Morning Report Essentials for Friday 23 May 2025
economy politics 20 minutes ago
In today's episode, the Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, has described the Budget as responsible, and what governments do to avoid austerity, Labour's Finance spokesperson says the government's changes to KiwiSaver will take money away from New Zealand's poorest workers, as part of the 2025 budget, the government will halve its yearly contributions, while minimum contributions for employers will lift to four percent in 2028, BusinessNZ is welcoming the new budget, saying it's credible and growth-oriented, and we cross the Tasman to get the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh.
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Scoop
an hour ago
- Scoop
Porirua Residents To Decide On Super-Council, Pacific Leaders Urge Protection Of Local Representation
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the timing is right for this issue to be brought to voters, adding that the last formal proposal for amalgamation was in 2013 and that the local government landscape has changed significantly since then. Porirua voters can express their opinion on the potential creation of a Wellington-wide super-council. But Pacific leaders have voiced concerns that the model could dilute local representation unless equity and cultural voices are prioritised. In this year's local elections, Porirua residents will be able to participate in a non-binding referendum that asks whether the city should investigate amalgamating with Wellington, the Hutt Valley, and the Wellington Regional Council into a single entity, while retaining local decision-making. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the timing is right for this issue to be brought to voters, adding that the last formal proposal for amalgamation was in 2013 and that the local government landscape has changed significantly since then. Pacific leaders are worried that the move could weaken representation, especially if equity is not prioritised and voter turnout remains low. Councillor Izzy Ford, one of only three Pacific representatives on the Porirua Council, supports the initiative but emphasises the need to respond to community feedback to maintain trust, even though the referendum is non-binding. According to the council's official report, voter turnout in areas of Wellington City, including Mount Cook East, dropped below 30 per cent in 2022. In Porirua, turnout was slightly higher at 37 per cent. Ford hopes the referendum will provide clear guidance, but she stresses the importance of the council committing to listening to the community. Representation remains a major concern for Ford. She questioned how the council would ensure that all voices in Porirua, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are heard in this process. Ford hopes the referendum will lead to a definitive direction from the people of Porirua. 'If they give us a total yes and we don't act on it, then that's going to build more mistrust,' she says. 'There's always that concern, because our people don't always turn out to vote. 'That's a glaring concern, is the underrepresentation of Pasifika around the table.' Engagement with Pasifika communities is important, according to Ford. 'Having things translated into Pasifika languages, so that it's a bit easier for people to digest, and going into spaces like the churches, where a lot of our Pacific people are, and then it's non-threatening sort of spaces as well, and using our common faces in those common spaces, so that people can see them as non-threatening.' Gabriel Tupou, Councillor for Hutt City, is concerned that the amalgamation could reduce Pacific representation. As the only Pasifika councillor in the Hutt Valley, Tupou says the issue must be openly discussed with communities. 'In a super-city model, we risk less representation. Currently, we have 12 city councillors and the mayor. That will be greatly reduced. 'With the large Pasifika demographic we have, they must have input, just like every other community.' Tupou also raised concerns about the referendum regarding Māori ward running alongside the amalgamation question. Tupou highlighted that Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry plans to present a similar referendum proposal next month. 'I think it's important to keep the Māori ward question clean and on its own.' Tupou says that from a Pasifika perspective, the challenges of running for election are already significant, as candidates need to have broad appeal. He is also cautious about the financial implications. 'We're looking at possibly a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to carry out the amalgamation. 'South Auckland enjoys a larger Pasifika community, and they're able to mobilise their voice and voting power to elect Pasifika councillors,' Tupou says. 'But we don't have those same concentrations here.' Auimatagai Ken Ah Kuoi, community leader and Kilbirnie-based lawyer, warns that centralising governance could reduce the influence of smaller communities like Porirua, which has a large Pacific population. He says regional solutions may overlook local contexts, adding that a unified council model could offer benefits, but emphasises the need for safeguards. 'There's a risk Pacific voices could be diluted in a larger, more bureaucratic system,' he says. 'What works for Wellington might not suit Porirua or Wainuiomata. Pacific communities often have specific cultural needs that may get overlooked. 'A unified council model could benefit Pacific people by improving access to resources and regional influence. But it also carries risks – disconnection, loss of local control, and inequity if not managed carefully. 'To ensure Pacific communities benefit, any move toward amalgamation would need guaranteed local representation, strong community consultation, cultural competency across the new structure, and equity-focused service delivery.' Petone Community Board member Semi Kuresa says fair representation must be a non-negotiable starting point. Kuresa says while Pasifika make up more than nine per cent of Wellington's population, their enrolment and eligibility rates are much lower. He highlighted three key concerns: representation, cost, and the geographic boundaries of a new council. 'While amalgamation might seem practical to some, it raises serious questions about representation, particularly for Pacific communities,' he says. 'The contribution of our Pacific community isn't something that should be reduced to slogans or soundbites. A strong Pacific voice at the table matters. 'As someone intending to stand for Hutt City Council, I'm focused on ensuring communities too often overlooked are part of every stage of decision-making. We can't afford to dilute the voices we need to hear more of.' Voting for the 2025 local elections in Porirua, Wellington, and the Hutt Valley will take place from 9 September to 11 October. Each council will have its own ballot papers. Porirua will include a non-binding referendum on amalgamation and a binding vote on whether to retain the city's Māori ward.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
King's Birthday Honours: 'Wild' how far women's cricket has come
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine. Photo: Marty Melville White Ferns captain Sophie Devine has witnessed the dramatic increase in opportunities afforded to female cricketers, but has also seen the downsides of a packed schedule. Devine has been reflecting on her career since being recognised in the King's Birthday Honours for services to cricket , which she describes as a huge honour. Devine was selected for the White Ferns in 2006 at age 17 and has become one of the sports most dominant players. Last year she led the White Ferns to their maiden T20 World Cup title in the United Arab Emirates. The 35-year-old holds a number of records including becoming the first cricketer to score five consecutive 50-plus scores in T20's in the 2019/2020 season. The gains that female cricketers have made over the last decade have been extraordinary, given that back in 2014 the most a White Fern could earn was around $25,000 a year. The highest-ranked White Fern, who also plays a full domestic season, has the potential now to earn around $180,000. By the time New Zealand's best female cricketer Amelia Kerr gets paid to play in leagues around the world, including the lucrative WPL in India, she's pulling in half a million dollars a year. Devine said when she started out, she could never have imagined the opportunities which are now on offer in women's cricket. Sophie Devine playing for the White Ferns in 2006. Photo: PHOTOSPORT "It's been unbelievable, even the last five or six years it's gone to a completely another level. I always wished that we would be able to be full-time professionals but to see the money that's available now through some of these franchise competitions and the way that cricket boards around the world are starting to really invest in the women's game. I guess I'm most excited for what the future holds in terms of these youngsters coming through," Devine said. "When I first started playing for the White Ferns in 2006 I thought it was pretty cool that I got a bit of lunch money and things paid for in terms of flights and accommodation. "It's still got a long way to go ...it's part of the journey I think in terms of equal pay and things like that but it's been pretty wild to think about how far it has come." Since the start of the franchise cricket era, top players like Devine have also been sought after in competitions like Australia's Big Bash League and India's WPL. Increased opportunities have led to heavy workloads. "Last year after winning the T20 World Cup, less than 48 hours later we were on a plane to India and playing in a series a couple of days later and the Australian men were in a similar position a couple of years ago as well. "We know that's part of the job and why you get paid what you do ...it's a serious conversation that needs to be had in terms of the scheduling because it's only going to get busier. Hopefully we can manage it so that there are opportunities to allow players to get breaks, particularly young ones. I think of Melie Kerr, who could have another 10-15 year international career and you don't want to see her end her career early because she's burnt out. "Important that players take the opportunity to step away when they need to and not get sucked into the vacuum that can be not just international cricket but franchise cricket as well. You don't want to feel like you're missing out but your mind and body are your tools of your trade so it's a really important conversation that needs to be had." Devine took a two-month break from cricket earlier this year to give her own mind and body a rest, the second time she's taken a break in her career to prioritise her well-being. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine celebrate last year's World Cup win. Photo: PHOTOSPORT She is excited about joining up with the White Ferns in camp in Christchurch this week, as the side starts its journey towards another pinnacle event, the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year. Pinnacle events excite her as much as they did when she first joined the White Ferns. "Absolutely they do, I guess being a little bit older and wiser it's how do you manage those emotions and energy going into that because those pinnacle events are so big and they seem to roll around every year. I think for me it's about how do I manage my expectations and my energy levels." Sport has been a huge part of Devine's life and admits the thought of retirement scares her a little. "Yes, in all honesty, that's probably something I've been toying with for the last 12 months or so and what does that look like, trying to make that transition as smooth as possible. It's a pretty scary concept for a lot of athletes but I've had fantastic support. It's going to be very different to what I've done for over half of my life, which is travelling the world playing cricket, which I've been very fortunate to do." Devine knows that in retirement she wants to stay involved in sport. "There's so many more opportunities opening up in the women's game whether that's coaching, commentating, being involved in the media side of things. Fingers crossed I can stay involved in some way, I certainly feel I've got a lot to give back."
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
A Regal Sonic Tonic
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. King Charles and Queen Camilla. Photo: Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP RNZ Concert's Bryan Crump marks Kings Birthday with a sonic montage of music and soundbites from the RNZ website and our archive Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision, all linked in some way to King Charles III, or to royalty in general. If you'd like to know more about each of the soundbites from the archives, you'll find a link to that item's page on the Ngā Taonga website, along with its reference number. These are the musical tracks and the soundbites in the order in which they play in the recording above. Bell ringers celebrate the birth of Prince Charles on November 14th 1948: Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision 147707 Students of Lawrence District High School, Otago, shout "three cheers" for the new prince. Mobile broadcasting Unit, November 1948: Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision 5826 Music: Handel; Zadok the Priest. Choir of Kings College Cambridge, Academy of Ancient Music, conducted by Stephen Cleobury. Savage, Co-founder and chair of "New Zealand Republic" speaking on RNZ National Queens Birthday Monday, June 2017 (RNZ Website) Not everyone's a fan. An (anti) royal protest. Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP Music: Matlock/Lydon/Cook/Jones; God save the Queen (Sung by Nouvelle Vague) Morning Report item on activist Dun Mihaka objecting to a photograph of his bare backside protest against Prince Charles in 1983, being used in a British car ad. July 1988: Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision 56997 Prince Charles is introduced to a Youth Rally in Auckland during a visit in 1970: Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision 24118 Music: Age Pryor; King of You All (sung by Age Pryor and Tessa Rain Music: Jarryl Wirth; Charlie's Getting Married at Last (sung by Men of Harlich) Morning Report item on Kiri Te Kanawa preparing to sing at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, 1981: Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision 24540 King Charles; maybe he'll be listening in? Photo: Apple Music Music: Handel; Let the Bright Seraphim. Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano) Crispian Steel Perkins (trumpet) English Chamber Orchestra. Footage of the Prince and Princess of Wales visit to Waitangi, including Sir Kingi Ihaka's waiata "Nau mai! Piki mai!. A joint live broadcast by Radio Northland and the Maori broadcasting team, Te Reo o Aotearoa: Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision 47577 Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, visit the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, 29th April 1983. (Photo by John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty Images) Photo: Getty Images Australian broadcaster and writer Clive James remembers Princess Diana during an interview with Kim Hill, May 2015 (RNZ Website) Music: Tavener; Song for Athene. Choir of Kings College Cambridge. Prince Charles speaks at a state banquet given in his honour in Wellington in 1981: Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision 17443 Music: Hank Snow; I'm Moving On (sung by Elvis Presley). RNZ News reader Marama Te Pole, reads bulletin on death on Queen Elizabeth II, from RNZ Checkpoint, September 8th 2022 (RNZ Website). Music: Billy Joel; And so it Goes (sung by the Kings Singers) Morning Report item by Taranaki reporter Robin Martin on royal fan Barbara Larsen, getting ready for the coronation of King Charles III. May 2023 (RNZ Website) Music: Walton; Crown Imperial March, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Litton. Music: Joel Little/Ella Yelich-O'Connor; Royals (sung by Lorde). Even a King deserves a hug. Charles is embraced by members of the Black Ferns rugby team. Photo: AFP
