Politics Central

A deal was reached at COP30 this weekend, boosting finance for poor nations coping with global warming - but there was no mention of fossil fuels.

83 countries signed a roadmap that would push for the end of fossil fuels, but New Zealand was one of the only countries not to sign. 

The opposition has spoken out, saying the move has made us look foolish on the world stage. 

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The National Party have announced their first election promise - a lift to default KiwiSaver contribution rates. 

The changes would mean that by the end of the implementation, savers would be able to contribute 12% to KiwiSaver, putting us on a level matching Australia's superannuation. 

Some experts say it'll lead to countless people opting out of KiwiSaver, with other investment methods providing more incentives.

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The IPCA released a scathing review laying out out a chain of senior-level failures around the McSkimming scandal. 

The question now is whether the public can have any confidence in the police in general and in its leadership.

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Earlier this year, the United States imposed a 15% tariff on a range of New Zealand exports, most notably beef. 

It was a huge blow, as beef is a major export for New Zealand - especially to the States. The tariffs have cost the country over $300 million since they were introduced in April. 

This weekend, President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing that extra 15% on beef, coffee, and tropical fruits, among others. The move brings us back down to a tariff of less than 1%.

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The Government has confirmed they're considering action to move rough sleepers out of Auckland's city centre. 

Mayor Wayne Brown has given his go ahead, but the opposition as well as housing advocates have said a policy like this would just move the problem elsewhere and end up creating more harm. 

No details have been released yet, ministers say they are still working through the issues and how to deal with them, but that hasn't stopped the controversy. 

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The Government has released an action plan to deal with the growing issue of methamphetamine use in New Zealand. 

They're investing $30 million over four years into the hardest hit communities, increasing maritime operations to stop it before it gets into the country, and we'll soon see a nationwide media campaign to raise awareness - among other policies. 

The amount of meth seized both in the country and offshore has increased 266% over the past five years, and the estimated social harm from meth use was $1.5 billion last year. 

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The Government has announced 140 new hospital beds across the country to ease pressure on emergency departments. 

These beds will be part of new wards in Middlemore, Waikato, Wellington, and Nelson hospitals, alongside the new Hawke's Bay ward announced earlier in the year. 

Health Minister Simeon Brown says operational funding for the 350 extra staff that will be needed, has already been approved. 

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Christopher Luxon is wrapping up his trip to APEC and ASEAN today. 

The Prime Minister met with a range of world leaders, even having his hair complimented by Donald Trump, and having dinner with the Canadian and Australian Prime Ministers and the South Korean president. 

APEC and ASEAN represent about 60 to 70% of the world's economy, so even casual meeting would have been significant for Luxon and New Zealand. 

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Last Thursday was the largest protest New Zealand has had for decades, a combined strike across multiple public sector groups including PSA members and PPTA members. 

It certainly sent a message, but that message depends on who you ask. While many sympathise with the issues the public sector is facing, many have also dubbed it 'the start of a five day weekend' for teachers. 

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The Prime Minister is off to the East Asia Summit in Malaysia today, before he heads to South Korea to attend the APEC summit. 

Xi Jinping will be in attendence, and he's due to meet with President Donald Trump on the 30th of October. 

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