Peter Wilson
Analysis - For a government that s acutely aware of political risk the action it took to curb public service pay was a bewildering aberration.
Jacinda Ardern flanked by Grant Robertson, left, and Chris Hipkins, right.
Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas I can t make any sense of it, said
Heraldcolumnist Shane Te Pou, a former Labour Party activist. How can the modest fiscal savings involved possibly offset the obvious political cost of inflicting an effective pay cut on tens of thousands of frontline workers who, after all, comprise a significant chunk of Labour s base?
That was typical of the reaction at the beginning of this week to last Wednesday s announcement. The criticism became a torrent until the government met unions and, as Stuff reported, hit the reset button.
Greens to back ACT motion to debate whether China committing genocide Newshub 3 hrs ago
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The Green Party will back an ACT Party-proposed motion for Parliament to debate whether China is committing genocide against the Uighur people in Xinjiang. We have long-supported human rights and what is happening to the Uighur people is simply not acceptable and we think that all governments around the world should be standing in solidarity with them, Greens co-leader Marama Davidson told Newshub on Tuesday afternoon.
Labour is yet to divulge its position on the motion, with Foreign Affairs Minister and Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta telling reporters on Tuesday afternoon that discussions within Caucus would remain private for now.
Davidson told Newshub she would like to see support across the House, but can t tell other parties what to do. Those with a privilege of a platform have a responsibility to stand up for international human rights around the world. What is happening to the Uighur people is simply not acceptable. I think a loud message should be sent and that is what the Greens are supportive of.
Prior to Labour s Caucus meeting on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Labour s leader, said genocide had a specific meaning that needed to be considered. What is being discussed today will be a response to a very particular issue of whether or not a genocide is declared, Ardern told reporters. The use of that term in the international environment, there is international law that sits around it.
Let’s be clear: no-one needs to pull out the violins for these guys. Most have ample power and resources to defend their own interests. If you’re a middle-aged white bloke, you probably lead a comfortable, stable life. You’re more likely than other groups to have employment, housing and wealth. You’re less likely to be affected by poverty and discrimination. You may own a bike, a boat, a bach or a business. You may have long-established family and social connections that contribute to your wellbeing. In all likelihood, you haven’t been spat on in the street. You haven’t experienced violence because of your race. You haven’t had a job application rejected because of the sound of your name.