Category: Media releases

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Accounts show Government choosing pain over a plan

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

“The Government accounts released today show that spending and debt continues to grow under the current Government, but there is no plan to deliver a better economy,” said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney.

“Net Core Crown Debt increased by $20bn last year, with revenue from taxation also rising by $8bn. The OBEGAL deficit increased $3.4bn last year alone, to $12.9bn.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis admitted, “The accounts show the corrosive impact of low growth and low productivity…and we are cutting back on the investments needed to lift both.” Yet there is no plan to solve this problem, Renney said.

“The Government accounts showed our overreliance on income tax and GST taxes to balance the books. Source deductions from wages increased 10.1% during the last year. The GST take increased by 4.1%. But other sources of taxation have not increased at the same rate, or have fallen in the form of corporate taxation (-5.9%). We need a better conversation about how taxes are being levied and why.” Renney said.

“Spending on welfare has increased by 8%, with Jobseeker Support expenses rising by 17%. Welfare payments would be higher if the one-off $600m cost-of-living support is removed. Unemployment is expected to rise significantly in the future, meaning that welfare expenses will be higher in the future.”

Renney said “The Government has provisioned $500m for the Cook Straight Ferry (iREX) Costs, which is only the cost of the works abandoned to date. This doesn’t include the cost of cancelling the ferry contract, nor the cost of purchasing the replacement ferries necessary. The Government is likely facing a $bn bill for that decision alone.”

“The Minister signalled new cuts in her speech at the event, while requiring new economic growth to deliver on their financial aspirations. Yet decisions like iREX show that the Government has no means of delivering sustainable growth. Health New Zealand is looking for $2bn in savings right now, yet the Government is looking for further savings in spending on top.”

“The Government’s fiscal strategy needs to change. Government debt is low by international standards, and there is no shortage of projects to invest in. These would improve employment and economic outcomes – both of which will benefit working people. Yet the Government is wedded to plan that will see unemployment rise, and investment fall. It’s time for a better plan.” Renney said.

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OCR decision a welcome relief for working people

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney said the decision by the Reserve Bank to cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points (0.5%) to 4.75% will be a welcome relief to workers facing higher unemployment and a struggling economy. “The Reserve Bank has been forced into a significant cut because the economy has failed to fire. Weak consumer spending, weak business investment, weak house prices, and a weakening labour market all put our economic recovery at risk.”

“The Government is expecting the Reserve Bank to do all the work and support economic growth. Rather than supporting the economy and working people through difficult times, this Government has chosen to cut spending and investment, and is happy to see unemployment rise to levels not seen for a long time. These are choices, and the Government could invest now to deliver the growth we need for the future. Simply cutting interest rates returns to the economy of the past – and all the problems it already had”.

“While many people will welcome lower interest rates, and some retailers will welcome the potential for additional spending, the rate cut is not a sign of strength in the economy but is a recognition of its weakness. We need to build a better economy,  one with good work and higher incomes. Nothing in the government’s plan for cuts delivers that.” Renney said.

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Te Whatu Ora report raises important questions for Ministers

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

Quarterly accounts released by Te Whatu Ora raise serious questions about the financial challenges the Government’s claims are facing the health sector, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.

“The CTU highlighted at the Budget that the health sector desperately needs more funding. The report released yesterday shows the cuts to health services will go much deeper than previously advertised,” said Renney.

“The report states that $2bn of ‘savings’ are now targeted in health, just in this fiscal year (p.57). That’s a huge potential cut and is clearly not possible from just efficiencies.

“We spend $14.6bn annually on hospital services in New Zealand, and $9bn on primary health services like GP’s. The $2bn ‘savings’ are significantly more than the $130m a month the Government previously claimed. It’s also not clear if this gap is a one-off or ongoing, which would require savings year after year in health.

“It also appears that the Government has underspent on its capital programme (p.54) – spending just $1.6bn from a capital budget of $3.4bn.

“This begs questions about why Ministers are claiming that Dunedin Hospital is now unaffordable when the Government has underspent by $1.8bn in one year alone.

“Ministers clearly have questions to answer about the real nature of the savings now being required in the health sector and why.

“Ministers should be transparent with the public about why pay equity funding is not being provided, why capital investment is not taking place, and why $2bn in savings are now being targeted in health – when the claim at Budget was that health had sufficient funding,” said Renney.

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Media Release: Euthanasia’s ‘Safeguards’ Are Failing

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 9 October 2024

Family First is appalled, but not surprised, to read the testimony of two whistleblowers from the End of Life Review committee.

Potentially wrongful deaths; incomplete or conflicting reports; reports that won’t even include a patient’s diagnosis; and a Ministry of Health unprepared to provide information are just some of the worrying issues raised.

In a NZ Herald report today, Dr Jane Greville (a palliative care specialist) and Dr Dana Wensley (an ethicist) shared deeply worrying issues of how the review committee is operating. Both were inaugural members of the committee but having raised concerns during their tenure, they found their roles un-renewed by the Ministry of Health and the Minister responsible – David Seymour, the architect of the End of Life Choice Act.

The article noted that a patient who spoke no English was assessed and approved for death without an interpreter present. Reports given to the committee did not include such information as a patient’s diagnosis or prognosis. They also asked for information about when the lethal drugs were administered and how long after the patient died, but this was denied to the committee.

These are all aspects that opponents of the law – including Family First – have raised concerns about, and are now the very failures on full public display.

Family First’s concerns around the inequity of access to palliative care have also been highlighted by the whistleblowers. They noted a much greater demand and use of euthanasia in rural areas, where palliative care access is often more limited than in urban areas. When the reviewers asked the Ministry for more information, their request was denied.

“Why would any Ministry be reluctant to share more information when it comes to matters of life and death?” asks Simon O’Connor, spokesperson for Family First NZ and former MP.

Family First is calling on the government to take their accusations seriously and not wait for the outcome of the euthanasia review that is currently underway.

“We are talking life and death, and with these grave issues now public, it is beholden on the Ministry to address in haste and not delay any further” says Mr O’Connor.

“We also echo Dr Greville’s statement to the Herald, ‘there is no consequence greater than death’.”

Family First is calling on the Minister of Health to remove David Seymour’s delegation to oversee the End of Life Choice Act and current review.

“That he has overseen these failures and dismissed those experts is bad enough, but that he is also the person who introduced the law creates an unacceptable conflict of interest.  It is very much the fox in charge of the hen house,” says Mr O’Connor.

For More Information and Media Interviews, contact Family First.
Simon O’Connor – Spokesperson / Director – External and Strategic Engagement

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Victory for Lyttelton Port Workers against unlawful health monitoring

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has welcomed this week’s decision by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) which has ruled against Lyttelton Port Company’s (LPC) attempt to unilaterally impose a mandatory health monitoring policy on MUNZ members. 

MUNZ Assistant National Secretary Ray Fife says the outcome is a major win for the rights and well-being of port workers, ensuring that health monitoring procedures must be subject to collective bargaining and cannot be forced without agreement.

The dispute arose after LPC introduced a mandatory health monitoring policy in July 2024, covering aspects such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mobility, alongside hearing, sight, and respiratory testing. 

MUNZ says the policy went beyond the scope of the collective agreement between LPC and the union.

This week’s decision by the ERA has confirmed the Health Monitoring Policy was inconsistent with the Collective Employment Agreement and therefore unlawful.

The decision reaffirms that LPC cannot expand health testing requirements beyond those agreed upon without the union’s consent, says Mr Fife.

“This determination by the ERA reinforces the importance of collective bargaining in protecting workers’ rights.”

Mr Fife says MUNZ has ensured any changes affecting workers’ health and privacy must be done through negotiation.

He says the ERA ruling highlights the need for employers to act in good faith and respect the agreements they have signed with workers. 

MUNZ remains committed to ensuring that any future health and safety measures at Lyttelton Port are implemented with full consultation and agreement.

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Gender Pay Gap Not Closing

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

Evidence released by the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi today shows that the gender pay gap is not closing quickly enough. “Calculations of official data show that women are paid 8.9% less than men on average. This fell by less than 1% last year. It is time for bolder action from the Government.” said NZCTU Vice President Rachel Mackintosh.

“It is unacceptable that in 2024 women are still discriminated against. On current trends it will take until 2055 to achieve gender pay parity across the economy – 83 years since the signing of the Equal Pay Act in 1972.”

“As Pasifika women are paid so much less than Pākeha men, they are effectively working for free from today, 27 September 2024. Wāhine Māori start working for free from October 14. All women start working for free from November 8. The average female worker loses $149.20 a week in income due to gender-based discrimination.”

“When women’s work is devalued and underpaid, women live in poverty, and so do their children. The ripples of childhood poverty last whole lives. There is no justification for perpetuating inequality by failing to act to raise women’s pay.” 

“The most efficient way to close the gender pay gap is via pay equity settlements.”

“Changes by this government will make the pay equity process more difficult. By closing the Pay Equity Unit, the coalition Government will make funding for existing and future pay equity settlements harder. They have stopped progress.”

In addition, lifting the Minimum Wage by less than inflation affects more women than men. 

Ceasing progress on pay transparency means the injustice of pay inequity continues to live in the dark. 

“Closing the gender pay gap would benefit the wider economy and deliver $1.5bn in new tax. And it would be an essential step to good work and providing dignity for all. It would benefit everyone. It is clearly untenable for the gender pay gap to continue to exist until 2055. Action is needed now.”

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Trade Deal is no deal for Workers

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

“Today’s announcement of a possible trade deal with the United Arab Emirates is not a cause for celebration”, says NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff. “There is no evidence of a deal with no enforceable rights for workers, protections against forced labour or modern slavery. Nothing has been noted abut enhancing the rights of women in the UAE.”

“We don’t currently know the real value of the deal. No National Impact Analysis or economic analysis has been made public. The International Trade Union Confederation states the UAE has one of the worst records for absolute denial of fundamental workers’ rights. No Independent Trade Unions are allowed under UAE law, nor is there any right to strike. One thing we do know is that this deal does nothing to help tackle climate change.”

“We will be working with the Government, parliament, and allies to highlight the problems that this trade deal will create. Migrant workers in the UAE make up 88 percent of the overall workforce, yet they have little or no protections at work. This agreement does nothing to protect them. We should send this agreement back so that a properly enforceable trade deal can be signed,” said Wagstaff.

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Government’s desperate decree to stop public servants working from home won’t work

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

“The Minister of Public Service Nicola Willis is expecting public servants to stop working from home to help bolster the flagging local economy is micromanaging gone mad and counterproductive.” NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff said.

“This Government has already tried to control staffing ratios in terms of ‘front line’ and ‘back office, and now it is trying to control where people should work.”

“Minister Willis should concentrate on the big picture issues confronting Aotearoa New Zealand, instead of trying to manage the day-to-day operations of the public service.”

“Though flexible hours and working from home options vary across organisations, it’s understood that people are more productive and happier with flexible arrangements. In a cost-of-living crisis it also reduces the financial and environmental impact of transport and parking. This is an operational matter, one the minister shouldn’t be involved in.” Wagstaff said.

“Working from home practices have benefited from new technology, making it easier to connect remotely. The advent of COVID speed up the adoption of these tools and practices, demonstrating value to employers and employees alike.”

“Employers offering a hybrid model of working from home for part of the week has become very attractive for some workplaces, both in terms of convenience and productivity.”

“It’s crucial that the public service offers good work that attracts and retains the workers we need. This decision will just make that goal much harder in an already difficult environment.”

“Despite the Government doing its best to portray itself as modern, innovative thinkers, this decree demonstrates that in reality they don’t understand the value of a modern, positive, high-trust workplace culture. Micromanaging and stopping staff from working some of their time at home is all about an old-fashioned command and control mentality.”

“The Minister of Finance is fooling herself if she thinks forcing people to stop working from home will correct the damage done to the economy by the massive job cuts.” Wagstaff said.

“Public servants only have so much money to spend. Now they will have to spend more on public transport and less on their local communities. It is a zero-sum game,” said Wagstaff. 

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Connemara failure highlights urgent need to address ferry fiasco

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The power loss of the Bluebridge ferry Connemara in the Cook Strait last night highlights the importance of a resilient publicly-owned interisland ferry service, says the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ).

MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay says this issue with the Bluebridge service alongside other previous issues demonstrates the need for high-quality and fit for purpose ferries on the strait. 

“Once again it’s just been a matter of the quick thinking of a highly skilled crew and good luck with the conditions that there has been a safe recovery of the vessel and people aboard.

“We can’t keep relying on luck.

“Cook Strait is the most critical route for New Zealand’s freight transport system and it needs to be resilient. That means public owned and rail enabled ferries that are reliable, safe, and fit for purpose.

“It’s worth noting that the Connemara is much newer than the ships run by Kiwirail and was built by the provider rumoured to be the Government’s frontrunner for new interislander ferries, StenaLine.

“Just last month the shareholding Minister, Nicola Willis, was in Parliament touting the benefits of private ferries. This shows once again how wrong-headed that statement and her decision to cancel the iRex project was.

“It’s getting close to a year without a decision or even the final negotiation of the iReX cancellation that is likely to cost us hundreds of millions of dollars.

“The government needs to swallow its pride and go back to Hyundai to negotiate the iReX deal.

“It’ll cost us more now because of this government’s rash decision to cancel the original deal but nowhere near as much as how much a failed ferry system will cost our freight customers, our economy, and the safety of our crews and passengers.”

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400+ Children Change Sex On Passport Since 2015

Source: Family First

More than 400 children have changed the sex on their passport since 2015, including almost 300 children 15 years or younger. Under the Passports Act 1992, 16-17 year olds do not require parental / guardian consent.

Almost 2,000 people in total have changed their passports to their ‘self-identified gender’ in the past decade.

According to Official Information Act data gained by Family First from the Department of Internal Affairs, the number of people who have changed their sex on their NZ passport since 2015 include:

15 & under

Female to Male                                             153

Male to Female                                            128

16-17

Female to Male                                             80 (approx.)

Female to Gender Diverse                     10-15 (approx.)

Male to Female                                            55 (approx.)

18+

Female to Male                                             595

Female to Gender Diverse (X)             115 (approx.)

Male to Female                                            682

Male to Gender Diverse (X)                   90 (approx.)

Demand for females to be recognised as male was more common amongst children than male to female, but male to female was more common for non-teens.  There has been growth in adopting an X (gender diverse) in the past three years with a doubling just in the past 8 months for non-teens. Young children have also changed to X in the past couple of years.

There is no limit to the number of times you can change the gender on your passport as it can be changed when the passport is renewed. Ironically, you can reapply to revert to the sex recorded at birth.

According to the Government, while New Zealand recognises gender X on passports, other international travel authorisation systems and eGates may not. As a result, citizens may still be asked to label their gender as either ‘male’ or ‘female’ when travelling. Data gathered by The Economist shows that only 16 countries have a third-gender option on their passports, including Argentina, Austria, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, India and Nepal.

It is evidence of a confused culture when it can’t even recognise biological facts when it comes to international travel documents. It is also of great concern when kiwi children are being dragged into the confusion. Fortunately, the majority of the world is still sticking with truth.