Gordon Campbell: On New Zealand getting involved (again) in other people's wars

Apparently, the Key government is still pondering how New Zealand will contribute to the fight against Islamic State. Long may it ponder, given the lack of consensus among our allies as to how to fight IS, where to fight it (Syria, Iraq, or both?) and with whose ground troops, pray tell? More>>

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• US Department of Defence - Dempsey Hosts Defense Chiefs ISIL Strategy Meeting
• TV3 Video - Gower: Key's claims on IS meeting 'ridiculous' - John Key weighs up options in fight against IS


• NZ Govt - World War One exhibition gives insight into war and conflict

Gordon Campbell: On child poverty, and David Shearer’s latest outburst

The politicisation of (a) the public service and (b) the operations of the Official Information Act have been highlighted by the policy advice package on child poverty that RNZ’s resolute political editor Brent Edwards has finally prised out of the Ministry of Social Development. More>>

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• Greens - National must end ideological opposition to raising income

Gordon Campbell: On the government’s review of security laws

So the Key government is about to launch a four week review of the ability of our existing legislation to deal with “suspected and returning foreign terrorist fighters, and other violent extremists.”

According to its terms of reference, the review will consider whether the SIS, GCSB and Police are sufficiently able right now to (a) investigate and monitor suspected and returning foreign terrorist fighters… More>>

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• New Zealand Government - Review of foreign fighters security settings to begin
• Greens - Key dishonest about terrorism law changes
• Out-Link - Terrorism is already illegal • Legal Beagle • Public Address
• Out-Link - What's behind the rush to change our passport laws? | Pundit

Labour Davids: Lisa Owen Interviews David Shearer

David Shearer still mulling whether to stand for Labour leadership but says his family doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Declares that it will be “incredibly divisive” for the Labour caucus if David Cunliffe returns to the role of leader. More>>

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• The Nation - Lisa Owen interviews Labour MP Andrew Little
• TV3 Video - NZ sick of 'comedian' PM - Parker - David Parker to run for Labour leadership - David Parker expected to run for Labour leader - Image David Shearer considers standing for Labour leadership - Labour race a 'fight for survival' - panel

Taser Use & False Evidence: Timaru Officers "Failed To Follow Good Policing Practice"

The Authority found that even if Mr Reuben’s contact with the officer was deliberate it amounted to only a minor assault. While it found the use of the OC spray was justified, the use of the Taser was not a proportionate response... More>>

ALSO:

• NZ Police - Police accept IPCA report
• Martin Doyle - Martin Doyle Cartoon: When Tasers backfire
• TV3 Video - Police presented false evidence in court - IPCA

Little Surprise: Andrew Little To Contest Labour Leadership

I have decided to contest the Labour Party leadership. There are three immediate issues to deal with: creating greater cohesion across the caucus, rebuilding the relationship between caucus and the Party and, most importantly getting the process under way to listen to the voters who have abandoned us... More>>

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• Grant Robertson - Labour MP - Robertson Formally Nominates for Labour Leadership
• iPredict - Close Race Between Robertson & Little for Labour Leadership
• TV3 Video - Andrew Little enters the Labour contest - Andrew Little to contest Labour leadership
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Two Fewer Votes In Recount: "Positive Result" - Harawira

When I applied for a recount of the votes from the Tai Tokerau election, I made it clear that this application was not aimed at overturning the election result, but ensuring that all votes cast by Maori were treated with due respect, regardless of whether those votes are for Labour, Maori Party or MANA. More>>

ALSO:

• Electoral Commission - Te Tai Tokerau Judicial Recount Official Results
• MANA Movement - Tai Tokerau Electoral Recount - Recount Just One Step to Restoring Credibility - Mana Seeks Tai Tokerau Recount
• Electoral Commission - Election Writ Returned And Successful List Members Elected