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National’s tax plan is a fizzer rather than a game-changer, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. “Tax change must meet three tests. It must be fair to all, grow the real economy, and be politically sustainable. This package fails ... More >>
Figures showing the number of long-term unemployed has almost trebled in a year make a mockery of John Key’s pledges to reduce long-term welfare dependency, says Labour Deputy Leader Annette King said today. More >>
Once again, we’ve heard the rhetoric – but there’s no substance. It’s Alan Bollard one, John Key nil. More >>
Labour Law and Order spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove has told today’s rally of Corrections officers at Parliament that the Government’s plan for private prisons is a cop-out on a core Crown responsibility. More >>
Labour’s Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson is asking sevens fans to sign his on-line petition to ensure the IRB’s New Zealand leg remains at its natural home, in the capital. More >>
Labour Leader Phil Goff has invited Justice Minister Simon Power to Te Hurihanga, a specialised rehabilitation centre in Hamilton for youth on track to a life of crime, to see the centre’s real value. More >>
Even the Reserve Bank Governor doesn’t believe John Key’s election promise that he had a plan for New Zealand to catch up with Australia, Labour Leader Phil Goff said today. More >>
Labour Associate Ethnic Affairs spokespersons Raymond Huo and Rajen Prasad are urging Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong to speak out forcefully on the rising ethnic unemployment rate before even more ethnic people are forced on the dole. “With the Asian unemployment ... More >>
Manukau East MP Ross Robertson has been appointed as Deputy Convenor of the Peace and Democracy Programme in addition to his role as a member of the Executive Board of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA). Ross Robertson said that this executive ... More >>
A further 10,000 more women are now struggling to financially support their families after a significant increase in unemployment, Labour Women’s Affairs Sue Moroney said. More >>
Maori unemployment rates continue to rise and are further proof that the Government’s economic plans are failing, says Labour’s Maori Affairs spokesperson Parekura Horomia. More >>
Figures revealing over 72,000 young New Zealanders are now unemployed is shocking confirmation National’s talk about ensuring all our youth have employment and training opportunities is nothing more than empty sloganeering, says Labour Deputy Leader ... More >>
Labour Associate Ethnic Affairs spokesperson Raymond Huo has congratulated Corazon Miller for being the inaugural recipient of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Kiwi-Asian Journalism Scholarship. More >>
Proposed changes between the South Canterbury DHB and primary care providers need cautious consideration, says Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson. “Consultation is currently underway in South Canterbury that would see GP services integrate with ... More >>
An independent trial of the Government’s controversial National Standards regime would be the most sensible way to find out if it will help or hinder Kiwi children, Labour Party education spokesman Trevor Mallard said today. More >>
New, higher than forecast, unemployment figures out today show this Government’s economic policies have failed miserably, Labour leader Phil Goff says. More >>
Prime Minister John Key’s arrogance in falsely claiming that 40 percent of New Zealanders don’t pay tax is astounding, says Labour Revenue spokesperson Stuart Nash. More >>
Prime Minister John Key’s arrogance in falsely claiming that 40 percent of New Zealanders don’t pay tax is astounding, says Labour Revenue spokesperson Stuart Nash. More >>
Labour has welcomed the release of the Government’s consultation document on the review of special education and is urging it to take seriously the submissions of parents, students and other interested parties. Special Education spokesperson Grant ... More >>
Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson today welcomed the signing of an agreement between the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists and the Independent Practitioners Association Council. “This agreement brings together GPs and hospital specialists ... More >>
Labour’s Mount Albert MP David Shearer believes there are valid questions around the ability of Auckland’s transport system to cope with Rugby World Cup volumes and they need to be answered. More >>
Labour Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran says Steven Joyce must start talking to Telecom about its plan which could see hundreds of Kiwi IT jobs shipped offshore. More >>
Pacific Islanders are being warned of yet another immigration scheme offering New Zealand citizen ship for a price, Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni says. “The scheme claims that Kingi Taurua, an elder of the local Ngapuhi iwi will adopt people into his tribe, ... More >>
The National Government slashed 73 road policing vehicles in 2009 --- and is still not even halfway toward its target reduction in the overall police fleet, says Labour transport safety spokesperson Darien Fenton. More >>
Labour Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran today welcomed Telecom’s compensation package for last week’s XT network blackout but wants assurances that its core services are reliable. “Telecom’s $5 million package will go some way ... More >>
The crucial importance of ring-fencing the Working for Families scheme has been highlighted by a Ministry of Social Development survey showing that the number of children in hardship dropped from 26 percent in 2004 to 19 percent in 2008, says Labour Revenue ... More >>
The fact that the number of full-time equivalent jobs and total paid hours declined in the December quarter shows that thousands of hard-working Kiwis are not sharing in the economic recovery, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. David ... More >>
Labour wants high standards in schools and for parents to know how their children are doing, but the Government’s process for National Standards is now National’s shambles, Labour leader Phil Goff said today. “Anne Tolley is simply not up to ... More >>
Labour Leader Phil Goff has slammed the Government's closure and dismantlement of youth offending programme, Te Hurihanga, as "stupid and short-sighted". He said that it will inevitably make Hamilton and the Waikato a less safe community. "This programme ... More >>
Prime Minister John Key’s reassurance to Pita Sharples that school league tables will not be an issue till “further down the track” is misleading nonsense, Labour Party education spokesman Trevor Mallard said today. Dr Sharples said yesterday that ... More >>
The Maori Party’s silence over the winding down of Hamilton’s Te Hurihanga youth offending programme is deeply disappointing given its success in turning around the lives of young Maori and the huge support it has from their whanau, says Labour’s ... More >>
Labour Leader Phil Goff says the Government’s decision to wind down Hamilton’s Te Hurihanga youth offenders programme shows National’s ambulance at the bottom of the cliff mentality of combating crime. More >>
The beginning of negotiations between New Zealand and India towards a Free Trade Agreement is the culmination of many years’ work by ministers and officials from both countries, Labour’s Trade spokesperson Maryan Street said today. More >>
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples is right to have concerns regarding the introduction of National Standards, says Labour Associate Education Spokesperson Kelvin Davis. “But if he is against them, why did he and his party support them through Parliament?” ... More >>
Mr Roskill MP Phil Goff described the killing of Hiren Mohini as a senseless tragedy that has devastated the lives of his family. Mr Goff today visited the family, who live in his constituency of Mt Roskill, to express his condolences. “Hiren was ... More >>
The Labour Party's candidate selection for the 2011 general election is under way with nominations having closed last Friday for the first five electorates scheduled by the Party for early selection. More >>
The shambles that has been the consultation on part charges into the public sector draws to a close this week, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.“The proposal seeks to give people with the ability to pay access to a wider range of hospital ... More >>
The National Government is supporting the half a million dollars a head Chief Executive salaries while it caps the pay of doctors and nurses , Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. More >>
As the only nominee I will be honoured and delighted, if confirmed, to be the Labour candidate for the Maungakiekie electorate for the 2011 General Election, says Labour MP Carol Beaumont. Labour Party President Andrew Little yesterday confirmed that ... More >>
Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe says today’s Crown Accounts show that the recession has been shorter and shallower than forecast, with fiscal deficits now forecast for only six years, not ten. "While there’s still a need for responsible ... More >>
More patients are to miss out on health care as yet another DHB moves to cut services, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. “Taranaki DHB has announced that it will be looking to slash the number of ACC surgeries it carries out, cutting back ... More >>
Today I want to talk about some of the economic and social priorities that Labour will be fighting for this year. We are entering 2010 after a tough year - a year of job losses, and for a lot of working people - a wage freeze. This year, every ... More >>
Telecom needs to urgently sort out the issues with its XT network before businesses, particularly small organisations, suffer further financial difficulties, Labour Small Business spokesperson Ross Robertson says. “Earlier this week there was a power ... More >>
Environment Minister Nick Smith has taken five weeks to wake up to his responsibility to intervene in the Mackenzie Basin factory farming consents debacle, says Labour water spokesperson Brendon Burns. Commenting on the decision by Dr Smith to call ... More >>
The Maori Party is once again talking tough but delivering nothing when it comes to improving wages for hard-working whanau struggling to cope with rising living costs, says Labour’s Maori Social Development spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta. “Raising ... More >>
Mt Albert MP David Shearer is calling for the government to get its priorities right on Auckland Transport. “National’s decision to fast-track the Puhoi to Wellsford stretch of State Highway One shows the Government is not tuned in to the needs of ... More >>
Labour hopes the new Tertiary Education Minister will adopt a more sensible and less obstinate approach to the portfolio than his predecessor and has drawn up a list of his first priorities, says its Tertiary Education spokesperson Maryan Street. ... More >>
The Government’s miniscule lift to the minimum wage will immediately be swallowed up by rising living costs, Labour spokesperson on labour issues Trevor Mallard says. The Government today announced the lowest possible rise to the minimum wage – up ... More >>
Until white collar criminals are actually recognised for the criminals they undoubtedly are, they will continue to prey on Kiwis and on the economy, says Labour Commerce spokesperson Lianne Dalziel. “White collar criminals don’t even see themselves ... More >>
Labour’s spokesman on labour issues Trevor Mallard is to introduce a Bill in Parliament for the minimum wage to be raised to $15 over two years. The move follows a public survey last week which demonstrated strong public support for the Government to set ... More >>
Worrying reports that National is set to increase GP fees this year are beginning to emerge, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. “Last year Health Minister Tony Ryall told Primary Health Organisation to save $25 million, and to achieve this ... More >>
To you who have come from the four corners of New Zealand to celebrate the birthday of Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, thank you for the welcome on to your marae today. More >>
Labour is calling on the Government to support obesity prevention programmes as well as surgical options, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. “Obesity surgery can be positive for many patients and Labour supports calls for additional Government ... More >>
SPARC and the NZRU should immediately reconsider any decision to scrap this year's Women's NPC, Labour's Sport and Recreation spokesperson Chris Hipkins says. More >>
I stand on this sacred ground which Labour’s first leader, Harry Holland came to in 1932 and future leader Peter Fraser the following year and every Labour leader since. More >>
The time has long past for Social Development Minister Paula Bennett’s excuses about growing unemployment in New Zealand to stop, Labour deputy leader Annette King says. Latest figures out today show that the number of people claiming the Unemployment ... More >>
New unemployment figures out today showing around 8000 people joined the dole queue in December alone shows more and more New Zealanders are suffering job losses while the Government sits on the sidelines doing nothing, Labour leader Phil Goff says. ... More >>
Two Brazilian tourists who were doused with herbicide by a helicopter spraying gorse over the Heaphy Track deserve at least an apology, says Labour Tourism Spokesperson Kelvin Davis. “The last thing New Zealand needs is for this couple to leave our ... More >>
Concerns are mounting within the health sector about the Southland and Otago DHBs’ consultation on introducing charges for some hospital level services, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. “Both the New Zealand Medical Association and Association ... More >>
New Zealanders who are rorting the system to claim Working for Families tax credits have been justifiably put on notice, says Labour Revenue spokesperson Stuart Nash. Welcoming comments by Revenue Minister Peter Dunne, Stuart Nash said it had been ... More >>
National’s new shortened consent process must not exclude people living in Mt Albert from being fully consulted on the Waterview Connection, Mt Albert MP David Shearer says. The Government said today either a single hearing before a board of inquiry ... More >>
Cabinet divisions over how to deal with factory farming consents in the MacKenzie country may prevent the sort of the Government intervention that is required, says Labour’s water spokesman Brendon Burns. Prime Minister John Key confirmed after ... More >>
Labour will give careful consideration to the report of the Tax Working Group released today, but urges caution about any policy changes that disadvantage hard-working New Zealanders. “It is critical that the Government makes decisions that are fair ... More >>
Labour leader Phil Goff has today congratulated former Labour Prime Minister Mike Moore on his appointment as the next Ambassador to the United States. More >>
Labour's Associate Maori Affairs Spokesperson Kelvin Davis has welcomed moves for 90 Mile Beach to revert to its original name of Te-One-Roa-a-Tohe. More >>
The new Supreme Court sitting alongside the refurbished Old High Court is a fine blend of the old and new, the Yin and Yang, says Labour Courts spokesperson Rick Barker. “Each is an outstanding piece of architecture reflecting the different ... More >>
Commonwealth Secretary General HE Mr Kamalesh Sharma has asked Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Chris Carter to lead an election team to monitor the general election to be held in St Kitts and Nevis. The election in the small Caribbean state ... More >>
The results of a survey in today’s Herald demonstrate strong public support for the Government to set a decent rise in the minimum wage, Labour Party spokesman on labour issues Trevor Mallard says. Six out of 10 of the 2300 people surveyed said ... More >>
A 'traditional Maori' charging tourists five dollars for a photo with him resplendent in his felt pen moko should be allowed to go for it if he's giving tourists something they want, says Labour Tourism Spokesperson Kelvin Davis. Mr Davis was commenting ... More >>
It’s only 15 days into the New Year and the cracks papered over last year between National and the Maori Party are beginning to emerge, says Labour’s Deputy Leader and Social Development spokesperson Annette King. “Today we’ve seen Tariana Turia ... More >>
National’s election promise to close the gap in economic performance with Australia is in tatters as latest employment figures in that country show the gap is widening, says Labour Leader Phil Goff. “Australian employment figures have soared for the ... More >>
Labour's Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel is welcoming the Family Court’s announcement of the rollout of the successful Christchurch pilot of a scheme designed to involve family courts intervening sooner in urgent cases and placing more emphasis on mediation ... More >>
Labour leader Phil Goff has expressed his sorrow at the death today of a Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot in a flying accident near Ohakea Air Base. Squadron Leader Nick Cree, a highly experienced pilot and member of the Red Checkers display team, ... More >>
If Prime Minister John Key is still set on lowering personal taxes, then presumably he intends to do so fairly across the board for all hard-working Kiwis, says Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Stuart Nash. “Last year John Key and Bill English delivered ... More >>
Murray McCully’s bungled handling of the Rugby World Cup has once again forced the Prime Minister to step in and try and clean up his mess, raising real questions about whether he’s up to the job, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson ... More >>
Labour's Commerce spokesperson Lianne Dalziel is warning against kneejerk reactions that are being proposed in the wake of concerns about self-certification requirements of company registration. More >>
Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee’s ordered removal of a blog criticising his proposed power sector reforms is further evidence he is struggling in his portfolios, Labour’s associate energy spokesman Chris Hipkins said. More >>
Effective diplomatic representation between New Zealand and Fiji is necessary, notwithstanding differences between New Zealand and the military regime in Fiji, Labour Leader Phil Goff said today. Mr Goff was commenting following the agreement between the Foreign ... More >>
The future of Queens Wharf must be determined by Aucklanders, not Government ministers intent on railroading through a rushed development at ratepayers’ expense, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford. More >>
Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Chris Carter, has congratulated Ivo Josipović and his Social Democratic Party on their landslide victory in Croatia’s presidential election. “Croatian voters have given Mr Josipović a clear majority and a mandate ... More >>
Equitable access to tertiary institutions is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s education system and must be protected alongside the promotion of excellence, says Labour’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Maryan Street. Maryan Street was commenting on concerning ... More >>
New Zealanders are bewildered by Foreign Minister Murray McCully’s continued silence and lack of action over the sinking of the New Zealand-registered whaling protest vessel Ady Gill, says Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter. “Mr ... More >>
The New Zealand Government is taking a passive role while Kiwi lives are put at risk and Japan’s whalers get a green light to continue their whale hunt in the Southern Ocean, says Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter. “Foreign Affairs ... More >>
The decision of the Environment Minister Nick Smith to intervene in the factory dairy farming resource consents in the Mackenzie Basin has been welcomed by Labour water spokesperson Brendon Burns. Dr Smith announced today that he is working with Environment ... More >>
Labour Party Courts spokesperson Rick Barker is drafting a member’s bill that seeks to change the current emphasis which sees victims forced to act as creditors when they are owed reparations. Rick Barker, commenting today on Ministry of Justice figures ... More >>
Environment Minister Nick Smith has been asked by Environment Canterbury if he wants to call in the resource consents for factory dairy farming operations in the Mackenzie Basin, says Labour water spokesperson Brendon Burns. Brendon Burns says he discovered ... More >>
Prime Minister John Key and Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman must explain why they consider our elite Commonwealth Games athletes less worthy of media coverage than All Blacks, says Labour Broadcasting spokesperson Brendon Burns. Brendon Burns ... More >>
The prospect of New Zealand meeting its target of no more than 300 deaths on the roads by the end of this year is getting further away, not closer, says Labour’s transport safety spokesperson Darien Fenton. More >>
Some worrying developments are occurring across the Tasman as Australian Communications Minister Stephen Conroy presses ahead with his plan to censor the internet after Government-commissioned trials found filtering a blacklist of banned sites was accurate ... More >>
The Hamilton Women’s Refuge will be struggling to provide its much-needed service over Christmas due to the National Government’s funding cuts, Local Labour MP and spokesperson for Women’s Affairs Sue Moroney said today. More >>
The release of a consultation document in Southland showing that it intends to offer hospital based health services at a price is the start of a slippery slope, Labour Deputy Leader Annette King says More >>
Transport Minister Steven Joyce’s decision to back down from his preferred route for the new Waterview road connection in Auckland was welcomed today by Mt Albert Labour MP David Shearer. More >>
Labour says that the government’s announcement today about changes to the Holidays Act is a deceitful grab back of workers’ holidays entitlements. More >>
The end of the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit appears to be neither a resounding failure nor a major milestone on the road to curbing greenhouse gas emissions, said Labour's Climate Change Issues Spokesperson Charles Chauvel. More >>
Revelations today that ill elderly people are being turned away from rest homes because of the cost of care provides yet more evidence that the sector desperately needs an overhaul, Labour’s Aged Care spokesperson Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said. A rest ... More >>
Housing Minister Phil Heatley is at odds with his Chief Executive of Housing New Zealand Lesley McTurk over the Government’s policy to extend Labour’s Welcome Home Loan scheme to Maori multiply owned land, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson ... More >>
Labour’s Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran says the Government’s latest copyright plan is an improvement on its previous proposal, but more scrutiny is required to see if it will actually work. More >>
National’s announcement today of US, Canadian and NZ financial contributions to a Global Agriculture Fund is a huge missed opportunity for NZ Inc, Labour’s climate change spokesperson Charles Chauvel said. More >>
Labour Disability spokesperson Lynne Pillay today acknowledged the passing of disability educator and leader Todd Fernie. Todd Fernie was the Scholarship Recruitment and Training Adviser for disabled students at AUT. More >>
A pair of walking shoes and a few days is all the Minister of Energy and Resources Gerry Brownlee needs to learn why he should not open up Mt Aspiring National Park to mining, Labour Conservation spokesperson David Parker says. More >>
The Prime Minister must put a halt to ACC cutbacks that have restricted the ability of survivors of sexual abuse to access counselling, Labour Deputy Leader Annette King says. More >>
A year ago today Bill English also moved the adjournment debate. He began it by accusing the former Labour administration of being "scandal-ridden". This at the very time he was busy – busy rearranging his personal affairs to get twice the level of housing ... More >>
The Auditor General's report today on the need to ensure standards in New Zealand rest homes is a wake-up call for those who deny there are problems in the aged care sector, said Labour's spokesperson for aged care, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. More >>
The Government must spell out once and for all whether it plans to follow the recommendations of the experts and place family violence advocates in courts, says Labour’s Social Development spokesperson Annette King. “Contrary to ridiculous claims by Tariana ... More >>
Labour Commerce spokesperson Lianne Dalziel says the Capital Market Development Taskforce’s final report vindicates Labour’s decision to set up the taskforce, but Labour Labour Commerce spokesperson Lianne Dalziel says the Capital Market Development Taskforce’s final report vindicates Labour’s decision to set up the taskforce, but Labour would not support even the partial listing of SOEs. “When I established the taskforce in 2008 to develop a blue print for the development of New Zealand’s financial system, I was thinking of how we could add depth and breadth to our capital markets to help firms raise funds and allow New Zealand to capture more of the gains for business growth,” Lianne Dalziel said. More >>
The final report of the Capital Market Development Taskforce could be used by the Government as a stalking horse for privatising State Owned Enterprises, says Labour SOE spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove. Clayton Cosgrove said that while Labour welcomed ... More >>
The Government needs to ensure a harder line is taken against mobile clothing trucks after renewed concerns they are “financially trapping” hundreds of vulnerable families, says Labour’s Consumer Affairs spokesperson Carol Beaumont. “The Manukau ... More >>
Moves to silence teachers and principals from criticising the Minister of Education and Anne Tolley's threat to sack boards of trustees who allow staff to boycott the National Standards are like a red rag to a bull, says Kelvin Davis. “They have ... More >>
Phil Heatley needs to explain to tenants, landlords and vulnerable boarding house tenants what’s happened to much-need improvements to tenancy laws which he promised in May was a priority, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Moana Mackey. “The ... More >>
Shoddy and dangerous legislation stripping away guaranteed representation for Maori, students, staff, industry and community representatives from polytech councils passed its second reading today, says Labour’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Maryan ... More >>
Treasury predictions that unemployment will remain high for longer than expected provides worrying confirmation that National still has no plan to help Kiwis who have suffered most in the recession, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. ... More >>
Better-than-expected economic forecasts should be reflected in a Budget in 2010 that allows all New Zealanders to share as much as possible in the recovery, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. David Cunliffe says today’s Budget Policy ... More >>
The Government today appeared to confirm it is axing two widely heralded family violence initiatives, which is a pretty tragic Christmas present for those working to reduce violence in our homes, says Labour Social Development spokesperson Annette King. ... More >>
ACC cutbacks mean New Zealanders are not getting the health services they need to keep working, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. More >>
The Government's third super city Bill confirms just what a hash the Government has made of the reorganisation of Auckland’s local governance, says Labour's Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford. More >>
Labour Transport spokesman Darren Hughes says the decision to give the go ahead to the Transmission Gully project is welcome news for motorists of the Wellington region. More >>
Budget 2010 needs to be a budget that delivers for all hard-working Kiwis, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. More >>
Prime Minister John Key has been challenged to oppose development of 16 giant dairy farms in the fragile Mackenzie Basin after it has emerged that resource consents for the farms have already been granted without public notification. More >>
“Failure by the Local Government Commission to listen to the concerns being expressed by our community will mean greater inequality of outcomes and increased disaffection with local government - neither of which will create the successful and inclusive ... More >>
The outcome of changes foisted on Auckland by the National-led Government is a mess and the process by which they were arrived at is unacceptable and undemocratic, says Labour Leader Phil Goff. Mr Goff said Aucklanders had no confidence in Local Government ... More >>
Cuts to the Supported Learning Programme at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology will be a terrible blow to the 95 students and their families who will not be able to access education opportunities at the polytech next year, if planned decisions ... More >>
Maori will be amongst the hardest hit by changes to ACC according to official advice released this week, raising further questions about why the Maori Party is yet to condemn the moves, says Labour’s Maori Affairs spokesperson. A Cabinet paper released ... More >>
Concerns about the numbers of elderly using SuperGold discounts to visit Waiheke Island is a precursor to Government cutbacks in entitlements, Labour Senior Citizens spokesperson Ross Robertson says. More >>
Maori Party support for a Bill that removes guaranteed Maori representation on polytechnic councils is incomprehensible, Labour associate spokesperson for Tertiary Education Carmel Sepuloni says. More >>
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide hit a new low in credibility today with revelations about how little work he did on his world trip, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford. More >>
Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee’s plan to introduce more competition in the electricity sector does nothing to reduce power bills for New Zealanders struggling to make ends meet, Labour’s Associate Energy spokesperson Chris Hipkins said today. More >>
Customs Minister Maurice Williamson needs to explain why Hamilton International Airport is being lumped with a $450,000 bill to pay for immigration services, Labour’s customs spokesperson Sua William Sio said today. More >>
Labour’s Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel, who yesterday called on Justice Minister Simon Power to meet the Manukau criminal bar to get their perspective on issues in Dame Margaret Bazley’s Legal Aid Review report, says she is pleased the Minister ... More >>
Labour’s Wellington MPs are delighted the city is now officially New Zealand’s Fair Trade capital. The Wellington City Council will be officially accredited today by the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ) as a Fair Trade ... More >>
Kiwi internet users need to be kept in the loop about what is going on in the behind closed doors negotiations of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), Labour’s communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran said today. “ACTA has the potential ... More >>
Luamanuvao Winnie Laban says she’s thrilled her Member’s Bill designed to strengthen the rights of families and whänau of patients who are being dealt with under the Mental Health Act has been drawn from the ballot. "My Member's Bill, the Mental Health ... More >>
The Reserve Bank has confirmed that New Zealand is unlikely to experience an export-led economic recovery despite Finance Minister Bill English’s boasting, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. “This underlines again just how few ideas ... More >>
The doubling of workplace deaths in the last five months of this year was predictable and the government’s cuts to Health and Safety and ACC will mean that unnecessary deaths will continue, says Associate Labour spokesperson Darien Fenton. “Labour ... More >>
Education Minister Anne Tolley is living in another world when it comes to National Standards, says Labour Associate Education Spokesperson Kelvin Davis. “Anne Tolley talks as if teachers are opposed to good reporting to parents. They are not, and ... More >>
A significant number of New Zealand MPs are joining the call to urge the UN Security Council to launch an investigation into crimes against humanity committed by the military regime in Burma, says Labour MP Maryan Street. “They are joining over ... More >>
The Government’s treatment of ACC motorcycle levies is symptomatic of an increasing user-pays approach which is picking off groups of New Zealanders one by one, says Labour’s ACC spokesperson David Parker. “Today’s levy announcement also confirms ... More >>
A Cabinet paper detailing changes to ACC legislation is further proof that hard-working, lower income families and other particularly vulnerable New Zealanders will be hardest hit by the cuts, says Labour’s ACC spokesperson David Parker. “Labour's been ... More >>
The bill abolishing the Television New Zealand charter is the latest step by the Government toward making TVNZ a cash cow and ending any requirement to behave as a state broadcaster, says Labour’s broadcasting spokesman Brendon Burns. The Television ... More >>
Labour’s Justice Spokespeople Lianne Dalziel and Charles Chauvel are calling on Justice Minister Simon Power to meet members of the Manukau criminal bar to get their perspective on Dame Margaret Bazley’s Legal Aid Review report. Lianne Dalziel, ... More >>
The Government has decided to repeal the law that would prevent the privatisation of the Ports of Auckland unless a majority of Aucklanders voted to approve the sale, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford. More >>
A petition calling on the Government to reverse its devastating cuts to occupational and physical therapy in schools will today be presented to Parliament by Labour Disability Issues Spokesperson Lynne Pillay. “Education Minister Anne Tolley is denying disabled ... More >>
New Zealanders currently feeling the squeeze when paying the bills will not get any help from the Government’s electricity market review, Labour’s Energy spokesperson Charles Chauvel said today. “John Key and Gerry Brownlee blustered during the election ... More >>
Treasury confirmed at today’s Finance and Expenditure select committee meeting that government expenditure as a percentage of GDP actually fell between 1999 and 2008, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. David Cunliffe said Bill English’s ... More >>
Young people in Auckland will have a chance to challenge themselves across a range of sports and activities thanks to the new Break-Away school holiday programme. Paula Bennett, Minister for Social Development and Employment, today confirmed that 26 ... More >>
An inquiry into aged care, proposed by Labour MP Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, was voted down by Government members sitting on the Health Select Committee for the third time today. "It amazes me that with the approaching crisis in care for the elderly, ... More >>
The National Government is treating older New Zealand as a burden and refusing to acknowledge their needs, Labour Senior Citizens spokesperson Ross Robertson says. “Decisions being made by the Government in cutting ACC programmes that affect older ... More >>
It's premature for Prime Minister John Key to be congratulating himself over the recent drug busts at the border – when his own Customs Minister is on record as saying he doesn’t know how much of the drug and precursors cross our borders undetected, ... More >>
Finance Minister Bill English was given a car for his personal use before the regulations were changed to make it legal. Questioned in Parliament today the Prime Minister confirmed that Mr English had use of the car before May 26th, the date that regulations ... More >>
The New Zealand Labour Party will be represented at the United Nations Climate Change Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen (COP15) this month by its Climate Change Issues Spokesperson Charles Chauvel. "Climate Change is one of the most pressing ... More >>
Police fear that their traditional Christmas workload will be even tougher to handle this year because National budget cuts have forced police to chop 340 vehicles from their fleet, says Labour law and order spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove. “Police Minister ... More >>
Manufacturers and exporters are justifiably exasperated that the Government is not even prepared to discuss possible options to move beyond the OCR as the instrument of monetary policy, says Labour Associate Finance spokesperson David Parker. The ... More >>
My name is Charles Chauvel. I’m Labour’s Climate Change Issues Spokesperson. I just want to say on behalf of my Labour colleagues – including Grant Robertson, the MP for Wellington Central – thank you very much for marching today. Thank you ... More >>
Following a report in today’s edition of the New Zealand Herald, some may have gained the impression that I was not supportive of the views expressed in Phil Goff’s recent speech. More >>
Labour's climate change issues spokesperson Charles Chauvel is predicting that the Emissions Trading Law – passed late last month under urgency – will be back before Parliament early in the New Year, thanks to overseas developments that the Government ... More >>
New Zealand patients will bear the brunt of looming industrial action in the health sector because of a failure by the Minister of Health to become involved in planning for disruptions, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. More >>
National’s scaremongering over ACC and Superannuation has been exposed by the continuing strong performance of the ACC and Super investment funds, Labour Leader Phil Goff says. “The Budget decision to suspend contributions to the Super Fund with National ... More >>
Labour is welcoming the Government’s change of heart on ensuring Asian communities will have a voice in Auckland’s new super council, says the party’s Associate Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson Raymond Huo. “I have been calling on the Government ... More >>
Every year on 3 December we celebrate World Disability Day, and this year’s celebrations were a fitting acknowledgment of all disabled New Zealanders, Labour’s Disability spokesperson Lynne Pillay says. “World Disability Day is about acknowledging and ... More >>
Labour MP Jacinda Ardern says the Regulations Review Committee’s decision on three complaints about increased Environment Court filing fees backs Labour’s fears that Kiwis might be denied access to the Court. “Labour always believed the increased ... More >>
An attempt by the State Services Commission to silence criticism of the Government by teachers and principals should be stopped in its tracks, Labour’s State Services spokesperson Grant Robertson said today. “It is the absolute right of teachers ... More >>
The Government's third super city bill leaves Aucklanders in the dark over the power of local boards, says Labour's Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford. More >>
Continuing strong investment performances by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and ACC prove yet again how short-sighted Government policies are, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. David Cunliffe said Finance Minister Bill English’s ... More >>
With regard to the international economic crisis, there are encouraging signs that the worst is behind us. The strong economic stimulus promoted by the Obama Administration, the Rudd Government in Australia and the Chinese Government, our three largest trading ... More >>
Labour Leader Phil Goff today called on Prime Minister John Key to save New Zealand hundreds of thousands of dollars by disbanding the Don Brash-led 2025 Taskforce Mr Key set up with Act. “The Taskforce’s first report, this week, was a complete ... More >>
Labour’s Justice spokesperson and Christchurch East MP Lianne Dalziel has welcomed a landmark Christchurch ruling that prevents dairies masquerading as grocery stores getting liquor licences. The Liquor Licensing Authority released a decision this ... More >>
The National Government’s broadband scheme will create a digital divide between urban and rural New Zealand, Labour’s Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran said today. “It’s time Communications and IT Minister Steven Joyce acknowledged ... More >>
Labour’s Transport Safety spokesperson, Darien Fenton says that Transport Minister Steven Joyce’s explanation for the rising road toll as reported on Radio NZ this morning is pathetic. “New Zealand’s road safety record has gone backwards this ... More >>
Labour today welcomed Prime Minister John Key’s belated decision to show the world that New Zealand cares about climate change by joining global leaders in Copenhagen. “It’s a pity took it took the presence of 100 other leaders to convince our Prime ... More >>
Reports that more New Zealanders are putting off going to the doctor because of the cost are deeply concerning, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says. “During its time in Government Labour worked tirelessly to reduce the cost of healthcare ... More >>
A modest improvement in the number of New Zealanders drinking safe water is being put at risk especially in rural areas by Government policy changes, says Labour’s water quality spokesman Brendon Burns. He says while the Ministry of Health’s annual ... More >>
Following the recent announcement that Lynne Pillay MP would not be putting herself forward to be the Waitakere Labour candidate for 2011, the MP wanted to acknowledge the support from the electorate she has served. “I have decided to retire as an ... More >>
On World Disability Day, New Zealand’s disabled community has much to celebrate but also much to be concerned about, says Labour Spokesperson for Disability Issues Lynne Pillay MP. “World Disability Day on 3 December is one day of the year set ... More >>
Paula Bennett’s pathetic mini backtrack on the Training Incentive Allowance also highlights the stupidity of the Government decision to remove the bonding obligations on Step Up Scholarship recipients, says Labour’s Social Development spokesperson ... More >>
Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett’s announcement today of a new loan of $500 available to single mums studying for certain careers is nothing more than a token gesture, Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni says. “Lending women trying to get off ... More >>
Finance Minister Bill English’s failure to rule out an increase in GST should alarm low-income Kiwis and superannuitants, particularly given Mr English’s warnings of a tough Budget next year, says Labour Revenue spokesperson Stuart Nash. “It ... More >>
The Government should review minimum redundancy entitlements as part of its evaluation of provisions under the Employment Relations Act, Labour’s Associate labour spokesperson Darien Fenton said today. “National’s review of Part 6A of the ACT is a good ... More >>
While ACC levy increases will be hard on people’s pockets, they won’t be as steep as the figures the Government is continuing to use to scaremonger the public into accepting changes to ACC, says ACC spokesperson David Parker. “The levy figures ... More >>
The National Government is still considering further undermining New Zealand’s clean, green reputation by allowing mining in National Parks, Labour Conservation spokesperson David Parker says. “New Zealand’s ability to call itself clean and ... More >>
Labour’s Research, Science and Technology spokesperson David Shearer has congratulated Rocket Lab Limited for its successful rocket launch into space this afternoon. “The successful lift-off of Atea-1 marks a special moment in New Zealand’s proud science ... More >>
Don Brash’s 2025 Task Force recommendation that the Government should quickly lower the minimum wage to the relative level it was in 1999 shows how out of touch National was in appointing Dr Brash to lead up the 2025 taskforce, Labour Leader Phil Goff ... More >>
Difficulties the Australian Government faces in passing its Emissions Trading Scheme underline the folly of New Zealand forcing through its own legislation under urgency, says Labour Climate Change spokesperson Charles Chauvel. “National’s headlong ... More >>
Today’s report by Don Brash’s 2025 Task Force is a sham designed to cover up the fact that National has done nothing to help hard-working Kiwi families struggling to make ends meet now, says Labour Leader Phil Goff. “The taskforce has been a ... More >>
Communications and IT Minister Steven Joyce will soon face a big test on whether to regulate mobile termination rates, Labour’s ICT spokesperson Clare Curran said today. A draft Commerce Commission recommendation has said that the Government should ... More >>
National’s announcement today that it is shoehorning its controversial National Standards into the Pasifika Education Plan puts ideology before effectiveness, Labour's spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said. “The Pasifika ... More >>
Labour Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel says she is impressed with the scope and quality of recommendations in Dame Margaret Bazley’s Legal Aid Review report. Lianne Dalziel, who made a submission (attached) to the review, said that the report, published ... More >>
The Maori Party leaders boast they will select the governments of the future, but if this is their mission they must stop using the crutch of victimhood to sustain themselves, says Labour MP Shane Jones. “Their ETS complicity shows them to be ... More >>
Senior Labour MP Parekura Horomia today rejected criticism of Phil Goff’s speech. “Phil’s my mate. I’ve known him for more than 20 years and he isn’t a racist,” Parekura Horomia said. “The comment by Pita Sharples that Phil didn’t have the ... More >>
Twenty five Labour MPs including leader Phil Goff, and Labour supporters, are joining the thousands of workers rallying around New Zealand today to end a wage freeze in the public service. "The Government needs to listen to the 2700 hospital service ... More >>
Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee must admit repealing the Biofuel Obligation introduced by the previous government was a huge mistake, Associate Energy Spokesperson Chris Hipkins says. “Last year Gerry Brownlee took the backward step of repealing the ... More >>
Labour welcomes the appointment of Ngahiwi Tomoana as the new chairman of Te Ohu Kaimoana and thanks outgoing chairman Sir Archie Taiaroa for his valuable stewardship, says the party’s Maori Affairs spokesperson Parekura Horomia. Parekura Horomia ... More >>
Parliament ended an anachronism this evening when it struck the partial defence of provocation from the statute book, Labour's justice spokespeople Lianne Dalziel and Charles Chauvel said. Both Labour MPs were responsible for drafting and introducing ... More >>
Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard’s confirmation that the Reserve Bank is introducing new complementary monetary policy tools accords with Labour’s call for reform, Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe and Associate Finance spokesperson David ... More >>
There is a famous story in Te Ao Māori. It is about a kahawai, not unlike the Māori Party, and the great white shark. The great white shark said to the kahawai “Let’s learn to live together, let’s swim in a common current, and get a feel for the ... More >>
National Party MP Paul Quinn is continuing to put his party politics ahead of the need for the community to be informed about issues involving Work and Income, Labour’s State Services spokesperson Grant Robertson said today. “Mr Quinn has now decided ... More >>
The Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Christopher Finlayson’s support for a philanthropic campaign to raise funds for film archive storage is another example of inadequate funding to ensure protection of a valuable and iconic resource, Labour ... More >>
Labour has deferred making a decision on the notice of motion to establish a parliamentary inquiry into homelessness in order to allow time to convince Government members of its value, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Moana Mackey. “All indications ... More >>
Hard-working Kiwis who are already struggling to make ends meet under a National government that has no economic plan or ideas should be afraid of what lies ahead in Budget 2010, says Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe. “The message to ... More >>
We can celebrate the rich tapestry of our heritage and use it to move forwards as a nation; or re-open wounds and divisions where there can be healing. I want to talk about some of these issues today, and the choices that the Government is making this ... More >>
The discovery of a cane toad in Queenstown is an acute reminder of the fragility of our Biosecurity system, Labour’s Biosecurity spokesperson, Damien O’Connor says. More >>
Labour has called for the expense arrangements of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament to be independently examined and the result made public. More >>
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