It may seem a bit weird, timing wise, but now is when political parties are ramping up plans for the next election in [checks notes to see when Winston steps down as Deputy] at least 4 months (although everyone’s planning for the end of 2026) - so now is the time to get involved if you want to help out!

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Everybody Must Go is a clunky tourism slogan at best, highlighting the attitude this government has in demanding things it can’t control or deliver - but it’s also kind of prescient in light of new numbers from Stats NZ that show 2024 was our largest ever net loss of people moving away from the country - everyone must go apparently.

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Pride weekend in Auckland saw Destiny Church invade and threaten a children’s story time and protest at the Pride Parade, so I looked into what is driving this rhetoric and asked politicians what can be done about it and how the public can help.

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Our media have a habit of platforming the perspective of the current government. It’s fascinating to watch.

You see, while they may be pushing back in their own way or on specific topics, it becomes really clear really fast that the narrative being used is the one being presented specifically by the Ministers within the government and not the opposition, not the experts, and not the public.

This week we have some clear examples of it - from framing Simeon Brown as the definitive voice on what local body authorities should do, and on how a right wing media outlet frame government cuts.

But far more problematic is the use of tools designed to create racism and play specifically to racist audiences. How Stuff framed a malicious verbal attack on Te Pati Maori co-leader Debbie Ngawera Packer was designed to look like the attack was faked.

And that sort of power is worrisome for a major news outlet.

** Headlines Unspun is released initially to Paid Substack Subscribers before unpaid, then with a delayed release across other Podcast Platforms**

The state of the Community sector with Holly Snape from Community Waikato after the annual Salvation Army State of the Nation report this week.

Nick Ruane and the team discuss disability coverage in media and the lack of representation - and how that impacts the community.

All that and more this week

Boot camp results, English teachers walking away, own goals for the National Party and more...

The state of the Nation according to a group that deals with the actual impacts of government decisions is, well it aint good… and it’s not surprising sadly.

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The Government is taking a look at how media works and what media is - and considering some changes to make it easier to find Kiwi content. But not everyone will be happy with the proposed changes.

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For the first time ever, Aotearoa New Zealand has dropped out of the top 3 spots on the Corruption Perception Index, - a measure of how transparent and open our government is, and it’s a timely reminder to remember to ask tough questions of ll politicians about the issue at election time.

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The cracks in the coalition are starting to show - with the PM snapping at Seymour’s distractions and two bad polls of the Government - and it’s all their own doing and everyone is feeling it.

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