By the people for the people – campaigns call for referenda

Two Mt Albert by-election candidates from parties claiming to representi “the people” are demanding citizen-initiated referenda.
The People’s Choice Party candidate Rusty Kane is pushing for a citizen-initiated referendum on the controversial Waterview motorway.
Meamnwhile, People Before Profit candidate Malcolm France is promoting a citizen-initiated referendum calling for the minimum wage to be raised to $15 [...]

Politics at the plaza

Nearly all the candidates running in the Mt Albert by-election spoke at an AUT candidates meeting held in a rather empty Hikuwai Plaza on June 4.
Kiwi Party candidate Simonne Dyer says: “It is difficult. A lot of students just do not care about politics and maybe because it is only a by-election.”
Arguably the most [...]

Free trade in human organs may solve shortage problem

The prospect of being able to sell your kidneys, blood, or other body parts may sound like science fiction, but if Dr Jeremy Shearmur has his way, it would not be science fiction but science fact.
Creating a free market of body parts is one of the best ways to ensure adequate supply to those who [...]

New ACT Party president under no illusions

ACT Party president Michael Crozier says he has a clear vision of what the job entails and what he wants to achieve, just two months after being elected.
Dr Crozier formerly held the office of vice-president and decided to stand when then-president Garry Mallett stood down.
“The president of the ACT Party has the job of making [...]

Auckland’s students gather to discuss super city

Auckland’s university students have been called to a hui today to discuss how the proposed super city will affect them.
Following that, a hikoi (march) is planned for May 25.
The AUT Maori Student Association has called for a hui at Nga Wai O Horotiu Marae (the AUT city campus marae) at 12.10pm to consider the effects [...]

Ethnic minority MPs given boost by party lists

Party lists have enhanced the diversity of Parliament in the face of prejudice against candidates from ethnic minorities, says New Zealand’s first Indian MP, Dr Ashraf Choudhary.
Choudhary, who was elected from the Labour list in 2002, says he believes in principle that candidates who are chosen for the party lists should be judged on the [...]

Environment matters stirred in lead up to election

More debate around the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Act, will take place when West Auckland MPs and candidates discuss their stance on environmental issues at a public meeting this Friday.
Green Party candidate for New Lynn, Kath Dewar, is actively involved with the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, and campaigned vigorously to help secure permanent protection for the [...]

Political Briefs

Waitakere

National MP Paula Bennett says the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Act is safe under a National government, despite the party’s previous plans to abolish the act if elected.
The act, established on April 9 this year, represents a 30-year struggle to protect Waitakere’s 28,000 hectares of coastal land from urban expansion.
Bennett, National candidate for Waitakere, says the [...]