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NZNE Newsletter #16 for Sunday, March 5th, 2023

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New money to hire Attendance Officers to deal with truancy

Less than half of schoolchildren attend classes regularly. The MoE announced $74m to alleviate the truancy crisis, with 82 new “Attendance Officers”. Truancy officers were phased out about a decade ago, replaced (in some cases) by in-school attendance officers, but the MoE doesn’t keep track of those numbers.

Objectively racist

A racist poem targeting Captain Cook has been praised as being objectively hilarious. A performance of the poem has been funded by the government, costing over $100,000. Would this content be allowed if it targeted other races?

National launches its own plan regarding Three Waters reforms

National’s plan scraps co-governance and proposes local councils remain in control. Strict rules will be set for maintaining water quality. However, S&P Global says the real issue of affordability isn’t being properly addressed.

501 deportees – what you need to know

Named after section 501 of the Australian Migration Act, 2800+ criminals have been sent to NZ since 2015, as “501 deportees”. They often reoffend. While they are NZ and not Australian citizens, many have no connection to NZ. Australia has recently agreed to take a more “common sense” approach to deportation of 501s.

Police attempt to control the flood narrative

Prime Minister Hipkins and Police Commissioner Coster wrongly denied public reports of crime in the wake of Hawke’s Bay flooding. Police have gradually isolated themselves from media, and communication errors have become commonplace. The Gisborne Police Commander admits to censoring public discussion of crime as “disinformation”.

Tax, borrow, or cut? How to pay for the flood clean up?

Recent extreme weather events have prompted discussions on how to pay for the recovery. Left leaning parties favour taxation. Right leaning parties favour borrowing and reducing other spending. What are the pros and cons of the different approaches?

“Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.”

—Pablo Picasso

NZ News Essentials Ltd.

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