Nominations open for Ford NZ Rural Sports Awards

This episode of the Raw Politics podcast features four different MPs nominated by panelists for standout politician of 2024, as well as discussions on leaders, new MPs, policy pushes, controversies, and cringeworthy moments. The panelists, including Laura Walters and Tim Murphy, offer diverse predictions for 2025, such as Budget cuts, parliamentary exits, failed international deals, and crucial moments in climate policy. The episode concludes with a recommendation for weekend reading, listening, or viewing, and announces...

Immigration New Zealand's decision to deny controversial speaker Candace Owens an entertainment visa was reversed by associate minister for immigration Chris Penk after Owens' team requested intervention. This decision has sparked controversy and debate over free speech, overshadowing the initial denial and potentially causing more harm than good. The ideal course of action would have been for Immigration NZ to stick to their original decision, avoiding the current circus of outrage and counter-outrage surrounding the...

Jayden Gerken, 19, was named the top joinery apprentice – cabinetry by the Southern Institute of Technology’s Otago and Southland master joiners award. He completed his apprenticeship in two years and two months at The Turning Point in Gore, where he works on a variety of projects including kitchens, wardrobes, and commercial jobs. Despite leaving school early, Gerken's dedication to his craft and love for woodworking led him to be recognized as the best in...

Kiwi agencies celebrated wins at the Campaign Asia Agency of the Year awards in Singapore, with Special winning Agency of the Year titles in multiple categories. Special PR also secured top honors, while Motion Sickness received recognition for its achievements. Founder Tony Bradbourne expressed pride in Kiwi creativity being acknowledged internationally. Full Article

Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie criticizes the Government's emissions pricing plan, arguing that it will raise food prices for Kiwis without benefiting global emissions. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts defends the plan, which includes agricultural emissions pricing by 2030, as a step towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050. McKenzie asserts that such policies may push production offshore, increasing emissions overall, and suggests removing trade barriers as a more effective solution for reducing global food emissions....

After a day of heavy rain, the annual Christmas Fair in Howick Village saw improved weather conditions in the evening, allowing for a successful event with support from the Food Truck Collective and various community groups and entertainers. The Village Market was bustling, shops and restaurants were open, and the event was attended by local officials and media. Despite the cancellation of the Stockade Hill Christmas Lights event by Auckland Council, the Howick Village Association...