The Daily Blog

4 days ago | thedailyblog.co.nz | Curwen Ares Rolinson

An audit of 1022 police recruits that went through training between January 2024 and April 2025 reveals 128 did so despite being unable to pass a “basic literacy assessment”, in addition to dozens of other irregularities (the one that got the headline was the 36 that failed psychometric testing but were waived through anyway). Now, I am a simple man.

1 week ago | thedailyblog.co.nz | Leslie Bravery |Leslie edits |In Occupied Palestine

In Occupied PalestineZionism in practiceIsrael’s Daily Toll on Palestinian Life, Limb, Liberty and Land08:00,17June2025until 08:00,18June 2025Gaza StripMerciless blitz on starvingGaza — growing numbersof dead and injuredVictims 17 June – 18 June 2025:144 more killed and 560 woundedSince dawn, Israeli air strikes, missile launches and gunfire on homes, as well as medical and other facilities, have resulted in 144 dead and 560 wounded.

1 week ago | thedailyblog.co.nz | Martyn Bradbury

The Post-Freshwater Strategy Poll: Labour pulls ahead of NationalLabour has pulled ahead of National in the latest The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll, as nearly half of New Zealanders say the country is heading in the wrong direction and cost-of-living concerns continue to dominate public sentiment. The Labour Party has gained seven points since the 2023 election to reach 34%, overtaking National on 32%, down six points. The Greens are on 11%, with ACT and NZ First each polling at 8%.

1 week ago | thedailyblog.co.nz | Martyn Bradbury

Contracts leaked as minister intervenes in Health NZ’s spat with mental health providersMental Health Minister Matt Doocey has told Te Whatu Ora to work better with its community health services. Contracts for many mental health providers set to expire within weeks, but they’re now being asked to agree to new terms. Labour calls those new contracts “draconian”, given the power it could give to Te Whatu Ora. Unbelievable – is Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey in charge of his organisation?

1 week ago | thedailyblog.co.nz | Martyn Bradbury

Workers’ rights in for a shake-up in employment relations bill set to be introducedThe Government is set to introduce a bill that would, among other things, prevent high-income earners from claiming unjustified dismissaland reduce personal grievance payouts when an employee is at fault. The Employment Relations Amendment Bill, due to be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday by Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden, gives effect to a number of ACT–National coalition agreement commitments.