Labour's Shanan Halbert

Waitangi Day tomorrow will see political parties and their leaders from across parliament gathering to celebrate the anniversary of Aotearoa’s founding document. As this year is an election year, party leaders are keen to announce policies and set themselves apart from their political opponents. 

In the leadup to Waitangi Day, the government has been met with accusations of participating in secret mineral trading talks with the United States. The talks follow the US announcing a proposed mineral trading bloc to reduce reliance on China. The government has been criticised for engaging in such talks without public knowledge, and for considering increasing mining despite the significant environmental impact. 

For our weekly catchup with the Labour Party’s Shanan Halbert, News and Editorial director Castor asked about Waitangi Day, Labour’s policies for Māori this election, and the party’s take on secret mining discussions.

On Sunday, “Block the Ban” held a protest against the government’s decision to ban new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria.

The United Nations’ committee for the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination has released a report warning that New Zealand is at serious risk of weakening Māori rights.

And last week, the government rejected the recommended methane emissions targets.

This is despite officials warning against the government doing so, stating that lowering methane emissions targets could increase New Zealand’s contribution to global warming. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.

The Government has proposed to abolish regional councils, with city and district councils taking over these duties instead.

Labour Party MP Duncan Webb has introduced a member's bill to repeal the Regulatory Standards Act.

And the Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate, bringing it to its lowest level in three years in an effort to support economic renewal.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these issues.

The draft primary and intermediate school curricula have received criticism from the Principals Federation and some subject associations.

The controversial Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its second reading, following a six month long select committee process.

New Zealand First is introducing a member's bill to ban the private sale and use of fireworks.

And the Government is considering measures to force rough sleepers out of the Auckland CBD.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.