Despite multimillion dollar price tags, rugby stadiums rarely cater to events outside of the sport. So why should communities cover the hefty bill when there is limited benefit to the wider community?
Tim Tenbensel, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The Māori Health Authority is gone, but a law remains that puts primary focus on reducing health inequities – meaning the government may struggle to bridge the gap between rhetoric and policy priority.
Key education policy decisions in the early 2000s have not produced the desired results. But broad bipartisan agreement is now needed to give children and teachers the greatest chance of success.
The common triplefin is helping marine scientists understand the negative effects of ‘skyglow’ on coastal fish, which are already more exposed to microplastics, chemicals and noise pollution.
With submissions about to close on the government’s proposed fast-track consenting legislation, its possible impact on New Zealand’s diminished and delicate ecosystems demands proper scrutiny.
Concern is rising that an in-principle decision has been made about New Zealand joining AUKUS pillar two, without public understanding or political mandate.
Dougal Sutherland, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Neurodivergent employees can have specific needs. Inclusion in the workplace means businesses and employers need to consider differences that may not be visible to outsiders.
If a new declaration based on customary concepts of tikanga and mana is recognised by the courts, it could potentially give interest groups the legal standing to sue on behalf of whales.
Tom Baker, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The former finance minister starts as vice-chancellor of Otago University in July. But such appointments call for more robust debate about the perceived independence of our tertiary institutions.
The coalition is increasingly using parliamentary urgency, cutting the public service and fast-tracking legislation – all of which risks upsetting the equilibrium between government and the governed.
Craig Stevens, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Ocean warming seems the main driver of Antarctica’s sea-ice loss. But as satellites show, the change is not universal and sea ice persists in East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea.
New Zealand’s councils are over-reliant on ratepayers to cover increasing costs. Central government needs to help support councils to do the work that helps local communities thrive.
Māori and Pacific people already face a disproportionate burden of influenza and a persistently reduced life expectancy. Lowering the age for free flu vaccination is essential for achieving equity.
Geoengineering proposals to cool the ocean would indeed reduce ice loss from West Antarctica’s glaciers, but not enough to stop sea-level rise or allow the ice sheet to regrow.
Martien Lubberink, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The Commerce Commission says New Zealand’s banking sector is uncompetitive. But in the rush to fix the problem, regulators need to ensure they don’t introduce risk and instability into the system.
Marine protection represents our best strategy to reverse declining biodiversity. But protected areas also provide a low-tech and cost-effective way for the fishing industry to safeguard stocks.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University