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Author Archives: Max Hayton
Jacinda Arden wins in an unprecedented landslide
It is sometimes said that New Zealand is a young country that boxes above its weight. The same might be said for its Prime Minister Jacinda Arden. In the triennial election bout she defeated the woman who seems pleased to … Continue reading
New Zealand National Party leader Judith Collins manages to smudge PM Ardern’s gloss.
With less than a month to go before the General Election on October 19 the latest polls in New Zealand show the Labour Government well ahead despite many commentators saying Prime Minister Ardern’s performance in the first TV election debate … Continue reading
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NZ National Party promises tax cuts while the Labor Government invests in people and infrastructure
The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Government have consistently polled ahead of National and its leader Judith Collins. National’s promise of tax cuts could affect the numbers.
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Ardern offers a steady hand and consistency to deal with the Covid crisis and build a better future.
The New Zealand Prime Minister launched the Labour Party election campaign on Saturday August 8 with one piece of new policy in a pitch that focused on maintaining the Covid control and economic recovery plan to support people and businesses … Continue reading
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New Zealand’s Opposition Leader Judith “Crusher” Collins says she will crush the government of Jacinda Ardern
Even her supporters use the nick-name “Crusher”. The Opposition National Party’s fourth leader since Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister in late 2017 aims to live up to her moniker.
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Row erupts over the New Zealand Government’s Covid crisis mistake.
The internationally acclaimed excellent performance by the New Zealand Government against the Carona virus has been marred by a mistake. It may damage the Government’s credibility as an election approaches.
Posted in Politics, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand’s budget presses the reset button
Before the Covid-19 pandemic New Zealand’s unemployment and net Crown debt were low. That has all changed, but in the midst of the crisis the Labour Government sees opportunities.
Posted in Politics, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. Ardern provides crisis management masterclass.
New Zealand is giving us a crisis management masterclass. Prime Minister Ardern has demonstrated skilful and empathetic management of the Covid-19 crisis.
Posted in Health, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand’s Government faces an uphill election battle.
A recent poll suggests that New Zealand’s Labour Party had insufficient support to form a government if an election had been held when the poll was taken.
Posted in Politics, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand campaign for September Election Day intensifies.
New Zealand’s Labour Government announced an election will be held on September 19 and almost immediately revealed its plans for massive investment in infrastructure.
Posted in Politics
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand’s Wellbeing Budget.
The New Zealand Labour Government’s first Wellbeing Budget is intentionally unconventional. It is the start of a process which the government of Jacinda Ardern hopes will continue to reposition New Zealand’s economy and society after decades of centre-right economics.
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MAX HAYTON. Jacinda Ardern leads a nation in grief.
Under a remarkable young woman New Zealand is discovering deep resources of kindness and compassion. In the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre people touched by the tragedy built mountains of flowers and in their thousands attended rallies in support of … Continue reading
Posted in Asia, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. The New Zealand Government considers capital gains tax.
The New Zealand Coalition Government promised to create a fairer tax system. With growing inequality and a tax regime that leaves critical areas untaxed, the burden could be shared more fairly. The first step has been taken but hazards lie … Continue reading
Posted in Economy
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MAX HAYTON. The New Zealand coalition says wellness makes economic sense.
The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made a strong impact on the world stage with her vision of liberal progressive politics that promote wellness and kindness. Doubters and opponents say economic realities could defeat her.
Posted in Economy, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. Democracies work despite flaws.
The electoral laws in New Zealand and Australia differ in significant ways. There are claims New Zealand may have the more democratic system.
MAX HAYTON. Jacinda Ardern stands for kindness and collectivism.
The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, challenged the forces of isolationism, protectionism and racism in her speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
Posted in World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. Climate change policy wins wide support in New Zealand
New Zealand’s coalition government under Jacinda Ardern has made dealing with climate change one of its highest priorities. It is planning dramatic new legislation and to the surprise of many observers, no doubt including some watching from Canberra, there is … Continue reading
Posted in Climate
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand bans foreign home buyers.
The New Zealand Government’s ban on foreigners buying homes is a break from the deregulation of the past when New Zealand’s doors were thrown open to all comers. The new ban is not very different from the law in Australia.
Posted in World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. NZ’s government looks towards investing in better lives.
The New Zealand Labour-led Government’s first budget has been judged to be conservative, cautious, restrained. It was the first step in an innovative way to reverse trends that have been souring New Zealand society. The aim is to invest in … Continue reading
Posted in Economy, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. Inexperience in government brings problems for smiling Prime Minister.
Inexperience, arrogance or ignorance among members of the administration are causing problems for the New Zealand government of Jacinda Ardern. After nine years in opposition, too few members of Ardern’s cabinet have previous experience as ministers and some prefer to … Continue reading
Posted in World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. Kiwibank – lessons for Australia.
It’s not unusual for big banks to be accused of greed, unfairness, poor service and corruption. The answer often proposed is to create a government owned bank. This has been suggested as a solution in Australia. New Zealand has already … Continue reading
MAX HAYTON. Political pregnancies and Opposition renewal in New Zealand.
Political pregnancies are the subject of public debate on both sides of the Tasman. In Australia, the Deputy Prime Minister faces a career crisis over his indiscretions. In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is due to give birth in June.
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand’s new government sets fast pace
A contention that New Zealand has “lapped” Australia is worth examining in the light of recent developments. The vote to support sex marriage means Australia has increased its pace, but has it caught up?
MAX HAYTON. NZ election finally produces a government.
A stunning election outcome has given New Zealand a new government with the potential to transform the country’s economy and society. Risen star and youngest ever New Zealand woman Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, aged 37, leads a coalition that ends … Continue reading
Posted in Economy, Politics, World Affairs
3 Comments
MAX HAYTON. The New Zealand Election: MMP will decide
The result of the New Zealand election on Saturday was inconclusive. On the night the leader of the Labour Party Jacinda Ardern said “MMP will decide” who governs for the next three years. MMP or Mixed Member Proportional elections usually … Continue reading
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MAX HAYTON. NZ election, politics and leaks.
A dramatic event in the last week of the New Zealand election campaign looked set to destabilise the Government’s re-election plans. Although it was a major development which continues to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of visitors and New … Continue reading
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MAX HAYTON. Jacindamania in NZ
The New Zealand election campaign has produced a star but is it rising or setting or is it just a descending meteorite heading for early burnout? The polls on September 23 will give the answer. Current polls a week from … Continue reading
Posted in Politics, World Affairs
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MAX HAYTON. Kiwibank – lessons for Australia.
It’s not unusual for big banks to be accused of greed, unfairness, poor service and corruption. The answer often proposed is to create a government owned bank. This has been suggested as a solution in Australia. New Zealand has already … Continue reading
Posted in Economy, Politics
2 Comments