The government released its second quarterly action plan for 2025 this week, outlining their targets across a range of sectors. Included in the plan is legislation around free speech at universities. When pitching this legislation previously, ACT leader David Seymour said the change would protect academics and individual freedom of speech, while disallowing universities from deplatforming speakers with controversial or offensive views. Seymour says the bill will ensure universities remain neutral on non-operational issues.
The action plan was joined by the new 2025 defence capability plan, which includes 9 billion dollars of new funding for the defence sector. Included in this 9 billion is 450 million dollars for killer drones, a first for New Zealand’s defence force.
The past few weeks have also seen economic instability in the US following a series of tariffs introduced by president Donald Trump. While New Zealand is only affected by the lowest 10 per cent tariff rate, the consequences remain uncertain for our still recovering economy.
In our weekly catchup with the Labour Party, Thursday Wire host Caeden spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about each of these issues, beginning with free speech at universities.
Last week, Green Party MP Tamatha Paul made comments about the police and the expansion of beat patrols in Wellington, saying they make a lot of people feel “less safe.”
The comments have been criticised by MPs across National, Act, New Zealand First, as well as Labour.
And Finance Minister Nicola Willis is seeking specialist external advice on what ways the supermarket duopoly could be restructured.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about these issues.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters gave a “State of the Nation” speech last weekend where he strongly criticised Labour and announced his party was declaring a “war on woke.”
The government has announced a new replacement for the Resource Management Act, looking to pass it before the next election.
And Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker has criticised the government for not condemning Israel in the context of recent military action and the blocking of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.
Labour has announced a caucus reshuffle, giving the Auckland portfolio to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni.
The party has outlined its intention to focus on winning Auckland back in 2026 after a blue wave swept the city in the 2023 election, unseating several Labour MPs in what were thought to be safe seats.
A recent Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll has put Labour up 2.8 points and would mean the centre-right bloc would not be able to form government.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader and new Auckland spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni about these topics.
Earlier this week, an investigation was launched into the school lunch programme after baked-in plastic was found in several lunches.
However, principals say the programme has already had various issues since Associate Education Minister David Seymour switched providers as a cost-saving measure last year.
And the coalition government is set to introduce legislation that would give the option of 4 year parliamentary terms.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy LeaderCarmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.
StatsNZ has released new data showing the government has missed all its child poverty targets, and that the number of children in material hardship has risen from 144,100 to 156,600.
The government’s proposal to expand citizen arrest laws has been met with a mixed response. The proposal has been criticised by business groups, First Union, and the Labour Party, largely for the risk to workers.
And protestors against a sewerage pipeline being installed through the tapu Lake Rotokākahu have committed to staying at the site after facing off with police.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.
A family-friendly Auckland Pride Event was stormed by about 50 protestors in Te Atutū on Saturday.
The event, involving a Drag King talking to children about the science of Rainbows, was invaded by members of Destiny’s Church. Later the same day Destiny’s Church intimidated attendees at Auckland’s Rainbow Parade.
And the government has launched a new tourism ad campaign with the tagline “Everyone Must Go!”
The tagline has had a mixed reception, however, it aims to boost Australian tourism numbers, which haven’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
For our weekly catch-up with Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni, Wire host Caeden asks about both of these topics.
Last week's Waitangi Day had a notable absence, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Instead, he chose to spend the day with Kāi Tahu. The move drew some criticism, particularly as all other political leaders were present at Waitangi.
It comes after National Minister Tama Potaka overhauled the Waitangi Tribunal earlier this year. Eight members of the tribunal were replaced with controversial new appointments.
And the Salvation Army has released their latest State of the Nation report. The report showed an increase in families struggling with the cost of living, forcing them onto the benefit in record numbers.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.
The government as announced their plan for the Cook Strait ferry a year after they scrapped Labour’s plan, including cancelling the ferries the Labour government had ordered.
And a new report from the Ministry of Social Development has revealed nearly a quarter of beneficiaries are not receiving their correct entitlements.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.
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