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NZNE Newsletter #10 – Friday, January 20th, 2023

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Police can’t use cameras without justification

It's illegal for police to film demonstrators at a lawful protest. Also, police use of license plate footage has soared from dozens of searches to thousands in less than 2 years. License plates count as personal information. New rules say that information can be stored for up to 12 months but can only be used for lawfully prescribed purposes.

Government itching to regulate natural supplements

The Government has re-introduced the Therapeutic Products Bill, regulating low-risk natural health products. It creates a regulatory authority potentially affecting at least 50% of Kiwis. Concern about overreach was a factor in previous legislation being withdrawn. Traditional Māori medicinal practices (raongā) will be exempt, but that may have pros and cons.

How dental bills factor into problem debt to Government

Beneficiaries needing dentistry no longer have to borrow as much from the Government thanks to a grant expansion. One in seven working age Kiwis earn under the living wage and owe Government an average of $7,000 each. Debt to Government of low income Kiwis has ballooned.

Economic update: January 2023

OCR is expected to hit 5.5%, as the Reserve Bank pursues its goal of creating a recession. World Bank forecasts global economy ”Perilously close to recession”, but says “the right” government policy may help ease pressure. Bad weather is set to push the cost of locally grown fruit and veggies, as rainfall ruins some crops.

What is in the public interest for a COVID Inquiry?

The terms of inquiry say NZ’s COVID response had “high levels of public support”, but this is no longer true. There's also growing opposition from experts; many were censored by the Government, but that’s outside the scope of the inquiry. The Royal Inquiry won’t even ask the most important questions – unless a new Government changes it.

One human’s right is another’s obligation

Some human rights are highly controversial because they benefit some and not others Some “rights” are counterproductive, or beyond the power of a government to ensure. Equality is easier said than done.

Tidbits:

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigns. Labour caucus to select new leaders within 3 days.
NZ faces C02 shortage.
Food inflation hits 32 year high.

NZ News Essentials Ltd.

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