Category: ACT Party

Source: ACT Party

An RNZ host is exploiting her taxpayer-funded platform to support protests against ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill, says ACT Public Service spokesman Todd Stephenson.

“Mihingarangi Forbes is a co-host of RNZ’s Saturday Mornings and hosts the RNZ podcast Mata. She has joined the hīkoi, posing for photos with protest leaders and using official RNZ social media channels to post in support,” says Mr Stephenson.

“Much of the media has already dropped any pretence of impartiality when it comes to reporting on the Treaty Principles Bill and the hīkoi. TVNZ chief content officer Nevak Rogers has also joined and supported the hīkoi.

“The difference with RNZ is that it’s funded by the taxpayer, and Forbes’s show Mata has received close to a million dollars in additional funding from NZ on Air.

“As a public sector agency, RNZ is subject to integrity and conduct standards, including those of impartiality.

“It’s time these standards were enforced. RNZ bosses should give Forbes an ultimatum: stop your political campaigning, or face the same sanctions anyone else would.”

Notes to editors: If the Instagram posts are removed, screenshots are captured here and here.

Source: ACT Party

ACT is calling on Auckland Transport to stop tolerating fare dodging, with a major contractor saying lax enforcement is leading to antisocial behaviour and even serious assaults on buses.

“Antisocial fare dodgers discourage Aucklanders from using public transport. They deprive AT of revenue and load costs onto rule-abiding ratepayers. They are threatening, stealing from, and assaulting bus drivers and passengers,” says Auckland-based ACT MP Dr Parmar.

“In September, I met with a bus driver seriously assaulted by fare dodgers and relayed his concerns to AT. Since then, I have been told by a bus contractor that AT has been repeatedly warned that its lax policy on fare dodging is leading to violence.

“In 2020, AT introduced a de facto ‘travel for free’ policy when it removed cash from buses and advised operators that passengers without balance on their HOP cards should be allowed to travel regardless.

“The contractor tells me AT’s policy means some people now believe they are entitled to take the bus for free. This results in disputes with bus drivers, and it means that unstable or intoxicated individuals use the bus as a free ride or shelter. These situations increase the risk of attacks on drivers and passengers.

“We shouldn’t expect bus drivers to be responsible for dealing with fare dodgers. AT needs to take responsibility for a culture it has created that invites free riders to take advantage of the rest of us.

“When we turn a blind eye to repeated fare-dodging, we send a message that rules – and basic respect – don’t matter. Is it any wonder this then leads to violence?

“There are many possible solutions here. First, AT needs to publicly change its free ride policy. Next, whether it’s sterner ‘no fare, no ride’ signage, a mobile squad of AT officers responding to fare dodgers, or greater support Police and private security guards, it is clear we need stronger security measures. AT needs to sit down with bus contractors, drivers, and Police to agree on firm actions.

“I have requested a meeting with AT to discuss these issues, and I am ready to facilitate a meeting between all affected groups if that’s what’s needed.”

Source: ACT Party

“ACT has been approached by parents and students who are alarmed at school leadership abandoning political neutrality and pushing children into protest activity,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“We are aware of several schools, particularly in Wellington, formally endorsing the hikoi and encouraging students to participate, to the point of organising buses. Some students are missing exams to attend hikoi activities with the approval of school leadership.

“Schools are funded by all of us to equip young people with the knowledge to face the world with an intelligent and open mind. The school system should never be weaponised for indoctrination or to prop up one side of a political debate.

“If the Treaty Principles Bill passes into law, every young person can hope to grow up in a society that recognises them above all as a person with equal rights, not as a member of an ethnic group.

“The Bill does not harm anyone, but taking kids out of school and exams will harm their future prospects.

“ACT understands the Ministry of Education is reminding schools of their obligation to be politically neutral. We also encourage concerned parents to write to their school board reminding them of these obligations under the public service’s Integrity and Conduct standards.

“Parents may also consider whether their representatives on their school’s board deserve re-election.”

Source: ACT Party

ACT is calling for an end to the “broadcast allocation” for election campaigns that sees taxpayer money given to political parties to buy television and radio ads.

ACT MP Todd Stephenson suggested this in the Justice select committee’s inquiry into the 2023 election, and the report has been made public this week.

The committee resolved to recommend that the Government “consider” whether the broadcasting allocation be removed, although this was opposed by Labour and the Greens.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to pay for the election campaigns of parties they oppose,” says Mr Stephenson. “Democracy is healthier when political parties have to go out to supporters and make the case for voluntary donations.

“Ditching the broadcast allocation would save taxpayers around $4 million every three years. This would show respect for the priorities of households who would rather pay their own bills than those of political parties.

“The broadcast allocation is also unfair in how money is allocated based on past performance. This favours major parties over challengers.

“It was disappointing but not surprising to hear Labour and the Greens defend their parties’ taxpayer funding. They want to take your taxes to pay for ads to convince you to vote for higher taxes. What a rort.”

Source: ACT Party

Tauranga-based ACT MP Cameron Luxton has written to the Auditor-General, raising concerns about the Council’s recent sale of the Tauranga Marine Precinct and requesting an investigation.

“The Precinct was sold for at least $4 million below its valued price. Ratepayers deserve clarity around this decision to ensure their interests have been put first,” says Mr Luxton.

“But while ratepayers are losing this valuable asset, they will continue to remain on the hook for wharf upgrades to the tune of $25-30 million. This appears to be spending public money for private benefit, taking money from the have-nots and giving it to the have-yachts.

“Many ratepayers are already under immense pressure resulting from rising rates bills. Selling the precinct at below market rates is yet another kick in the guts left by the departing commissioners.

“I am concerned about the lack of public consultation, timing and sale price relating to this decision. The people of Tauranga deserve an explanation.

“I hope the Auditor-General takes all possible steps to bring some much-needed transparency and accountability to this decision.”

Source: ACT Party

Parliament will debate ACT MP Laura Trask’s member’s bill to help employers and employees avoid costly unfair dismissal or personal grievance claims.

The Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Agreement) Amendment Bill would allow employers to open protected negotiations for the termination of an employment contract.

“Sometimes when one New Zealander employs another it just doesn’t work out. Relationship breakdowns, poor performance, or personal circumstances can make an employment relationship unsustainable,” says Trask, who is ACT’s Small Business spokesperson.

“Some employers would happily offer an employee money to leave, and in many cases the employee would happily accept. But this is not an option under current law.

“A common fear for employers is costly and stressful personal grievances or unfair dismissal claims, even when the employer has adhered to due process.

“Hefty legal fees for personal grievance and unfair dismissal claims should not be seen as ‘the cost of doing business’. So my bill makes it easier for two adults to come to an agreement, shake hands, and move on to greener pastures before any dispute is escalated to the Employment Relations Authority.

“My member’s bill proposes the introduction of protected negotiations between an employer and an employee to terminate the employee’s contract under certain circumstances, such as when the employee is not meeting the demands of the role.

“The Bill allows the employer to seek termination of the contract with the employee’s consent, in return for specified compensation. Crucially, these conversations would be considered to be without prejudice, meaning they could not be used as a part of any future unfair dismissal or personal grievance case, unless certain exemptions apply.

“Similar legislation in the United Kingdom has proven effective, and this bill aims to provide a fair and balanced approach for both employers and employees in New Zealand. I hope it will have support from parties across Parliament.”

A video of Laura Trask talking about her bill can be downloaded here.

A copy of the bill can be downloaded here.

Source: ACT Party

The twin threats of GP fee hikes and the downscaled Dunedin hospital project ought to put steel into the Government’s efforts to find savings and interrogate the business case for the proposed $380 million Waikato medical school, says ACT Health spokesperson Todd Stephenson.

“In Auckland we have 97 percent of GPs hiking or planning to hike fees, a move that could discourage a patient from making a trip to the doctor that could save the health system thousands of dollars down the line. Meanwhile in Southland and Otago, communities have marched en masse over fears the Dunedin hospital upgrade won’t be big enough to meet the regions’ needs.

“It’s a matter of record that ACT campaigned to increase GP funding by 13 percent in last year’s election. And we share concerns about health service needs across Otago and Southland, particularly in the high population growth area of Central Otago.

“The common theme here is that the Government needs to find far more money in the couch cushions to deliver the medical care Kiwis need. ACT doesn’t support taking more money from struggling households, so we need find savings, including in the health budget.

“Prior to the election, we expressed that we weren’t convinced that establishing a whole new medical school in Hamilton is a better option than expanding the two we already have in Auckland and Dunedin, which have both said they can train more doctors. The work on the proposal done to date has not changed our view. You have to ask, if it doesn’t stack up, and other areas are screaming out for funding, why are we doing it?”

Mr Stephenson will meet with Mayors of Dunedin, Invercargill, and Waitaki outside Parliament at 12:30pm today to hear their concerns over possible reduced capacity in the Dunedin hospital project.

Source: ACT Party

ACT’s Finance spokesperson Todd Stephenson has written to Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche, congratulating him on his appointment and suggesting that he allow public servants to use rideshare services like Uber as a more taxpayer-friendly alternative to traditional taxis.

“There seems to be a widespread rule that public service employees are not able to claim back or expense a rideshare service used in the course of their employment, and this is unnecessarily costing taxpayers money,” says Mr Stephenson.

“Rideshare services are typically more affordable than traditional taxi services, and there is no justification for a blanket ban on their use.

“A 2017 report from the Taxpayers’ Union estimated savings of upwards of $3 million a year if public servants used rideshare services instead of taxis. The savings are likely to be even greater today.

“There could be other benefits. Rideshare apps offer live location tracking and number plate verification, enhancing safety for public servants. Digital receipts that show journey start and end points add another layer of accountability that ensures travel privileges are used appropriately.

“While ACT hopes the new Commissioner will be looking far more widely for ways to improve value for money in the public service, I hope he’ll take my suggestion on board as a ‘small, but easy’ change.”

Source: ACT Party

The Haps

The media and the usual suspects are breathless at David Seymour’s school lunch success. He’s halved the cost and delivered for more children, despite believing it’s the parents’ job in the first place. If Labour had done it the same way, they could have saved over $800 million. First they said he’d cancel it. Then they said he couldn’t do it. Now they say the savings are too great, and not enough businesses will make money from the scheme. Moaning Report managed to hang their coverage of the Government saving $170m off one Principal who didn’t like it.

The Achieving Society, and Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai

David McClelland was a psychologist who analysed children’s books to understand the values of different cultures. His work is summarised in Richard Prebble’s classic I’ve Been thinking.

The basic conclusion is that societies who tell their children they can make a difference in their own lives, if they take responsibility and make an effort, will grow wealthy and peaceful. Those who tell their children that life is a bit like bad weather, something you’re powerless to change, have difficult times ahead.

It worked. Writing in the 1950s, McClelland was able to forecast Japan’s economic miracle based on his study of their nursery rhymes. It was a big call for a war-torn country under foreign occupation.

That basic story has become the kernel of the modern ACT Party. Own your future, change your future, real change, change makers, make a difference in your own life and the lives of those you care about… Individuals matter because they’re the only entity that can choose to act, and sometimes the most unlikely people have insights that will benefit us all.

Why does the Party care about property rights? Because it’s hard to make a difference if everything you acquire gets nicked by criminals, or the IRD, or if you can’t use your property the way you want to because of red tape. It’s also why education matters, and you shouldn’t be discriminated against on any personal characteristic.

What, then to make of Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai? Apparently the best picture book at the book awards for children this year, by McClelland’s standards it shows New Zealand is stuffed.

The story has barely been covered in New Zealand, with two exceptions. A beautiful op-ed by Josie Pagani, that contrasts the book with Barack Obama’s liberalism, and a gushing interview with the author published by the parallel state-funded universe that is The Spinoff.

The story is a stream of consciousness from a young boy. My name is Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai, you can call me Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai. And he’s off. The usual reason for saying ‘you can call me…’ is to offer an alternative. It’s a sign of friendship and a will to get on with one another. Instead Paku uses the phrase to insist right off the bat that you must use his 13 syllables.

The book carries on in this vein, Paku believes that he was created at the same time as the universe and everyone was created at the same time. He doesn’t understand why there are rules or anyone is required to follow them, but he’s sure they shouldn’t apply to him.

Then the author has him say “I will hit all the English people in the face because they stole the land”. And “My Dad is Māori like me. I feel sorry for my Mum. She’s only Pākehā.”

The kind interpretation, that the author sells (and may genuinely believe) is that the book is designed to ‘stimulate conversations.’ The voice is simply the musings of a child, why be so hard on him?

As Pagani says, ‘those sound like adult words.’ The author doesn’t challenge the tropes that she puts in the mouth of the young child. There’s no conclusion that racially motivated violence is actually a bad thing. There’s only reference to Nana, who says you shouldn’t hit people, but she is abandoned as a quaint figure.

Parents (Paku is modelled on the author’s son) are apparently not to guide their children, they’re there to be their friends. Rather than passing on values of achievement, cooperation, respect for the dignity of others, Paku’s worst instincts (or is that the author’s prejudices?) are amplified.

Besides winning the Picture Book award, this book was funded by Creative New Zealand. This is the same Creative New Zealand that funded Tusi’ata Avia’s poem that cast Captain Cook as an avatar for Europeans in New Zealand and celebrated stabbing him with a pig knife.

Of course, the Government, and specifically Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith, is turning over appointments in these outfits and setting new expectations. Nonetheless this book, its taxpayer funding, and its national award show how deeply ingrained is New Zealand’s appetite for self-destruction.

Only by recommitting ourselves to universal human rights—equal rights—for each and every person can we overcome such corrosive thinking. Thankfully, there is a whole political party committed to doing just that.

Source: ACT Party

ACT MP Simon Court, who sponsors the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Repeal of Licensing Trust Monopolies) Amendment Bill, responds to recent reporting and feedback on the bill:

“My bill has received a very positive response from Westies frustrated with being denied choice and competition in pubs and bars,” says Mr Court.

“Some outlets have reported that my bill abolishes licencing trusts. This is not correct. Rather, it removes the trusts’ monopoly status, allowing new businesses to operate and compete.

“Trusts in Invercargill and Mataura, which do not restrict competition to the same extent as those in West Auckland, would be less affected by bill. However, Southlanders would be able to buy beer and wine from supermarkets and a range of liquor stores, as they do in most parts of the country.

“Claims that my bill undermines local democracy are fundamentally misguided. The free market is a democracy. Consumers are able to take a dollar and decide which goods and services they would like represented in the market, and which they don’t. With monopoly powers removed from trusts, individual consumers could choose whether to support the trusts or shop around.

“Other than with legislation, the only way to remove trusts’ monopoly powers is for locals to gather verified signatures from 15 percent of the residents and initiate a local referendum. That is higher than the national threshold of 10 percent for a citizen-initiated referendum, and in West Auckland it has proven a very difficult process despite the trusts’ own polling showing most residents oppose the trust monopolies.

“Finally, the trusts derive most of their profit from pokies, not alcohol. The trusts’ revenue is already well-diversified so they should not be concerned about competition from other hospitality venues, liquor stores, or supermarkets.”