Category Archives: New Zealand

Air New Zealand's lounge for frequent flyers isn't actually called the Koru Club or even Koru Lounge - and this has thrown frequent traveller Brook Sabin into a tailspin.

There are some facts of life that you'd think most of us would know.

I'm talking things like: strawberries aren't berries, fruit loops are all the same flavour (devastating, I know) and it's impossible to lick your elbow. I hope nobody was around when you attempted to prove me wrong. Yes, even your dog wondered what you were up to.

So, how many of the above three did you already know?

Well, I'm going to add one more to the list. The Koru Club isn't called the Koru Club.

READ MORE:* Air New Zealand's Koru Club: It's time to kick the freeloaders out* Air New Zealand introduces tougher rules for lounges * Budget Buster: Are airport lounges still worth it?

Hang on, Air New Zealand's lounge, where everyone scoffs all the food and listens to everyone else's conversations, isn't the Koru Club? Not even the Koru Lounge? Nope - you're not even close.

I found this all out when a polite email popped up from Air New Zealand correcting me after I did a recent story. I'd overheard a conversation in the Koru Club about how to get cheap fares on Air New Zealand regional flights (what did I say about listening to conversations) and turned it into a story. I made a reference in the story about the source of my information: the Koru Club.

DAVID WHITE/STUFF

Air NZs lounge in Wellington Airport.

But, hang on - if it's not the Koru Club, what is the place called?

Before I reveal all, here's a recap on what is a Koru Club. It's Air New Zealand's frequent flyer lounge, and they are scattered all across the country and at a few locations overseas.

Inside, you'll find a revolving buffet of food. Much of it is quite tasty, like salads, sandwiches and curries - and there are always a lot of cheese and crackers on offer. There is also a pretty impressive bar, and it's not uncommon to see holidaymakers having a celebratory glass of bubbles at 8am before a flight.

SUPPLIED

Air New Zealands lounge in the Auckland Airport.

Oh, and my favourite bit - you can order fresh barista-made coffee on your phone.

There are also a few downers - such as the hospital-like scrambled eggs which turn up every morning. I'm unsure if chickens were actually involved in the making of them. But alas, while I have occasionally criticised Air New Zealand's lounges, mainly because of crowding issues, you only have to travel on other airlines and experience their lounges to realise how lucky we are. For a relatively small country with little competition in the lounge space, Air New Zealand does an exceptional job.

This brings us to the most important thing you need to know: The first rule about Koru Club is it's not called Koru Club.

DAVID WHITE/STUFF

The Wellington lounge has a great view of the runway.

A spokesperson for the airline confirmed it's now known as drum roll please the 'Air New Zealand Lounge'. Surely this is a recent change? No, not even close. The airline ditched the name in 2015, and it has gone pretty much unnoticed for roughly 2556 days.

The spokesperson told Stuff Travel the airline ditched the term because Koru members (those who pay for access) are only a portion of passengers able to access the Air New Zealand lounges. Lounge guests can be Airpoints tiered members (e.g. Gold, Elite, Silver), Business class customers, Star Alliance eligible guests, voucher holders or frequent fliers from partner airlines.

So, m te w Koru Club even if most of us are only saying our goodbyes long after its departure. The only official use of the word koru is now the Koru membership and Koru hour. Yes, thats the happy hour on Air New Zealand where alcohol and comically large chunks of cheese are served on tiny crackers. Thankfully, some things never change.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The cheese and cracker service on Air New Zealands Koru hour flights.

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We've had it wrong for years: Air New Zealand doesn't have a 'Koru Club' - Stuff

Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Patrick Tuipulotu will lead the All Blacks XV in next month's matches with Ireland A and the Barbarians.

Sam Wilson is a Stuff sports reporter

OPINION: Hands up if you'll be setting your alarm for the small hours to watch the All Blacks XV tackle Ireland A in Dublin next month?

Me neither.

In an already overcrowded sporting calendar, the introduction of the newly-branded, Leon MacDonald-coached team essentially a 'New Zealand A' smacks of overkill and cynicism on the part of New Zealand Rugby.

Billed as a high-performance pathway for Ian Foster's All Blacks, the bean counters at Rugby House no doubt view this shiny new venture as a potential money-spinner to help them recoup some of the losses from the last few Covid-plagued years.

Hence why the 'All Blacks' brand has been co-opted once more (much like the 'All Blacks Sevens') to give the side a prestige it really doesn't warrant.

Of course, there are some very fine rugby players in MacDonald's recently announced squad for the two tests against Ireland A and the Barbarians in Dublin and London, not least blockbusting Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who will lead the side during their sojourn of Europe.

The 28-strong group contains an intriguing mix of raw promise and big-match experience, with big prop Tamaiti Williams and veteran halfbacks TJ Perenara and Brad Weber at very different stages of their careers.

ALL BLACKS

All Blacks coach Ian Foster names his squad for the tests against Japan, Wales, Scotland and England.

But to suggest that their performances against a patchwork Irish side and a hastily thrown together BaaBaas outfit will strengthen their claims for a place in Foster's squad for next year's Rugby World Cup in France is stretching credulity.

Indeed, it's difficult to see these two meaningless matches as anything more than a cynical marketing ploy from New Zealand Rugby, who are seemingly intent on hoodwinking the public into believing the actual All Blacks are in action in order to put more bums on seats and bring more eyeballs to TV screens.

And answer me this, does New Zealand really need three senior men's national representative teams?

Isn't it enough to have the Mori All Blacks? This proud and historic side dating back to 1888 has traditionally served as a breeding ground for future All Blacks, taking the scalps of the British and Irish Lions, England and Ireland among others down the years.

Apparently not, and that's why we've been treated to breathless press releases and saturated media coverage for a team partaking in what are effectively glorified training matches on the other side of the world (also, did anyone consider the carbon costs?).

And next time you New Zealand Rugby rattle on about their concerns over player welfare, forgive me if I tune out.

There is already too much rugby being played, from the busy international calendar to Super Rugby and the domestic NPC competition that is nearing its conclusion.

A recent study conducted by the University of Glasgow found rugby players' were 2 times more at risk of brain disease than the general public. The chances of developing Parkinson's from brain-rattling concussions was three times higher. To mitigate that risk, surely the amount of competitive fixtures across the globe needs to be reduced, not increased.

A short break from the game to recharge the batteries ahead of a February start to next season would appear to be more beneficial to those in the All Blacks XV environment than yet another run-out at the end of a long, hard season.

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Why the 'All Blacks XV' rebrand is a cynical move by New Zealand Rugby - Stuff

Simon Maude/Stuff

You need quite a few of these to make it into the wealthiest 1%.

While recent research showed most New Zealanders would fit into the worlds wealthiest 10%, to get to the top of the wealth tree in this country is a bit harder.

Stats NZ data shows that in the year ended June 2021, the top 1% of New Zealand households had at least $7.59 million of net wealth thats assets minus any debt held against them. To be a 1% individual, you would need net wealth of $3.866m.

Internationally, the top 1% is US$1.147 million (NZ$2.059m).

NZCTU economist Craig Renney said the increasing value of land and housing were part of the reason that people ended up with that level of wealth.

READ MORE:* More than 40% of millionaires paying tax rates lower than the lowest earners, Government data reveals* New Zealand's trillion-dollar wealth gap: Who are we leaving behind?* Green Party's $8b plan would guarantee income of $325 a week, and pay for it with a wealth tax on millionaires

He pointed to Reserve Bank data showing that the value of housing and land had risen nearly 600% since June 2001.

Stats NZ had also noted that the top 10% of households had 50% of New Zealands net worth, something that had not changed since records began in 2015.

Wealthy households were seeing bigger increases in the value of their wealth than the rest of the country.

The median net worth of the wealthiest 20% of households lifted $313,000 to $2.02m in the year to June 2021 but the median net worth of the bottom 20% only lifted $3000, to reach $11,000.

Renney said New Zealand was unusual in not having any tax designed to address wealth imbalance, such as capital gains tax, inheritance tax or land tax.

This not only drives poor economic outcomes we put too much of our income into unproductive assets such as housing it locks in inequality.

FINANCE AND EXPENDITURE COMMITTEE

Revenue Minister David Parker faces taxing questions over IR's wealth study at a select committee in July.

But Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said it was less clear that house prices were a big factor in wealth accumulation.

A paper by Treasury last year showed that wealth inequality when house prices rose and the wealthiest 10% had a higher proportion of their wealth in assets that were not housing.

It would seem reasonable that if someone has made their money in business or other investments, that they would continue to utilise those assets they have been successful and are familiar with - notwithstanding being open to the benefits of diversification), he said.

For example, if I have had a successful start-up business that I have grown and sold, Im probably then going to look at other business opportunities I can invest in to grow and sell.

Similarly, if I have been successful in borrowing and growing my wealth through property, Im probably going to continue that model, which implicitly has quite a lot of debt associated with it because of how much leveraging tends to go on with large investors.

In income terms, he said, a top 20% household in 2019 would have been earning at least $199,400 a year. That is up from $136,000 in 2007.

In 2021, the average household income was $110,451.

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Here's what you need to be in New Zealand's top 1% - Stuff

Netball Australia and its Players Association are in urgent talks ahead of Sundays second Test of the Constellation Cup against New Zealand in Tauranga.

Fox Sports can reveal Diamond players had raised issues about taking the netball court against New Zealand wearing a uniform featuring new sponsor, Hancock Prospecting.

Netball Australia confirmed the new squad uniform had been delayed pending the resolution of outstanding matters relating to the player interim agreement and certain sensitivities.

Hancock Prospecting, owned by Australias richest woman Gina Rinehart, was recently named by Netball Australia as a multi-million-dollar sponsor of the newly minted Commonwealth Games gold medallists.

Watch the oldest rivalry in Netball as Origin Australian Diamonds face New Zealand in the Constellation Cup Wednesday 5:00 PM Live & Free on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >

Its logo was set to feature on the Diamonds uniforms during this months Constellation Cup against the Silver Ferns before the three-Test England Roses Series.

However, it is understood some players have concerns about the sponsorship particularly with Indigenous player Donnell Wallam now a member of the squad.

Netball Australia said in a prepared statement: This delay allows time to ensure players remain focused on the Constellation Cup competition and for Netball Australia and the Australian Netball Players Association to resolve these matters in an appropriate time frame.

Netball Australia is committed to continuing these conversations and working with all parties to the benefit of our sport.

The Hancock Prospecting partnership is one of the most significant investments in our sport, $15m dollars will be provided over four years with 100% directed at players, coaches and the Diamonds high-performance program, providing the opportunity to help grow and strengthen netball.

Netball Australia, Hancock Prospecting and the Diamonds will continue to work together for the benefit of the entire sport.

Fox Sports can also confirm former Australian captain Sharni Norder addressed the playing group ahead of the Test.

Norder, a Sports Environment Alliance ambassador, said: This is a company that doesnt suit Netball Australias values.

Weve always stood up for social justice, weve always been anti-gambling, no smoking and there were, and are, other avenues to source sponsorship.

Lang Hancocks past and what he said in regard to Indigenous people is just not suitable for Australian sport. Netball Australia has always tried to be inclusive we now have Donnell in the team.

This is not a respectful way to act and even if Donnell wasnt in the team, we must do better.

Diamonds eager to win back Cup | 04:53

I did a zoom with the players just to educate them on doing right by the sport but also doing right by yourself and honouring your own values.

I just wanted to have a conversation is that money worth your reputation and what you stand for as a person?

Just so they are making good decisions for themselves because they represent the clubs and our country but also themselves.

The deal was touted as helping Netball Australias deep financial trouble having recorded losses of more than $7 million over the past two years.

At the time the deal was announced, it was said the partnership would invest directly in the Diamonds athletes and coaches and provide funding support for training camps and competitions.

A statement from Hancock Prospecting said: In keeping with tradition, our new partnership with Netball Australia is athlete focussed. Assuming Netball Australia can reach agreement with relevant parties, $3.5m dollars each year for four years can be directed to the Diamonds High Performance Program and importantly includes that 100% of these funds would go to athletes and for coach salaries and the delivery of camps and competition costs, with none to be spent on any administrative costs.

Hancock Prospecting understands this sponsorship would help Netball Australia to have certainty around the Diamonds Program moving forward after a period of very real financial distress. Hancocks support would enable Netball Australia to retain ownership of all its commercial assets including the Super Netball League, ensuring the revenue from the growth can be invested directly back into the sport of netball for generations to come. We note that this would not have been possible should a commercial agreement have been implemented with another entity, prior to Netball Australia choosing Hancock Prospecting.

We are aware that there has been some recent enquiries raised regarding Hancocks relationships with traditional owners. Hancock has positive agreements with all the native title holders in the areas we operate in, providing very significant royalty payments to the traditional owners in all our mining areas, well in excess of $300m in the last seven years alone. We work very closely with the communities on providing training, jobs, business development and contracting opportunities as well as heritage, health and education initiatives.

Assuming Netball Australia is able to reach agreement with relevant parties, we look forward to working with Netball Australia and the Diamonds to support and provide more opportunities for many people, including young indigenous people in the Pilbara, broader West Australia and Australia. In any event, we wish the athletes well for their matches against New Zealand this week.

Wallam is set to make her debut for the Diamonds in their upcoming three-Test series against England and it is understood no players or the Players Association were consulted about the sponsorship.

For Rinehart, the sponsorship continues her association with elite sport having supported Swimming Australia for over a decade, Rowing Australia since 2016 and this year announcing it would sponsor the Olympic team through to 2026 as well as a number of other philanthropic initiatives in the areas of health and education, including being a sponsor of NAIDOC since 2012 and Cambodian Childrens Fund.

AUSTRALIAS CONSTELLATION CUP AND ENGLAND SERIES FIXTURES all matches will be shown live and exclusive on KAYO

New Zealand vs Australia, Sunday, October 16

Australia vs New Zealand, Wednesday, October 19

Australia vs New Zealand, Sunday, October 23

Australia vs England, Wednesday, October 26

Australia vs England, Sunday, October 30

Australia vs England, Thursday, November 3

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Diamonds in urgent talks ahead of second Test after players protest over sponsor - Fox Sports

Rugby World Cup 2021 continues in Auckland and Whangrei this weekend, and every match is crucial in the race for place in the quarter-finals.

The showpiece tournament kicked off in style last weekend as hosts New Zealand and Wales earned victories in Pool A, Canada and Italy won their respective matches in Pool B and France and England did likewise in Pool C.

In a quirk of the fixture schedule, those teams will play each other on Saturday and Sunday, while Australia, Scotland, Japan, the USA, Fiji and South Africa have an opportunity to kickstart their RWC 2021 campaigns.

On Saturday, England put their triumphant start to RWC 2021, and 26-match winning streak on the line when they take on France at the Northland Events Centre in Whangrei at 20:00 local time (GMT+13).

Les Bleues have not beaten the Red Roses since March 2018, losing each of the teams last 10 meetings.

AUSTRALIA, SCOTLAND TARGET FIRST WINSaturdays action at the Northland Events Centre gets underway at 15:00 local time (GMT+13) when Scotland take on Australia in Pool A.

Both teams suffered agonising defeats on the opening weekend and will be keen to get their push for a quarter-final berth back on track with victory in Whangrei.

Scotland coach Bryan Easson has made two personnel changes to his starting line-up as Rachel McLachlan and Emma Orr come in, and Hannah Smith shifts onto the left wing.

Australia have also kept a largely settled side for Saturdays match as Eva Karpani comes in at tighthead prop and Maya Stewart takes the number 11 jersey from Ivania Wong.

The teams have met twice previously at the tournament, at RWC 1998 and RWC 2002, with the Wallaroos winning on both occasions. Australia head into the match three places higher than Scotland in the World Rugby Womens Rankings powered by Capgemini.

We want to try and start the same way as we did against the Black Ferns, Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning said.

Theres a few changes weve made in this team that strengthen our ball-carrying capabilities in the forwards and were definitely looking to replicate it.

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm said: The Wallaroos are an athletic side. They are fit, fast, big and physical. Its about how we stay in the game.

ROUND TWO CONTINUES AT WAITAKERE STADIUMSundays action at the sold-out Waitakere Stadium in Auckland will kick-off at 12:45 local time (GMT+13) with the mouthwatering match between Italy and Canada in Pool B.

It will be the first time the teams have met at Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991, when the Canadians won the plate semi-final 6-0.

Canada captain Sophie de Goedes mum, Stephanie White, lined up at number eight in that match but a more reliable indicator of how this encounter will play out can be found in the sides meeting in Langford in July.

On that occasion, the hosts outscored the Azzurre by five tries to four as they secured a 34-24 victory at Starlight Stadium.

A repeat in Auckland could seal a place in the quarter-finals depending on the outcome of the USA-Japan match but Italy will want to pick up where they left off in the second half against the Womens Eagles and have designs on the last eight themselves.

Next up at Waitakere Stadium, the Black Ferns will hope to take another step towards the quarter-finals as they meet Wales for the fourth consecutive tournament.

Current squad members Stacey Fluhler, Renee Wickliffe and Portia Woodman each scored tries, while Kendra Cocksedge added two conversions, as New Zealand beat Wales 44-12 during the RWC 2017 pool stage.

A similar result in front of a capacity crowd would almost certainly seal the hosts qualification for the quarter-finals.

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New Zealand put their unbeaten start on and Australia target first win | Latest Rugby News | RUGBY.com.au - Rugby.com.au

Late in the campaign period of Aucklands mayoral election came a spate of strange, oddly specific, billboard vandalism. As the race in New Zealands most populous city wound to its conclusion, boardings for Efeso Collins, an independent progressive candidate and mayoral frontrunner, were plasteredwith red Labour party logos.

Compared with the moustaches and monobrows that typically bedeck election billboards, it seemed an innocuous choice for vandals. But Collins campaign said it was an act of politicised sabotage. None of our allies or volunteers have been doing it, a spokesperson told The Spinoff. We believe its an attack tactic.

The idea that being branded, Labour amounted to an attack struck a curious note suggesting that even progressive local campaigns saw association with the central government as a potential liability. This week, as results are finalised for New Zealands local body elections, races around the country have shown a consistent shift away from government-endorsed candidates, with most major centres shifting to the right. Its a result that analysts say looks ominous for Ardern and Labour at the next election, expected to be called next year.

Collins in Auckland and Paul Eagle in Wellington both received the personal endorsement of Ardern, and both received a drubbing in mayoral elections. Collins, once a favourite to win, lost by a margin of 60,000 votes to conservative candidate Wayne Brown. In Wellington, Labours Eagle came in a dismal fourth place, securing less than half of the votes of Greens-backed winner Tory Whanau. In Christchurch and Dunedin, cities swung right, electing mayors more conservative than their incumbents.

The overall picture was of a lurch to the right in most major centres, and a pummelling for Ardern-backed candidates.

It does lay a platform for the general election coming through this time next year as well, Local Government NZ president Stuart Crosby told RNZ. Crosby said voters appeared to be reacting to a slate of long-term reforms many driven by central government designed to increase housing density, build large public transport projects, upgrade infrastructure and create cycleways. That is quite upsetting to a large number of people, he said, and a shift in political thinking was not to be unexpected in response.

The trend is towards a conservative reactionary movement across the country, probably in reaction in lots of places to housing density, increased cycling, that sort of thing, says local politics commentator Hayden Donnell.

The outcome of local body elections is by no means a one-for-one predictor of central races: cities often elect conservative mayors and liberal governments, and vice versa. Drawing conclusions from local outcomes is also hampered by low participation just 40% this year and a turnout that skews heavily whiter, older, and wealthier. But many of the issues that sprung up in the local races are also centre stage for the coming central election.

It felt a bit like a ratepayer revolt, says Max Rashbrooke, a writer on democratic participation and senior associate at the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies. The people who traditionally think of themselves as ratepayers, which is the better off [members] of the electorate feel that too much has been changing too quickly on housing intensification and cycleways, three waters, co-governance and things like that. And they expressed their displeasure.

I dont think that this is a complete rejection of progressive politics, says Donnell, noting that Wellingtons rejection of the Labour-backed candidate took a swing left. I think that the progressive vote is disillusioned with how incremental the changes have been, and how their lives are not really meaningfully better than they were three, six or nine or 12 years ago. So you have these two things: you have an energised conservative movement, and you have disillusioned progressive counter-movement. And so youve got real gains for the conservative reactionaries across the country.

Those are local frustrations that he believes could also play out in central government races, with the left frustrated by slow or nonexistent progress on issues like the housing crisis, climate change, and mental health, while the right is cohering around opposition to infrastructure reform, co-governance with Mori, and slower economic growth.

Recent polling in New Zealand has for months shown the Labour party struggling to form a government. In September, the Labour party had a slight rise in support, up 1% to 34% of the total vote. But even combined with likely coalition partners the Green party, on 9%, and the Mori party, on 2%, the left would fall short of being able to form a government.

The right bloc, made up of the centre-right National party, on 37%, and Libertarian Act party, on 9%, could form a government without needing additional coalition partners. Polling on overall optimism whether people think the country is going in the right direction and its economic outlook have also tracked down, as the government struggles to reign in inflation, housing unaffordability and high costs of living.

Part of the picture that could be emerging locally, Rashbrooke says, is a disillusionment with some of the governments bigger political promises where results are either not yet visible, or progress is slow.

It felt like a vote against ambition. People, politicians who were promising change or had a big vision for things havent done particularly well, and it feels like there was a strong vote for small targets, low ambition, promises of getting the basics right, he said.

Voters can become very skeptical about parties promises. And I think the local elections are a sign that that effect may be kicking in.

Asked whether the results spelled trouble for the party in the upcoming election, Ardern said they had little to do with central government results. Ive never interpreted local government elections in that way, she said.

They just have a different rhythm to them. I dont think its fair to just necessarily draw those straight comparisons. In my mind, always theres been times when central and local government have had different positions on issues but actually, these are also times when we need to work together.

See original here:

A shift in political thinking: many of New Zealands cities lurch right in local elections - The Guardian

However, most of those nurses are already here.

Since visa applications opened in July, 95 nurses from overseas have applied and 53 got the tick. But only 12 - including one aged care nurse - have arrived in the country.

The nurses union said New Zealand needs 21,000.

"We cannot see how this policy is making even a drop in the ocean of difference," said Anne Daniels, president of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation.

Wood expects that over the next month or two, these numbers will begin to build up.

Asked what will happen if they don't build up and if he'd admit this isn't the right policy and needs adjusting, he said the Government "will remain open-minded and it's about getting to the right outcome".

Daniels said they weren't talked to when these decisions were being made and this kind of scenario is continuing.

Newshub has been trying to get the advice Cabinet used to make its decision to make nurses wait. After months of delays, it was released but entirely redacted.

"I get a lot of free and frank advice," Wood said.

But the advice was released to the National Party under a different official information request.

A senior ministry advisor said 6 percent of internationally trained nurses leave, so "fast tracks to residency could be used to obtain residency in Australia" - and that's the Government's concern.

"Any of these decisions that we make is based on the advice that we receive and then Cabinet needs to make a judgement on these matters," Wood said.

National's immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford believes there's a "backdoor" way to get residency in New Zealand.

"If you want to get residency in New Zealand as a nurse, the best thing to do is go to Australia which will give you your residence pretty much straight away and then you can backdoor your way into New Zealand," she said.

But Wood maintains the current system is competitive.

"I'm very confident that it's a competitive offer that we have but it is a tight labour market and we'll keep our eyes closely on it."

More here:

Revealed: Just 12 nurses have arrived in New Zealand under Government's controversial residency visa - Newshub

One of the best places to pick up travel tricks is the Air New Zealand Lounge: it's where youll find a group of frequent flyers, after all.

So, when I heard a recent guest talk to an enthralled group of travellers about cheap last-minute fares on Air New Zealand, I was intrigued.

You may remember the national carrier introduced standby fares in 2011 - allowing Kiwis to travel last-minute around the country for $69.

However, that was scrapped in 2013, and cheap last-minute travel was over. Or so I thought.

It turns out Air New Zealand still provides discounted airfares on regional routes - a policy it seems many of us don't know about.

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A last-minute one-way fare from Nelson to Auckland today (October 10) would cost between $313 and $410 for the cheapest fare with bags. However, if you use a little-known trick, you could be on one of these flights for just $169, including bags. And as a little bonus, you even earn Airpoints and Status Points on the trip.

It's known as a Regional Gotta Go fare, and is a scheme that offers $169 flights to and from regional airports. That includes Blenheim, Gisborne, Hamilton, Hokitika, Invercargill, Kerikeri, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Taup, Tauranga, Timaru, and Whangrei.

BROOK SABIN

As Trans-Tasman travel returns in full force, Stuff Travel put both carriers through a mystery test (video published June 2022).

Sadly, you cannot use the fares on direct or indirect flights between the main centres: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin.

However, you can use them for multiple sector journeys, such as a flight from Blenheim to Whangrei. This trip would involve two regional flights (Blenheim to Auckland, then Auckland to Whangrei). Booking through the normal process last minute on October 10 would cost between $450 to $513, depending on the time of day. However, using the Gotta Go system a multi-sector journey costs $249.

Air New Zealand has also confirmed you can use the Gotta Go fares on main trunk routes if it includes a regional connection. For example, if youre flying Auckland to Timaru, the route would be Auckland to Wellington on a main trunk service, then Wellington to Timaru on a regional service. In this circumstance, you would be able to book a multi-stop Gotta Go fare for $249.

To get the discounted fares, turn up at the airport 60 to 90 minutes before your flight and ring Air New Zealand's contact centre. If there are spare seats, you'll be offered the deal. If not, you'll need to wait for the next flight and ring again.

MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF

The cheap fares apply to regional routes, such as to and from Nelson.

Air New Zealand has struggled with lenghty call centre wait times in recent months as travel comes back in full force, although these are now reducing. To make things easier with wait times, Air New Zealand has scrapped the 60 to 90-minute requirement until October 31, with a spokesperson for the airline confirming to Stuff Travel "customers can try snag one of these fares anytime on the day of departure prior to final check-in."

The scheme was announced back in 2014, as the airline ditched a number of regional routes. The news was buried, with the cut backs receiving most of the attention at the time. I vaguely remember its introduction, but have long assumed the scheme was over, especially with Covid.

Through the years, Air New Zealand has been criticised for the cost of last-minute regional flights. However, the airline argues smaller planes don't have the efficiencies of larger jets meaning regional flights generally cost more to operate per passenger. Even so, this method slashes hundreds off the price.

However, there are a few caveats that passengers need to be aware of. First, you can't game the system and already hold a booking for the same day for the same route.

MARTIN DE RUYTER

Air New Zealand operates a large fleet of regional aircraft.

The second thing people need to be aware of is that flights are sometimes full - meaning you won't travel. You can try and get on the next flight, or may miss them all together. There is, therefore, no guarantee you'll fly - so if you need to go, make sure to book a full fare. They are called Gotta Go fares, but really should be called Probably Go.

But if you're after a last-minute holiday, you could turn up at your local airport and see where an empty seat will take you a travel roulette of sorts.

If you don't like the thought of a last-minute gamble when flying, but are still after a bargain, Air New Zealand's advice is to book early, with lead-in fares starting from $59 to $99 depending on the route.

For more information on Gotta Go fares, head to: airnewzealand.co.nz/domestic-fares

Have you used the Gotta Go fares? Let us know in the comments.

Go here to see the original:

Travel hack: How to save hundreds on Air New Zealand fares - Stuff

The accounts show the Operating Balance Before Gains and Losses recorded a deficit of $9.7b. This compares to a deficit of $4.6b the year prior. But it's half of the $19b deficit forecast in May's Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU).

Robertson said the better than expected result is due to stronger economic conditions and lower spending than forecast.

The Government's also collected more money in tax revenue than what was projected.

At the May Budget, core Crown tax revenue was forecast to be $103.8b, but the Government actually received $108.5b. That compares to $98b in 2021.

Wage increases, a growth in employment, and an increase in corporate taxable profits are behind the increased tax revenue. Corporate tax was up $4.1b on 2021.

Core Crown expenditure was $125.6b over the past financial year, up from $107.8b in 2021. However that's down from the $128.4b projected at the Budget.

An increase in overall expenditure over the past year was due to the Government's response to COVID-19. For example, over the past financial year, $4.7b was spent on the wage subsidy compared to $1.2b in the previous year. The vaccination and immunisation programme cost $1.7b, up from $0.4b in 2021.

Robertson said expenditure was down on the Budget's forecasts as not all money set aside for the COVID-19 response was eventually spent. Some expenses - like those on therapeutics and vaccines - will be moved into the 2022/23 year.

The Government's net debt is slightly higher than expected at $61.9b compared to the forecast $61.2b. As a percent of GDP it works out at 17.2 percent.

When using an internationally comparative measure, a statement from the Finance Minister said New Zealand's debt measure is about half the level of Australia, a quarter of the United Kingdom's and a fifth of the United States.

"On the measures that matter the Government has steered the New Zealand economy and Government books through the 1-in-100 year economic shock of the pandemic favourable compared to the [Global Financial Crisis]," Robertson said.

"Our economy has bounced back quicker, unemployment is lower, and the increase in debt compared to the size of the economy is comparable."

The Finance Minister said the figures show the Government's health response to Delta and Omicron was also "one of the best economic responses in the world".

He said this put New Zealand in a good position within a "volatile global environment" where there are "choppy waters ahead".

"The global environment is challenging and will continue to put significant pressure on the Government books, so we will keep running a tight ship in order to acheive a return to the surpluses our Government posted pre-COVID."

With the Government's emergency COVID-19 response coming to an end, Robertson has said there will be "more targeted" spending in the future. The operating allowance, which is new spending, for the 2023 Budget is currently set at $4.5b, down from $5.9b in Budget 2022.

At a speech in September, Robertson said the "tighter period" coming up will "require some tough choices" but that won't mean "austerity cuts to spending".

On Wednesday, he repeatedly took aim at tax cut proposals, such as those National is making.

"There is simply no room for unaffordable and untargeted tax cuts to those who need them the least. As we have seen, tax cuts with no plans for how to pay for them are economically reckless."

Original post:

Government accounts revealed: New Zealand's deficit far lower than expected, but more than double 2021's as COVID-19 spending bites - Newshub

New Zealand prime minister warns UN that free speech is like a dangerous weapon of war

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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was blasted for comparing free speech online to "weapons of war" in a recent speech to the U.N. that critics called "authoritarian."

At the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Ardern announced a new initiative "to help improve research and understanding of how a persons online experiences are curated by automated processes," saying the work, done in partnership with companies and non-profits, will be "important in understanding more about mis- and disinformation online - A challenge that we must as leaders address."

The prime minister acknowledged that calling to regulate speech online in any way can seem problematic.

"As leaders, we are rightly concerned that even the most light-touch approaches to disinformation could be misinterpreted as being hostile to the values of free speech that we value so highly," she noted. "But while I cannot tell you today what the answer is to this challenge, I can say with complete certainty that we cannot ignore it. To do so poses an equal threat to the norms we all value."

FEDERAL COURT RULES BIG TECH HAS NO 'FREEWHEELING FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO CENSOR'

Ardern then asked the audience how they could tackle various challenges if people are allowed to share opposing narratives online.

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"After all, how do you successfully end a war if people are led to believe the reason for its existence is not only legal but noble? How do you tackle climate change if people do not believe it exists? How do you ensure the human rights of others are upheld, when they are subjected to hateful and dangerous rhetoric and ideology?" she asked.

Ardern then suggested that online speech is a weapon often used by those with evil intent.

"The weapons may be different but the goals of those who perpetuate them is often the same. To cause chaos and reduce the ability of others to defend themselves. To disband communities. To collapse the collective strength of countries who work together," she claimed.

SUPREME COURT POISED TO RULE ON LAW ROLLING BACK BIG TECH ABILITY TO MUZZLE OPINIONS

The prime minister urged action from the gathered audience of U.N. leaders.

"But we have an opportunity here to ensure that these particular weapons of war do not become an established part of warfare. In these times, I am acutely aware of how easy it is to feel disheartened. We are facing many battles on many fronts," she said. "But there is cause for optimism. Because for every new weapon we face, there is a new tool to overcome it. For every attempt to push the world into chaos, is a collective conviction to bring us back to order. We have the means; we just need the collective will."

Footage of the New Zealand prime minister's speech went viral on Wednesday, with many commentators condemning her remarks.

Independent journalist and The Intercept co-founder Glenn Greenwald called out Ardern on Twitter.

"This is the face of authoritarianism - even though it looks different than you were taught to expect. And it's the mindset of tyrants everywhere," Greenwald wrote. "This is someone so inebriated by her sense of righteousness and superiority that she views dissent as an evil too dangerous to allow."

Diesel Jack Media CEO and author Nick Palmisciano appeared to sarcastically skewer Ardern's ideas.

"Yes, please bring on the government disinformation service. What could possibly go wrong? Its not like we ever see government officials abuse their power to their own ends," he wrote.

RedState deputy managing editor Brandon Morse warned, "This is the authoritarians admitting that your free speech is a threat to their rule."

American Greatness CEO Ned Ryun made a similar comment, "Shes an absolute authoritarian. In fact, evil."

Ardern has urged world leaders toward mass-censorship before.

New Zealand under Ardern responded to a terror attack at a mosque in Christchurch by declaring the Christchurch Call for Action. The initiative, signed by many countries, demanded Big Tech companies restrict extreme speech online in the name of preventing terrorism.

The Trump administration refused to sign the declaration at the time.

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New Zealand prime minister condemned for calling to regulate free ...