aotearoa.Morrison, a broadcaster and presenter on a range of shows including Marae and Te Karere, is well known for giving his time and energy not only to those who are keen to learn te reo but those who feel disconnected from the language and culture, Māori and non-Māori.He's written numerous bestselling language guides and recently presented the series Origins, which covers the stories of where Māori came from.On leadership Morrison says: "I think you lead by your actions and you just put your work out there, and that's how you lead."New Zealand had come a long way with te reo, but there was a long way to go, he said.He hoped to see te reo become the first language of choice for the majority of people."In three to four generations time, I'd love it to be part of the fabric in Aotearoa."That's the dream."Professor Mark Orams has been named a 2020 Blake leader. Photo / SuppliedOrams, a "sailing professor", had actually sailed with Sir Peter, and was so inspired by his leadership style, he wrote a book about it so others could learn from his example.His love of sailing and surfing inspired a passion to protect the sea and its wildlife, and he has turned his career of international success in sailing into one of science and study - achievements that have also attracted international recognition.In 2010, Orams co-founded and became chairman of the International Coastal and Marine Tourism, and he also serves on the Sustainability Commission for World Sailing.In a time of rapid environmental deterioration that could start feeling overwhelming, Orams said it was youth that gave him hope for the future."It fills me with hope when I meet young people who don't have that sort of cynicism that comes with age."They have this optimism of youth and looking forward, and a sense of 'we can make a difference'."text by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the rising fear we're not doing enough to save our planet. Hosted by Frances Cook.Eco-anxiety is on the rise, with a growing sense that we're not doing enough to look after our environment and fight the looming threat of climate change. People are dealing with it in different ways.Some are swearing off having children, convinced we won't do enough in time to save the planet. They don't want their children to face the reality of what we're leaving behind. Others are taking part in direct political pressure, like school strikes for climate.But as movements like the school strikes become larger and more mainstream, the question is when it will be enough to push politicians to act. For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald reporter Michael Neilson and science reporter Jamie Morton. We discussed whether the tide of public opinion is turning, and what options are open to people who want to see change.If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.