One small U-turn for Act and National, one possible leap forward for coalition deal
As the coalition negotiations are pursued up and down the North Island and wishlists mount, what is and isn't happening while the caretaker convention is in place?
Mōrena, and welcome to The Bulletin for Wednesday, November 15, by Anna Rawhiti-Connell. Presented in partnership with Z Energy.
In today’s edition: fluoridation orders ruled unlawful by High Court; Vatican intervenes over allegations of abuse and unauthorised exorcisms in Christchurch; Auckland mayor floats a $5 congestion charge; but first, a meeting is scheduled for today, and the caretaker government carries on
History repeats as Winston Peters plays by The Rules
You might expect that any mention of a U-turn during coalition talks would relate to policy, but in this instance, it was somewhat literal. After heading to Wellington yesterday, reportedly to possibly meet with Winston Peters, David Seymour and Christopher Luxon turned around and came back to Auckland last night, where Peters is and where he reportedly got a haircut. They are reportedly, possibly, going to meet today. After dinner in Wellington last night (Peters in absentia), Shane Jones said, “It’s time for the kauri tree from Whananāki to meet with the totara trees”. This “whacky races, Benny Hill theme tune” vibe is familiar and expected. In 2017, while we waited for coalition negotiations to conclude and a government to be formed, there were stories about whether a wink from Jacinda Ardern meant anything, stakeouts, foreign buyers being the subject of negotiation discussions, and Peters taking his time. As Ben Thomas writes in The Post, Peters is playing “The Game” and by “The Rules”, both titles of turn-of-the-century dating bestsellers.
Wishlists and priorities fill the vacuum
From the top of the North to the bottom of the South, wishlists for the new government are mounting, and these are just stories from the last few days. With news that State Highway 1 to Northland over the Brynderwyn Hills may be closed for months to repair storm damage, business leaders continue to ask for a long-term solution. In Invercargill, they want funding for an emergency water supply. Auckland councillor Richard Hills says Auckland must be a top priority for the new government. Christchurch wants clarity on water regulation, among other things. Federated Farmers is asking for fairly immediate action on a range of issues. At the same time, retirement village residents went to Wellington yesterday to ask for an end to what they see as “exploitation” of the elderly by village owners. Broadly, businesses want a business-friendly government, while most of us want to pay less for food, petrol, power, and flights. As BusinessDesk’s Pattrick Smellie writes (paywalled), there’s a tension between those two things, especially in the desire to address the lack of competition in multiple sectors. Infrastructure New Zealand has penned an open letter to Luxon regarding the sector's problems. Despite the clock running down to the end of the year, likely finance minister Nicola Willis maintains there will be a mini-budget before Christmas “to see the true state of the New Zealand economy and the government's finances.”
What your government is not doing
Toby Manhire has spoken to constitutional expert Andrew Geddis about what the caretaker convention actually means, what continues to happen, and what does not happen while it’s in place. For all the urgency and pressure conveyed about the wait and via the wishlists, it’s worth noting that Geddis says the caretaker convention is working as it should. Manhire catalogues where gaps are emerging, noting the particularly real consequences for those waiting on things like immigration decisions. It’s a good read.
Free trade implications of failing to meet Paris Agreement obligations
As I touched on yesterday and Manhire details this morning, our lack of or diminished presence at global events is one consequence of this transitional period. We will face scrutiny at Cop 28 about our efforts to meet our Paris Agreement obligations. RNZ’s Eloise Gibson has a story about what may await an incoming climate change minister. As Gibson writes, New Zealand could find itself in breach of its free trade deal with Europe if it walks back its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The deal is on track to come into force in 2024 and includes an enforceable promise by both parties to "effectively implement" their 2030 climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
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Fluoridation orders ruled unlawful by High Court
In July 2022, then Director-General of Health, Sir Ashley Bloomfield, directed 14 councils to fluoridate their water, with deadlines between this year and 2026. As Stuff’s Charlie Micthell reports, the directives have been found to be unlawful by the High Court based on a procedural error. The preliminary decision was released on Friday and determined that Bloomfield did not give specific consideration to the Bill of Rights Act in making them. As Mitchell reports, the decision emerged from a judicial review by New Health New Zealand, a Christchurch-based natural health lobby group. Fluoride opponents argue that mandatory fluoridation breaches the Bill of Rights. A 2018 Supreme Court judgment found that fluoridation of drinking water does not breach an individual’s right to refuse to undergo medical treatment under the Bill of Rights. However, Justice Paul Radich found that decision-makers were required to show they had considered the Bill of Rights in decisions that touched upon it. Such a consideration did not need to be “an undue burden,” Radich said.
Vatican to intervene following allegations made in Christchurch
Following a months-long Newshub investigation, the Catholic Church in Rome has ordered an investigation into a little-known Catholic group in Christchurch following allegations of spiritual and psychological abuse and unauthorised exorcisms. An investigation on Paddy Gower Has Issues revealed concerns about a group called The Sons, also known as the Transalpine Redemptorists, run by Fathers Michael and Anthony Mary. Auckland University senior lecturer in theological and religious studies Nick Thompson said he has not been aware of such a move by Rome in New Zealand in recent years. He said it indicates the "emergency button" has been activated by the highest echelons of the Catholic Church.
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Click and Collect
Auckland mayor floats a $5 congestion charge on sections of Auckland motorways
How NZ's food prices compare with other countries
“Mad cow” disease restrictions on blood donations to be removed
Nanaia Mahuta gives her first interview after election
Today, in “how to feel 100 years old,” or just very much onto it, a translation of Gen Alpha’s slang. Gen Alpha are those born between 2010 and 2025.
After eight years, the Real Pod is saying goodbye. A couple living on a boat break down their expenses for The Cost of Being. Sam Brooks considers the limits of the advice in the bestseller The Creative Act. Tara Ward reviews the new Robbie Williams documentary. Chloe Blades speaks to Jared Savage about what his latest book reveals about the escalation of gangs and the underlying social problems.
Sporting snippets
Community rugby has seen a surge in women playing, but number of junior boys playing declined
World Rugby concedes All Blacks' disallowed try at Rugby World Cup final should have stood
Got some feedback about The Bulletin, or anything in the news? Get in touch with me at thebulletin@thespinoff.co.nz.
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