David Farrar

1 day ago | kiwiblog.co.nz | David Farrar

The Privileges Committee has recommended the following consequences for the MPs who disrupted the House, beingRawiri Waititi 21 days suspensionDebbie Ngarewa-Packer 21 days suspensionHana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke 7 days suspensionPeeni Henare apology (previously decided)These are all sensible recommendations, fitting the circumstances for each MP. The most important thing to understand is this is not punishing MPs for doing a haka. Hakas are often done in the House. I have been there for them.

1 day ago | kiwiblog.co.nz | David Farrar

The 2025 Green Budget includes the following:Increase welfare payments by 26% to young unemployed persons to $395 a weekPay $395 a week to studentsA wealth taxA death taxA tax rate of 39% on income over $120,000 (which with GST will mean you effectively will have half of every dollar over $120,000 going to the government)A new top tax rate of 45%Increase company tax by 5%So basically taxing NZ families, dead people and companies more, in order to give more money to people not working.

1 day ago | kiwiblog.co.nz | David Farrar

It is a very rare occurrence for an MP to use the c word in the House, but when female Ministers have had the c word used against them in a column by a Stuff journalist, it is very appropriate. Like this:Like Loading...

1 day ago | kiwiblog.co.nz | David Farrar

Treasury has banned from the Budget lockup numerous organisations that have been attending for many years. These include the Taxpayers’ Union, the CTU, Business NZ and the NZ Initiative. This is the exact opposite of transparent and accountable government. It means that all these organisations will not be able to read, analyse and respond to the Budget until several hours after it has been released. In a fast moving media cycle, this makes a difference.

1 day ago | kiwiblog.co.nz | David Farrar

The Herald reports:On Tuesday, the Herald was sent an email signed by “24 anonymous” EGGS students. In the correspondence, the students raise a list of grievances, including the increase next year from five daily periods to six, 30-minute lunch breaks and allegedly banning students from wearing thermals under their uniforms. The email claims the school is trying to work students in to the ground. Oh how terrible, a school that makes students work hard.