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OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
It said debt had risen in recent decades, partly because responses to adverse shocks were not met by savings between those shocks.
The IMF and OECD estimated it was among the largest Covid-19 responses globally.
The higher debt meant less capacity to respond to future shocks, like natural hazards, weather-related risks and biosecurity risks.
The spending spree sent inflation and interest rates into orbit.
Excessive lockdown restrictions also set back the education of a generation, and deferred check-ups created more health issues downstream than they prevented.
We're all paying the price now.
So, the simple question to Ardern, Hipkins and Robertson vis-à-vis the Covid Inquiry is: "Where the bloody hell are you?"
OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts started after their disastrous Covid response; now trying to undermine the Covid inquiry to protect his own backside.
OPINION: Welcome to the second annual NZ Dairy Expo at Matamata – an event created to bring together the best of the New Zealand dairy industry in a focused, grassroots environment where dairy farmers and rural professionals can meet, talk, compare products, and make smart decisions for their farms.
OPINION: Judith Collins, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, has upset the more woke members of the science community by announcing a regulation change to narrow the scope of the $83.5 million/year Marsden Fund.
It's a bloody tough year for sheep farmers, but the worst may be over, and the future looks optimistic.
Thus far in 2025, the Hawke's Bay rescue helicopter crew have completed over 220 missions, resulting in numerous positive patient outcomes.
The New Zealand Food Network's (NZFN) fifth birthday celebrations have been boosted by a whopping five tonne meat donation from meat processor ANZCO.
Pukekohe vegetable growers farewelled 101-year-old Alan Wilcox in late July, celebrating his many achievements and reflecting the widespread respect in which he was held.
A new nationwide survey shows New Zealanders expect farmers and food producers to play a leading role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but also gave them higher marks than most industries for their current efforts.
North Otago farmer Jane Smith is standing for the Ravensdown South Island director seat.
The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a new roadmap with an aim to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
