Recent polling commissioned by Hobson’s Pledge shows 62% of New Zealanders support honouring the Treaty of Waitangi, provided it upholds fundamental human rights, with only 12% disagreeing. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

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Poll: Majority of New Zealanders support equality in Treaty debate

Recent polling commissioned by Hobson’s Pledge shows 62% of New Zealanders support honouring the Treaty of Waitangi, provided it upholds fundamental human rights, with only 12% disagreeing.

However, the poll also found low support (13%) for the belief that the Treaty mandates 50% Māori representation in Parliament, with only Te Pāti Māori voters expressing overall agreement.

10 December 2024

US targets red food dye for ban over health concerns

Red 3, a petroleum-based additive linked to cancer in animals and behavioural issues in children, may soon be banned in the United States.

Despite the US banning the substance in cosmetics since 1990, it remains a staple in over 3,000 food products, including Pez, Peeps, and Betty Crocker items.

10 December 2024

OpenAI partners with military drones’ supplier to uphold ‘democratic values’

This move marks a shift for OpenAI, which previously banned its AI models from being used in military applications.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated, “Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects US military personnel and… upholds democratic values.”

10 December 2024

Fluoride divides councils and communities in Nelson and Tauranga

Tauranga’s council faces pressure from fluoride critics and potential fines of $200,000 for non-compliance. Mayor Mahé Drysdale is exploring a unique compromise: a fluoride-free communal tap near city limits, allowing residents access to untreated water.

Meanwhile, Nelson City Council voted 10–3 to fluoridate its water supply by year-end, following a directive from the Ministry of Health.

10 December 2024

Renowned US trans doctor sued for negligence in teen gender transition case

Dr Johanna Olson-Kennedy, celebrated as a leading expert in youth gender medicine, is facing a lawsuit for medical negligence from Kaya Clementine Breen. Breen, a 20-year-old, underwent a gender transition starting at age 12.

Breen alleges she was rushed through puberty blockers, hormones, and a double mastectomy without proper evaluation of her mental health history, including autism, PTSD, and sexual abuse.

10 December 2024

Some of the players behind the scenes in New Zealand politics

New Zealand’s top political figures rely on a team of behind-the-scenes players: trusted advisers, strategists, and aides who shape policies, messaging, and party dynamics.

For example, Jake O’Flaherty, senior communications adviser to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, is described as his “social media guy” and a constant companion.

O’Flaherty’s role has redefined traditional communications in favour of youthful social media expertise. “There is a level of trust between O’Flaherty and Luxon… despite a different age and stage,” Beehive insiders observe.

10 December 2024

What is a citizen’s initiated referendum and what role could it play in the Treaty of Waitangi debate?

New Zealand’s citizen-initiated referendum system allows individuals to propose national votes by gathering signatures from 10% of voters. While these referenda are non-binding, they can create a lot of political pressure.

This process could play a central role in the Treaty of Waitangi debate as ACT leader David Seymour pushes for a binding referendum on his Treaty Principles Bill.