Only one parliamentary party lacks a Māori leader. Here’s how they fix it

If Labour MPs are serious about the Treaty and its promise of power-sharing – and if the members and delegates are keen to honour their party’s special history with Māori – the answer is clear, writes Morgan Godfery. “Parliamentary party leader” is probably the only decent demographic where Māori make up a majority. I mean, … Read more

A chance for this Labour-led government to begin to redeem itself

The crisis surrounding Labour’s response to alleged sexual assault by a staffer lays bare the inadequacy of our current system, writes Danyl Mclauchlan I’ve worked at, or been involved with progressive organisations where someone gets accused of – well, something: no one is quite sure what. The details are disputed. Lawyers are involved. If the … Read more

The Bulletin: Questions remain after Haworth’s resignation

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Haworth resigns but questions remain, motels for emergency accommodation in spotlight, and avocado growers confident about season ahead. Despite the resignation of the Labour party president, it is unlikely the scandal around allegations of sexual assault against a staffer will end any time soon. Nigel Haworth … Read more

Labour president Nigel Haworth resigns as Jacinda Ardern issues apology

The president of the Labour Party, Nigel Haworth, has resigned following serious allegations relating to a Labour staff member and an inquiry he oversaw which has been angrily criticised by the complainants who took part. “In the last 48 hours I have read incredibly distressing reports of an alleged sexual assault involving members of the … Read more

The Bulletin: Bridges builds towards China with state-TV interview

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Bridges sparks controversy with China state-TV interview, timeline of events around Labour staffer allegation, and Weta staff concerned about campaign launch. National leader Simon Bridges has been on something of a grand tour around China. In the process, he gave an interview to a state-owned television … Read more

Fresh evidence emerges confirming Labour was told of sexual assault allegations on June 11

The Young Labour volunteer who says she was sexually assaulted by a Labour staffer has told The Spinoff she is deeply disappointed in the Labour president’s response, as another email emerges showing documents were sent to Labour investigators. The woman who alleges sexual assault by a man currently employed by the Labour Leader’s office has … Read more

Timeline: Everything we know about the Labour staffer inquiry

All the key dates and critical communications between Sarah* and the Labour Party – including unambiguous references to ‘sexual assault’ from the complainant. Jacinda Ardern has declared herself “deeply concerned and incredibly frustrated” over the allegations levelled at a Labour staffer as well as the party investigation into the man, who remains employed by the … Read more

Editorial: Labour has failed vulnerable young members for a second time. There must be consequences

Opinion: in a feature published today on The Spinoff, a Young Labour volunteer detailed a traumatic sexual assault she alleges was committed by an influential Labour staffer. It marks the second time in two years that the party has badly let down its most vulnerable. Read The Spinoff’s reporting on the alleged sexual assault within … Read more

The Bulletin: Harrowing allegations against Labour and staffer revealed

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: The Bulletin: Harrowing allegations against Labour and staffer revealed, solo mums on benefit facing terrible choices, and millions put towards Northland rail upgrade. A woman who says she was subject of a sustained sexual assault by a Labour staffer has for the first time described … Read more

A Labour volunteer alleged a violent sexual assault by a Labour staffer. This is her story

A woman who says she was subject of a sustained sexual assault by a Labour staffer has for the first time described the harrowing events and the botched internal investigation which followed. Alex Casey reports.  Content warning: This feature contains distressing descriptions of sexual assault, along with its mental health implications, which may be triggering … Read more

The Bulletin: Labour revels in reversed fortunes at conference

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Labour revels in rare display of party unity at annual conference, we’re buying massive numbers of the wrong cars, and Phil Goff’s mayoralty in focus. For nine of the last ten years, the Labour Party conference has been notorious for factional fights and a general sense of gloom. This year, … Read more