This first responders protection bill is about vengeance, not justice

A minimum six month sentence for intentionally injurious assaults on prison officers or first responders does nothing to address the reasons why such crimes take place, writes Aaron Hendry. What sort of justice system do we want in this country? That is the question that NZ First MP Darroch Ball’s Protection for First Responders and … Read more

The NZ First MP’s bizarre campaign against ‘saving lives’

The resistance to drug testing from the NZ First spokesperson for law and order could have severe consequences, writes the team at KnowYourStuffNZ.  For five years KnowYourStuffNZ has been carrying out drug checking at festivals. In that time, we have helped thousands of festival-goers to make safer and more informed decisions. We help people avoid … Read more

The Bulletin: Paramedics call for full govt funding

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Poorly paid paramedics call for full government funding, Andrew Little signs off more surveillance warrants, and Christchurch accused links to far-right confirmed. An open letter from a paramedic for the government to fully fund ambulance services has sparked a major wave of reaction. Speaking to Newshub, paramedic Dean Brown said … Read more

The big problem with the ‘KFC test’ for tenants

The MP who rumbled property managers talking about the so-called ‘KFC test’ for tenants writes about why they need to be stopped. It is clear that most landlords and property managers are doing it right – they are providing an essential service for New Zealanders and are doing a good job, in a respectful and … Read more