Setting the Agenda

Political analysis and commentary shaping the progressive debate in Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on power, policy, and accountability.

Efeso Collins · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

MUST READ: I’ve read the PWC Stadium report and it didn’t take me very long because so many words were redacted from the version I got!
ByThe Daily Blog 22 May 2018

I’ve read the PWC report and it didn’t take me very long because so many words were redacted from the version I got. But in light of a looming regional fuel tax, which hits poorer communities hardest and representing a Ward with the lowest level of home ownership… a stadium in the middle of the city to host a future Commonwealth Games and the odd Abba comeback concert, is the last thing on their minds.

Read More MUST READ: I’ve read the PWC Stadium report and it didn’t take me very long because so many words were redacted from the version I got!
Chris Trotter · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

MUST READ: Budget 2018: Labour’s Pre-Emptive Capitulation To Kiwi Capitalism’s Discontent
ByThe Daily Blog 22 May 2018

Grant Robertson’s dutiful and fiscally timid first budget has furnished New Zealand business leaders with all the proof they could possibly need that neoliberalism’s sharpest teeth are all perfectly safe.

Read More MUST READ: Budget 2018: Labour’s Pre-Emptive Capitulation To Kiwi Capitalism’s Discontent
Mike Treen · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Union leader Mike Treen to join flotilla to Gaza in July
ByThe Daily Blog 21 May 2018

Mike Treen spoke with acclaimed US/Palestinian author Dr Baroud who is currently on a speaking tour of New Zealand on why he is going on the Flotilla to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. (See link below)

Read More Union leader Mike Treen to join flotilla to Gaza in July
Frank Macskasy · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

The Mendacities of Ms Amy Adams – “hidden borrowing”?!
ByThe Daily Blog 21 May 2018

National is at it again; indulging in rank hypocrisy by criticising the Labour-NZ First- Green Coalition Government of policies that they themselves carried out.

Read More The Mendacities of Ms Amy Adams – “hidden borrowing”?!
Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Dr Liz Gordon – A just nation?
ByThe Daily Blog 20 May 2018

It has been a very long time since a New Zealand government has had an agenda of justice sector reform. In truth, justice has been run on the fuel of the agony of the victims of crime. It has been stoked by rage and fear. There has been little that is dispassionate or even that over-used phrase, evidence-based, about justice policy. To be honest, justice policy since about 1990 has been stark raving bonkers.

Read More Dr Liz Gordon – A just nation?
Mike Treen · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Budget 2018 – Fiscal restraint and state housing – ideological craziness exposed
ByThe Daily Blog 19 May 2018

The government has decided to increase the building of state housing from their extremely modest target of 1000 a year to the still very modest target of 1600 a year over the next four years.

Housing NZ is not being given any extra money to do this.

They will have to borrow on private financial markets at higher rates than the government can borrow money for.

The cost to the government will be more as a result.

Read More Budget 2018 – Fiscal restraint and state housing – ideological craziness exposed
Leslie Bravery · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Zionist lies and preparation for nuclear war
ByLeslie Bravery 19 May 2018

If we cannot bring Israel to respect the most fundamental provisions of international law, then we must part company with our ‘traditional allies’ as they seek to cover for Israel’s lawlessness and inhumanity. New Zealand should reappraise its foreign policy and align itself with humanity rather than unashamed power. Solidarity with BDS would be a shining beacon for united action by all who yearn for a return to sanity, justice and respect for the whole of humanity.

Read More Zionist lies and preparation for nuclear war
John Minto · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Budget 2018: Tinkering with neo-liberalism
ByJohn Minto 18 May 2018

“Transformation” is a politically expedient and specifically misleading term. Labour knows the expectations are high and by describing it as the first of three budgets which will “transform” New Zealand, Labour is offering future hope from a government which has no intention of any transformation outside the rigid confines of neo-liberalism.

Read More Budget 2018: Tinkering with neo-liberalism
Mike Treen · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Wage and time theft endemic – and could get worse
ByThe Daily Blog 18 May 2018

Workers have been cheated for 15 years. But it seems that companies are only being required to go back six years to calculate repayments. Why?

Read More Wage and time theft endemic – and could get worse
Frank Macskasy · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Simon burns his Teal Coalition Bridges
ByThe Daily Blog 17 May 2018

So with National’s antipathy to taking the crucial, hard steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, what was National’s reasoning to entice the Green Party into a coalition deal (or at least a confidence and supply arrangement)? The answer came from Bluegreens co-chairman, Geoff Thompson. Thompson was unequivocally clear in his stated intention to using his front-organisation as a way for National to return to power;

Read More Simon burns his Teal Coalition Bridges