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Otago Daily Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Left bloc could turf coalition out of power: poll
By Russell Palmer of RNZ After the Budget and pay equity changes the left bloc would have the support to turf the coalition out of power, the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll shows. The preferred prime minister and leadership ratings are also bad news for the government, with the exception of Winston Peters who has seen his highest result since 2017 - and ratings of the government's general performance have also continued to slide. With Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori all gaining compared to the previous poll taken in March, they would have a majority with 63 seats between them, compared to the coalition's 57 - again, New Zealand First was the only coalition party to see a boost. The poll was taken in the seven days following the release of the Budget and in the wake of the $12.8 billion pay equity changes - which RNZ's polling also shows attracting more opposition than support. National continued a downward trend from the March survey, dropping 2.2 percentage points to 30.7 percent of the party vote - and overtaken by Labour, which gained 0.9 percentage points to 33.2 percent. The Greens' 1.6 percent increase brings them back to their election-night result of 11.6 percent, while Te Pāti Māori's 0.5 percentage point boost lifts them clear of the 5 percent threshold and - presuming they held all Māori seats - nets them a list MP. ACT dropped 2.8 points to 6.6 percent - the largest shift in party polling - while New Zealand First gained 1.9 points to 9.1 percent, upending the trend facing their coalition partners. Undecided or non-voters made up 6.5 percent of those polled - up from 6.1 in the previous poll. For parties outside Parliament, TOP (The Opportunities Party) gained 0.4 points to 2.2 percent, New Conservatives fell 0.3 points to 0.8, and all others combined were at 0.3 points, a 0.1 point increase on the last survey. More New Zealanders polled say the country is going in the wrong direction (46.6 percent) than in the right direction (37.8 percent), giving a net negative result of -8.8, a substantial decrease on March's 2.9 result. Little surprise then to see National leader Christopher Luxon's net favourability ratings drop further into the negative, from -3.9 percent in March to -9.8 percent, with significantly more respondents (45.5 percent) saying he performed poorly or very poorly, than said he performed well or very well (35.7 percent). That compared to Labour's Chris Hipkins on net 5.1 percent rating (34 percent negative, 39.1 percent positive) - though Hipkins also saw a steeper fall of 7.1 percentage points. The survey shows New Zealanders' preferred prime minister as Hipkins (23.2 percent, up 2.3), taking the lead over Luxon (18.8 percent, down 3.1). NZ First leader Winston Peters at 8.9 percent (up 1 point) recorded his highest result since 2017. Chlöe Swarbrick in fourth was at 6.9 percent (up 0.8) - a personal best and just ahead of ACT's David Seymour on 6.4 percent (down 0.4). The next highest ratings were former PM Jacinda Ardern (3.7 percent, up 0.1), Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke (1.7 percent, up 0.5), Finance Minister Nicola Willis (1.1, up 0.3) and Education/Immigration Minister Erica Stanford making her first appearance at 1 percent. 'I don't recognise the numbers' - Coalition plays down poll Luxon simply rejected the poll results. "Look, I mean, I don't recognise the numbers. There's lots of different polls and frankly I'm just not going to comment or focus on the polls. Frankly what we're focused on is we were elected in '23 and people get to decide again in 2026. "We've done a good job, and that's why we've got to focus on the economy, law and order, and health and education." He said New Zealanders had "responded really positively" to the government's Budget, and saw the economy turning a corner. "There's a sense of optimism that, you know, we actually have had to manage some very difficult things economically to get our books back in order. But we're doing that job, and it's all about growth, growth, growth." Seymour said the numbers would continue to "bounce around" but it was still a tough time for New Zealanders - and the numbers were not a reflection on the Budget. "Different voters will have different reasons for their choices ... so long as people are voting for the economy, it's going to be tough for parties that are tied closely to economic management," he said. It was possible the pay equity changes were changing some voters' minds, he said, "but I also think doing what is right is what is politically popular in the long term, and even if I'm wrong about that, good policy is worth it anyway". "The fact that ACT is close to where it was on election night 18 months into a government with 18 months to go is a good foundation. We have to prove ourselves on election night, and we've got lots of time to do that." Peters refused to comment on whether his coalition partners were suffering from the handling of the pay equity changes. The next 18 months leading up to the election would show the "critical need for stability", he said, and having ruled out working with Chris Hipkins he was "comfortable and confident in our prospects" because the Greens and Te Pāti Māori in government would be "a nightmare". The 80-year-old Peters said economies internationally were in trouble as a result of "unprecedented times for the last, say, 80 years", and the party was looking at New Zealand's fundamentals: asset values, and the need to increase wages and decrease business tax. "We're out there to ensure over the next few months that we can show enough improvement in the economy from what we're doing to make the prospects of an improved tomorrow possible." 'Nice to be popular' - Opposition Hipkins was also not counting his electoral chickens, but was happy to point out the effect of the Budget, saying New Zealanders were "disillusioned" with the government overall. "New Zealanders can increasingly see that this government is taking the country backwards," he said. "I don't think anyone expected the government to cancel pay equity as a way of balancing its books. Nicola Willis and Christopher Luxon told New Zealanders before the election that they knew their numbers, that everything all added up. It's clear that their numbers didn't add up." He said he did not pay much attention to small shifts from the minor parties or his personal ratings in the polls. "It's nice to be popular, but I'm really focused on making sure I win as many votes as possible for Labour at the next election." Swarbrick said New Zealanders wanted a sense of hope. "Things are feeling pretty bloody bleak. You know, we've got 191 New Zealanders leaving every single day, three quarters of them between the ages of 18 to 45, it's not a recipe for a flourishing country. "We had dozens and dozens of folks turn out to talk to us about our Green budget and the sense of hope that they feel that they need - the kind of building blocks that we can have for a fairer society." She said polls did not mean the writing was on the wall, but she was hearing from people that they were exhausted and fatigued - something she suggested was a deliberate strategy from the coalition. Te Pāti Māori's co-leader Rawiri Waititi said the poll numbers showed the party's policies and rhetoric around the government's actions were appealing to new supporters. "The kind of anti-Māori, anti-wāhine, anti-woman, anti-worker, anti-climate, anti-rainbow, anti-woke type agenda that this government is pushing at the moment also is not appealing to the people who are trying to find a place to put their political support and trying to support those who fiercely advocate for them." He said their internal polling showed even higher support for the party and its style of politics - but the decreased support for ACT and increase for NZ First was a zero-sum game. "You've got a hard-right type voter ... I think they think that National is a little bit weak, which I agree [with] because they're allowing ACT to kind of run the show ... they will use Te Pāti Māori as their political football to kick us in the guts the hardest to garner the support of their voters, but at the end of the day the enemy for ACT is New Zealand First, and the enemy for New Zealand First is ACT." Explore the full results with RNZ's interactive charts. This poll of 1008 people was conducted by Reid Research, using quota sampling and weighting to ensure a representative cross section by age, gender and geography. The poll was conducted through online interviews between 21-27 March 2025 and has a maximum margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. The report is available here.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Trade Me Invests In Stuff Digital Ltd
Press Release – Trade Me Limited Trade Me Chief Executive Anders Skoe says the acquisition brings together two highly successful Kiwi brands which are intrinsic to the lives of millions of New Zealanders. Stuff Group and Trade Me are joining forces, with the nation's leading property, motors, jobs and marketplace portal set to take a 50 per cent stake in Stuff Digital Ltd, which has the country's largest New Zealand website, Trade Me Chief Executive Anders Skoe says the acquisition brings together two highly successful Kiwi brands which are intrinsic to the lives of millions of New Zealanders. 'For 26 years, Trade Me has supported New Zealanders through all life's milestones. This is an exciting investment to accelerate our growth by connecting with even more Kiwi to help them live the life they've always dreamed of.' Stuff Group Owner and Publisher Sinead Boucher says the investment in Stuff Digital has a pleasing symmetry, given the organisations' shared history, values and commitment to making an impact in the lives of New Zealanders. 'This is the first time since the management buy out of Stuff five years ago that I have accepted an equity partner into the business,' she says. 'It was important to me that we found the right partner at the right time in our growth strategy, protecting our fiercely independent media business which is loved and trusted by millions of New Zealanders. 'Trade Me is that partner – a great Kiwi success story with the largest property and motoring audiences in New Zealand. Combined with the largest and most engaged digital news audience in the country, this deal provides for brilliant new opportunities together, and for Stuff Group, continued investment in technology and talent for the future.' Skoe says the acquisition marks an exciting next chapter for Trade Me. 'Stuff is New Zealand's most dynamic and loved media company and its mission to have a positive impact on New Zealanders' lives aligns with our purpose of connecting Kiwi to create the life they want.' Skoe says the advantages of the deal were clear from the outset, particularly for Trade Me Property customers. 'This acquisition will enable vendors and agents to reach an even wider pool of prospective buyers while empowering buyers with every resource to navigate the property market with confidence. 'Together, we can generate the highest quality property market insights and keep all of Aotearoa informed. This will not only strengthen our existing offering, but enable us to continue to play a pivotal role in the Kiwi property journey.' Under the agreement, Stuff's property section will become Trade Me Property branded, with listings, advertisements and some content shared across both platforms. Boucher says editorial independence and integrity is intrinsic to Stuff, and Trade Me is committed to upholding Stuff's Editorial Code of Ethics and Practice. Boucher will chair the new Stuff Digital Ltd Board, which will include Skoe, with equal representation from both organisations. Stuff will retain operational control of the business through the Chair's casting vote. The 50% stake in Stuff Digital excludes Stuff Group's Masthead Publishing business, Events and Neighbourly. The deal is subject to some standard conditions and expected to complete within the next few months. All financial details of the investment remain confidential. About Stuff Group Stuff connects with around 3.4 million Kiwis every month across its major businesses, delivering quality news, content and experiences that help make Aotearoa a better place. Stuff Digital has unrivalled reach across the nation through number one news website and homegrown social network Neighbourly. Stuff Masthead Publishing connects with audiences through subscriber-led digital and printed metropolitan, regional and community publications, as well as a range of much-loved consumer magazines. Stuff Brand Connections arms advertisers and partners with a comprehensive range of cross-media advertising and Stuff Events solutions. Find out more at Trade Me is the largest online marketplace and classified site in Aotearoa. For 26 years it has been the place Kiwi look first to buy and sell across property, motors, jobs and marketplace with over 1.5 million Kiwi visiting Trade Me every month.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Trade Me Invests In Stuff Digital Ltd
Press Release – Trade Me Limited Trade Me Chief Executive Anders Skoe says the acquisition brings together two highly successful Kiwi brands which are intrinsic to the lives of millions of New Zealanders. Stuff Group and Trade Me are joining forces, with the nation's leading property, motors, jobs and marketplace portal set to take a 50 per cent stake in Stuff Digital Ltd, which has the country's largest New Zealand website, Trade Me Chief Executive Anders Skoe says the acquisition brings together two highly successful Kiwi brands which are intrinsic to the lives of millions of New Zealanders. 'For 26 years, Trade Me has supported New Zealanders through all life's milestones. This is an exciting investment to accelerate our growth by connecting with even more Kiwi to help them live the life they've always dreamed of.' Stuff Group Owner and Publisher Sinead Boucher says the investment in Stuff Digital has a pleasing symmetry, given the organisations' shared history, values and commitment to making an impact in the lives of New Zealanders. 'This is the first time since the management buy out of Stuff five years ago that I have accepted an equity partner into the business,' she says. 'It was important to me that we found the right partner at the right time in our growth strategy, protecting our fiercely independent media business which is loved and trusted by millions of New Zealanders. 'Trade Me is that partner – a great Kiwi success story with the largest property and motoring audiences in New Zealand. Combined with the largest and most engaged digital news audience in the country, this deal provides for brilliant new opportunities together, and for Stuff Group, continued investment in technology and talent for the future.' Skoe says the acquisition marks an exciting next chapter for Trade Me. 'Stuff is New Zealand's most dynamic and loved media company and its mission to have a positive impact on New Zealanders' lives aligns with our purpose of connecting Kiwi to create the life they want.' Skoe says the advantages of the deal were clear from the outset, particularly for Trade Me Property customers. 'This acquisition will enable vendors and agents to reach an even wider pool of prospective buyers while empowering buyers with every resource to navigate the property market with confidence. 'Together, we can generate the highest quality property market insights and keep all of Aotearoa informed. This will not only strengthen our existing offering, but enable us to continue to play a pivotal role in the Kiwi property journey.' Under the agreement, Stuff's property section will become Trade Me Property branded, with listings, advertisements and some content shared across both platforms. Boucher says editorial independence and integrity is intrinsic to Stuff, and Trade Me is committed to upholding Stuff's Editorial Code of Ethics and Practice. Boucher will chair the new Stuff Digital Ltd Board, which will include Skoe, with equal representation from both organisations. Stuff will retain operational control of the business through the Chair's casting vote. The 50% stake in Stuff Digital excludes Stuff Group's Masthead Publishing business, Events and Neighbourly. The deal is subject to some standard conditions and expected to complete within the next few months. All financial details of the investment remain confidential. About Stuff Group Stuff connects with around 3.4 million Kiwis every month across its major businesses, delivering quality news, content and experiences that help make Aotearoa a better place. Stuff Digital has unrivalled reach across the nation through number one news website and homegrown social network Neighbourly. Stuff Masthead Publishing connects with audiences through subscriber-led digital and printed metropolitan, regional and community publications, as well as a range of much-loved consumer magazines. Stuff Brand Connections arms advertisers and partners with a comprehensive range of cross-media advertising and Stuff Events solutions. Find out more at About Trade Me Limited Trade Me is the largest online marketplace and classified site in Aotearoa. For 26 years it has been the place Kiwi look first to buy and sell across property, motors, jobs and marketplace with over 1.5 million Kiwi visiting Trade Me every month.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Trade Me Invests In Stuff Digital Ltd
Stuff Group and Trade Me are joining forces, with the nation's leading property, motors, jobs and marketplace portal set to take a 50 per cent stake in Stuff Digital Ltd, which has the country's largest New Zealand website, Trade Me Chief Executive Anders Skoe says the acquisition brings together two highly successful Kiwi brands which are intrinsic to the lives of millions of New Zealanders. 'For 26 years, Trade Me has supported New Zealanders through all life's milestones. This is an exciting investment to accelerate our growth by connecting with even more Kiwi to help them live the life they've always dreamed of.' Stuff Group Owner and Publisher Sinead Boucher says the investment in Stuff Digital has a pleasing symmetry, given the organisations' shared history, values and commitment to making an impact in the lives of New Zealanders. 'This is the first time since the management buy out of Stuff five years ago that I have accepted an equity partner into the business,' she says. 'It was important to me that we found the right partner at the right time in our growth strategy, protecting our fiercely independent media business which is loved and trusted by millions of New Zealanders. 'Trade Me is that partner - a great Kiwi success story with the largest property and motoring audiences in New Zealand. Combined with the largest and most engaged digital news audience in the country, this deal provides for brilliant new opportunities together, and for Stuff Group, continued investment in technology and talent for the future.' Skoe says the acquisition marks an exciting next chapter for Trade Me. 'Stuff is New Zealand's most dynamic and loved media company and its mission to have a positive impact on New Zealanders' lives aligns with our purpose of connecting Kiwi to create the life they want.' Skoe says the advantages of the deal were clear from the outset, particularly for Trade Me Property customers. 'This acquisition will enable vendors and agents to reach an even wider pool of prospective buyers while empowering buyers with every resource to navigate the property market with confidence. 'Together, we can generate the highest quality property market insights and keep all of Aotearoa informed. This will not only strengthen our existing offering, but enable us to continue to play a pivotal role in the Kiwi property journey.' Under the agreement, Stuff's property section will become Trade Me Property branded, with listings, advertisements and some content shared across both platforms. Boucher says editorial independence and integrity is intrinsic to Stuff, and Trade Me is committed to upholding Stuff's Editorial Code of Ethics and Practice. Boucher will chair the new Stuff Digital Ltd Board, which will include Skoe, with equal representation from both organisations. Stuff will retain operational control of the business through the Chair's casting vote. The 50% stake in Stuff Digital excludes Stuff Group's Masthead Publishing business, Events and Neighbourly. The deal is subject to some standard conditions and expected to complete within the next few months. All financial details of the investment remain confidential. About Stuff Group Stuff connects with around 3.4 million Kiwis every month across its major businesses, delivering quality news, content and experiences that help make Aotearoa a better place. Stuff Digital has unrivalled reach across the nation through number one news website and homegrown social network Neighbourly. Stuff Masthead Publishing connects with audiences through subscriber-led digital and printed metropolitan, regional and community publications, as well as a range of much-loved consumer magazines. Stuff Brand Connections arms advertisers and partners with a comprehensive range of cross-media advertising and Stuff Events solutions. Find out more at About Trade Me Limited Trade Me is the largest online marketplace and classified site in Aotearoa. For 26 years it has been the place Kiwi look first to buy and sell across property, motors, jobs and marketplace with over 1.5 million Kiwi visiting Trade Me every month.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
No final fond farewell: Wallabies legend Hooper out of Lions clash
It was revealed after the game that Mo'unga had spent three days in an oxygen chamber in the build-up to the showpiece game. Mo'unga went on to win player of the game and scored 13 points in an assured all-around performance, including the first try of the match. 'I knew it wasn't impossible to play this weekend, and obviously a final, it's a no-brainer really,' Mo'unga told media after the game. 'You want to give yourself the best chance to be part of something special.' Fellow New Zealand playmaker Beauden Barrett also suffered from a broken hand while playing for the Blues against the Brumbies in March, but returned a month later, giving Mo'unga hope of recovering to play at Adelaide Oval in six weeks. Mo'unga is keen to play in Adelaide and will be reviewed after Mo'unga, Frizell and TJ Perenara are all keen to represent the first combined Australian and New Zealand team since the 1989 Lions tour to Australia. That team mostly, filled with Australians, lost 15-19 to the Lions. Only three New Zealanders, prop Steve McDowall, centre Frano Botica and fullback Kieran Crowley made the team. RA are working with insurers and the New Zealanders' Japanese clubs to greenlight their selection in the squad, which will be led by future Wallabies' coach Les Kiss. In March, RA's director of high-performance Peter Horne confirmed to this masthead that the games outside of the series needed to be competitive and Wallabies could feature in both the AUNZ and First Nations/Pasifika games. Most players in both squads are set to be local players. 'And then we have an approach where we want to make sure that our provincial games are competitive, and we're putting out good quality teams,' Horne said. 'The same goes for those AUNZ and also the First Nations/Pasifika games. So, if there are players that are in the Wallabies squad, and we think that it's in their best interest to have game time, then they'll be made available. Former Wallabies Quade Cooper and Will Genia played their final games in Japan League One. Their futures in rugby are unclear. Last month, Genia was asked by former England and Lions halfback Ben Youngs on the For the Love of Rugby podcast whether he would be keen to play for either the AUNZ or First Nations and Pasifika selections in the Lions series. 'I'd love to put my hand up for both teams, the ANZAC XV and the Pacific Island team,' Genia said.
