Category: Media releases

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Unemployment data shows need for the Government to act now

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said new data released by Statistics New Zealand shows the need for Government to act now, with unemployment rising from 3.4% to 4.3%.

“There are now an additional 31,000 people unemployed since this time last year. Unemployment rose more quickly for women, kaimahi Māori, and for Pacific Peoples. The number of young people not in education, employment or training jumped 17%. This is a tough time for working people,” said Renney.

“Unemployment is a lagging indicator, meaning changes in the economy take time to fed through to labour market. The weakness in the economy is catching up with workers. The unemployment rate rose in 10 out of 12 regions of New Zealand. 119,000 Kiwi workers wanted more hours but couldn’t get them – a rise of nearly 30% from a year ago.

“This information should be a wake-up call to the Government. Unemployment is rising, but there is no plan to deal with the increase in those who will need help. Cuts to public services that would have helped the newly unemployed will likely make this situation worse.

“Workers wages are also showing signs of strain, with the increase in average hourly earnings (5.2%) rising at the slowest rate since March 2022. The Labour Cost Index is showing its lowest rate of increase since December 2022 at 4.1% – almost the same as inflation which is at 4%. Workers wages are barely keeping up with inflation.

“The NZCTU doesn’t accept that job losses and families being thrown into poverty are the right way to manage the economy. Add to this real term cuts to the minimum wage, and cuts to welfare payments, and there are all the ingredients needed for worker exploitation and increasing child poverty.

“The Government has a chance to act now before unemployment rises further and help make sure that workers and their whānau don’t bear the costs of their changes,” said Renney.

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Unions celebrate May Day during tough time for working people

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

On International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi and the wider union movement are celebrating the proud history of the labour movement during a tough time for working people.

“May Day is an opportunity to pause and remember the hard-won achievements of the labour movement, from the eight-hour day to weekends and the minimum workplace rights and conditions including health and safety,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.
 
“It is a tough time right now for working people in Aotearoa New Zealand, with unemployment rising and government launching an all-out attack on their rights and conditions, from 90-day trials, to repealing Fair Pay Agreements, to widespread job cuts in the public service. It’s more important than ever that we take time to reflect on the power we have when we come together as working people to organise for a better future.
 
“As a movement, sometimes we face setbacks, other times we make great advances. But we keep moving forward and making progress for working people.
 
“On this May Day, let’s recommit to the idea that everyone deserves good work – work that is secure and pays well, provides lifelong opportunities, fosters health and wellbeing, enables people to have a voice in the workplace, and contributes to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
 
“If you want to be part of making history, join your union, get involved and let’s keep up the proud record of the labour movement,” said Wagstaff.

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NZCTU welcomes corporate manslaughter bill introduction

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff is calling on all political parties to support the new Member’s Bill from Labour’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson Camilla Belich MP that would ensure negligent companies are held accountable when their employees are killed at work.

The Crimes (Corporate Homicide) Amendment Bill would introduce a new criminal offence that provides that a person or entity will commit the offence if they have a relevant legal duty of care, and engage in conduct that exposes any individual to whom that duty is owed to a risk of death or serious injury, are reckless as to that risk, and their conduct results in the death of the individual.
 
“Unions have long been calling for corporate manslaughter legislation. We commend Camilla Belich for showing leadership on this Workers’ Memorial Day by introducing this Bill and fighting to uphold the health and safety of working people,” said Wagstaff.
 
“This Bill would bring us in line with international best practice, but most importantly, it would save workers’ lives.
 
“In Aotearoa New Zealand, the rate of workplace death is one of the worst in the developed world. There were 57 workplace fatalities in 2023 and three fatalities in the first 2 weeks of 2024. Every week 17 workers are killed as a consequence of their work.
 
“It’s a record we should be ashamed of, but it doesn’t have to be this way. This Bill is one of the most effective ways of preventing workplace deaths, as it holds employers accountable if they do not prioritise health and safety at work.
 
“Everyone deserves good work – work that is safe and secure, well-paid, and contributes to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
 
“The NZCTU are calling on the Government and all political parties to do the right thing and help ensure everyone is safe at work by supporting this Bill,” said Wagstaff.

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MEDIA RELEASE: Opposition To Puberty Blockers & Gender Ideology For Children – Poll

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 25th Apri 2024

Opposition To Puberty Blockers & Gender Ideology For Children – Poll

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

  • 69% oppose gender ideology in primary schools, just 15% support
  • 62% support ban on puberty blockers for children, only 19% opposed
  • 53% support ban on gender affirmation treatment (puberty blockers, cross sex hormones & surgery for minors <18), 24% opposed
  • 53% want primary focus on mental health treatment, 10% want focus on blockers/hormones
  • 68% oppose taxpayers funding gender change surgery or hormone treatment, 16% support

A new poll just released has found strong support for a ban on puberty blockers, and also support for a ban on the use of ‘gender affirmation’ chemical & surgical treatment for under-18s.

In the poll of 1,000 New Zealanders commissioned by Family First and surveyed by Curia Market Research, respondents were asked a number of questions around gender ideology and the treatment of children who experience gender confusion.

SUPPORT FOR BAN ON PUBERTY BLOCKERS FOR <16

 Respondents were asked: The UK health service (the NHS) has stopped the use of puberty blockers, which begin the gender transition process, for children under 16 as it deemed they are too young to consent. Do you support or oppose a similar ban in New Zealand on the use of puberty blockers for young people 16 or younger?

 Almost two out of three (62%) respondents support banning puberty blockers for children aged 16 or younger, with just 19% opposed. A further 19% were unsure or refused to say. Opposition to puberty blockers has grown since Dec 2020 when a similar poll showed 51% support for a ban and 28% opposition.

The NHS now states “Puberty blockers (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues) are not available to children and young people for gender incongruence or gender dysphoria because there is not enough evidence of safety and clinical effectiveness.” Recent comparisons have found that the prescription of puberty blockers in New Zealand is “less controlled” and more than ten times as frequent in New Zealand than in the UK.

In July 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US issued a warning label about the risk of puberty blockers after six minors (ages 5-12) experienced severe symptoms. The minors, who were all biologically female, suffered from symptoms of “pseudotumor cerebri” (tumor-like masses in the brain), including visual disturbances (seeing bright lights that aren’t there), headache or vomiting, papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve), increased blood pressure, and abducens neuropathy (eye paralysis).

SUPPORT FOR BAN ON ‘GENDER AFFIRMING’ TREATMENT FOR <18’s

Respondents were also asked: Some people have proposed banning puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and physical sex-change surgeries for children under the age of 18 who identify as transgender. Would you support or oppose this kind of ban?

A majority (53%) of respondents support banning puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and physical sex-change surgeries for children under the age of 18m, with just 24% opposed. 23% were unsure or refused to say.

COUNSELLING, NOT CHEMICALISING, FOR GENDER DYSPHORIA

 Respondents were asked: If a young person says they want to change their gender, should the treatment be primarily based on providing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, or should the treatment primarily focus on dealing with the gender dysphoria and any other underlying mental health issues.

A majority (53%) of respondents think treatment of young persons who want to change their gender should primarily focus on mental health treatment rather than chemical treatment. Only 10% support chemical treatment being the primary focus and 37% are unsure or refused to say.

Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) is reviewing all transgender medical treatment in the wake of the CASS review which found such treatment is built on “weak evidence.” The landmark final report released by pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass is the result of a major independent review on children and gender identity commissioned by the NHS in 2020. Cass is a former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Dr Cass said “The reality is that we have no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress… The evidence we do have for gender medicine is built on “shaky foundations.” She also concluded: “Puberty blockers should no longer be prescribed to children except in the context of research due to these powerful drugs’ effects on brain development and bone health… Cross-sex hormones — estrogen and testosterone — should be prescribed to trans-identifying 16 and 17-year-olds only with an “extremely cautious” approach, and there should be a “clear clinical rationale” for not waiting until the teen is 18.”

The CASS review also said that “Young people facing gender-related distress had no significantly different levels of suicide risk to other young people with similar levels of complex presentations” and that there was “No evidence that gender-affirming treatment reduces suicide risk.”

OPPOSITION TO GENDER IDEOLOGY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The poll found that while there is disagreement as to whether gender identity and sexual orientation should be taught in primary schools, there is strong opposition to gender ideology being taught to young children.

Only 15% think primary age children should be taught they can choose their gender and that it can be changed through hormone treatment and surgery if they want it to be, while two out of three (69%) say they shouldn’t. Opposition to gender ideology has grown significantly from a similar poll in 2018 where only 54% said children should not be taught this, and 35% said they should. In April 2014, it was evenly split at 42% for and against!

However, 44% of respondents support prohibiting teaching sexual issues at primary school, with 40% opposed. The difference is not statistically significant at the 95% confidence level.

“This polling confirms that New Zealanders are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the gender ideology curriculum and agenda being rammed down in some schools. It fails to take into account the emotional and physical development of each child and the values of the families, and the polling echoes the general public rejection of radical gender ideology being targeted at young children,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

REJECTION OF TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR SEX CHANGE TREATMENT

The poll also asked: Do you think the taxpayers should fund surgery or hormone treatments for adults who wish to change their gender? Only 16% of respondents support taxpayers funding gender change surgery or hormone treatments, with 68%opposed.

Labour’s budget in 2022 included an additional $2.2 million for gender affirming care and $2.5 million to train GPs in advising trans youth. They had previously pledged $3 million over four years in their 2019 budget.

Family First is calling on the government and the Ministry of Health to pause the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and operations for minors while further research is undertaken.

“It’s time we put first-do-no-harm medicine and credible research ahead of ideology and an agenda to push gender fluidity indoctrination. It’s time we had watchful waiting, therapy, and healing of the mind rather than chemicals, castration and confusion,” says Mr McCoskrie.

This latest poll was conducted by Curia Market Research Ltd for Family First. It is a random poll of 1,000 adult New Zealanders and is weighted to the overall adult population. It was conducted by phone (landlines and mobile) and online between 17 April and 21 April 2024, has a maximum margin of error of +/- 3.1%.

READ THE FULL POLL RESULTS

Other recent surveys

SPORTS PARTICIPATION BASED ON BIOLOGY

In terms of sports participation, a 2023 poll found that just 13% of respondents agree that “boys who identify as girls be allowed automatic right of access to girls sports teams such as netball or girls rugby or football (and vice versa)” (dropping significantly from 39% in a similar poll in 2018) and two in three (68%) disagree (rising significantly from 39% in 2018). [In 2018, the question was “Should children play in sports teams based on their gender identity or their actual biological sex?”]

USE OF TOILETS AND CHANGING ROOMS BASED ON BIOLOGY

A 2021 poll found that only 22% of respondents think boys who identify as girls should be allowed automatic access to girls toilets and changing rooms and almost two in three (61%) disagree – much stronger opposition than in a similar poll in 2019found that 46% v 36% said that biological sex should trump gender identity.

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION

In a 2022 poll, respondents were asked – “The Ministry of Education tells teachers that schools do not have to disclose to parents that their child is identifying as transgender in class and using a different name and preferred pronouns. Would you support a law requiring schools to notify parents if their child is identifying as transgender in class?” A majority (55%) would support a parental notification-type law, with only 29% opposed. A further 16% were unsure or refused to say.

PROTECTION FOR TEACHERS

A nationwide poll last year found significant opposition to a decision which resulted in a teacher losing his teaching licence for refusing to recognise a student’s gender ‘identity’ and using the students preferred pronouns. Only 16% of respondents think a teacher should lose their teaching licence for misgendering a trans student – with 65% opposed.

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MEDIA RELEASE: 3 Strikes Law Will Protect Families

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 3 Strikes Law Will Protect Families
22 April 2024

Family First is welcoming the reintroduction of the Three Strikes Law, saying that it will protect families from repeat violent offenders who have already been given two chances.

A 2023 poll found that just 16% of New Zealanders oppose bringing back the ‘Three Strikes’ law which was recently repealed by the Labour Government with the support of the Greens and Te Pati Maori. Two in three are supportive of the Three Strikes Law, and a further 19% were unsure.

Ironically, the then-Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi when introducing the bill to scrap the law said “the public don’t like this law”.

In a 2018 report, Justice Department officials admitted that “…in comparison with second strikeable offences committed before the law came into effect there has been a drop in the number of second strike offences since the laws implementation.”

“The Labour government had no public mandate for scrapping it, and the evidence suggests that the law was having the desired effect. There had been a dramatic drop from the number of 1st strikes to 2nd strikes and then again to a third strike. Criminals aren’t stupid. They are well aware of the law and its consequences. When the regime was scrapped, the government sent a message that we’re not serious about the It’s Not OK zero-tolerance message on family violence, or zero tolerance on gun violence or sexual violence, in fact violence in general. The Three Strikes law reinforces that we take victimisations seriously,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

An Official Information Act request at the end of 2018 said that for 2nd and 3rd strikers:

  • they had an average of 42 convictions as an adult. For 3rd strikers, it’s an average of 74 convictions
  • 91% were assessed as being at a high risk of reoffending
  • 56% committed their 2nd strike on bail or parole or while serving a sentence.
  • 40% have a “strike type” conviction from prior to the three strikes regime

“This data indicates that the three strikes regime was accurately targeting the serious recidivist offenders, and that is why there has been such strong support for the law.”

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MEDIA RELEASE: Abortions increase 25% since law change

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE 18 April 2024

Abortions increase 25% since law change

Family First says that the latest abortion statistics make grim and upsetting reading, with a 25% increase in abortions since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020.

According to an Official Information Act request received by Right to Life, the provisional figures show a 14% increase in abortions from 14,164 abortion procedures in 2022 to 16,214 last year (2023).

It is the highest number of abortions since 2011. Abortions have been falling and remaining at a low level until 2021 when they started trending upwards.

This latest figure represents an average of almost 45 child per day killed in the womb in New Zealand. 

 Disturbingly, there has been a 25% increase in abortions since the end of 2019 when the number was just 12,948.

 However, this is the sad reality which we predicted would happen when the law was changed.

Medical abortions are also on the increase – but according to the Abortion Services Aotearoa NZ report released last year and covering abortions up to the end of 2022, 221 women suffered complications including haemorrhaging, retained products, infections and even failed abortions (up from 161 the previous year – an almost 40% increase) and this risk was greater with medical abortions. 60% of complications were with medical abortions. For 57 medical abortions, they couldn’t even find the woman to follow up.

Our abortion law denies the humanity of the baby and creates inconsistency with other legislation and public health messaging for pregnant women which clearly recognises the rights of the unborn child. Anybody who has viewed the ultrasound of an unborn child will know that this law is a gross abuse of human rights.

We will continue to fight for the rights of the unborn child and the welfare of pregnant mothers.

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NZCTU stands in solidarity with Myanmar community in opposition to junta visit

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

Today NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff joined the Myanmar community at a rally outside MFAT’s Lambton Quay offices, in opposition to the attendance of officials from the illegal Myanmar military junta at today’s ASEAN-NZ dialogue meeting.

“Myanmar’s military junta has been internationally condemned for crimes against humanity in its ruthless war against its own people,” said Wagstaff.

“The union movement stands in solidarity with the Myanmar community in their fight for peace, justice, and democracy.

“Given this Government claims its tough on crime, how can it allow war criminals into the country? The Government should revoke the officials’ visas and expel them from the country.

“Across the world governments have stood firm in excluding and sanctioning the junta. For New Zealand to break ranks now and welcome them to our country is a stain on our democratic principles and international reputation, and a betrayal of the Myanmar community in New Zealand,” said Wagstaff.

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Inflation data shows need for a plan on climate and population

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

Data today shows headline CPI inflation at 4%, continuing the fall begun in March 2023. Rises are concentrated in particular sectors – especially services. This data also shows that that the minimum wage increase will be half the rate of inflation this year, taking money out of the pockets of those with the least.

“Inflation was being generated by rents, (4.7%), rates (9.6%), and insurance (14%). Rents are rising at the fastest rate since they were recorded in 1999. Housing & vehicle insurance increased more than 20%. These are all in areas that working people can’t avoid,” said CTU Economist and Director of Policy Craig Renney.

“Pricing for goods that in the past have generated inflation such as food are now much more subdued. Vegetable prices have fallen nearly 15% annually according to this report.

“However, petrol prices rose by 12% from last year. This is worrying as petrol pricing tends to lead inflation data. The faster we can transition to an electric vehicle fleet the better.

“Inflation is now in sectors that don’t respond well to interest rate changes in New Zealand – such as insurance. This should give the Reserve Bank a reason to pause and reflect on its future interest rate path.

“Overall, this data suggests that inflation is continuing its long road back to the Reserve Bank rate. In the last three months, inflation was well within the 1-3% band being targeted.

“Inflation is still higher in New Zealand than it is in other comparable countries such as Australia or the USA, where economic and employment growth is also stronger on the back of strong infrastructure spending, government investment, and higher wages.

“Prices in New Zealand are responding to pressures such as population growth and climate change. The absence of both a plan and investment from government in these areas suggests an absence of action on future price rises,” said Renney.

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Minister of Finance admits to new borrowing need

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

At Finance and Expenditure Committee today the Minister of Finance admitted that the Government will have to borrow to make ends meet in the forthcoming Budget.

“This admission is in direct conflict with the statements made by Nicola Willis in opposition that the tax plan requires no additional borrowing. Yet today we discover that additional borrowing will be happening,” said CTU Economist Craig Renney.

“The Minister is still insisting that the additional borrowing will not pay for tax cuts, even though it’s clear that without these tax cuts, additional borrowing would not need to take place. The obvious lesson from all of this is that the government is borrowing to pay for tax cuts.

“The economics of this make no sense. Given the economic circumstances that New Zealand is in, if we are borrowing, it should be for investments that will lead to long-term productive growth. It should be for infrastructure, R&D, and public services. Instead, we are providing yet more money for landlords, and more money for higher-income earners.

“The Minister of Finance had an opportunity at the Budget Policy Statement to come clean about how her tax plan would be paid for. The Minister should provide that information to the public, bearing in mind we are just seven weeks away from the Budget, so the details should have been finalised.

“But what would be even better is if the Minister announced a plan to invest in public services, deliver economic growth, and abandon the currently unfunded tax cuts,” said Renney.

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CTU stands in solidarity with public service workers

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

The NZ Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is standing in solidarity with workers affected by the latest round of public service job losses and calls on the Government to stop their reckless attacks on essential public services, said CTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“These cuts have a massive impact on services that save New Zealanders lives, as we can see with cuts to the Suicide Prevention Office, but we also must not lose sight of the devastating impact job losses are having on thousands of families across the country,” said Wagstaff.

“Many of these workers are low paid and already struggling to get by, serving their communities in jobs that deliver essential services for the public.

“Hearing stories of laid-off workers having to pull their kids out of childcare and stop mortgage repayments demonstrates the real heartbreaking impact of public service cuts.

“It is the role of government to invest in services and prevent rising unemployment. Yet here we have a government that is actively pushing people into unemployment in their ideological pursuit of tax cuts for landlords and high-income earners.

“These ongoing job losses highlight the importance of the income insurance scheme the Government axed in haste.  It would mean any workers who lose their jobs would continue to receive a decent income while they look to find a good job that utilises their skills and experience.

“New Zealand workers are among those with the lowest levels of redundancy protection in the world. As we deal with a challenging global economy, now should be the time to give workers more income and economic security – rather than less,” said Wagstaff.