Raw Politics picks the best and worst of 2024 – and 2025

Jo Nemeth made the decision almost 10 years ago to live without participating in the monetary economy due to the negative impacts of her purchases on people and the environment. She initially focused on surviving with just accommodation and food, eventually discovering the gift economy and moving into town to be more involved in her community. Despite facing challenges such as health issues, she plans to continue her money-less lifestyle after a brief hiatus for...

Firefighters and other personnel responded to a fire at Liston Crescent, Cockle Bay in east Auckland, where a large steel structure in front of a residential property was damaged. The blaze was reported at 1.51pm and firefighters from Howick and Otara stations, along with police, were on the scene by 3pm. The fire caused visible smoke and left nearby residents shaken, with a date palm tree and a newly installed shed among the damaged items....

In the world of cryptocurrency, memecoins, also known as 'shitcoins,' are tokens without true value created for quick profits. Examples include $Trump and $Melania, which have seen significant drops in value. Memecoins are based on internet memes, such as Dogecoin, originally created as a joke but now a thriving currency. Despite this, Kōura Wealth founder Rupert Carlyon warns against investing in memecoins due to their volatility and susceptibility to scams. He advocates for caution, research,...

The third day of Treaty principles bill hearings saw four hours of oral submissions conducted entirely on Zoom due to MPs being away. Submissions included opposition from indigenous Kanak of New Caledonia, support from Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation, concerns about cultural healthcare services, and reflections on the Crown's apology. Former race relations conciliator Gregory Fortuin and others highlighted the deteriorating Crown-Māori relationship, potential impact on New Zealand's international reputation, and calls for a referendum....

SquareOne's recent collaboration with Thinkerbell Aotearoa explores the consequences of children not learning financial management skills, emphasizing the importance of early financial education for future success. The social and BVOD ads depict scenarios where an adult child still relies on their mother for support, highlighting the need for financial literacy. SquareOne's financial capability app aims to teach kids about money through accounts, apps, and debit cards, providing them with the tools and knowledge for a...

A man accused of stealing vital equipment from a rescue helicopter is now facing three additional burglary charges and appeared in court with an unusual sovereign-citizen speech, challenging the court's jurisdiction. He was remanded in custody until next month, with mental-health reports requested. The defendant is accused of various thefts and burglaries, including unlawfully taking vehicles and stealing goods from multiple businesses in Dunedin. Full Article